Namelus!! If we needed it, and opportunity was there, I am sure we would take advantage of it. Hubby was a professor and put up many bird skins for scientific collection. No fear here about doing an animal other than not knowing how to properly tan it.
If we lived in the north woods hides would be a good and profitable past time/hobby/job. We have lived here for 8 years and this is the first mink. It would take a long time to catch enough to make anything warm. Of course, it is also just being in the right place at the right time. Skunk would be more likely. Opossum fur is pretty, too.
PETA – people for the ethical treatment of animals- I agree with. As Preppers we treat the animals as they were intended – with respect, dignity, and for our use as long as we don’t overuse. We are put here to live in harmony with the rest of the earth. I enjoy Vegan dishes and love ham and meatloaf, and I wear leather shoes, and would wear fur if I needed it.
I think part of the Prepper mindset is understanding how to live in your natural surroundings. A mom that I knew, who lived in the city, said her daughter routinely shot squirrels. I asked what they did with the squirrels? Stew? Nope. Just trashed them. I hope the look I gave her was enough to make her realize that it was not an approved or ethical activity.
Don’t check our freezer. We have a variety of birds, plus vole, mole, mice, etc. They are saved for teaching BSA merit badges. We are probably the same as your house – verify what is in the pot.