Resources and Guides

How to Use a Compass

With so many digital miracles at our fingertips a lot of people have lost track of time-tested analog skills that could save their life if the power ever went out or the battery on their smartphone died. GPS, for example, is a great thing but it relies entirely on electricity, and access to electricity is not guaranteed.

Hikers, hunters and frankly just about anyone else who enjoys getting away from it all from time to time would do well to develop their compass and map reading skills. Because, no matter how much you paid for your smartphone it’s nothing more than an expensive paperweight when the battery dies.

Below we’re going to go over the fine points of how to use a compass, beginning with an introductory overview of the compass and its component parts. (more…)

By Scott, ago

Pemmican Recipe

Pemmican is a traditional food that, for centuries, played an important role in the diet of various Native American tribes. In time it was discovered and adopted by Western explorers, trappers, scouts and others who roamed the vast North American wilderness during frontier days.

The word is derived from the Cree (1) word pimîhkân, which denotes “grease” or “animal fat”. Below we’re going to take a close look at pemmican and provide a recipe for making this early type of emergency ration the way Lewis and Clarke might have. (more…)

By Rich Chambers, ago