Category: Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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