
Episode 30: Bonnie J Brummett: From Alaska to Alabama: The Furrier Who Turned Bobcat Pelts into a Business
High Country and Handmade: Stories of the western craft and way of lifeShow Notes
Bonnie of Alaska Spirit Crafts shares her life long journey from living off‑grid in Alaska to settling in Alabama, explaining how she got started and where she is now in her career in fur sewing. She discusses her specialties—mostly hats and mittens—how she sources tanned pelts, and why she stopped tanning herself. The conversation covers life with dogs, trapping and hunting stories, unusual customer requests, and the work behind making fur pieces, including machines and linings. Bonnie also talks about moving through Arizona and Montana, challenges of rural life, and concerns about changing laws and attitudes toward fur and wildlife. Listeners can find her—Facebook (Bonnie J. Brummett / Alaska Spirit Crafts), TikTok, her website fursewercom, and her fur‑sewing books on Amazon—and hear her perspective on craftsmanship, pricing, and keeping the craft enjoyable rather than a full‑time job.
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Mr McNasty himself joins us again to discuss predator control: why targeted, preventative work matters for livestock and wildlife, especially during drought and fawn season. The conversation covers the impacts of coyotes, bobcats, wolves and grizzlies on pronghorn and mule deer, and how laws and politics can complicate management. The episode also dives into practical trapping tactics, equipment, mentorship and ethical debates—explaining the landscape of fear, population dynamics, and why hands-off approaches often fail without science-based management. All in all it was just what I expect a conversation with Mr Chilson to be, fun, intelligent, educational and just an absolutely enjoyable time. Check him out on YouTube under McNastys predation management and on Facebook as well. Thank you for joining us Travis. As always, like, follow and share and feedback is always encouraged. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Standing S leather High Country and Handmade High Country Blood Dogs