tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48541376905772998972024-02-20T21:47:52.082-08:00CAMPING AND PICNIC EQUIPMENTAn Assortment of camping equipment, including tents, stoves and picnic supplies. All just for the great backwoods camper.Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-89043567941170969332009-10-17T11:23:00.001-07:002009-10-18T08:26:40.417-07:00About Backwoods CampingBackwoods camping involves one or more people reaching a remote destination for a one-of-a-kind camping experience involving raw nature while utilizing the campers' physical and mental capabilities. Backwoods camping allows the camper to build a campsite geared toward human survival and interaction with nature and animals in their natural habitat. Campers reach their destination by choosing routes and locations typically missing from a traditional map. Many use a topographical map displaying the terrain and larger landmarks to get to their destination.<br /><br />Backwoods camping refers to camping in the<a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com"> outdoors</a> in locations that are not commercialized or mainstream. Remote locations that offer no electricity and often no running water are considered to be something that a backwoods camper will encounter on the expedition. Wearing the right gear for the trip such as waterproof clothing and boots, and sturdy hiking equipment for stability and terrain control will assist in trekking to the camp site. Additionally, carrying a Swiss army knife also is beneficial for hiking to the campsite through dense brush and winding terrain. For many locations, especially those within a state park area, a permit may be required from the state's department of natural resources.<br /><br />Some of the features of backwoods camping can challenge campers' physical ability and survival skills. Many backwoods<br />camping locations include treks over rocky, uneven terrain and occasionally campers will encounter dangerous conditions such as inclement weather and wild animals. Campers who enjoy rustic camping set up camp with safety and survival in mind. One of the features of backwoods camping is camping near a body of water; this is beneficial for fishing, bathing and cleaning camp dishes. Fresh water lakes also can be a source of drinking water. Because of the lack of everyday amenities, building a campfire for heating and cooking is essential. Campers may need to hunt or trap small game for food if they brought only minimal supplies. Setting up camp with a tent, tarp or sleeping bag should be the first priority; finding a location that is blocked from wind and weather such alongside a bluff is ideal. Backwoods camping offers isolation for those who like to experience the backwoods with a lack of population---this allows for more observation of wildlife and the ability to experience areas in nature untouched by man.<br /><br />Because most backwoods camping involves traveling on foot to a remote location, campers generally bring a minimal amount of supplies and gear. For the experienced backwoods camper, 5 to 10 days is a standard time frame because the camper can utilize nature for survival with food, water and fire. For those looking to find reprieve or for those just starting out, one night is a good way to get the feel for nature and explore backwoods camping.<br /><br />Backwoods camping always is at a location that is distant from main roads, amenities such as water and electric, gas stations and even people. Some popular locations for backwoods camping are areas near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, the Kodiak area in Alaska and the Lake Tahoe area in California. Wooded areas in the northwestern United States and western Canada offer much uncharted territory that are considered off-the-beaten-path, and include winding trails through woods, over mountainous cliffs, and through creek beds and dense brush. Many campers find their backwoods campsites by traveling off a main road or trail.<br /><br />Backwoods camping allows the camper an opportunity to utilize natural resources and basic survival skills while enjoying nature at the same time. Isolation from society also allows the camper to regain mental strength and clarity, and to learn more about nature and the environment. The trek to the campsite and back will showcase the physical skills and stamina that the camper needs to achieve personal success with the camping experience.Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-4834505144974081382009-10-17T11:02:00.000-07:002009-10-20T02:21:48.383-07:00Backwoods: Setting Up Camp In The Right Spot<div style="text-align: left;"><span letterspacing="0" kerning="0" style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Setting up camp in the right location is an important factor in making your backwoods camping safe and enjoyable. The factors that contribute to a good site vary according to the season.<br />Every campsite should have lots of water and a good source for kindling and firewood. If you are not bringing water to your campsite, then you will need to set up camp in a location close to a good source of water. In warm weather, water is available in rivers, streams and ponds.<br />In cold winter weather, snow is a good source of water, and melts easily on a campfire. During the summer, you need just a little fuel and a bit of kindling, while during winter, you will require fuel and kindling in abundance. Althrough extremely important, these are not the only factors to consider when choosing tour campsite.<br />In cold weather, protection from the wind is critical,especially from the northerly winds, however, protection from all wind is important. Keep in mind, the most effective protection from the wind can also block the sun. Choose a site on the north side of a small clearing, with trees to the north side of the camp so northerly winds are not felt. If the clearing to the south side of the site is the right size, the tree horizon will be low enough to allow sunlight into the campsite, however, the trees will block the southerly winds.<br />In warm or hot weather, choose a site that has protection from the sun, but allows a breeze to cool you as well as keep the mosquitoes away. A site among a few trees on a windy point along a lake or river is ideal. The campsite should be on well drained ground. Light, gravelly soil will absorb the water as fast as it falls. Avoid setting your tent up in a depression or on lower ground, regardless of how absorbent the soil appears to be. Be wary of setting up sites on riverbanks. Although these sites often offer the best combination of access to water, shade, and breeze for summer camping, they are vulnerable to flash floods during the night from rainstorms that occur upstream. Rivers originating in large lake-systems rise and fall gradually, while rivers rising directly in the mountain country with no lakes in the system are capable of flash flooding. Your best bet is to get good information about the river you are camping on if you are not familiar with the area.<br />Once you have selected your campsite, you must determine where you will dispose of the waste. No waste should ever be discarded into a lake, stream or river. If the ground is not frozen, all body waste and camp refuse should be buried immediately. Burying all waste immediately will keep flies and bugs from landing on the waste and then contaminating your food. The smell of the food waste will attract wildlife, so disposing of it immediately will cut down on the odor, and will keep uninvited guest from visiting the campsite. Your waste disposal site should be located well away from your main camp area by at least one hundred yards.<br />Be sure to pack a good camp shovel, camp saw or ax, multi-tool, rope, water carrier, mess kit and a good first aid kit on your next backwoods camping trip. </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span letterspacing="0" kerning="0" style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span letterspacing="0" kerning="0" style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><br /> </span></div>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-72310328281257412862009-10-17T10:56:00.000-07:002009-10-18T08:28:41.606-07:00Backwoods: Caring For Your Camping Tent<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span letterspacing="0" kerning="0" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Comic Sans MS;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">Your camping tent is one of the most important pieces of camping gear that you own.Proper care of your camping equipment will ensure many years of future use of these valuable items.Caring for your tent is very easy, as listed below:<br /><br />Cleaning Your Camping Tent<br /><br /> 1. Cleaning the interior by shaking out the tent, and <a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com">sweeping</a> out the small particles with a whiskbroom.<br /> 2. Clean your tent by setting it up and wiping it down inside and out with a mild soap and lukewarm water.<br /> 3. Rinse the tent completely with cool,clean water. Wipe the interior completely with a clean wet rag to remove any soap residue.<br /> 4. Dry the tent completely including the stitching at the seams by placing the tent in the shade, and ventilating the interior of the tent.<br /> 5. Leave stubborn stains alone, as scrubbing can ruin the fabric. A light dusting of talcum powder or cornstarch will inhibit the transfer of stain to other part of the tent.<br /> 6. Wipe the tent poles down with a soft clean cloth.<br /> 7. Dip zippers quickly in water and dry them off. If you fail to clean your zippers, the zipper will eventually become inoperable.<br /><br />Sealing Your Tent<br /><br /> 1. Seal the seams of your tent according to the manufacture guide.<br /> 2. Seal your tent in a ventilated area.<br /> 3. Seal the tent while it is set up.<br /> 4. Apply sealant on the interior of each seam that are exposed to rain, runoff, or ground level moisture, including floor seams, fly seams, and reinforcements.<br /> 5. Apply several thin layers of sealant rather than one thick layer.<br /><br />Ultraviolet Sunrays<br /><br /> 1. Excessive exposure to sunlight can damage the fabric of your tent, which will cause tent fabric to become brittle and tear easily.<br /> 2. Avoid pitching your tent in direct sunlight for extended periods.<br /> 3. Use the rain fly even if it's not raining. The rain fly will protect your tent from ultraviolet sunrays, and is less expensive to replace if damaged.<br /><br />Storage<br /><br /> 1.Open vents to allow air to escape.<br /> 2. Roll the dry tent loosely and store in a dry, cool place.<br /> 3. Cover the tent with a cloth to prevent dust from collecting on the tent.<br /> 4. Do not roll tent poles in with the tent. If the tent poles are stored in an extended state, the life of the shock cords is prolonged.<br /> 5. Use the tent bag for transportation.<br /><br />General Tips<br /><br /> 1. Never put your tent away wet. If by chance you have to pack your tent wet, set it up outside to dry as soon as possible. Failure to do this will cause your tent to grow mold and mildew.<br /> 2. Never use strong detergents on your tent.<br /> 3. Never use a washing machine or dryer on your tent.<br /> 4. Use a rain fly to protect the exterior of the tent.<br /> 5. Use a foot print or ground cloth to protect the floor of the tent.<br /> 6. Ground cloth should be slightly smaller that the tent floor to avoid rain and moisture from collecting under the tent.<br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-35397852969203852252009-10-16T03:26:00.001-07:002009-10-17T09:16:15.486-07:00Backwoods: The Most Primitive Weapon<span style="font-size:85%;">A basic throwing stick is, quite simply, a sturdy hunk of branch. The optimum size and shape will vary somewhat, depending upon personal preference, but a stick about two and half feet long and approximately half as thick as your wrist. Of course, some primitive peoples have turned the making of throwing sticks into an art form (consider the hunting boomerang or Australian Kylie, which is carved to an aerodynamic profile that actually allows it to fly farther than an unshaped stick of similar size and weight could be thrown). But for our purposes, we'll be discussing the handling of a weapon that requires nothing more, perhaps, than being broken to a comfortable length before it's put to use. </span> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Such a basic club can be thrown either overhand (when, for instance, you're trying to knock a squirrel from the side of a tree) or sidearm (when you're in an open area, where brush won't interfere with the stick's flight). In using the first method, point your left foot at the target (if you're right-handed southpaws can simply reverse these directions). Then, holding the smaller end of the stick loosely in your right hand, bring the weapon back over your shoulder and hurl it, with good end-over-end spin, straight at the mark. At the moment of release, your shoulders should face the game squarely.</span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">The sidearm throw is similar to the motion used in stroking a tennis ball with the racket. Point the left toe at the animal, bring the stick to a cocked position at your side, and throw it . . . squaring your shoulders and snapping the club—as if you were cracking a whip—to give it spin. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Always be sure to carry your throwing stick when away from camp for any reason. Not only is there a chance that a small bird or animal will suddenly appear within range, but there's also the possibility that you'll encounter other food sources (say, nuts or fruit) that can be knocked down with the club. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">I don't have the space to go into any detail about stalking techniques here. In general, you should avoid any abrupt movements . . . walk slowly, feeling the ground (or, perhaps, a brittle twig?) beneath each foot before putting your weight upon it . . . and try to time your movements to coincide with the feeding patterns you observe in your quarry (most animals will alternate regular periods of feeding with pauses to survey their surroundings for danger). Remember, though, that this is a very rudimentary outline, and that—as always—the time to practice this particular survival skill is before you need it.</span></p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-42945013094542128402009-10-16T03:04:00.000-07:002009-10-17T09:17:12.413-07:00Backwoods: Traping Tips<span style="font-size:85%;">You've probably already gathered that there's a good bit more to survival trapping than simply constructing a deadfall or snare in the middle of a convenient field. In order to obtain the best results with these do-it-yourself game getters, you'll have to understand a little about animal movement patterns . . . the dietary likes and dislikes of the animal you're after . . . and the different methods of making your structures appear "natural" so the animals' suspicions won't be aroused. </span> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Your most important task will be to locate areas of high game activity, generally by "reading" the landscape. Usually (the backwoods always produces exceptions to human rules) the most productive areas to scout will be those around sources of water . . . and those in edge environments, where forest meets field, field meets meadow, and so forth. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">In such a location, you may well be able to spot specific trails, runs, day beds, lays, and feeding areas. By doing so, you can place your trap in such a way that it'll have the best possible chance of being encountered by the animal you're after. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Trails are heavily used tunnels or paths. When following such a wildlife "freeway", you should be able to note animal scat, hair, and such that will indicate the type of creature most often using the path. Remember, though, that even if deer tracks-for instance-have all but eliminated any other signs from a trail, odds are that a number of smaller animals are using it, too. Wild creatures will follow the easiest route available unless they're either pursuing or being pursued. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Runs are the smaller arteries that connect established trails to feeding, bedding, and watering sites . . . and are subject to change as food and water supplies come and go. Since each run's use is typically limited to one species, its size will often provide some clue to the type of animal using it. (Traces of scat and fur, again, will help you make a positive identification.) By following runs-carefully, causing as little disturbance as possible to these potential trap locations-you may be able to find the areas of animal concentration to which they'll usually lead. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Day beds and lays are spots in which animals seek cover and/or sleep. Beds are generally used quite frequently (though one animal might well have several of them), and usually appear as well-worn depressions in the grass or ground. Lays, on the other hand, are less obvious-often showing up as areas of partially crushed weeds or brush-and are typically found near feeding sites. The pattern of beds and lays surrounding a known food source can help you predict routes of animal travel, and thus choose good locations for your traps this is especially true when setting snares, as your quarry will actually have to run into such a trap to be caught. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Feeding areas-which can be located by careful observance of the signs described already-will, for herbivorous animals, likely be locations rich in grasses, clover, and tender new growth . . . or, especially in winter months, young trees and brush with edible bark, twigs, and buds. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">By examining the food plants in such an area, it's often possible to determine what sort of animals are feeding there. A diagonal bite that cuts off a plant stalk at about a 45° angle is typical of such rodents as rabbits and woodchucks. Straight, finely serrated bites will often indicate that members of the deer family have been dining . . . while obviously chewed-upon greenery is usually a sign that predators have been rounding out their diets-with a little plant foraging. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">You will, of course, want to take special note of exactly what food seems to be preferred by the species you hope to catch. Furthermore, it's best to try to locate a favorite snack that, because it has been pretty much finished off, has been temporarily abandoned for a second-choice edible. If, for instance, you note that all of the red clover around a group of woodchuck dens has been eaten, and that the animals are now resorting to a diet of grasses, it may be worth your while to scout beyond the 'chucks' range and-if you can-bring back a batch of that rare clover to use as bait. </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">"Naturalizing" your traps, in order to lessen the chance that animals will steer clear of them, will improve your chances of making a catch. Leave bark on the trigger assemblies, and rub dirt on any cut surfaces to prevent them from attracting unwanted attention. When working on a trap, be sure that your hands are well rubbed with mint, leek, or some aromatic weed to disguise the human scent. In the winter, it's sometimes possible to accomplish the same result by smoking a finished trigger assembly over a fire, and then handling it with gloves that have also been well scented with wood smoke. Some trappers will smear their hands with scat, or with scent from the glands of an animal caught earlier. The notion may sound unpleasant to you now, but there's little room for niceties in a true backwoods survival situation! </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Once your traps are naturalized and set, be sure to check them at least once a day . . . to prevent your quarry from being stolen by a predator or (in hot weather) decomposing, and to minimize the suffering of any creature that might have been caught but not killed. Carry your throwing stick when visiting the traps. A hard blow to the back of the head will, for most of the small animals that you'll be likely to catch, result in a quick and relatively painless death. </span></p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-62223825684750670362009-10-13T03:45:00.001-07:002009-10-14T07:37:41.052-07:00Lost in the Backwoods<p>In the world of today, with our maps and landscape criss-crossed with roads and trails, getting yourself lost in the backwoods is usually the result of not being aware. Aware of your surroundings, aware of your limitations, aware of possible things that can go awry. Anyone can become lost, but follow these steps and you can minimize the chance that the next search for a lost wilderness traveler is for you.</p><p>First, be sure to leave someone you trust an itinerary of where you plan to go and what you plan to do. Include as near as possible when you expect to be at certain locations. Then stick with the plan Remember - you can become ill, break a bone, or have an unexpected accident befall you anytime anywhere. Even in your own backyard where you have been a thousand times before.</p><p>Next, always take a survival kit<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> with you and know how to use it. A good survival kit will buy you time while extricating yourself or waiting for others to rescue you. The kit should provide basic provision for food and water shelter, clothing, fire, basic medical attention, and means of signaling rescuers even if you are very weak. Your survival kit should be light enough so you will not mind carrying it wherever you go, but useful enough to cover your basic necessities in the backwoods environment you are in. </p><p>There are many survival kits on the market today. A good place to start is learning about the fifteen essentials for survival<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> an article that discusses what you need in a complete survival kit.</p><p>Should you find it necessary to spend more time than you had anticipated away from civilization, a good survival kit can mean the difference between surviving the ordeal or making it out in a body bag on a stretcher.</p><p>Third, equip yourself properly for the undertaking you are planning. This especially includes proper clothing.</p><p>For example, don't hike in the mountains above tree line with only a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. It could be 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the valley where you start, but above tree line the weather can suddenly turn without notice to below freezing with high winds and precipitation at any time of the year. You may sprain an ankle and, not being able to expend as much energy traveling, cool down. You could take a wrong turn and be forced to spend more time exposed to the elements than you had planned and perhaps even have to spend a night outdoors.</p><p>Ere on the side of caution and take a little more food, clothing, and water than you anticipate needing.</p><p>Fourth up is continual awareness. Awareness of your surroundings is your best defense against becoming lost while traveling. Keeping up your level awareness, rather than continuing on absent minded, will help prevent you from getting lost in the first place. Should you become lost, the information you have stored up can help you find your way out or make the decision to stay put and wait for help.</p><p>As you travel, study your map and keep tabs on where you are and where you have been. Continually note landmarks that are easily viewable from different locations along your route and relate them to your map. Depending upon where you are, landmarks may include certain hills or mountains, the position of the sun, a large tree or rock, a stream, an area of differing vegetation. Try to match the contours on your map to the lay of the land you are traveling over and occasionally use your compass to ascertain your direction of travel. Keep a mental estimate of the time it took you to travel between identifiable points and the kind of terrain you traveled over. </p><p>And fifth, be aware of your condition. Whether or not you are lost, your current condition is perhaps the most important consideration while traveling in the wilderness. Being tired mentally or physically can lead to costly mistakes, perhaps even disaster. If you are cold, overheated, wet, hungry, sunburned, dehydrated, feeling in ill health, or just plain tired you are much more susceptible to making the wrong decisions or physically not being unable to make it back to civilization. Know your current state and do not be tempted to push on beyond your limitations. If the going gets tough often it is better to simply turn back than to push on into potential disaster.</p><p>In spite of all these precautions, should you find yourself lost you should stop immediately. Don't panic. Remember: you have your basic survival kit and you have honed your basic survival skill so you know you can live out here for many days if you have to. And you have told someone about the area where you plan to be so rescuers can find you if it comes to that. The odds are just about 100 percent you are going to get out of this and you chalk up another adventure.</p><p>So you think you are lost. Simply sit down, relax, and study your map. Think of the possible actions you can take. It may be a good time to build a fire and warm some food and drink.</p><p>or smoke from a fire. Of the best thing you can do is stay put and await rescue. You may be able to signal would be rescuers using your survival whistle, signal mirror. </p><p>If you decide to stay put, set up the shelter you brought with you or make a shelter using the natural materials at hand. Make any improvements that will aid in keeping you comfortable and safe, keeping in mind that the weather may take a turn for the worse while you are there. </p><p>If you decide to make your way out, mark your location on the ground. Make a pile of rocks, bend some branches, or otherwise mark the location in order to create an easily identifiable spot that you can return to. Remember, this location where you first realized you are lost is the base from which you will have to find your way out. Should your first attempts at getting out fail, your best bet may be to come back to this location before setting out on another try. Or to wait until you are rescued from the outside. The one thing you do not want to do is get lost even further into the backwoods.</p><p>Your knowledge of the lay of the land and your current condition will help determine what you should do when you discover you are lost. Should you attempt to retrace your steps? Maybe your most sure bet is to simply head downhill. In many mountainous or hilly sections of the world, habitations, roads, or traveled waterways are within a days travel downhill from any location. If this is the case, you can walk downhill until you reach a stream and then travel downstream to eventually reach civilization. If you find yourself on coast, perhaps you should walk along the perimeter to the nearest habitation.</p><p>If you do not have a compass you may be able to make a compass or find the north star. These navigational aids can help keep you on course and from traveling in circles.</p><p>If you choose to make your way out on your own, leave a note at the marker you set, indicating your plans and your direction of travel. Then as you travel mark the way at regular intervals with a pile of stones, a broken branch, or some other easily identifiable clue as to where you have been. This could help rescuers find you should your attempt at self extraction fail.</p><p>Being lost in the backwoods can happen to anybody. With the right preparation and the right survival psychology your stint at becoming a mite bit confused will turn out OK.</p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-39138668337411515432009-10-11T19:53:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:01:13.479-07:00Backwoods - Defending Yourself Against Animal Attacks<div id="body"><p>If you enjoy jogging, hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities, you may be confronted by pet dogs or even wild animals. If you are afraid of such attacks in the backwoods, or even on jogging trails or other suburban areas, consider the following ways to defend yourself against such attacks.</p><p>First, do not do anything to attract such animals. Don't carry food with you; if you are camping, keep it in closed containers that cannot be broken into by animals such as bears. Still, there are stories in the news nearly every week about people or pets being attacked by pet dogs; the point is, you never know what could happen, even if you're just going on a walk around the block with your dog on a leash.</p><p>In all cases of animal attacks, your best course of action is to avoid confrontation altogether. Try not to be alone in the backwoods, especially at night. If you do see an animal, stay away. Do not approach it for any reason, including trying to take pictures or scaring it away from your belongings. Instead, turn and go the other way. If you see a dog while jogging or taking yours for a walk, never pet it or talk to it. Any wildlife you see should be left undisturbed.</p><p>If you come near larger wild animals such as bears, be careful if trying to use regular pepper spray against them. You need to be using specially formulated (and large canisters of) bear attack deterrent spray. Similarly, Stun guns, taser devices and similar methods will have a completely unpredictable effect on wild animals. Even if you are carrying a gun with you, do not try to shoot at the animal.</p><p>These methods will likely be ineffective, but may irritate the animal and make them even more aggressive. Though some hunters have used pepper spray to stop an attacking bear, this is not a reliable method. Your best course of action is to avoid contact with a bear in the first place, and leave the area if you do spot a bear.</p><p>Pepper spray is often a reliable means of self-defense against dogs and other relatively small animals, such as wolves or coyotes. Though there are some spray types made specifically for animals, regular pepper spray is non-lethal, even against small animals, unlike other weapons like stun guns or firearms.</p><p>Plus, you do not need to be very close to the animal in order for it to work, which is definitely a benefit when dealing with wild animals, especially those that could be carrying rabies or other diseases. Pepper spray can be an effective defense against aggressive dogs. If an animal is trying to attract you, one quick spray from the pepper spray canister will be enough to deter him.</p><p>Pepper spray can easily be carried with you, even if you are jogging or camping. Small canisters can be found in nearly any form, including types on key chains or other devices. These devices make a sensible investment for hunters, campers, hikers, joggers, or anyone else who finds themselves outdoors frequently. These simple products are well worth carrying with you to ensure your safety.</p></div>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-49288581617492041912009-10-11T05:50:00.000-07:002009-10-11T05:58:17.250-07:00Survival Essentials For Any Backwoods Trip<p>When planning a trip into the backwoods, whether it be for camping, fishing or hunting there are some survival essentials that you must take with you.</p><p><b>Shelter</b> </p><p>We will start with shelter. This is one of the obvious survival essentials. Although some people do not mind sleeping under the stars, having shelter from the elements can make or break your trip. </p><p>There are many different types and sizes of tents on the market. Determine how many people will be sharing your tent before your trip and whether or not you will need a second tent to store your gear. If you do not want to bring another tent, bring a tarp to cover your supplies to keep them dry. </p><p>Secondly, a sleeping bag that is designed for the climate is another of the survival essentials. All sleeping bags should have a label that indicates the temperature rating of the bag. However, they are not always accurate. This is one item that you should not go cheap on; you usually get what you pay for in a sleeping bag. </p><p><b>Food and Water</b></p><p>You should always bring enough food; this may seem like an obvious survival essential and it is. When planning your trip, it is very important to plan your meals. This way you should be sure of taking enough food and not taking too much with you, especially if you are hiking or portaging.</p><p>Since water is heavy to carry, take a water filter and pump or iodine tablets if there will be water where you are going. If water is going to be scarce on your trip then one of your survival essentials will be taking enough water with you for everyone in the group. I hope that you will have a pack mule or something to carry it all! </p><p>Make sure you have a variety of healthy food with you so that you are not deficient in some vital nutrients. You can expend a lot of energy while outdoors and you need to replenish your strength each day. </p><p><b>Tools</b></p><p>A sharp hunting knife is another of the survival essentials. No camper should venture into the wilderness without one. It is used as a tool and a weapon of protection if needed. </p><p>An implement for cutting wood is also an important tool. Check out the local camping supply stores for some very handy folding saws. A small hatchet can be very helpful as well. </p><p>I usually carry a good multi tool as well. This can be clipped on your belt along with the knife. With the advances in technology, you have other resources readily available these days, including a GPS and satellite telephone. </p><p><b>Backpack</b></p><p>A good waterproof pack would be an important piece of equipment, but would it be a survival essential? Not necessarily, a pack will not save your life, but it will keep your gear from getting wet and it is much easier to carry everything as well.</p><p><b>Fire</b></p><p>At one time, waterproof matches were considered one of the survival essentials. However, not so much anymore. With the advent of fire paste and other fire starters, matches are becoming obsolete. I have had waterproof matches get wet and become useless. Even carrying a small lighter is a good idea. There are ways to start a fire without some fire starter of some kind, but it can be difficult without experience. </p><p><b>First Aid Kit</b></p><p>Having a stocked first aid kit is another of the important survival essentials. Before leaving on your trip, check your kit to make sure it is not out of anything. Some important components of the kit should be band-aids, antiseptic, gauze, tweezers, bug bite cream or spray and other items that may be needed for the area you are traveling in such as snakebite kits etc. Also, included should be painkillers such as Tylenol for example. If anyone in your group requires specific medication then they are responsible for bringing it with them.</p><p><b>Planning</b> </p><p>Planning the trip is one of the most important aspects of the survival essentials. Your route should be mapped clearly. You should have more than one map with you. In addition, you must provide your trip plans to friends or family who are not going with you. People need to know when to expect you back and where to look for you if you are not back on time. Alert the local authorities or park Warden to your trip plan as well. In addition, stick to your plan; do not decide to change it when you have already begun the trip. <br /></p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-89439191342685095162009-10-09T17:12:00.000-07:002009-10-18T08:29:44.450-07:00Backwoods - Survival Foods<p>When you become stranded or lost in the middle of the woods it is an encouraging thought that simply by looking around you can easily discover a vast multitude of foods. As a survivalist it is our responsibility to ourselves and to our families to be able to recognize and find these value food sources should we need them.</p><p>Granted most survival situations are not serious and are of short duration however it only takes one time to not have the proper<a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com"> knowledge</a>. During these short duration emergencies the immediate demand remains shelter and potable water. Realizing that you have the knowledge to obtain food in the wild acts as a great comfort when lost even for a short period of time so be certain that you are up on these skills.</p><p>When in the backwoods you will encounter several basic different types of survival foods. Determining which type to use will depend upon where you are at as well as what equipment you have to work with.</p><p>Wild Berries represents the first group of foods you may encounter. This is also the simplest and easiest of the foods to obtain. Given the proper season you may possibly encounter several different berry selections to choose from. A simple rule of thumb to follow is if the berry looks or it tastes like a strawberry, blueberry or a raspberry then it must be one. For safety reasons most of the other berries that you may encounter you should be able to identify by looking at it. These berries would include June berries, wild currants, bearberries, bunchberries, wintergreen berries, wild cherries, blackberries, thimbleberries, rose hips and cranberries.</p><p>The second group of survival foods is those which originate from the water such as fish. It is safe to eat all of the freshwater fish found in North American waters. It is possible with little practice to catch a fish with your hands although in most cases this will not happen. Wait patiently as they swim by you and very quickly pin the fish to the bottom of the water with your hands. You may also chase the fish into a shallow pool of water and trap them there. If you happen to have an emergency fishing kit with you it is possible to use worms or grasshoppers to catch your fish.</p><p>Fish can be very evasive so in many cases it is easier to try and catch other survival foods within the stream or the lakes such as clams or mollusks which can easily be picked up. These are also easily prepared by cooking over an open fire. Crayfish can often be found crawling upon the bottom of the streams and the lakes or hiding under logs or rocks in the water. Keep in mind that the only usable parts of these crawfish are the tails.</p><p>Next there are the Insects and miscellaneous Bugs as a survival food. Be reminded that not all insects can safely be eaten. If you do not know for sure which ones they are stay with wood grubs and grasshoppers. Grasshoppers can easily be caught by hand in any grassy field while the grubs can be found by opening up a rotting log. They can eaten raw however you should cook and remove all legs and wings before eating them.</p><p>Birds represent another source of survival food in the backwoods. It is not likely that you will be able to kill or capture most bird unless you have a gun. The birds that nest on the ground may possibly be obtained with the use of a well aimed rock while they are nesting. The eggs from the ground nesting birds can be a good survival food.</p><p>Once again although larger animals will be prevalent it isn't likely that you are going to catch one without the proper weapon. It is extremely difficult to kill any of the mammals without some sort of gun. Don't for one moment think that you could use a spear or other primitive weapon to obtain an animal for dinner.<br /></p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-12188339312705187122009-10-08T04:08:00.001-07:002009-10-18T08:31:22.844-07:00Backwoods - Cooking With WoodsThe history of cooking would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">probably</span> begin with its relationship to wood. Primitive men cooked with sticks over an open flame, then we progressed to fireplaces. Then the Industrial Revolution brought cast iron cooking stoves.<br /><br />Now that everything have been<a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com"> modernized</a> and have gas and electric ranges we probably rarely find ourselves cooking with wood. But if you do end up having to cook with wood, whether cooking over an open pit when camping or wanting to do something different when in front of a cozy fire, there are techniques to cooking with wood that will make a difference in your finished product.<br /><br />When cooking with wood, it is the bed of hot coals or embers that you want to cook over, not flames. This requires starting a fire at least three hours before you plan to cook so that you can have plenty of hot coals or embers when the fire burns down.<br /><br />The number of good, hot coals produced depends on the type of wood you burn. When people who make a habit of cooking over a wood fire were asked what type of wood is preferred for cooking, all answered the same way: fruit wood. It not only provide the best coals, but lets off a pleasant aroma while doing so. Other favored woods are hardwoods such as elm, ash, oak and hickory. Before using hickory it is important to remember that it will add a "hickory smoked" flavor to your food.<br /><br />When cooking on an open fire, whether fireplace or fire pit, the cooking times are approximately the same as a conventional stove as long as you have a good bed of coals.<br /><br />When cooking a piece of meat over wood it is important to note that different meats cook differently. For example, small pieces of meat such as poultry cook best over a fast, hot bed of coals with some flame still in them. If you cook a roast or pork you can get the meat close to the fire for the first few minutes, turning it to seal in the juices, and then move it away from the high heat so it can cook slowly over a gentler fire. The back of the fire is a good place for this. It is also a good area to place pots of soup or water since the heat is slow and gentle.<br /><br />When cooking over an open wood fire you can even use the ashes. You can put potatoes in ashes and scatter hot coals over them. Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove ashes before serving.<br /><br />If you wish to fry over an open fire, it is best to have a steady hardwood fire instead of a low fire or a bed of coals.<br /><br />When cooking on a wood stove there are a few universal tips, even though all wood stoves are different.<br /><br />The first thing to remember about wood stoves is that they all require patience and time to get to know them.<br /><br />When building your fire, remember that hardwoods burn slowly and evenly. Softwood, such as pine, should not be used for anything more than kindling when starting a fire, as it burns too hot and too quickly. You should always keep a combination of dry and green wood on hand. The dry wood for cranking up the fire and the green wood for slowing it down some.<br /><br />Some of the actual cooking on a wood stove is similar to cooking over a pit or in a modern oven. When you're making soups or casseroles it is best to allow them to simmer all day at the back of the stove, just as the best place for them over an open pit is in the rear also. When baking, if you want to brown your baked goods move them to the top of the oven. To slow cooking down, move the dish to the bottom of the oven.<br /><br />Baking bread in a wood stove gives it a thicker crust. You can cook some things in the ash pit of a wood stove just as you can an open fire. Grease potatoes and then put them in to bake. Fish can be baked in here also if wrapped in several layers of foil before being placed in the ashes. Cooking with wood can be an enjoyable experience, whether in the outdoors or within the home. It requires a bit of patience, but the taste that comes from cooking over wood makes it all worth it.Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-45537475235101128452009-10-08T03:14:00.001-07:002009-10-09T04:44:35.307-07:00Backwoods: Cooking Fires<p>As a general rule, fire making woods that are good for making friction fires make bad firewood, since they are low density and has no resin. The best woods include oak, hickory, madrone, manzanita, mesquite, and other dense hardwoods. The worst woods include pine sapwood and many other softwoods and willow, although these make good kindling. Wet wood burns cooler than dry wood, but burns relatively longer. Hard wood burns hotter than sapwood in general. Rotten wood is good for producing smoke, but not heat or light. <a href="http://deluxebarbequetoolset.totalwarehouse.com/">Charcoal </a>burns hotter than the wood it was made from as the volatile gases which produce flames burn at a relatively low temperature. So the coals are the hottest part of the fire, not the flames. Light comes from the burning gases. The firewood you can actually get always burns better than the firewood you wish you had, but you'll need more of the poor stuff. Think of wood as calories. Better wood has more calories per piece, so can do more work.</p><p>The easiest, but slowest way to get a bed of coals is to build a huge log fire and wait a few hours. This takes the least effort and the most wood. To get quick efficient coals, burn small pieces of wood. In the Scouts, the rule was to find wood (or split it into pieces) the diameter of your thumb. The wood were neatly stacked next to the fire and added as needed to maintain a constant temperature. When cooking directly on the coals, the new wood is added at one end of the fire and the coals are pushed down into the cooking area. If you are using wood that doesn't make coals, you need to add pieces often to maintain any heat.</p> <p>Fire pit construction varies according to weather conditions, wind direction, what and how much you are cooking and the type of fire wood that is available. Once your fire is started the two important things to manage are fuel and air flow. If you are<a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com/"> building</a> a fire in a windy place such as the grassy plains, you need to dig out a deep fire well.</p>The extreme version of this requires two holes dug about a foot deep and a foot apart. They are connected at the bottom by a tunnel. A pot or grill can be placed over one hole, while the other provides access for fuel and air. The grassy plains fire is also very efficient, requiring less fuel, as almost all the heat is put to work. Moderately windy conditions can be handled with a wind screen of rocks or logs. <p>My standard cooking fire is dug down about four to ten inches, depending on soil type and wind. If the wind is not too strong, line up the pit so the breeze flows parallel to it. Make sure the wind isn't blowing the smoke to where you want to sit while you cook. The pit is then lined with the flattest and driest stones I can find, including the bottom. Stones that contain moisture tend to explode as the water becomes steam. The stones come up another four to six inches above ground level.</p><p>If I am going to do a pit roast, another, deeper pit is dug a foot or so past one end of the main fire, and the hump of dirt between the two is not rock covered. Pit ovens should be dug deep and wide enough to accommodate a stone<a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com"> lining</a> and a green vegetation lining as well as the food. The area between can be used to generate coals to replenish the cooking area, heat rocks for stone boiling or covering the baking pit. The length of the fire varies according to the number of people cooking, the width is from one and a half to two and a half feet. One or two people can easily cook on an 18" round fire.</p> <p>CAUTION- always examine the soil in and around your fire. If it is organic, full of roots and other burnable stuff, then build a fire on top of rocks, bedrock if possible. Seal off your fire from the flammable material and really drench the fire when you leave so you won't have to explain your foolishness to a firefighter later on.</p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-71791683982962509812009-10-07T07:19:00.000-07:002009-10-13T03:28:22.261-07:00Backwoods How Campfire Cooking Works<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGTmeBjazvgNNbF0Pp7E_sct8j4KyWq5PFVt7UBlcGBODNuLATYXbwOJTjkF6jx-_CL144FxpLPkoZDXuKv8l_Ygkjudwj584GaVBEk1iL_kK1b_-qGP3aqb6BvsA_73YvUrkI-QormmP/s1600-h/dutch-oven-ani-med.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 92px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGTmeBjazvgNNbF0Pp7E_sct8j4KyWq5PFVt7UBlcGBODNuLATYXbwOJTjkF6jx-_CL144FxpLPkoZDXuKv8l_Ygkjudwj584GaVBEk1iL_kK1b_-qGP3aqb6BvsA_73YvUrkI-QormmP/s200/dutch-oven-ani-med.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392029434909342498" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, it's time for the backwoods camping trip. There really is nothing like sleeping under the stars and getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Of course, they don't call it "roughing it" for nothing. Certain parts of the backwoods camping experience are less than appealing, and the food can be one of them. There's no denying cooking becomes quite a bit harder when you leave your cook-top and oven back in the kitchen. But these days there are some options to make your<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/"> excursion</a> much easier, and technology is on your side. As long as you do some research and plan ahead, you might find that cooking over a fire is not as tough as you expected.<br /><br />Campfire cooking is easy to learn but difficult to master. You might use similar ingredients, but it's not like cooking at home. You don't have the convenience of a refrigerator or an oven with ready-made heat. Unless you had someone to teach you how to build a contained fire, you will need to know the proper methods of creating that essential flame. Building the ideal cooking fire depends on what you're cooking. <p>Since you won't have your twenty-piece knife set, your colander, waffle iron and all your other kitchen<a href="http://henryathillthatchroofchimmeybirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/"> luxuries</a>, you'll need to know what cooking equipment to buy and bring for your backwoods camping trip. To go along with your new equipment, you'll need to learn the proper campfire cooking techniques that can help you prepare a variety of foods over a fire.</p> <p class="printableTocItem">Building the Ideal Cooking Fire</p> <p>The first step in building the perfect cooking fire is finding the perfect wood. The ideal wood for cooking fires is dry hardwood. Cutting branches off of live trees will only make your cooking experience more tiresome. Live, green wood will produce a very smoky fire and may release pollution into the atmosphere. If you can't find any dry firewood near your campsite, you may be able to buy some at the campground office or a local general store.</p> <p>Once you've got your wood you'll need to select the location of your campfire. The best campfire spots are flat, rocky and clear of any bushes or low-lying tree branches. If there's already an established fire pit at your campsite, it's best to use it for your campfire as well. Once you've got your site picked out, try and round up a dozen or so softball-sized rocks and<a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/"> arrange</a> them in a 'U'-shape for your fire pit. If it's windy out, you'll want to be careful to maintain your fire so that windswept ashes don't start another fire elsewhere. As for your fire pit, if you can locate a large rock, place it toward the wind with the rest of the pit behind. This will help your fire get a good start and will funnel the smoke in one direction while you're cooking.</p>Now that your pit is established, begin laying crumpled paper along the bottom of the pit. Cover the paper with small, thin kindling twigs -- lay them flat across the paper in alternating directions. Start your fire by lighting the paper below the kindling wood, and as the kindling wood catches fire, begin adding the larger pieces of wood and do your best to distribute them evenly. As the fire burns and turns to coals, use a stick to shift some of the coals toward one end or the other, which will make one side of the fire hotter than the other. Once the fire has died down, place a grill across the rocks and get to cooking.<br /><p class="printableTocItem">Campfire Cooking Equipment</p> <p>The most important things you'll need for campfire cooking are planning and patience. Utensils, pots, pans and modern camper-friendly kitchen supplies will not cook your meals for you. And, as avid campers know, something unexpected can always happen, so it's best to be prepared with a plan. Be sure to plan all of your meals ahead of time and ensure that ingredients can be kept cool if necessary. Measuring and separating ingredients, or cooking them so that they can simply be reheated, before you leave on your trip can be a big help.<a href="http://howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=campfire-cooking.htm&url=http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Camp_Cooking_Tips.htm"><br /></a></p> <p>The most popular campfire cooking tool is the Dutch oven. The large, thick pot and lid are primarily used hanging from a tripod over the fire. However, you can also use a Dutch oven on a grill set up over the campfire or as a large serving bowl if you're camping with a group.</p><p>Most of the cooking equipment you'll need can be found in the average kitchen, but make sure your kitchen supplies are durable enough to brave the great outdoors before you decide to bring them along. For instance, the wooden spoon you use at home is not a good idea for cooking over an open fire. Similarly, cast iron pots and pans are much better suited for the rigors of cooking in a fire pit. Although they may be bulkier and heavier to<a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com/"> transport</a>, the longer your cooking utensils are, the further your hands will be from the fire. </p> <p class="printableTocItem">Campfire Cooking Techniques</p><p class="printableTocItem">The fire's crackling away, and all the cooking equipment you could scour up is ready to go. The great thing about campfire cooking techniques is that there are so many to choose from. You don't have to follow one method of cooking and never stray. Different foods cook up better in different ways, so remember to think outside the skillet. </p><p>One option you might consider is to use hardwood coals in your fire, which will allow you to cook food right on top of the coals. Bread for toasting, biscuits and meat are all delicious when cooked directly on the hot coals because they have that grilled taste. Like coals, a rock is also a good conductor of heat, so if you find a dry rock that is flat and thin, it can be used similarly in the fire.</p> <p>Surprisingly, leaves can be used in a campfire cooking. You can wrap your prepared meat in cabbage or lettuce leaves and place the wrap directly on the coals. This will keep your meat moist.</p> <p>If you have an empty coffee can just hanging around your place, bring it. Coffee cans can hold large portions of food for cooking, almost like a casserole dish. You can layer your meats and vegetables inside the coffee can, then cover the can with foil and place it on the coals. It might also be a good idea to cover the foil with coals, too. This will make the heating process more like oven cooking.<a href="http://howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=campfire-cooking.htm&url=http://www.my-favorite-camping-store.com/campfire-cooking.html"><br /></a></p> <p>You can even cook food inside other food. For example, if you take the insides out of an orange, fill the orange peel with cake mix and wrap foil around the orange before you place it on the fire, you will be able to eat cake in about 10 minutes.<br /></p> <p>Campfire cooking is full of possibilities. Sure, you can use a skillet to make scrambled eggs or use a Dutch oven to make donuts. But you also have many alternative techniques available to you when cooking over an open fire.</p> <p>Now you're all set to make a gourmet meal out on the trails! Pack up all the necessary equipment and bring your friends along so you can impress them with your backwoods survival skills.</p><p class="printableTocItem"> </p><p><br /></p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-531341773226823342009-10-06T22:44:00.000-07:002009-10-09T04:54:48.938-07:00Backwoods Survival Food And cooking tools<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >After supplying him- or herself with shelter, water, and warmth, the survivalist must give attention to the search for nourishment. However, even after locating food, folks who find themselves unexpectedly stranded in the backwoods aren't likely to have much in the way of supplies or cooking equipment. For that reason, this article is to describing survival cooking techniques that require no ready-made tools or other manufactured gear. The only implements mentioned will be those you can easily make yourself, and the rudimentary skills used to <a href="http://deluxebarbequetoolset.totalwarehouse.com/"> fashion</a> them should be within the capabilities of almost anyone. </span> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Naturally, the first thing to consider when survival cooking becomes necessary is how best to prepare the meal with the materials at hand. Stewing is probably the most useful all-round cooking method because it's simple, a stew can be saved—and added to—from one meal to the next, and the various combinations of food can provide plenty of nutrition. Unfortunately, making a stew does require a cooking vessel of some kind. Pit cooking is a good second choice, but it is both time- and effort-intensive. Spit roasting and frying are adequate, too . . . but not as desirable as the first two options, because much of the nutritional value of the food is often lost in such preparations.<br /></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Fire is one of humankind's most important tools, and its value is magnified in a survival situation. Not only does it provide warmth for the body and heat for cooking, but it can also serve as a means of carving, bending, and forming implements that are necessary for<a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com/"> backwoods living</a>: And since, when faced with an unexpected emergency, many people are likely to lack even a pocketknife, fire must often be relied on to make the cooking utensils that are essential to assuring long-term subsistence.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bones, Sticks, Stone and Fire</span><br /></span> </p><p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >With the help of fire, a simple cooking container—a pot, a cup, or a spoon—can be made in the backwoods Your first task is to find a suitable log or branch. Simply look around the area until you locate a chunk of wood that's neither punk nor rotten, but big enough to be made into a practicable container. A piece of timber that will hold a quart or two of liquid and solids when its center has been burnt out to form a bowl will make a good stew pot. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Take care, however, that you don't use a variety of tree that's potentially poisonous. Try to utilize pines, cedars, hemlocks, firs, oaks, hickories, and sassafras to make cooking utensils and containers. And remember: Hardwoods take more time and effort to burn out, but they're better than softwoods at holding foodstuffs without allowing liquids to seep into the container walls. </span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Once you've selected a suitable chunk of raw material, chip away the bark from one side until you have a flat surface<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>, or platform. Then place hot, glowing embers from your fire in the center of the level spot and blow on them, causing them to burn slowly into the wood. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Because the coals will tend to burn directly down, you'll find that the process creates a natural bowl shape. Using this technique, you should be able to fashion a one- to two-quart pot from a cedar log in a little less than an hour. (Harder woods like oak can take two hours or more.) With a bit of practice and patience you'll find that containers of several sizes can be fashioned fairly quickly and adapted to a wide variety of uses in your backwoods kitchen. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >After charring the depression to the size and shape you want, use a sharp stone to scrape out the burnt, flaky residue inside the bowl. Then find a rounded rock and use it as a sanding stone to grind out and finish your work. The result will be a vessel that's very effective for cooking and holding foods. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Fashioning a spoon involves a similar operation. Simply take a piece of wood about half inch thick and six to seven inches long, and place a single hot coal close to one end. Blow on the ember steadily until a small, dish-shaped depression has been formed. Then scrape out the burned area, and use a rock to sand or carve the rest of the wood to a shape that suits your hand. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Actually, you'll find that stones are useful for more than merely scraping and carving utensils. In fact, they're among the best all; purpose tools available to the survivalist. A rock can do just about anything that an axe, knife, or piece of sandpaper can, and the earth provides us with a wide assortment of stone shapes and textures from which to choose. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Rocks can, for example, be struck against one another to form sharp fragments or edges good for scraping and cutting a variety of materials. They can also be used for grinding and whetting, since their many variations in grit and texture make them fit for a number of such tasks. You can even form a rock into a dish or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">metate</span>, for grinding wild grains, by hitting it with a hammer stone (a small, easily held rock that's harder than the one you're shaping) in a circular, pecking motion. True, the procedure will take a long time . . . but any tool that you can make of rock is likely to improve your chances of getting out of a survival situation alive and in good health. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Bones can also become good tools. By selecting suitable ones (such as the cannon bone from a deer) and sharpening them on a rock with a simple abrading motion, you can produce serviceable knives, scrapers, and awls.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cooking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Techniques</span></span><br /></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >All animals that you intend to eat should be thoroughly cooked to insure that any parasites they might contain will be destroyed . . . in other words, treat all meat as though it were pork. Each creature should be eviscerated, skinned, and carefully checked for any diseases or abnormalities prior to cooking. Some plants, too, must be cooked to render them edible, because many contain poisons that need to be destroyed by heat. </span> </p><p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Here, are half a dozen reliable backwoods food-preparation methods. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rock <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">boiling</span></span>. </i>This is not only one of the oldest forms of cooking, but probably also the most useful in situations when you're forced to employ a container that can't be heated directly over a fire. Using hot rocks, food can be cooked in one of the hollowed-out wooden vessels described in this article . . . and much of the nutrition contained in the raw ingredients will be retained. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >The best rocks for this purpose are small and rounded, about the size of golf balls. However, because some stones store water in tiny cracks and fissures, it's best not to take them from streams or other damp areas. Heating such a rock can cause the water it contains to vaporize and expand, often exploding the stone dangerously. For that reason, only bone-dry rocks should be used. I also recommend that sandstone, flint, obsidian, quartz, and any other hard, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">fire formed</span> silicate types be avoided, as they tend to shatter when heated and then placed in water. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >To cook your meal, collect from six to ten small stones and heat them in a fire for about two hours (when in an actual survival situation, it's a good idea to keep a number of them in your fire at all times). Place the edible plants and animal parts you intend to cook in your hollowed log, cover them with water, and then remove a rock from the fire with a forked stick or a set of twig tongs and put it in the cooking pot. The water around the rock will begin to boil at once, and, as you keep heating and adding stones, all the liquid in the container will eventually be bubbling. When the boiling begins to slow, remove the first rocks and replace them with fresh ones, continuing the process until your dinner is ready.<i><br /></i></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spit Cooking</span>. </i>Another ancient form of food preparation, open-fire roasting, is quick but does tend to waste much of the nutritional value of the food. A gutted, skinned, and cleaned animal is simply skewered on a spit made from a thin (nonpoisonous) sapling, suspended over the heat, and turned frequently. (It's best to cook over coals, since open flame will char the meat.) Roots and tubers can be added to the spit and cooked along with the meat, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">shish</span> kebab style, or wrapped in wet leaves or grasses and roasted in the coals<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pit Cooking</span></span><i>. </i>This method is as effective and nutritious as stew cooking, but requires considerably more time and effort. First, dig a hole in the ground (for a rabbit, as an example, your pit would measure about two feet square and one and a half feet deep), line the bottom with flat, dry rocks, and build a fire over the stones, allowing it to burn for at least three hours (until the rocks are hot and glowing). Then, about two and a half hours before you plan to eat, scrape out the remainder of the fire and the coals, and line the pit with at least eight inches of green, nonpoisonous grasses. On top of these, place the food to be cooked: meat, tubers, roots, or other hearty fare (herbs and such are likely to burn up if you try cooking them this way). Next, place another eight inches of grasses over the food . . . then seal off the pit with slabs of bark. Finally, cover it with at least six inches of earth and allow the meal to cook for about two and a half hours. When it's time to eat, just scrape the dirt away, remove the bark, and pull out the greenery . . . being careful not to burn yourself, since the grass will be hot and steamy. Your food will be well-cooked, and should have retained most of its natural juices. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fry-Rock Method</span>. </i>A fry rock is simply a flat, thin rock that has been cleaned of all dirt and debris (I like to scour mine with some horsetail or dried grasses to remove the dust and grit). Place the fry rock over the fire, propped on three or four small stones, and allow it to get hot. You'll find you can cook just about anything with the same results you'd get from a metal frying pan. But while it's a quick and easy cooking method, rock frying will deprive you of many of your food's essential nutrients. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rock Oven Baking</span>. You </i>can make an oven alongside your fire pit by building a rectangular structure of rock with its opening facing the fire. Close off the back, sides, and top with dirt and sod, and the box will catch and retain some of the heat given off by the flames, allowing you to bake food in it as you would in a stove's oven. The temperature can be controlled either by shifting the position of the fire, or by letting it die down. (When removing your meal, keep your hands well away from the rocks. They'll be very hot and could cause severe burns.) </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Board or Rock Reflector System</span>. </i>This simple method uses a rock or slab of wood (again, be sure it's from a nonpoisonous tree) propped, at about a 45° angle, in such a way that the heat from the fire will slowly bake meat that's been placed against the reflector. The food should be turned often for even cooking. </span></p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-20921226554621207692009-10-06T05:04:00.000-07:002009-10-13T03:31:32.293-07:00Backwoods camping And Cooking Equipment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngojE-pwKwlV322z5sAvN23ddykCTXHVbGrZPuWSvyYvy_6WSHBkjGkk8vH2PHGOEosrnPgRZ9FEMvWyBQaa4ovCwrUhgbxBr9rF2Ceh_-csi_yOlCJ0DzOrd_PiMs5JADJArkqx9oK3i/s1600-h/dutch-oven-oven-open-fire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngojE-pwKwlV322z5sAvN23ddykCTXHVbGrZPuWSvyYvy_6WSHBkjGkk8vH2PHGOEosrnPgRZ9FEMvWyBQaa4ovCwrUhgbxBr9rF2Ceh_-csi_yOlCJ0DzOrd_PiMs5JADJArkqx9oK3i/s200/dutch-oven-oven-open-fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392030271108834594" border="0" /></a><br />Camping enables you to enjoy a different kind of vacation experience because you’ll be roughing it out in the backwoods, cooking by the campfire, hunting food or fishing or bathing in river waters, and so on. It’s an experience that will enhance your survival skills and shape up you <a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/">personality</a> like nothing else can. <p>One of the most thrilling aspects of camping is cooking by the campfire. However, in some campsites you cannot have an open fire for cooking and so you have to bring along Camping Cooking Equipment to do your cooking. </p> <p>You might need different kinds of Camping Cooking Equipment for different purposes. For example you will need Steel Tripods for handing the kettle, Dutch Oven for No Open Fire Cooking, Stove for Heating or Cast Iron Cookers for Toasting Sandwiches and so on. The right Camping Cooking Equipment can make all the difference in the way your cooking turns out. Here is a look at some tips on how to choose the right equipment: </p> <p> * Look for equipment from well-known <a href="http://henryathillthatchroofchimmeybirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/">brands</a>. This way you can be sure that the equipment will work as expected and that it will last for quite sometime. </p> <p> * Buy equipment that is lightweight and which is easy-to-carry-around. You don’t want to carry a ton with you when camping. </p> <p> * Make a list of the kind of foods you want to cook. Check if a couple of them can be made with the same type of cooking item. For example, frying pan can server many purposes. This enables you to carry minimal camping equipment. </p> <p> * Check out the space available for placing cooking equipment in your vehicle or your backpack. You should carry only as much as you can take with you. So, don’t dump a lot of cookware into your luggage. </p> <p> * Look into the cookware material. Aluminum, Non-Stick Cookware is expensive, but easy-to-handle, while Cast Iron Cooking Equipment is good for cooking, but heavy. You can opt for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">staginess</span></span> tell equipment also, which is durable. </p> <p> * Many people opt for discounts when getting their cookware because they feel it’s only cooking stuff, so why bother about getting a<a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/"> standard</a> rate when it available at low rates. The thing about such offers is that low rates means low quality and if the equipment does not work in the backwoods as expected you have to fend for yourself through other ways. </p> <p> * In case you are planning to get used Camping Cooking Equipment, be sure to check this like the fuel container, the knobs and the overall maintenance of the cookware before buying. This ensures that you get one that fine and which you can rely on for using while camping. </p> <p> Look into these points and you can be sure of finding the right kind of camping equipment for your cooking requirements. You can also look into the latest kinds of cookware and cooking equipment to get something that offers a bit more than what you generally have seen in cooking equipment so far. The best way to do this is to check the cooking equipment section of camping gear store and online sites that sell camping gear. You can check out features and make price comparisons before deciding what to buy. </p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-56373430360294451492009-10-04T04:30:00.000-07:002009-10-09T04:33:18.430-07:00How To Pick A Tent Spot<span class="art-body">It's said that we can learn from our experiences good or bad -- or at least have the opportunities to learn. My most embarrassing campsite-selection experiences certainly drove home a few lessons.<br /><br />Years ago, I camped out on my way from the Mississippi to the West Coast looking for a job. My bad habit of driving until near dark led to a few questionable<a href="http://deluxebarbequetoolset.totalwarehouse.com/"> campsite</a> choices.<br /><br />One misty night, with no flashlight batteries , I set up my borrowed tent in the dark. I fell asleep thinking that climbing into the tent had been awkward.<br /><br />The next morning, nearby campers watched and grinned as I exited the tent and learned why it had felt so odd. In the dark, I had pitched the tent on its side.<br /><br />A couple of nights later, I pitched it -- correctly -- in the dark on a strip of land that allowed camping.<br /><br />I woke in the middle of the night, ground shaking and the air split by a roar. I unzipped the tent, peered out and discovered that I was 70 feet from railroad tracks -- and a speeding train.<br /><br />The third experience was I set up the tent in a dry stream in west <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Texas</span> with a storm on the way. The storm came and the stream started running I had to take up <a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com">camp</a> in the middle of the night.<br /><br />That's an exaggeration, but you get my point: Before you leave home, waterproof your tent if it's been in use for a few years.<br /><br />Here are tips about choosing a campsite after a hike. Of course, take the ten essentials plus common sense.<br /><br />Be realistic about how far you can hike. When you're exhausted, any site will do, even if there's a price to pay.<br /><br />If you're not in a designated site, camp away from the trail and out of sight of hikers so your voices and other camp sounds don't carry to hikers.<br /><br />Before you pitch your tent, look up. Dead trees and branches follow the laws of gravity, and widow-makers are named that for a reason.<br /><br />Stay away from grassy meadows, which are easily damaged, especially at higher elevations. A soft grassy spot probably has mosquitoes, dampness and lumps.<br /><br />Pick a flat site or you'll be dealing with gravity all night.<br /><br />Weather should be a factor in site selection. If it's sunny and hot, pick a shady, cooler area for protection and to keep the tent cool.<br /><br />Because cold air sinks into valleys, consider a hillside site if the weather is crisp. If mosquitoes are beyond annoying, pitch your tent in a breezier area.<br /><br />And if there's wind and rain, large rocks and trees can help protect the appropriately located tent. Place the back of the tent toward the wind.<br /><br />Minimize your impact. In many parks it's mandatory to camp 200 feet or more from a water source to avoid contamination from overuse, soapy water and toilet drainage. And still water is mosquito-breeding territory.<br /><br />Do not dig a trench against rain runoff. It's up to you to find the appropriate site and not dig up the landscape.<br /><br />For a natural alarm clock, orient the tent toward sunrise. This is the side that will be warmer. If the tent is out from under trees, the sun will evaporate some of the dew before you pack it.<br /></span>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-16099815465869568922009-10-02T06:02:00.001-07:002009-10-09T04:37:53.290-07:00Backwoods: Primitive Hunting For Survival<span style="font-family:Arial;">In a backwoods survival saturation food is the last thing you should worry about. Shelter, fire, water and signaling for help are far more important. Remember the rule of 3's... You can die from exposure to the elements in 3 hours, you can die from lack of water in 3 days, but it takes 3 weeks or more to die of starvation. 3 weeks is a long time, so plan for your essentials first. If you have your other bases covered, then you can start <a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/">planning</a> for food. Snaring and fishing are your best bets, as they allow for you to "set and forget", which means that you conserve energy. All hunting should be done with as little energy expenditure as possible. Find a comfortable spot and wait for dinner to come to you.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">The Hunting and snaring skills that I will cover are very different from what most people might be thinking. There are no spring steel bear traps or scoped hunting rifles discussed here. All of the tips and tricks involve primitive weapons and snares. Primitive hunting tools are often the most effective. One could spend a lot of time building a bow and some arrows, but unless your arrows are masterfully crafted, they will fly everywhere except where you intend them to go. Even a modern bow with modern arrows requires a modicum of skill and a lot of practice to be an effective hunting weapon. .</span><br /><br /> Throwing Stick<br /> <br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">One of the most ancient, yet effective tools for hunting small game is the throwing stick. A throwing stick is thrown sidearm so that it spins The stick is typically 2 to 3 feet long depending on the size and strength of the user. It is also very thick (about as big around as the wrist of the user) and heavy (typically made of hardwood). The ends can be either blunt or sharpened. I prefer to put a very slight point (a skull crusher or pommel point, as it is known). </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">The whole point to the throwing stick is that (thrown sideways) you only have to be within 2 or 3 feet of your target to actually hit it. This is a very effective tool for hunting rabbits and other small ground critters.<br /><br />Caveman Throwing Star<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">An ancient, yet effective tool for hunting small game is the throwing stick. An improvement on that tool is to effectively double it up for a heavier tool with more points. It probably had a name (something like Grunt, Ugh), but I call it the Caveman Throwing Star. Like the throwing stick, the Caveman Throwing <a href="http://henryathillthatchroofchimmeybirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/">Star</a> is thrown sidearm so that it spins. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">He whole point to the Caveman Throwing Star is that you only have to be within 2 or 3 feet of your target to actually hit it. You have 4 bone crushing tips, and the chances of one hitting it's target is high. This is a very effective tool for hunting rabbits and other small ground critters<br /><br />Spear Weapons<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Spears are what you typically think of when you consider primitive weapons. They are very primitive as far as weapons go, but they do have the unique advantage over a knife of allowing you to keep a distance from quarry or as a defense against predators. A good spear might be something to consider making if you are lost in bear country! </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">As far as using a spear as a survival tool for hunting, I would<a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com"> strongly</a><a href="http://bbunkerhillgonefishingbirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com"> </a>recommend against it unless you are lost with a bunch of your friends, and plan to drive bison over cliffs with spears and torches... not bloody likely. As I mentioned above, it might not be a bad idea to have a spear/walking stick as a defensive tool depending on where you are, and what critters may be about. In that case, do not make it super long. About as tall as you and heavy hardwood is what I'd recommend. A nice fire hardened tip is fine. Don't waste your time trying to whittle flint spearheads, .</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-66872599529917779622009-09-29T16:32:00.000-07:002009-10-01T05:59:24.768-07:00BACKWOODS: Prepartion of fish and game for cooking and storageYou must know how to prepare fish and game for cooking and storage in a backwoods survival situation. Improper cleaning or storage can result in inedible fish or game. <h4>Fish </h4> <p>Do not eat fish that appears spoiled. Cooking does not ensure that spoiled fish will be edible. Signs of spoilage are--</p> <ul><li>Sunken eyes. </li><li>Peculiar odor. </li><li>Suspicious color. (Gills should be red to pink. Scales should be a pronounced shade of gray, not faded.) </li><li>Dents stay in the fish's flesh after pressing it with your thumb. </li><li>Slimy, rather than moist or wet body. </li><li>Sharp or peppery taste. </li></ul> <p>Eating spoiled or rotten fish may cause diarrhea, nausea, cramps, vomiting, itching, paralysis, or a metallic taste in the mouth. These<a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com/"> symptoms</a> appear suddenly, one to six hours after eating. Induce vomiting if symptoms appear. </p> <p>Fish spoils quickly after death, especially on a hot day. Prepare fish for eating as soon as possible after catching it. Cut out the gills and large blood vessels that lie near the spine. Gut fish that is more than 10 centimeters long. Scale or skin the fish. </p> <p>You can put a whole fish on a stick and cook it over an open fire. However, boiling the fish with the skin on is the best way to get the most food value. The fats and oil are under the skin and, by boiling, you can save the juices for broth. You can use any of the <a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/">methods</a> used to cook plant food to cook fish. Pack fish into a ball of clay and bury it in the coals of a fire until the clay hardens. Break open the clay ball to get to the cooked fish. Fish is done when the meat flakes off. If you plan to keep the fish for later, smoke or fry it. To prepare fish for smoking, cut off the head and remove the backbone. </p> <h4>Snakes </h4> <p>To skin a snake, first cut off its head and bury it. Then cut the skin down the body 15 to 20 centimeters. Peel the skin back, then grasp the skin in one hand and the body in the other and pull apart. On large, bulky snakes it may be<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/"> necessary</a> to slit the belly skin. Cook snakes in the same manner as small game. Remove the entrails and discard. Cut the snake into small sections and boil or roast it.<br /></p><h4>Birds </h4> <p>After killing the bird, remove its feathers by either plucking or skinning. Remember, skinning removes some of the food value. Open up the body cavity and remove its entrails, saving the craw (in seed-eating birds), heart, and liver. Cut off the feet. Cook by boiling or roasting over a spit. Before cooking scavenger birds, boil them at least 20 minutes to kill parasites. </p> <h4>Skinning and Butchering Game </h4> <p>Bleed the animal by cutting its throat. If possible, clean the carcass near a stream. Place the carcass belly up and split the hide from throat to tail, cutting around all sexual organs. Remove the musk glands at points A and B to avoid tainting the meat. For smaller mammals, cut the hide around the body and insert two fingers under the hide on both sides of the cut and pull both pieces off.<br /></p><p>Remove the entrails from smaller game by splitting the body open and pulling them out with the fingers. Do not forget the chest cavity. For larger game, cut the gullet away from the diaphragm. Roll the entrails out of the body. Cut around the anus, then reach into the lower abdominal cavity, grasp the lower intestine, and pull to remove. Remove the urine bladder by pinching it off and cutting it below the fingers. If you spill urine on the meat, wash it to avoid tainting the meat. Save the heart and liver. Cut these open and inspect for signs of worms or other parasites. Also inspect the liver's color; it could indicate a diseased animal. The liver's surface should be smooth and wet and its color deep red or purple. If the liver appears diseased, discard it. However, a diseased liver does not indicate you cannot eat the muscle tissue. </p> <p>Cut along each leg from above the foot to the previously made body cut. Remove the hide by pulling it away from the carcass, cutting the connective tissue where necessary. Cut off the head and feet. </p> <p>Cut larger game into manageable pieces. First, slice the muscle tissue connecting the front legs to the body. There are no bones or joints <a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com">connecting</a> the front legs to the body on four-legged animals. Cut the hindquarters off where they join the body. You must cut around a large bone at the top of the leg and cut to the ball and socket hip joint. Cut the ligaments around the joint and bend it back to separate it. Remove the large muscles (the tenderloin) that lie on either side of the spine. Separate the ribs from the backbone. There is less work and less wear on your knife if you break the ribs first, then cut through the breaks. </p> <p>Cook large meat pieces over a spit or boil them. You can stew or boil smaller pieces, particularly those that remain attached to bone after the initial butchering, as soup or broth. You can cook body organs such as the heart, liver, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys using the same methods as for muscle meat. You can also cook and eat the brain. Cut the tongue out, skin it, boil it until tender, and eat it. </p> <h4>Smoking Meat </h4> <p>To smoke meat, prepare an enclosure around a fire. Two ponchos snapped together will work. The fire does not need to be big or hot. The intent is to produce smoke, not heat. Do not use resinous wood in the fire because its smoke will ruin the meat. Use hardwoods to produce good smoke. The wood should be somewhat green. If it is too dry, soak it. Cut the meat into thin slices, no more than 6 centimeters thick, and drape them over a framework. Make sure none of the meat touches another piece. Keep the poncho enclosure around the meat to hold the smoke and keep a close watch on the fire. Do not let the fire get too hot. Meat smoked overnight in this manner will last about 1 week. Two days of continuous smoking will preserve the meat for 2 to 4 weeks. Properly smoked meat will look like a dark, curled, brittle stick and you can eat it without further cooking. You can also use a pit to smoke meat. </p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-17777465952776221922009-09-29T16:17:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:09:20.054-07:00What Is The Best Backwoods Survival Gear<div class="entry"> <p>What is the most important backwoods survival gear campers must take with them on outdoor adventures? If you’re trying to survive in the backwoods three things are critically important: first) fire or cooking gear second) shelter and third) clothing and equipment. So fire-making and shelter building skills are vital if you ever find yourself stranded outdoors.</p> <p>1) Build a Fire – If you’re ever lost or stranded in the backwoods, building a fire is your number one priority. The fire will help to keep you warm, keep<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillgardengazebobirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com/"> predators</a> at bay and provide something to cook food on. Your fire should be built in a sandy or rocky area or near sand and water. So some of the most valuable backwoods survival gear you will ever own are: your matches!</p> <p>Waterproof, strike-anywhere matches are great as are a cigarette lighter. You can also get a spark going using the flint and steel method. Make sure to aim the sparks at a pile of dry tinder. Electric sparks from a battery will ignite a rag dampened in gasoline. Any items that will help you start a fire are your most important pieces of backwoods survival gear.</p> <p>2) Build a Shelter – Building a shelter which is insulated from the bottom, and protected from wind and snow can save your life. Any tools that can help you construct a shelter are critical backwoods survival gear. These may include string, rope, plastic, your tarp, or space blanket and anything you can use for digging. If you need to explore a cave make sure that you use a piece of string to guide you in and out.</p> <p>You can enlarge a pit beneath a fallen tree and line it with bark or tree boughs or build a rock shelter in the shape of a U. The roof can be covered with driftwood and a tarp. You can also build a lean-to with poles or fallen trees and cover it with<a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com"> plastic</a>, boughs, thick grasses or bark. Natural materials can function as backwoods survival gear during an emergency.</p> <p>3) Clothing and Equipment – Backwoods survival gear includes any items that can offer you protection from the wind, rain, cold or snow. Natural fibers are best and can be layered. Wear your hat and make sure you have a waterproof outer layer.</p> <p>4) Equipment – Backwoods survival gear and equipment should be easy to carry or use and help you to survive. If it doesn’t fit into this category leave it behind. Fire starters, waterproof matches and/or lighter, a pocket knife, goggles, compass, small first-aid kits and trail food are all essential and useful items.</p> <p>5) Survival Kit – You can pack important backwoods survival gear in a waterproof container. This container can be used as a cooking pot and water receptacle and attached to your belt. A good backpack is also important. Pack a flashlight, extra jacket, socks and mittens, a pocket saw, gas camp stove, first-aid kit, emergency food, and a tent and fly. Whistles and flares are useful items in an emergency.</p> </div>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-16493889847073462072009-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:03:44.678-07:00Survival Food In The BackwoodsIt is good to know what survival foods are out there. Although such knowledge can save the lives of lost backpackers and hikers, it isn't likely. Most survival situations are short-term, and the primary concerns are shelter and water. Knowing how to readily obtain food too, however, is a great psychological<a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com/"> comfort</a>, and can help maintain a sense of calm and a clear mind. These can be important to survival.<p>There are several basic categories of survival foods in the backwoods. Which ones you'll want to use depends on where you are and what tools you have. Here are the foods most likely available.<br /></p><p><b>Wild Berries</b></p><p>This is the easiest survival foods to obtain. If it is the right time of year, you can often find several different edible berries to choose from. If it looks and tastes like a blueberry, strawberry or raspberry, it is. Others you may want to learn to identify include wild currants, June berries, bear berries, wintergreen berries, bunch berries, wild cherries, thimble berries, blackberries, cranberries, and rose hips.</p><p><b>Fish And Other Foods From Water</b></p><p>All freshwater fish in North America are safe to eat. Sometimes you can catch fish with your bare hands. Try waiting where they swim by, and <a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/">quickly</a> pinning them to the bottom with your hand. You can sometimes chase fish into shallow water and trap them as well. If you can fashion line and a hook from items you have, use worms or grasshoppers for bait.</p><p>Often it is easier to obtain other survival foods from lakes and streams. Shell fish, like mollusks or clams can often just be picked up (boil or cook them over a fire). Crayfish can be found crawling around on the bottom of lakes and streams, as well as hiding under rocks and logs in the water. The only part with any usable quantity of meat is the tail, but they are delicious.</p><p><b>Insects And Other Bugs</b></p><p>Not all insects are safe to eat. To be safe, stick with grasshoppers and wood grubs. The former can be caught by hand in many grassy areas. The latter are found by breaking open rotten logs. Cook both of these before eating. Remove legs and wings from grasshoppers.</p><p><b>Birds</b></p><p>It is difficult to capture or kill most birds without a gun. Survival weapons like a bola can be used, but unless you have previously practiced using them, it is unlikely you'll have much success. There are some that nest on the ground, though, such as ptarmigan or grouse, which can possibly be taken with a well-aimed rock. Since they often return to the same place, you may get more than one chance. Eggs from ground-nesting birds are also a good survival food.</p><p><b>Larger Animals</b></p><p>Without weapons it is very difficult to kill most<a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com"> animals</a>. Even with spears and other survival weapons it isn't likely that you'll have much luck, unless you have previously practiced using them. Don't waste time trying until all your other needs (shelter, water, signal fire) are met. There is one animal you can kill with a rock or large stick, the porcupine. Be careful of the sharp quills, cut and clean them from the underside. The porcupine are slow (and tasty), making them one of the better survival foods.</p>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-75737391234517375132009-09-29T07:49:00.000-07:002009-10-06T04:09:01.440-07:00Finding Food and Water to Survive in the BackwoodsIf you find yourself stranded backwoods, the key to your survival is finding three specific things: shelter, food, and water. Now, in some backwoods situations where the elements are not too severe, you can survive without<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillgardengazebobirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com/"> </a><a href="http://henryatbunkerhillgardengazebobirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com/">shelter</a>. But it is impossible to survive without food and water. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency situation can go a long way towards making sure you get home in the best health possible.<br /><br />A normal person can go three full days without water, and three weeks without food. So if you find yourself stranded, the first thing you need to find is water. Keep in mind that water in stagnant sources is often contaminated. In order to <a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com/">protect</a> yourself, always travel with water purification options, such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">halazone</span> tablets or iodine drops. If you find moving water it is less likely to be contaminated. You can still add purification measures to the water to stay safe.<br /><br />Always carry a container that you can fill with water. When you find a water source, fill your container. You will be more mobile if you have a water source you can carry with you. If you cannot find naturally occurring water, there are other ways to find water. Try collecting the dew off of plants. You can also collect rainwater. The juices of fish are a source of hydration, although not an appealing one. The thing to keep in mind, however, is that your ultimate goal is simply survival. Also, avoid doing too much physical activity <a id="KonaLink2" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/finding-food-and-water-to-survive-in-the-wilderness-118718.html#"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span></span></a>if you are limited on water availability. The more exercise your body<a id="KonaLink3" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/finding-food-and-water-to-survive-in-the-wilderness-118718.html#"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span></span></a> does, the more water it will need.<br /><br />Finding food is less crucial, because you can live three weeks without food. There are places that you can find food in the backwoods fairly easily. If you brought emergency rations with you, save those until all of the natural sources of food have been exhausted.<br /><br />What you eat will depend a lot on the amount of water available to you. Remember that it takes more water to digest protein than it does to digest carbohydrates. Also, naturally occurring carbohydrates, such as fruit, have water in them. So if you are in a limited water situation, fill up on carbohydrates, avoiding meat and other protein sources.<br /><br />Make use of whatever fruits and berries you can find. If you are not familiar with the fruit you find, a good rule of thumb is to avoid any berries that are red or white. Most of the poisonous berries are either red or white in color. All grass seeds are edible. If you find a plant with an edible root, remember that there is tremendous nutritional value <a id="KonaLink4" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/finding-food-and-water-to-survive-in-the-wilderness-118718.html#"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span></span></a>in eating the roots of plants.<br /><br />Avoid eating wild mushrooms, unless you can clearly identify them. Most wild mushrooms are <a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com/">perfectly</a> safe to eat, but there are several varieties that are poisonous, and if you do not know how to identify the safe ones it is best to stay away. Remember that insects such as grasshoppers and locusts are edible. You can eat them live or roast them. Frogs, lizards, and turtles are other sources of protein that are fairly easy to catch. While these foods might not be your first choice for lunch, remember your goal is survival!Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-44072449782604104892009-09-29T05:35:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:06:31.226-07:00Backswoods Survival - Have you got what it take?Backwoods survival isn't about skills and knowledge alone. These help, but you also need to have the will to survive. Then you need to prioritize. Here are the most important priorities.<br /><br />1. Attitude<br /><br />One thing you'll notice right away if you read many stories of backwoods survival, is that many people are alive who shouldn't be. Perhaps they crash a plane and then wander into the backwoods where they can't be easily found. Sometimes they almost <a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com/">freeze</a> to death even though there are plants that could be used to cloth and shelter them. Why are they alive? A strong will to live.<br /><br />The will to live is a great start. It has been responsible for survival in the most terrible conditions. But you also should develop the real belief that survival is possible. How? By thinking of your favorite stories of survival against impossible odds. By focusing always on the things you can do. Don't ignore something that can go wrong, but don't think about it for a minute without also deciding what you can do about it.<br /><br />2. Body Temperature<br /><br />Hypothermia- the loss of body heat - is the primary killer in backwoods survival situations. Staying warm means staying dry, having enough insulation, and staying out of the wind as much as is possible. Consider all your options. You can sleep during the day and travel in the cold of the night in some environments, and thus stay warmer. You can stuff dried grass between layers of clothing for more insulation, or make a fire.<br /><br />In hot environments you might want to travel at night or early in the morning, and sleep in the shade during the heat of the day. You can also fashion an umbrella of any materials available, to shade yourself as you walk. water<a id="KonaLink2" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/outdoor-survival-have-you-got-what-it-takes-166511.html#"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span></span></a> that isn't drinkable can still be used to cool you, by soaking clothing in it. A wet handkerchief around your neck will cool you noticeably.<br /><br />3. Hydration<br /><br />Water is far ahead of food as a priority. You can generally live just a few days without water in a survival situation. Once you have shelter, you should immediately locate a water supply, and find a way to purify it. If obtaining water will be a continuing problem, try to reduce your need. You can stay in the shade more, breath through your nose instead of your mouth<a id="KonaLink3" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/outdoor-survival-have-you-got-what-it-takes-166511.html#"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0) ! important; font-weight: 400; position: static;font-family:Verdana,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;" ></span></span></a>, and use water only for drinking, not washing.<br /><br />4. Safety<br /><br />I like the "Man Against Wild" television show. It's entertaining, and I even learn something now and then. But the host loves to show off his skills and daring more than his careful thinking. Don't jump off a cliff into water or climb down a water fall to <a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com">save a bit</a> of bush-whacking (he did both in recent shows). Go around obstacles, move slow on dangerous terrain, and generally try your best to stay uninjured.<br /><br />5. Get Found<br /><br />Your goal in most outdoor survival situations will be to be found while you are still alive. If you have reason to think that people are looking for you, you generally want to stay where you are. Have a signal fire ready to light to help searchers find you. If you have good reason to try to get out on your own leave a note and mark your trail just in case.<br /><br />6. Food<br /><br />From a strictly physiological perspective, food is a low priority in most outdoor survival situations. Almost all survivors in the backwoods, whether lost hikers, boaters or plane wreck survivors, are rescued or dead from other causes long before starvation can kill them. On the other hand, having something to eat can help you maintain strength, warmth, and a sense of comfort.<br /><br />Unlike water, which cannot be rationed too severely (many have died of dehydration with water still in their canteens), you can stretch out what little food you have to make it last. Virtually all mammals and birds are edible if you have the means to cook them. You can also learn to identify a few wild edible plants if you think you might someday be in an backwoods survival situation.Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-33721428125456115892009-09-25T17:56:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:00:41.050-07:00Backwoods Cooking: A Few Methods<span style="font-weight: bold;">Backwoods Mince</span><br />You can cook mince meat inside all sorts of vegetable containers: orange peels, hollowed-out potatoes, onions, butternut, gem squash, or even cabbage leaves.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cabbage hot dogs<br /></span>Lay sliced onion on a cabbage leaf, add a sausage or two and place more onions on top. Wrap up the cabbage leaf tightly and secure with a number of green sticks.<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillgardengazebobirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com/"> Place</a> in embers for about seven to ten minutes, turning occasionally.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steamed fish<br /></span>Make a fire that is long enough for the length of the fish and more than wide enough. Let this burn down to a good bed of embers. Meanwhile prepare the fish and clean thoroughly.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Cut a lot of grass to use for steaming. Place a good layer of grass on top of the coals. Put the fish on top of the grass and place more grass on top. Then cover the fire and grass with dirt and pack it down. Wait for about thirty minutes and uncover.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Other methods for fish<br /></span>Wrapped in cabbage leaf, or grilled on a grid make from twigs. Or pin the fish flesh side forward on a plank or piece of flat board and cook by reflected heat from the fire. For<a href="http://dualpersoncampingtent.totalwarehouse.com/"> real style</a>, place a knob of butter on the fish when it is cooking and later a splash of lemon.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Kebab<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Use a green stick to spear slices of bacon, carrot, peppers, mushrooms, and pieces of pork. Support the skewer over glowing embers turning occasionally. Eat when the meat is crisp and golden brown.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Banana hot dogs<br /></span>Take a banana and cut a slit in the peel down the inside of the curve, and open it outwards. Remove the banana and feed it to a passing camper or a nearby Scout. Now put sausage inside the banana peel and cook it directly on the coals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Egg in orange<br /></span>Cut an orange in half. Scoop out the flesh inside and eat it or give it to a near by camper- be careful not to cut through the<a href="http://travelmessengerbag.totalwarehouse.com"> skin</a>! Now crack an egg into the skin and place on the embers of the fire until the egg is cooked.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spud Egg / Egg in potato<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Cut the top off a potato and scoop a hole in the middle. Crack the egg into the hole, put the top back in place and secure with small wooden pegs. Bake until the potato is cooked.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-63506373294663719882009-09-23T17:57:00.000-07:002009-10-01T05:52:56.188-07:00Food For Camping In The Backwoods<div><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt">Organizing camping food can be hex-tic. To get the most from your food on the trail, balance your calorie intake with the energy it takes to carry the load. Most hikers find dehydrated and condensed foods make the highest calorie-to-weight ratio and so make the best camping foods; however, the repetitive<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillcountrylodgebirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com/"> nature</a> of these foods often means a week of the same meals and even a loss of appetite and digestive problems. But while the basic food structure is fairly rigid, there is no reason why you can't vary your flavors and create excellent meals on the trail.<br /><br /></span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTxt"> Pasta is the almost universal base for dinners on the trail. Its light weight and high carbohydrate count make it ideal to replenish and refuel your body after a long day of hiking and its complex starches will give you energy to spare for the morning. Use different sauces to add variety to your pasta dishes. Pesto, marinara, cheese and even meat sauces can be purchased or made in dehydrated and concentrated forms and only take water or a dash of oil to reconstitute on the trail. Add dehydrated vegetables, peppers, onions, herbs and spices to give added flavor and texture.</span><br /><br />Many trail menus overlook vitamins in favor of high calories contents, but this is not necessary. Dried fruits not only provide the <a href="http://henryathillthatchroofchimmeybirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/">vitamins</a> your body needs to stay healthy during activity but also give a large dose of energizing sugar and carbohydrates. Fill a bag with your favorite dried fruit and add a handful to every meal.<br /><br />Oatmeal has long been the counterpart to pasta for hikers, and makes an excellent trail breakfast. Flavored instant oakmeal packet make a quick,<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillpicniconthegotote.totalwarehouse.com"> convenient</a> and energizing way to start your day on the trail. Purchase a variety pack to avoid morning gruel fatigue, or substitute granola, which although heavier than oatmeal, provide more carbohydrates and fats.<br /><br /></div>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-58985256291684556162009-09-22T01:57:00.000-07:002009-09-24T01:35:30.775-07:00Backwoods - How To Prepare A Camping TentA good night's sleep can make or break a backwoods adventure in camping. Choose the right spot and set up your tent properly and you can be ahead of hiking in wet gear, while battling sleep sufficiency or coddle a happy back. In the backwoods particularly, selecting an<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillcountrylodgebirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com/"> excellent</a> tent site is an important safety exercise.<br /><br />Although modern tents should be user-friendly, they still require endurance to assemble, something you may not have when you reach the site at the end of a long day. Make sure you know the inside and outside of your tent before you hit the trails, practice assembly at home and, if possible, read up on your preferred campsite earlier so you know what to expect in territory and weather.<br /><br /><br />Select a good campsite. In public and personal campgrounds, this conclusion has been made for you, with a level tent-pitching area clearly elected, and a fire pit, and possibly a picnic table, provided. In the backwoods, you are on your own to find the best site. Look for a flat, level and rather well-drained piece of ground, one with naked dirt or grass into which you can easily drive tent pegs and guy lines (ropes that help fasten your tent to the ground). Choose a spot that has sufficient room to allow for aeration and placement of any guy lines that widen from the tent.<br /><br />In stormy locations, try to find a tent site that is downwind from undergrowth, low trees or other land features that offer a windbreak, but upwind from your campfire and its resulting smoke. If you are camping during rain, snow, or a spring or summer thaw, make sure your tent site is away from or at least protected from overflow.<br /><br />Clear the tent site of garbage such as rocks, <a href="http://outdoorgazebobirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com"> branches</a>, twigs or nettles anything that makes the ground uneven or may stab a hole in your tarp or tent floor. As with any venture into nature, try to leave as little impact on your intended campsite as possible.<br /><br />Unfold the waterproof tarp in the center of your site. The tarp should be at least a few inches larger than your tent floor. Plan to place your tent on the back of the tarp so that any additional canvas area is in front of the door; this limits the possibility of tracking fragments into the tent and provides a dry area for storing items external yet still within weapons reach.Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4854137690577299897.post-67685657467147316422009-09-17T10:01:00.000-07:002009-09-24T01:32:39.352-07:00Backwoods Survival - A Few Simple Backwoods Survival Skill<div id="body"><p> Backwoods survival. Are we talking about staying dry and warm? Backwoods safety? Or getting enough food to eat?</p><p>Survival in the backwoods can mean different things to different people. For some people, especially someone that has never been outside the city limits the thought of having to stay alive in the heart of nature can be very intimidating.</p><p>For some reason people tend to be overly <a href="http://henryathillthatchroofchimmeybirdhouse.totalwarehouse.com/">anxious</a> about having enough food to eat. The fact is that we can actually go for weeks without food, while we can only a few days without water...</p><p>The human race is much more hearty than we realize at times!</p><p>As far as eating is concerned, and keeping from starving in the backwoods... as a father of 3 boys, I have tasted almost every kind of critter smaller than I am, and some bigger...</p><p>We have learned that while gopher is okay, and rabbits can be a bit tough, our ultimate favorite is the ruffed grouse, which you can actually get close enough to plunk on the heads with a rock as they are fairly tame.</p><p>So what all is there to eat in the woods? anything slower than us. If it is faster than us, then we need to trap it or hunt it us<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><b>.<br /></b></p><p>We can catch fish if we are close to a lake, trap or snare small animals, net birds, collect shellfish, gather plants.... and the list goes on, as it varies to what part of the country we are in at the time.</p><p><b>Cooking what we catch...Essential in backwoods survival skills!</b></p><p>If we have no means to cook the meat, such as no pots and pans, etc, then the easiest way is to roast it. However we will get more<a href="http://henryatbunkerhillcountrylodgebirdfeeder.totalwarehouse.com"> nutrients</a> and vitamins if we can actually cook it.</p><p>If you have tin foil or even large green leaves, make sure they are edible plants you can also wrap small pieces of meat, such as fish or chopped up pieces of venison, etc, into the leaves or tin foil and lay into your hot bed of coals.</p><p>Cover with dirt or sand. Let it cook till done.</p><p>Backwoods survival can actually be fun and relaxing if we gather some knowledge about it all.</p></div>Henry Enterprisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12777178494995809474noreply@blogger.com0