Rural communities are often the keepers of nostalgic traditions. The handing down of family heirlooms to remind a younger generation of their elders.

Senate Bill 6294 – relating to the unlawful trade of fur products – would cut off some of the ability to establish new traditions for rural families. The bill would ban the sale of new products containing fur in the state.

The results of legislation around fur are, ultimately, about moral preferences. In recent years, two bills have proposed banning fur raising in our state. Both failed. Now, rather than banning the raising of animals for fur products, SB 6294 would ban the sale of fur-based products.

Beaver and rabbit fur hats are a significant investment for ranching families and hat enthusiasts. Hats made of 100 percent beaver can cost $1,000 or more. They are often handed down through families as heirlooms. Beyond being expensive, they are prized for their durability and warmth, making them items that last well beyond the life of the initial owner.

What we have not seen from the legislature are bills proposing bans on the sale of diamond jewelry, porcelain wedding dishes, products containing platinum, or any number of other precious, potentially controversial items that are often passed from one family member to another. 

However, in terms of overall impact to water quality, air quality, biodiversity, and soils, activities like diamond mining are significantly more harmful than fur production. While fur production strives to honor the animal by utilizing every part of it, diamond mining has inherent waste when it comes to water, soil, along with the operation of mining equipment.

Also, there are arguably more uses for fur beyond the obvious – coats, cowboy hats, bedding – that are often overlooked. For example, fur is often used in the creation of flies for fly fishing. Small pieces of natural fur are often built into fishing flies to provide movement and color to attract fish.

Anglers fish for several reasons but it is important to note that one niche of fishing and fly tying is for therapeutic purposes. The calm of the outdoors and the meditative nature of fly tying lend themselves to recreation and outdoor based therapies. 

Bills related to the governance of fur products point to moral judgements rather than focusing on individual choice and responsibility. It is not up to legislators to dictate what people choose to wear.