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Our Numinous NatureAuthor: Philippe Willis
Our Numinous Nature is a traveling podcast in search of profound stories focused on regional flora & fauna, folklore & history with a penchant for the mysterious. Well be hearing from folks with a deep connection to the land, from herbalists to hunters, folk artists, paranormal investigators, & living historians. The hope is to reach the soul of these people & places through tales of profundity & awe. Find a comfy log and join us at the sonic campfire. Language: en-us Genres: History Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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WEST VIRGINIA FUR AUCTION: BEAVERS & SKUNKS, ROOTS & ODDITIES | From Trappers to Buyers
Thursday, 12 March, 2026
The West Virginia Fur Auction is an annual fur, root, skull & antler consignment sale in Glenville, West Virginia. After a reading about the first fur-trade explorations over the Alleghenies into West Virginia in 1671-74, we head into the auction with in-the-field reporting on the modern fur, root, meat, gland and oddities markets, interviewing the likes of trappers, fur hangers, graders, buyers and members of the West Virginia Trappers Association. Many grew up trapping and we hear how meaningful it is to continue the very trade that founded America. From protecting endangered species to supporting natural materials over synthetic textiles, the trapper is discussed as an environmentalist. Throughout are charming moments like a young lady demoing how to skin a noxious skunk or what to do with a raccoon's pecker bone. As the buyers stand around the racks of bobcat pelts, piles of beavers, boxes of skunks and deer horns, we find out what they're looking for whether they specialize in garments, felt, costumes or oddities. As the auctioneer rattles off the bidding, you've got a front row seat to the fascinating world of American fur. Reading from The West Virginia Encyclopedia by Philip Mallory ConleyTo learn more about the West Virginia Trappers Association: wvtrappers.comSupport Our Numinous Nature on Patreon.Follow Our Numinous Nature & my naturalist illustrations on InstagramCheck out my shop of shirts, prints, and books featuring my artContact: herbaceoushuman@gmail.com
