If there's one thing non-hunters have never understood about life afield, its that sitting stationary, waiting on deer is actually the hardest part about hunting, not the easiest. Humping a pack, making a shot and dressing a deer are all downright enjoyable in comparison. This hard part tends to get a whole lot harder if you're cold, wet and otherwise uncomfortable. As such, … [Read more...] about Staying Warm in the Woods
Homesteading
Making Fig Wine
As you may have noticed from a few previous articles on this website, your humble author is obsessed with figs. Perhaps this is because despite living in climate supposedly not suited for them, I have managed to keep a fig tree alive and flourishing for some time now, and thus am always pleasantly surprised by the harvest. Whatever the reason, I decided this year to combine two … [Read more...] about Making Fig Wine
Roasting Sunflower Seeds
It's a bad time to be a seed-spitter. Sunflower seeds have long been my constant companion. Whether making a run to the store, or working in the woods or field, sunflower seeds have always provided a nice, salty (or spicy, depending on seasoning!) distraction to keep me occupied. Alas, I've noticed a sharp uptick in prices as of late, that's driving my habit into newly costly … [Read more...] about Roasting Sunflower Seeds
Six September Gardening Tips
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures get either downright pleasant, or just a little less unbearable depending on what part of the country you're in, you're likely wondering what steps you can take in your garden. Its an odd time of year, as the harvest of ripe produce lines coincides with the approach of dormancy for many plants. That doesn't mean there's nothing to … [Read more...] about Six September Gardening Tips
Asian Longhorn Beetle Invasion
August is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s also the best time to spot the invasive Asian longhorn beetle as adults emerge from trees. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is declaring August as “Tree Check Month.” Checking trees for the beetle and the damage it causes is one way you can protect trees and help the USDA’s efforts to eliminate this beetle from … [Read more...] about Asian Longhorn Beetle Invasion