Originally Posted by
Gunplummer
When I trapped nobody started until hides were prime. I was told it was because of insect eggs in the hides. I don't know that I believe either one, but that is how rumors start.
A fur pelt from an animal that was killed before the fur was prime will have a tendency for the pelt to lose part of the fur over time. It is possible for an animal to have a winter coat but for the fur not to be prime. After a period of cold weather for that region, the fur will become prime on a live animal.