The Modified Hunter's Firelay

    I recently came up with a modification that improves on the Hunter's Firelay. The classic style is basically 2 logs laid parallel to each other over the heart of a fire's ember base. The logs are kept close enough to hold a pan just above the fire.

    The main issue with this setup, is the kindling must be stuffed under the pan to burn, thus stifling the air flow the fire needs to burn efficiently and clean; the fire starved of oxygen struggles and must be maintained frequently as it produces a less than ideal heat.

    My modification starts by slightly angling the parallel logs into a subtle "A" shape. Next, I add a third log at the end of the parallel logs. Last of all, I change the location of the kindling so it's no longer stuffed under the pan, its now on the third log with an additional log laying perpendicular for a heat reflector.

    Its quite easy to accomplish and elevates the fire from the stuffy interior of the parallel logs to the open air, now heat created is reflected into the cooking pan or pot as well as the 3 logs to which it sits; the logs underneath in turn glow red with embers sustaining and magnifying the heat the humble kindling creates. Its a pleasure cooking on this firelay, stews are boiled with hardly any effort in terms of fuel gathering.

   
...A hand full of sticks has never done so much work!

-Mitch
http://nativesurvival.com

Panissed Fish

    Panissing a fish is extremely satisfying, its a bit of old bushcraft thats fallen into disuse over the years. Ive eaten everything from Trout to Salmon with this method, and it never disappoints! The means to cook with this method are easy to obtain, a straight thumb thick stick double the length of the filet is split 3/4's down its length, and 2 sharpened pinky sized sticks, are woven through the top and bottom of the filet, continuing across the back and poke through the filet's face on the opposite side. The last step of prep is sliding the held open long split stick up the filet's middle, following the path of where the spine was.
    At this point the fish resembles a boat's sail. Using roots or other natural cordage, tie the top of the split stick with 2 half hitches or a clove hitch to secure and tighten the panissed fish in place.
    Roasting a fish in this manner is very easy, you simply angle the fish toward your fire and its done cooking when its golden brown. Cooking this way is simple, delicious, and adds absolutely no weight to your pack.

...Life becomes a little more enjoyable when little sticks at your camp, comprise your cooking equipment.

-Mitch Mitchell
http://nativesurvival.com

The Caveman Steak

    The Caveman Steak is one of my all time favorite ways to prepare a good cut of steak. Delmonico's/Rib Eye's, Strip's, Tenderloin's, the usual suspects brought to perfection quite easily with  this incredible cooking technique. Coals are generated by burning some Oak or other hardwood of your choice that thrives in your local bioregion, and while the logs are still black and orange another stick is used to pop the coals free from the logs. In a matter of moments a sizable pile is easily accomplished and spread flat with a stick creating your cooking surface. Its incredible to realize these coals are screaming hot yet with care they wont burn or dirty your dinner.

    Simply lay your steak on the coals for 2-3 mins, then scrape off any coals that adhere to it when flipping it to cook the other side. If your coals need to be rewarmed, just drag some fresh coals from your fire onto them.

    Enjoy the incredibly robust flavor of an ancient cooking technique that has been with us for millennia, coupled with a genuine satisfaction from cooking without any pots or pans.

    

...A truly timeless method.

-Mitch Mitchell
http://nativesurvival.com

Hidden Fire

    O' the freedom of peering easily about oneself, knowing the tree that which you gaze upon, can be coaxed to release the fire secreted away within her fibers. Mighty indeed be this element, and there inside the wood's grain it hides; requiring a conversation to which you must join if you are to have a hope of meeting her in this plane of existance..for you see the fire already exists, but in the world of potentiality.
    Delicately shaping the medium, removing all that does not belong is an act of listening, an act of respecting the fire's demands. Do you hear her words? Feel her needs? Know her comforts? Once the dialogue is started proper, all that you must learn she will reveal in due time; till one day you find she is hiding all about you, in every forest, every glen, in every season, every climate, waiting for your call, feeling your need, knowing your love.
    There are many ways to release her, spin the fibers, rub the grain, nick the edge.

She will come...if your call be true.

-Mitch Mitchell
http://nativesurvival.com