Author: Chris Chisholm

Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wisconsin Wolf?

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Dr. Thomas P. Chisholm shares insights on tracking wolves and elk in Wisconsin amidst changing environmental dynamics. March provides an ideal time for tracking, especially after recent elk reintroduction efforts. Wolves, once nearly extinct, now contribute to complex interactions in the ecosystem. Despite concerns over wolf predation on livestock, their impact on deer populations is minimal. Nonetheless, wolves face threats from hunting legislation and misconceptions depicting them as dangerous. The author emphasizes coexistence and understanding with wildlife while encouraging study and observation over hunting. Continue Reading Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wisconsin Wolf?

Posts on Environmental Policy, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Wildlife Tracking & Birding

Trees: The Natural Climate Change Solution

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Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science suggests Thuja plicata as the best solution in our area to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the ground for extended periods. Each thujaplicata contains a unique compound that inhibits its carbon release during decomposition, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. Additionally, the biochar process further preserves carbon while limiting environmental pollution. Continue Reading Trees: The Natural Climate Change Solution

Posts on Environmental Policy, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency

Tracking Animals for Fun, Photography, Hunting & Conservation

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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

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Wilderness Survival, Posts on Wildlife Tracking & Birding

Traditional Archery: Crafting & Shooting Quick Survival Arrows

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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

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

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

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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

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

Most Important Plants for Herbal Medicine in North America

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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

Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft

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

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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

Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft

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

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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

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft

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

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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

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

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

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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

Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival