Category Archives: Clothing & Accoutrements

Returned to its Rest…

Light snow fell. White, ball-like granules the size of goose shot pattered on damp leaves. Dark clouds, the color of quenched iron, brought a chill that caused a humble fort hunter’s nose to drip. Winter moccasins, lined with two layers … Continue reading

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If Patience Prevailed…

Brittle oak leaves rendered a hesitant crunch. A red-breasted robin twittered from a nearby witch hazel. A trail-worn elk sole produced another soft rustle. Just over the rise, two blue jays swooped to the same tall red oak. The blue-crested … Continue reading

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Portage Collar Bedroll “How-To” Added

Every so often someone asks how I bind my bedroll with the leather portage collar. “Roll the blanket and tie it,” seems like the logical answer. But over the years I have experienced many failures of tying methods that I … Continue reading

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“…missed the chance of a lifetime…”

“Gob-obl-obl-obl-obl-obl!” The wild turkey’s melodic tone hung in a quiet, frosty calm. That tom was still roosted, on the hog-back ridge, over the hill and across the big swamp. Night’s abyss abated with reluctance that fine morn in 1798, or … Continue reading

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“a double handful of powder”

Soupy mist rose from the watering hole. Frozen rain stiffened the sedge grass, encrusted red willow shoots and weighed down autumn olive branches. Ice grayed rigid cedar boughs. At a pause, a butterfly breath of a breeze crackled and snapped … Continue reading

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A Lack of Credible Provenance

Wet leaves dampened forest sounds. Buffalo-hide moccasins uttered nary a whisper. Misty-gray sprinkles hushed that morning’s calm in an eerie, church cemetery fashion. The air smelled of wiggly worms, rotting deer leavings and wet-dog oak wood. The taste of smoked … Continue reading

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Portage Collar “How-To” Added

Portage collars, hoppis straps and carrying strings garner passing mention in the journals of many 18th-century hunter heroes. Some describe their pack straps, others refer to them in name only and are content to leave it at that. I recently … Continue reading

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Another Prudent Choice

A moccasin weaseled under brittle oak leaves. Slow and deliberate, the other toed a mossy patch. A long gaze spied nothing of importance. A perched blue jay cocked his tufted crown, but held his tongue. Down the slope, in a … Continue reading

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