Possibles–Survival Gear for Any Emergency

Very few of us are lucky enough to hunt for a living or hunt as frequently as we'd like; however, the theory of having your "possibles" along on every trip is still a good idea. Any student of Mountain Man lore has heard about possibles—a bag of essential survival items you carry for any [...]

Possibles–Survival Gear for Any Emergency2023-06-05T16:51:20-06:00

Make Your Own Leather Tab

Here is an idea that happened out of necessity. My favorite tab was lost in the woods, and my spare was a bit too thin. An old pair of Wolverine slip-on boots were outside getting beat up by the elements, but I couldn't bring myself to throw them away. Then the idea just [...]

Make Your Own Leather Tab2023-05-23T11:14:50-06:00

Cleaning Your Thermos

I am not sure why I shined a light into the old stainless steel thermos after a recent hunt, but I did. To put it bluntly, it was beyond gross! The thermos has emotional attachment to me, as it belonged to my Dad and is quite old. It became my charge to get [...]

Cleaning Your Thermos2023-05-23T09:58:39-06:00

Reflective Tape on Arrows

I first learned of this tip from Dennis Kamstra, who offers excellent ideas in Traditional Bowhunter® Magazine's Tips From the Old Timer column. Thanks for all your tips over the years, Dennis! With noted credit, this tip seems worthy of another look with some added experiences. I put reflective tape on my hunting [...]

Reflective Tape on Arrows2023-05-09T14:11:42-06:00

Two Light System

When hunting, I find that I need two types of lights: (1) a headlamp for light at your feet or arm’s length, and (2) a handheld flashlight to scan far in front for navigating through unfamiliar ground or searching for downed animals. These two lights should share the same battery type to make [...]

Two Light System2023-06-05T16:52:23-06:00

Make Your Own Broadhead Sharpening Block

I'd like to share how I made a sharpening block from bits and scraps I had in the shop. It is mobile, fits nicely in a pack, and keeps my sharpening items together. Materials: 1 bastard file (10" shown) 1 old leather belt 1 block of wood approximately 1 1/4" x 2" x [...]

Make Your Own Broadhead Sharpening Block2023-04-16T11:47:00-06:00

Brighten Up The Nock

Many of us like arrows that are easy to see and follow, especially so for hunting arrows. Clear fluorescent nocks really help with visibility, and here is a little trick to brighten them up even more: Apply some white paint on the nock tapers before you glue the nocks onto your arrows. The [...]

Brighten Up The Nock2023-04-16T11:47:24-06:00

Take Better Hunting Photos

I’ve given plenty of photo seminars over the years. I used to include discussion of depth of field, shutter speeds, etc. during which most people’s eyes would glaze over. You will still get more from your camera if you learn about those technical matters, but the truth is that modern digital cameras’ programs [...]

Take Better Hunting Photos2023-04-16T11:32:52-06:00

Easy Field Clean Up

After field dressing game, whether a deer or a couple of squirrels, it's nice to have some soap and water handy for washing.

Easy Field Clean Up2023-04-12T11:38:16-06:00

Splitting Turkey Feathers

Spring turkey season provides us with the opportunity to collect some of the best feathers for fletching. Everyone has his favorite technique for processing feathers, and recently I found a better way to do the first step: splitting the quill. I've tried hand and pliers stripping, and pulling against a knife blade stuck [...]

Splitting Turkey Feathers2023-04-05T09:07:48-06:00
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