Pre-soaking in cold water will make for easy scraping! If you process animal hides, the first step is to remove any meat and connective tissues by scraping the hide over a beam or board. This is called fleshing. If you are fleshing fresh hides time is not on your side, because meat that is still connected to the hide shrinks and dries fast making it harder to … [Read more...] about Making Rawhide
Crafts
Hammer Time
https://youtu.be/tnvcfbpX6FQ … [Read more...] about Hammer Time
Bundle Bow
Simple and effective "bundle bow" A handful of straight shoots and some cord is all you need! The bundle bow pictured is one I made with viburnum. My introduction into making expedient bundle bows started with this green assortment of arrow shaft materials! I cut the longest and straightest shoots that I can, then I wrap the bundle of 8 or 10 tight with … [Read more...] about Bundle Bow
Snake Skin & Duct Tape!
Here I share a “tidy” method on how to trim and remove scales from a self-bow in this “over the shoulder” clip. https://youtu.be/6rU9_NLMMA4 …after the hide has been glued in place...a method that will also be in the members only section, I begin to trim off the excess. A small sharp file is perfect for this task. I use a feathering technique. Only light … [Read more...] about Snake Skin & Duct Tape!
Primitive Arrows With Feathers
Some people may disagree, but feathers need not be split or from the wings to be effective on arrows! Take a look at the picture to the left. Lashed like this, even a flat tail feather can be used. There is very little preparation to be done to make this an effective fletching! The advantages of this style are as follows: You could use 1 or 2 feathers, depending on … [Read more...] about Primitive Arrows With Feathers
Many Uses for Birch Bark
The Birch tree is a very special gift with almost endless uses. For as long as there have been birch trees, first peoples have recognized the special uses to which the bark of this tree could be put. Some examples: Fire,Water,Shelter,Tools,Medicine,Containers, and MORE can be made from this natural wonder Old ways, keeping them alive. jb … [Read more...] about Many Uses for Birch Bark
Quick Extra Shell Carrier/Tab
Here's a quick project you can do to get a few extra rounds easily at your fingertips. I hunt mainly with single round weapons. My .22lr is no exception and I was thinking "wouldn't it be nice to have a few rounds at my fingertips" and so the carrier/tab was born. I tie the tab securely to my sling or to my haversack strap for easy access. This is a project you … [Read more...] about Quick Extra Shell Carrier/Tab
Use Inner Tubes to Protect Your Tools
One way I keep my tools protected is with inner tubes from bicycle tires. Just cut the tube and wrap it around your tools. It works a charm. (They also make great "ranger bands".) jb … [Read more...] about Use Inner Tubes to Protect Your Tools
Simple Woodland Spoon
If you have ever been in the forest WITHOUT a spoon, DON'T PANIC! Here's a quick little tip you will enjoy and it doesn't require a specialized carving knife... What I have done here is simply carved 2 sticks at opposing angles and then lashed together with para-cord for an almost-instant wilderness spoon! (This is a fun one to try with the kids, too.) Enjoy The … [Read more...] about Simple Woodland Spoon