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As part of a paleo lifestyle, I want to explore leather and fur clothing and footware, but I want to make sure they're sourced from humane, and preferably local, sources. I was thinking for my first project I would get leather and make my own toe boots, but even just finding some pre-made fur lined moccasin would be great. Has anyone found good sources of leather/fur or leather/fur products?

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For anyone interested in more ideas, thhq posted some good tidbits in this thread: paleohacks.com/questions/88686/… – Sara S. Jan 8 2012 at 19:08

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You could try your local vintage store. You aren't supporting inhumane farms if the animal was killed in the 50s and it's a great testament to just how long this stuff lasts. Another option is to get to know a hunter (many don't know what to do with the skins) or get a hunting license and then take a tanning class or pay the local game processer to tan the hides for you.

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Take a look at the website for Alaska Fur Exchange. You'll have to decide how far to go with humane harvesting, but they're not selling farmed furs.

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From your answer in the other thread, you also recommended checking out roadside shops in hunting areas, especially in the northwest US. (I'm including here for completeness.) – Sara S. Jan 8 2012 at 19:09
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And here are a few more. Geier and Churchill Glove companies in Centralia WA, both of which do a lot of deer and elk as well as pig, goat and cow. Also Multnomah Leather Shop in Portland OR. Multnomah is famed for their alder clogs, but I'm sitting here examining one of their unlined deerskin Gluv-Mocs right now. They fit like a soft deerskin glove. – thhq Jan 8 2012 at 21:44
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My favorite local bison ranch sells the skins. See them online here: https://www.fullcirclebisonranch.com/

It looks like they sell robes and rugs, but maybe you could talk to them about something you're looking for specifically.

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You could also search for brain tanned leather. I would think that anyone going to the extent of tanning the leather without chemicals would really care about their product and where it came from.

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Thanks, that's really helpful. braintan.com looks like a good resource. – Sara S. Jan 9 2012 at 2:07

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