SalarMan 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 Interesting topic to say the least. The polar bear I own was purchased at Elsie & Harry Darbee's fly shop back in the EARLY 1970's, so I know it is legal. I don't think I would take the chance on either selling or buying any in this day and age no matter what the provenance. I will add to those of you who have a supply...save and use the under fur for the bodies on your flies. It make seal fur look dull. Great stuff..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skeet3t 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 12 hours ago, Mark Knapp said: No, they have already been paid for by the hunters and owned by those hunters. Currently, some import laws on exotic species (elephant for example) state they cannot be sold or used as raw material (it has to stay what it is forever) That is if and when polar bear fur can be brought in to the US. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Knapp 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 2 hours ago, skeet3t said: That is if and when polar bear fur can be brought in to the US. Yes, that's what i said. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capt Bob LeMay 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 Actually… polar bear hair was legal to import into the US, starting about 20 years ago, from Alaska… Haven’t heard whether that window is still open these days since it was premium material in small quantities (and pricey…). Me I’m a wholesale buyer if at all possible… One other thing to mention about polar… it really takes dyeing very well - while keeping its natural surface shine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SalarMan 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 2 minutes ago, Capt Bob LeMay said: Actually… polar bear hair was legal to import into the US, starting about 20 years ago, from Alaska… Haven’t heard whether that window is still open these days since it was premium material in small quantities (and pricey…). Me I’m a wholesale buyer if at all possible… One other thing to mention about polar… it really takes dyeing very well - while keeping its natural surface shine. I have to chuckle at this response...Alaska is in the United States Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skeet3t 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 Since January 3, 1959; a bit over 62 years ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capt Bob LeMay 0 Report post Posted June 30, 2021 My only brother has lived there for more than forty years - he thinks salmon is dog food and has acreage on the Matanuska river... We're as different as can be, I'm a fisherman - he's a hunter (and they haven't bought their meat at a store in years and years... ). His idea of a rifle is a 375 H&H - he has three of them.... I know Alaska is part of the US - but must admit that I haven't thought of it that way... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Knapp 0 Report post Posted July 1, 2021 51 minutes ago, Capt Bob LeMay said: My only brother has lived there for more than forty years - he thinks salmon is dog food and has acreage on the Matanuska river... We're as different as can be, I'm a fisherman - he's a hunter (and they haven't bought their meat at a store in years and years... ). His idea of a rifle is a 375 H&H - he has three of them.... I know Alaska is part of the US - but must admit that I haven't thought of it that way... Us up here don't think of Alaska as part of the US either. 😄 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike West 0 Report post Posted July 1, 2021 I still have a 2”x2” piece I bought in like 1969 or 1970. I’ve only tied a couple flies with it and it’s been put in storage ever since it’s a yellowed over the years. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SalarMan 0 Report post Posted July 1, 2021 12 hours ago, Mark Knapp said: Us up here don't think of Alaska as part of the US either. 😄 Can't say I blame you at the moment..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites