Category: Blog

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

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Wilderness Survival

Beauty or the Beast: Understanding Attitudes about Wolves in Washington

Posted on By Patrick Wiley No Comments on Beauty or the Beast: Understanding Attitudes about Wolves in Washington

Patrick Wiley, M.S., discusses the complexities of wolf management in Washington State, stemming from a unique intersection of ecological interest and cultural identity. The author reflects on his personal ambivalence toward wolves, contrasting them with other predators and highlighting societal perceptions of wolves as symbols of threat or ecological balance. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management plan attempts to address human concerns surrounding wolves, yet struggles due to a lack of social science understanding. The post emphasizes the necessity of recognizing psychological factors—like Social Dominance and Right Wing Authoritarianism—in formulating effective wildlife policy, suggesting that without addressing human behaviors and identities, conflicts over wolf management will persist. Continue Reading Beauty or the Beast: Understanding Attitudes about Wolves in Washington

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

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

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wisconsin Wolf?

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

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Trees: The Natural Climate Change Solution

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 and the Hunt

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Tracking Animals for Fun, Photography and the Hunt

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 and the Hunt

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

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

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

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

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

Backcountry Camp Cooking Recipe – Rice Pilaf

Posted on By Charles Borrowman No Comments on Backcountry Camp Cooking Recipe – Rice Pilaf

In this post, Wolf Camp instructor and wilderness chef Charlie Borrowman shares a recipe for a delicious Backcountry Rice Pilaf perfect for camping trips, moving beyond typical freeze-dried meals. The recipe uses lightweight, easy-to-pack ingredients and guides readers through the cooking process over a camp stove. His expertise shines through his culinary training at the French Culinary Institute, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy flavorful meals in nature. Continue Reading Backcountry Camp Cooking Recipe – Rice Pilaf

Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency

Making Clam Chowder with French Herbs

Posted on By Charles Borrowman 2 Comments on Making Clam Chowder with French Herbs

Wolf Camp wilderness chef Charles Borrowman shares his special clam chowder recipe, a New England favorite, which can be easily made at home with fresh clams and a few simple ingredients. The chowder base consists of bacon, onions, celery, potatoes, cream, and various seasonings. After sautéing the vegetables and creating a roux, simmer all ingredients together, adding clams last, and enjoy this hearty dish! Continue Reading Making Clam Chowder with French Herbs

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency

Making Healthy Natural Miso Soup with Kombu Kelp Seaweed

Posted on By Charles Borrowman 1 Comment on Making Healthy Natural Miso Soup with Kombu Kelp Seaweed

Living near the Pacific coast provides access to various seaweeds, particularly kelp, essential for dishes like miso soup. One favored kelp is kombu, used to create dashi stock. Miso soup is simple and can be made with fresh or dried kelp. The preparation involves rehydrating dried seaweed, simmering it with water, bonito flakes, and then adding tofu and miso paste. Charles Borrowman, a culinary expert, shares his insights and recipes through Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science at Blue Skye Farm, emphasizing the joy of cooking with local ingredients. Continue Reading Making Healthy Natural Miso Soup with Kombu Kelp Seaweed

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency