Shopping for Porcupine

Seth Kantner
Seth Kantner grew up in a sod igloo his parents built in the 1960's. Now he is a nationally known writer and photographer whose stories and photographs about Alaskan life have been published around the world.
Image courtesy Milkweed Editions

Seth Kantner's parents moved to northwestern Alaska from the lower 48. Growing up Kantner learned the subsistence lifestyle, hunting, fishing and gathering to provide for his family.

Kantner burst onto the literary scene with his award-winning novel "Ordinary Wolves," and several national magazines have published his essays and photographs.

Seth Kantner
Seth Kantner says he gets nervous in cities. He says dodging traffic is way more dangerous than dodging bears.
MPR photo/Euan Kerr

Now he has a new essay collection called "Shopping for Porcupine" published by Milkweed Editions.

He told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr in traditional Alaskan culture hunting was the highest calling, as that was how a family ate.

Now he says what he calls the "Cabela's Army" has invaded Alaska and changed the stakes for him.

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