Category: Posts on Wilderness Survival

Subsistence Shore Fishing in Western Washington: Lakes, Rivers & Saltwater Piers

Posted on By Charles Borrowman No Comments on Subsistence Shore Fishing in Western Washington: Lakes, Rivers & Saltwater Piers

Wolf Camp fishing instructor and seafood culinary chef Charlie Borrowman emphasizes the practical aspects of fishing as a subsistence activity rather than purely recreational. It covers various fishing techniques for trout, salmon, and shellfish, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and adherence to fishing regulations. The article details gear specifications, techniques for targeting specific fish species, and seasonal variations, such as the best times to fish. Continue Reading Subsistence Shore Fishing in Western Washington: Lakes, Rivers & Saltwater Piers

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Tracking Animals for Fun, Photography, Hunting & Conservation

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Tracking Animals for Fun, Photography, Hunting & Conservation

Wolf Camp founder Chris Chisholm breaks down how to track wild animals in this succinct article with live action videos. Uncover nature’s stories by adopting a detective’s mindset and enhancing your observational abilities in the natural world. Key skills include interpreting animal tracks, scat, and other signs to understand the behavior and location of animals. Critical questions to ask while tracking involve understanding why animals are in certain habitats, how signs age, looking ahead (not down) to see where animals travel, and of course studying to learn whom tracks belong to. Habitual practice, journaling results, and utilizing the right resources will bring rapid progress to improve tracking skills and ultimately deepen your connection with nature. Continue Reading Tracking Animals for Fun, Photography, Hunting & Conservation

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Traditional Archery: Crafting & Shooting Quick Survival Arrows

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Traditional Archery: Crafting & Shooting Quick Survival Arrows

This article and video on making and shooting quick survival arrows with Wolf Camp founder Chris Chisholm provides a comprehensive guide on crafting arrows using wood in survival situations. It emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate wood types based on “spine weight” and offers practical steps for harvesting, shaping, straightening, sealing, and fletching arrows. The guide also covers how to create nocks and attach arrowheads using available materials, like broken glass or slate. Key tips include bending wood using heat, ensuring a straight arrow for optimal performance, and using natural adhesives. Finally, it advises shooting arrows instinctively in survival settings, warning against dry firing to prevent damage to bows. Continue Reading Traditional Archery: Crafting & Shooting Quick Survival Arrows

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Bow Making Instructions – From Quick Survival Bows to Traditional Big Game Bows

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Bow Making Instructions – From Quick Survival Bows to Traditional Big Game Bows

The article by Wolf Camp founder Chris Chisholm provides detailed instructions on crafting two types of bows: a Quick Survival Bow and a Traditional Big Game Bow. It emphasizes selecting the right wood, preparing and shaping the stave, notching, and stringing the bow. Proper tillering is crucial to ensure both limbs bend evenly for accuracy and efficiency. The post advises against dry firing and suggests finishing techniques, including sanding and oiling, to maintain the bow’s integrity. It highlights the importance of design for effective shooting and hand-shock reduction while incorporating insights from experienced bowyers. Continue Reading Bow Making Instructions – From Quick Survival Bows to Traditional Big Game Bows

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Most Important Plant – Cattails! Article & Video on Finding, Harvesting, Transplanting & Cooking Cattails

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 1 Comment on Most Important Plant – Cattails! Article & Video on Finding, Harvesting, Transplanting & Cooking Cattails

We consider cattails as the top survival food in Northern regions due to their high nutritional value, containing carbohydrates, along with protein and essential vitamins. Cattail can be cooked for a tasty meal, but must be harvested from unpolluted waters to avoid toxin accumulation. Besides being edible, cattails have medicinal properties and can be used in various crafts, such as making shelter, mats, and torches. Their versatility makes them valuable in both survival situations and everyday life. Continue Reading Most Important Plant – Cattails! Article & Video on Finding, Harvesting, Transplanting & Cooking Cattails

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How to “Pit Cook” Root Crops, Meats & More – Cooking in the Ground

Posted on By Charles Borrowman No Comments on How to “Pit Cook” Root Crops, Meats & More – Cooking in the Ground

Pit cooking, once a common method of preparing food, has experienced a revival of popularity that echo traditional techniques such as Hawaiian luau Kahlua pig roasting. Pit cooking creates a unique and flavorful dining experience, ideal for large gatherings. The process involves digging a pit, preparing hot rocks, and using green plant materials for insulation and wrapping. Though it requires time and safety precautions, it results in a delicious meal and a rewarding cooking method worth exploring for enthusiasts. Continue Reading How to “Pit Cook” Root Crops, Meats & More – Cooking in the Ground

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Criss-Cross Fire Construction, The WannaBlow & Other Fire Foibles

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Criss-Cross Fire Construction, The WannaBlow & Other Fire Foibles

Wolf Camp director Chris Chisholm shares humorous and insightful stories about youthful experiences around fire, beginning with a childhood incident where he accidentally set the woods on fire. The article reviews fire’s basic needs: air, fuel, and shelter, and explains how these elements create a stable fire. Techniques for building a well-ventilated fire structure, the “Wolf Camp Criss-Cross Fire Oven,” are introduced to ensure optimal airflow and heat retention for magical reignition. The article ends with fire safety, including counterintuitive methods for extinguishing fires. Continue Reading Criss-Cross Fire Construction, The WannaBlow & Other Fire Foibles

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Bow Drill Fire Making Kits – Directions, Tips, Tricks, Pitfalls & Advice

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 1 Comment on Bow Drill Fire Making Kits – Directions, Tips, Tricks, Pitfalls & Advice

Wolf Camp director Chris Chisholm details traditional fire-making by friction using the bow-drill method. Learning this method alleviates dependency on manufactured fire starters, ensuring a constant ability to create fire in adverse conditions. Key tips include maintaining proper form, selecting appropriate materials, and positioning to maximize efficiency. Beginners should practice with a prefab kit before advancing to natural materials. Advanced skills involve crafting kits from nature and utilizing natural cordage. Continue Reading Bow Drill Fire Making Kits – Directions, Tips, Tricks, Pitfalls & Advice

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Best Way to Make Fire: The Bed-Pillow-Blanket Method vs Tipi Fire Construction

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 2 Comments on Best Way to Make Fire: The Bed-Pillow-Blanket Method vs Tipi Fire Construction

This article trains you on fire-making techniques, emphasizing four essential requirements: fuel, air, shelter, and ignition using matches, fire steel or lighter. Two primary methods are key for creating fires: the Bed, Pillow & Blanket Method for quick setups; and the Giant Tipi Fire for the most challenging weather conditions. Continue Reading Best Way to Make Fire: The Bed-Pillow-Blanket Method vs Tipi Fire Construction

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Best Emergency Wilderness Survival Shelter – The Wolf Camp BIVOUAC BED & EAGLE’S NEST and Bivi Bag instead of Debris Hut

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Best Emergency Wilderness Survival Shelter – The Wolf Camp BIVOUAC BED & EAGLE’S NEST and Bivi Bag instead of Debris Hut

The debris hut, popularized through the Boy Scouts and survival schools, is ineffective for most emergency situations due to its impractical requirements, including time, skills, physical ability, and materials. Instead, we recommend the Bivouac Bed, or Bivy Bed, as a more viable emergency shelter that can be created quickly under duress. It emphasizes essential steps like sheltering out of the wind, and insulating against the ground. The Eagle’s Nest is even better for extended situations. Continue Reading Best Emergency Wilderness Survival Shelter – The Wolf Camp BIVOUAC BED & EAGLE’S NEST and Bivi Bag instead of Debris Hut

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