my winter trip

[wareagle69]

so i am plotting a winter foray into the bush to continue my studies will be december sometime, this time will be in known territory for safety, i also will know generally where to find cranberries and wintergreen under the snow, but not wanting to turn this into a survivorman episode where i starve for 7 days i want to thrive, not just survive, so my friends any helpful suggestions on food to look for in the boreal in the winter, i am doing my research as usual but looking for your experiences also.

[klkak]

When I go out in the winter I take a good amount of snare's for squirrel and rabbit. Up here we also have allot of grouse which are not difficult to take. You do need to be a fair shot with a wrist-rocket or some other small game taking weapon (check out Ranger Ricks site for info on some very good weapons). Any of these animals is very tasty when cooked wrapped in bacon. Oh yea. I do carry sliced bacon. It's worth its weight in fat. Hope it helps.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

so i am plotting a winter foray into the bush to continue my studies will be december sometime, this time will be in known territory for safety, i also will know generally where to find cranberries and wintergreen under the snow, but not wanting to turn this into a survivorman episode where i starve for 7 days i want to thrive, not just survive, so my friends any helpful suggestions on food to look for in the boreal in the winter, i am doing my research as usual but looking for your experiences also.
Winter plants Can be easily identified by the Seed pods and Stems that rise above the ground.Plants like Stinging nettle, Jerusalem Artichokes,Wild corrot,
Burdock,Thistle,Creasy Greens,Sumac,Wintercress,and wild Mustard all should have a seed or root to take for food. Dont forget about tree nuts like Acorns, and Black walnuts. also the Buds off of some trees like Pine,Maple,Black Birch,
filberts,and others. Theres alot out there gather all you can you will be ok

[marberry]

you going be doing this down south or above the 52 parallel? and good luck dude pack heavy winters not nice up north.

[tsitenha]

Will you hunt for small game with a firearm, on this trip?
Or just forage?

[Riverrat]

Snare wire and a good shotgun, they will be the best bet to stay in meat while out. You will have to know the whereabout of berries before hand as you alredy said, but be sure to check just before or after the first snow, no fun to get out there and find the squirrel's or other animals have beat you to them....

[Tony uk]

The most imporntant thing i can think of in winter is clothing, Make sure to take appropriate footwear, and layered clothing, Which you will anyway but every little helps.............

[wareagle69]

Winter plants Can be easily identified by the Seed pods and Stems that rise above the ground.Plants like Stinging nettle, Jerusalem Artichokes,Wild corrot,
Burdock,Thistle,Creasy Greens,Sumac,Wintercress,and wild Mustard all should have a seed or root to take for food. Dont forget about tree nuts like Acorns, and Black walnuts. also the Buds off of some trees like Pine,Maple,Black Birch,
filberts,and others. Theres alot out there gather all you can you will be ok

yeah .... have ya tried stining nettle in december no walnuts up here and the bears snarff all the acorns, i got some from my trip though, lots of burdock but with 4 feet of snow its kind of hard to locate the first year rosette and the second year burdock is inedible as far as i have experinced
trees i am open to like i said i tried a poplar
also i am going in like i was stranded cutting a tree with not be carrying snares and a shotgun, this will be based on to me what is a realtime scenario, will have to try getting game with a wabbit stick, but who here has actually eaten trees? cuz i don't get it maybe i'll try pine next

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

yeah .... have ya tried stining nettle in december no walnuts up here and the bears snarff all the acorns, i got some from my trip though, lots of burdock but with 4 feet of snow its kind of hard to locate the first year rosette and the second year burdock is inedible as far as i have experinced
trees i am open to like i said i tried a poplar
also i am going in like i was stranded cutting a tree with not be carrying snares and a shotgun, this will be based on to me what is a realtime scenario, will have to try getting game with a wabbit stick, but who here has actually eaten trees? cuz i don't get it maybe i'll try pine next
Trees are good. my favorite is the Buds off of the Filbert tree,and Pine!I like it alot. Pine tree root bark is sweet and has a good flavor, Pine tree Buds are ok to eat,Pine needles Crushed and boiled into tea is an exelent source of vitamin C.and pine cone seeds when available.Buds of the Maple tree,willow,Service berry,and a trees silent partner...Mushrooms

[wareagle69]

ah my next question how to eat a pine cone maybe should make that a thread

[crashdive123]

WE you may want to check out some of the work of Euell Gibbons. Here's a sample of what I found. http://www.ruralvermont.com/vermontweathervane/issues/winter/97012/eatpine.shtml

[wareagle69]

yup thanks crash i've got 4 of his books he's one of the ones i was referring to that eats trees

[Bibow]

i agree with the shotgun and snare response not to mention good clothes very very very very important don't forget tp and a hatchet

[rebel]

Will you be able to ice fish? If so, you could set a tip-up or two and then go forage/hunt. Tip-ups can be made in the field.

[Bibow]

if your ice fishing, if possible i'd say put on a small leader of strong rope then your normal line then tie on a gorge hook that way if you leave it over night and have to chop through the ice you don't have worry about cutting your line. just a random idea though ive never had the chance to try it. and also try insulating your ice hole with spruce bows and snow. but you probably knew that already.

[crashdive123]

also try insulating your ice hole with spruce bows and snow.

Say that out loud - three times.:D:D;)

[rebel]

Say that out loud - three times.:D:D;)
That's funny!

[nell67]

Crash! Behave!!!LMAO!!!!!!!

[wareagle69]

yup i've picked a great spot for my trip, i heard lay offs are coming in december so i might be able to make this a longer trip, not to worry though folks new plant starting up so will be working like a dog again in january, but will give me lots of bush time in the winter yea me.

[Bibow]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bibow View Post
also try insulating your ice hole with spruce bows and snow.
Say that out loud - three times.
i can't, but it sounds funny when i try