Bushcraft Lunch?

I practice all of the time. Even wheni go to the cottage, my children and I always fashion things with our hands. We practice snares and traps as well as making spears for fishing and hunting. We almost always start fires without matches and cook on open fires quite frequently. If time is scarce, I would suggest watching some of the survival shows for ideas and take notes.

During the moose hunt last week, I got the guys in my hunt camp to try new things such as hand made blinds. We cooked on open fires and taught the how to gather fresh drinking water without any water sources. It was a blast. Glad there was no snow... I'm still not ready for the four letter word.

AWESOME BallisticPrepper,.. One must continue the craft so to speak. If there is participation from others it CAN be a great learning experience. Say for example, Im all hung up on using natural fuel like wood for my needs. Now I know many, almost all actually that depend on an alternate fuel. Don't get me wrong there is a time and a place but I like to try. So looking and watching for me the differences in even the techniques and dance that need to happen either with wood or with fuel is a plus.

Getting into fire sets for different applications ( environmental holdbacks ) is an awesome topic. Cooking arrangements is another. Pot hangers, ovens etc. Heating and cooking by stealth for security reasons. There is a ton of great stuff! Then into food preps,…. for example I won't get into much detail but I kinda like to eat pretty well BUT there is a catch to it for sure. You have got utensils that make you or break you and what will double up for other uses. ( think lean )

When we get together and share together we all come out a winner and hey,…. its just survival 😆

Reading things on how to accomplish the tasks are all cool but getting out and actually breaking a sweat is whats actually going to give you the knowledge. You cannot go out one day and say I can light fire with my flint if you have only done it a few times with a cotton ball soaked with Vasaline. Sooner or later those buggers are going to run out, get lost, get stolen. So I say run with Mother Nature and learn from her.

I have set and hosted many a meeting with locals in my area. We all shared good info and great times as well all the while taking something away from the gatherings and routine get togethers and if there is one thing that is consistent with progress here or ANYWHERE is putting it on the line and doing it.

Iv just been kicking around some ideas in my head about what meal I might assemble. Im fortunate to have a radio, internet and satellites to give me a glimpse of the weather for the time heading out and I won't for long so Im grateful to do it on my own accord and learn now.

If anyone is game for a lakeside location and hopefully catch dinner Im in for a shore lunch or Im even dreaming so far as making shepards pie from scratch so call me crazy cause everyone does 😆

I only wish I had more time to write and share ideas. I have been thinking that most people have become so accustomed to technology that they have forgotten how to utilize thier basic instincts and abilities.

I meet with some farmers and old timers who do not have cable and will be able to forecast weather fairly accurately. Not only that, however, what type of weather to,expect over the coming year. Those bastards who write the farmers almanac know what they are doing.

We tried something different last weekend with the boys, we set out without a single tool. I tasked each of them to fashion a shelter, a hunting weapon and to locate potable water. After about six hours, I was pleasantly surprised.., I'll leave out the overwhelming sense of joy, pride, and satisfaction, that perhaps I did a great job or raising them. Then I stood back and succumbed to reality... It wasn't all me. I thought them to think outside the box and be creative and use their own minds.

I challenge anybody out thier to leave the technology behind, and be able to fashion thier own tools to build the basics for survival...

Did I mention that my 11 and 13 year old made a hatched, a mallet and a split spear/trap for fishing. unfortunately the twine from natural materials took some time, they cheated and used thier laces. But, this was not a cheat... I will call it survival instinct.

This weekend I think that we will use knives and fine tune the shelter building skills. Even though the one they made last weekend held up to the rain and winds... Perhaps we can improve and make. Two storey unit with a living room... Just kidding... I'm glad I am able to learn from my children, being humble isn't all that easy.

I've been teach youth to cook in the bush for 20 +. The hardest thing to teach any one is you don't need a huge fire. The next is that if they want to stay concealed is you must start your fire with dry tinder and use dry wood to keep the smoke down. Next would be what you cook will most likely create an aroma that will travel in the wind. Bears can smell wood smoke five miles away, a human about a mile. Both can smell bacon twice that. If you aren't sure how close the bears or the zombies are make it a very small fire and avoid frying, boil water add it to some thing that has very little smell. Don't use savories or spices, go plain until you know you are safe.

Here's how I do it.
1/ cut the sod from the ground and gently set it aside on a towel.
2/ dig a small 12" round hole by the same deep.
3/ lay your fire in the hole, make sure everything is dry that goes into that fire, Keep it small.
4/ lay two pieces of wood across the hole big enough not to burn through with your pot on top while you are cooking.
5/ let fire burn out, replace the dirt off your towel to fire pit and level it out.
6/ Replace the sod in place. sweep away any dirt that is not covered by the sod.
7/ water the sod and fluff up the grass, throw a hand full or two of leaves about the area.
8/ clear the area of any indication you were ever there.

You can do the same thing for a cat hole just leave parts 3, 4, and five out.

Thanks for the great ideas... Perhaps I will give it a shot this time around. It has been wet though. As well, the Bears have been active, perhaps with all the summer gorby's leaving...

Yes stealth for warmth and cooking is essential. I have a few tricks up my sleeves and as mentioned there is no substitute for DOING IT. I have read, watched and listened to others that seem to have all the right reasons, good plans, and the uncanny ability to think they can actually pull it off. Never ceases to amaze me that when you get there,…. it seems like its a camping trip or a day out for a walk in the woods. HAHAHA Bottom line is get out there and do it. Better yet,… get out there and do it with others. Kick the can a bit. Share ideas and learn from each other. There are so many that have the answers. ONLINE answers. LOL You can bet it don't work that way at all. Yup it might once and when you talk to the younger crowd they sure sound like they have a lot of talent but honestly its just book read. Im challenging anybody to come on out for a good day of sharing and learning. Doing and talking.

I have been on this forum for awhile now and its clear who walks the walk by getting out there and showing up. If none shows up for lunch I will work, learn, and eat for myself but given the outings we have had thus far clearly indicates what you think is gonna work, AINT. better to understand your skills, your adversaries and the rest NOW.

I have also noticed a few here that just like to jump on others posts to critique it or a more likeable term in my books is simply bash you and your ideas all the while they sit at home with the comfy heater at their feet dicking with electronics, and how they are learning what goes where and just how fast it should be. 😉 Everyone has skills to share and skills to learn. Id like to keep it real and do this in the flesh as thats where its really at. Gone are the days of bullshit baffles brains. We have come way too far for that IMHO.

Just the last time out I met a fabulous guy that has lots of experience in fighting forest fires. No it don't stop there,…. its about whats brung for necessity, where to shelter, what way the wind drifts accros a hillside or valley. How and why for safety,….. man oh man. There is no substitute for that at all. Im thankful that someone puts their life on the line and is willing to share things with myself because of it. So thank you brotha. You can't put a price on that info!!

Just come on out in the flesh and start to make it happen is all i say. Its when you let yourself go and seek,… is when doors will open up and things become much more clear in sight. These are good things for sure.

After all its survival. 😈

When, Where, What time?
As long as it's not to far away, I'd enjoy learning a new way to do things.
One is never to old to learn new tricks and just maybe bring a few along 😉

I've been teach youth to cook in the bush for 20 +. The hardest thing to teach any one is you don't need a huge fire. The next is that if they want to stay concealed is you must start your fire with dry tinder and use dry wood to keep the smoke down. Next would be what you cook will most likely create an aroma that will travel in the wind. Bears can smell wood smoke five miles away, a human about a mile. Both can smell bacon twice that. If you aren't sure how close the bears or the zombies are make it a very small fire and avoid frying, boil water add it to some thing that has very little smell. Don't use savories or spices, go plain until you know you are safe.

Here's how I do it.
1/ cut the sod from the ground and gently set it aside on a towel.
2/ dig a small 12" round hole by the same deep.
3/ lay your fire in the hole, make sure everything is dry that goes into that fire, Keep it small.
4/ lay two pieces of wood across the hole big enough not to burn through with your pot on top while you are cooking.
5/ let fire burn out, replace the dirt off your towel to fire pit and level it out.
6/ Replace the sod in place. sweep away any dirt that is not covered by the sod.
7/ water the sod and fluff up the grass, throw a hand full or two of leaves about the area.
8/ clear the area of any indication you were ever there.

You can do the same thing for a cat hole just leave parts 3, 4, and five out.

One more thing. Fire can start and travel under ground to pop up elsewhere. Many forest fires have been started by campfires that were thought to be put out correctly. Soak the hole thoroughly with water before you cover it up. There is also a risk while the fire is burning in the pit. You will never know when this occurs. I was taught by a World War ll bush master to soak the ground for 2 feet around a campfire when putting it out.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that one must pick ones placement site prior to igniting ones fire.
Thanks Odd Duck

Sorry for being so late on the reply. Was thinking the long weekend but the unfortunate events that happened a few weeks ago I will be in your neck of the woods for a charity fundraiser. I have connections to the young girl killed by the train there and I will have other commitments for that time. I will most likely be gunning for Nov 23rd on the bushcraft lunch and if the timing works for anyone I don't mind traveling at all. I like getting into different situations with topography and such while having different material to work with. Im pretty darn easy that way.

Well I'm on Vancouver Island Nov.3 - 6 on a sales trip.
Start Radio course Nov.7 & 8. and Nov. 14 & 15.
I will most likely have to stay home with Mrs. Grumpy Bear the following week end.
Hmm November looks tight for me. Nov. 29 or 30th is still empty.

Well seems I can fit something in this weekend although my window of opportunity is quite narrow I was thinking of an early breakfast out there somewhere instead of lunch,…? Maybe riverside or creekside. Now I know what your all thinkin, yea yea sure. Post up a lunch and drop short notice and THEN on top of it ask you out early in the AM? LOL Sorry not trying to put anyone off but thats my small little window is from Fri evening to Saturday dinnertime. Sooooooo If I can get out there early,… and I mean early if none takes me up on the invite, I can hike/trek during full darkness or leave trailhead at first light and get to a suitable location easily by sun up over the mountains.

Now I have a couple of issues to deal with 1 being I do not currently own a fishing license and a shore lunch would be fantastic. I was thinking like trout with some brown beens and a few veges r something but the catch is I would probably buy the fish from somewhere and thats a whole other story but I really don't support store bought fish but again no license,… no fishy. Soooo if I had to chinch out on actually catching the fish ( which I HAVE caught fish so I know I can) but I really wanted to try some rudimentary practices to catch them which of course would most likely prove difficult. So with some more thought I would focus on tasks such as the fire building, basket stand and making a basket type tool to hold my fish while cooking. Also If I chose a spot with a slow water type of situation or even a large muddy pool I may go for a frog. Which my #2 problem is I don't have a frog gig. .But I have heard of a decent little way they catch them up around the the Nehatlatch area with a pole and a line along with a red T-shirt or red piece of material. Im thinking technically I would use a stick and some line with a hook and material. So I may try my hand at that. Its as simple as adding red yarn or whatever to your fishing kit. Hopefully I can report some success or otherwise on that. Never had a set of frog legs in my life. Im more curious about locating them, and catching them. Of course eating them too 😉

So if anyone might want to get out there just post up and I may even try for an overnighter on friday for the breakfast Saturday but Im sure with all I have going on Its wiser to prepare for a good morning start. Im still weighing out my location until friday night in case there is another crazy soul who wants to come out for breakfast and coffee off the beaten path,…. or wherever.

I did a flyout hunt with a friend in about 1983. I bagged a calf moose by 8 AM opening day with a blind heart and lung shot in tall grass with my 1st arrow. Had breakfast, quartered and packed the calf in the plane and was in the coffee shop bragging by 10AM. I did that campfire screwup you mentioned as I'd lit a fire on a rocky point but there was still pete moss about. Seems the stuff traveled underground and started smoldering up a tree nearby up after we'd left. Luckily a friend went back for the calf's Mom a few hours later (with the same pilot) and put my fire out for good. I've always thought I was careful as I had dumped a good 2 pail fulls of water on that fire before leaving. I've never trusted a pete moss area since then and dig down now before I light a stick. I fought Canada's largest fire(at the time) of over a million acres lost in 1980 and would hate to think I could have been tagged the careless prick to start another such monster...

As for campfires, I used to burn alot of driftwood during shore lunches as my region is covered with it. It burns fast and hot and my fires were usually 2ft in diameter or so. I guided in my youth and tourists soon complained if lunch took too long. After the fire burns down, I kick the embers tight and lay a green log on each side to hold a 18"- 20" cast iron fry pan with a 20" handle. Shore lunch consists of Walleye and brown beans and I'd often make onion rings (Yanks call the "hush puppies") with the remaining fish batter. I used to use a whole pound of butter to fry the fish daily and if you spill a drop, the whole pan would usually catch fire. Not much to making that meal as you might imagine but most Yanks thought it fantastic just the same. I'd often eat peanut butter sandwiches as I tired of that same meal about 1/2 way thru June (which is a month straight).

They used to sell this dehydrated stew mix in a tube like you buy potato chips in today. All you needed was meat and you had a great meal. When fall guiding for large game, I'd bag a partridge or 2 with a pellet gun for lunch and chop it up and throw in this stew mix. I didn't know crap about cooking in them days and that mix always made me look like I did. I have spent years trying to make such a concoction as that today as I never see anything close in stores today.

The ones I make are good but the gravy still seems wrong. I save the plastic tubes that Laye's chips come in for just this apt:

- I use dehydrated scalloped potatoes (store bought as they are cheaper than making my own)
- dehydrated peas and carrots
- dehydrated onions(mine)
- 1 pak Lipton Onion soup mix
- powdered beef gravy mix
- a small baggy with flour in it

I've tried every combination of crap I like to mix with partridge to accomplish what I did when young and maybe I just remember better than it really was. 🙄
(I also think I told this last story elsewhere here...a sure sign I'm getting old) 😆

Just an update on the day for you all. My plan was to get out early early and get some things done in complete darkness. Things that are normally simple become a slow process when "black out"

I tossed the canoe in the water and packed everything up. I actually packed pretty light as my only intention was finding a suitable spot and setting up camp. I was lucky enough to have clear skies and calm winds so no worries there. Traveling shoreline in a canoe with headlamp was fun but chilly. Gathering wood ( what will work) was difficult as one might expect and although I had a great spot it didn't come with a lot of real estate and gathering was difficult but I DID manage to get a nice fire going on the shore and had no after burn or surface issues. I do know all about it as I have been out and spent a few hrs wrestling a fire down that I inadvertently started as well. Due to the situation at hand that time ago I was very concerned as the fire had a very good chance of catching a 200' cedar ablaze and lets just say as a volunteer firefighter myself I was very pissed to not seen the issue before hand and even more determined to save the forest as you say Knuckle. Which i did just that but the energy expended to pull it off not only just about killed me and I was so friggin sore the next day I was shocked. I guess carrying coolers full of water30yrds for over an hour combined with all the digging, prying and axing I was doing + adrenalin just about did me in. In the end I sat there spent, sore, upset and need I say hungry as a bear now with all the work done. I soon won't forget that evening. So to confirm I had no such trouble yesterday. I bring a little salt and pepper for taste. Some honey and coconut oil. I was able to keep the cooking and eating to minimum and continued to work on some other aspects of my game. All in all I had a good day out and still managed to catch the juniors wallop of a game in the evening 🙂