Where do your furs come from?
All of our furs come from legally and ethically harvested North American furbearers. We purchase fur directly from licensed trappers, and harvest many ourselves here in Maine. Every pelt is professionally tanned before becoming part of our shop.
Is trapping legal?
Yes. Trapping is a legal, state-regulated wildlife management tool. We follow all applicable state regulations and Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to ensure responsible and humane trapping.
Why do you support trapping?
Responsible trapping is an important part of modern wildlife management. It helps maintain healthy wildlife populations, reduces conflicts between people and wildlife, protects habitat, and provides a renewable natural resource that is fully utilized whenever possible. If you support fishing and hunting, you should also support trapping.
Do you use the whole animal?
We believe in respecting the resource. Whenever possible, we use as much of the animal as we can. Fur becomes handcrafted products, beaver meat is often used for our own table and the extra is used as marten and fisher trapping bait. Castor and glands are used in lure making, skulls may be cleaned, and other usable parts are put to good use.
Are your products made in Maine?
Yes. The furs we use are harvested here in Maine by us or sourced from licensed Maine trappers. Each pelt is carefully skinned and fleshed (prepared) in our shop before being sent to Moyle & Mink Tannery in Idaho—one of the most respected fur tanneries in North America—for professional tanning. Once the finished pelts return to us, we handcraft many of our products right here in our Maine shop.
This process allows us to combine Maine's trapping heritage with the highest-quality tanning available, resulting in products that are made to last for years to come.
Our wild Maine chaga is also harvested exclusively by us from the northern reaches of Maine. We carefully gather it by hand from living birch trees, ensuring a sustainable harvest while bringing you one of Maine's remarkable natural resources.
Why choose real fur over faux fur?
Real fur is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material that can last for generations with proper care. Many vintage fur garments are still being worn and repurposed decades after they were made.
Most faux fur, on the other hand, is made from synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, or modacrylic—all of which are petroleum-based plastics. These materials require fossil fuels to produce, do not readily biodegrade, and can shed tiny plastic fibers (microplastics) over time during wear and washing. At the end of their useful life, many synthetic products ultimately end up in landfills, where they can persist for many years.
We believe that responsibly harvested natural fur is a sustainable alternative that makes use of a renewable resource through regulated wildlife management. When cared for properly, real fur can be repaired, repurposed, and passed down for generations, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
How should I care for my fur?
Store fur in a cool, dry location away from prolonged heat and direct sunlight. Avoid plastic storage bags and allow the fur to breathe. If it gets wet, let it air dry naturally.
Do you offer custom orders?
We're beginning to expand what we offer. Starting in January 2027, we'll be introducing more handcrafted fur products beyond our signature hand warmers and professionally tanned pelts.
While we aren't accepting full custom orders just yet, we may be able to accommodate certain requests depending on the project. If you have something in mind, don't hesitate to reach out—we're always happy to see if it's something we can help with.
How long does shipping take?
Most in-stock orders are packed by us and shipped within a couple business days. You'll receive tracking information as soon as your order is on its way.
Do you accept returns?
If there's ever an issue with your order, please contact us. We want every customer to be happy with their purchase and will work with you to make it right whenever possible.
Can I visit your shop?
We operate as a working shop only, rather than a physical retail storefront. If you're interested in something specific, reach out and we'll be happy to help.
Who's Ozzy? 🐾
Ozzy is our polydactyl shop cat and the unofficial quality control supervisor at Maine Wild Harvest Co. If we're grading fur, packing orders, or working in the shop, chances are he's close by making sure everything meets his standards—or reminding us it's time for a break. While he doesn't help fill orders, he does keep the shop running with plenty of personality.
What does "Crafted by Nature. Harvested with Care." mean?
It's more than our slogan—it's the philosophy behind everything we do.
Nature provides the resource. Responsible, state-managed wildlife management helps maintain healthy wildlife populations and balanced ecosystems. We harvest with respect, make use of what nature provides, and create products that are built to last. Every order reflects our commitment to ethical harvest, sustainable use, traditional craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for Maine's outdoors.
For us, Crafted by Nature. Harvested with Care. isn't just something we say—it's how we live.