Category: Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft

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 Plants for Herbal Medicine in North America

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Most Important Plants for Herbal Medicine in North America

The article focuses on plants shown to treat health issues effectively. It begins with an overview of medicinal plant properties and their classification, along with guidance on identification for beginners. Key plants discussed include seaweeds, lichen, ferns, various conifers, and then flowering plants, each with medicinal benefits. Examples include Usnea’s antimicrobial properties and the aspirin-containing Willows. Continue Reading Most Important Plants for Herbal Medicine in North America

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Tenets of Herbal Medicine: Guidelines & Rules for Health, Safety & Success

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 2 Comments on Tenets of Herbal Medicine: Guidelines & Rules for Health, Safety & Success

Wolf Camp founder Chris Chisholm shares valuable lessons of using herbal remedies to prevent and treat illness and injuries for holistic healing. The narrative includes an in-depth video and offers 12 Tenets of herbal medicine, covering topics such as proper herb cultivation, the significance of personal health awareness, reliable sources for herbal knowledge, and acknowledging indigenous origins. The take-home message is an emphasis on educating oneself about herbal practices to realistically manage health issues using natural remedies. Continue Reading Tenets of Herbal Medicine: Guidelines & Rules for Health, Safety & Success

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Oaks and the Mighty Acorn: Harvest, Process and Enjoy! – Article & In-Depth Video

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 1 Comment on Oaks and the Mighty Acorn: Harvest, Process and Enjoy! – Article & In-Depth Video

Acorns, once a staple food, require time to process. The post balances traditional harvesting methods with the importance of leaving acorns for game. It shows the difference between white, red, and live oaks, noting that white oak acorns are less bitter and more desirable. Processing involves cracking, leaching to remove tannins, and grinding the nuts. Cold and hot leaching techniques are detailed. Acorn flour in recipes are also includes for pancakes and muffins. Continue Reading Oaks and the Mighty Acorn: Harvest, Process and Enjoy! – Article & In-Depth Video

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Wild Edible Foods Recipe – Cattail Chips!

Posted on By Hannah No Comments on Wild Edible Foods Recipe – Cattail Chips!

Cattails are versatile aquatic plants valued for their numerous applications including food, medicine, and permaculture. At Wolf Camp, they are identified as the top survival plant in temperate North America, with their rhizomes being rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients. A popular recipe involves sautéing chopped cattail rhizomes, which resemble potatoes in taste and texture. Caution is advised when harvesting, as cattails can absorb environmental pollutants, and they have a poisonous look-a-like, the wild Iris. Continue Reading Wild Edible Foods Recipe – Cattail Chips!

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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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How to Cook Over a Campfire with Wilderness Chef Charles Borrowman

Posted on By Charles Borrowman No Comments on How to Cook Over a Campfire with Wilderness Chef Charles Borrowman

Wilderness Chef Charlie Borrowman shares time-tested secrets of cooking over a campfire while offering a social environment that unites friends and family. Traditions range from using just coals, to adding aluminum foil or skewers for various foods like meats and vegetables. Spit roasting allows for larger cuts, while contemporary methods involve grilling and using pots directly on coals. Regardless of the cooking method, the experience culminates in a cherished campfire cookout, fostering connection and enjoyment among friends. Continue Reading How to Cook Over a Campfire with Wilderness Chef Charles Borrowman

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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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