(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - A ton of caribou antlers — literally 2,000 pounds worth — along with bear hides, moose antlers, assorted furs and more will go up for bid Sunday at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Annual Hide and Horn Auction in Anchorage.

Like last year, more antlers and hides than usual were received at the department’s Anchorage office after several outlying Fish and Game offices and Alaska State Trooper posts happened to simultaneously clean out and ship inventories collected over the past two or three years.

“We have approximately 2,000 pounds of caribou antlers to auction this year alone,” said Jim Holmes with the Division of Wildlife Conservation in Anchorage. “It’s going to be pretty impressive.”

It’s also good news for artisans and casual collectors seeking antlers for carving or display. Also on the block this year will be black bear and brown bear hides, Dall sheep horns, and miscellaneous furs including lynx, beaver, river otter and more.

“Last year we had a lot of merchandise, but this time with all the caribou antlers we’ve received there will be much more going up for auction,” said Holmes. “It’s another record-breaking year for antlers.”

Antlers, hides and horns sold at the auction are salvaged from road kills, defense-of-life-or-property incidents, and seizures by Alaska Wildlife Troopers during investigations. Items are sold to ensure they are not wasted and proceeds are applied against costs accrued in processing, preserving, shipping and handling.

A traditional part of the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous celebration, the Horn and Hide Auction is operated by the Alaska Trappers Association and the department. This year’s auction is scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday, March 1, at the carnival buttress area at Third Avenue and E Street. Items for bid will be placed out for viewing prior to the auction, at 10 a.m.

Prospective buyers must register at the auction site on the morning of the auction. Methods of payment are cash, MasterCard or Visa.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News: 

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
www.adfg.state.ak.us

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