Not long ago I made a short video demonstrating how to break the bottom out of a bottle by hand. My original purpose in doing this was to use the glass bottom as material with which to practice my knapping skills while making arrowheads. Each time that glass disc would pop off the bottom I would mention to onlookers that without further work, this was a tool unto it’s self. It has a very sharp edge that could be used for cutting and potentially skinning and dressing out an animal.

As survivaltek readers may attest, I’ve been known to harvest astragalus bones from deer roadkill. On such an occasion I decided to test out my theory with this improvised cutting tool from a bottle. To my delight and amazement it cut clean and easy! After the initial incision I began to separate the hide from the carcass. Although I didn’t pursue the meat and organs, I’m sure that it would accomplish the task. That further work will be a project for the future.

Although most folks are not accustom to butchering, it’s good to know that in an emergency situation and without conventional tools, you can accomplish this task that could be a key part to your survival.

The mention of “Roadkill” usually turns up the nose of those who hear it. Visions of gore and stench proliferate in their imagination. But on occasion, it’s just the end of the trail for the animal without major trauma, and timely for those who know how to capitalize on it. The following is my experience of just such an event.

When I began to teach survival classes I realized that I needed to know how to kill and dress small game so that I, in turn, could teach others to do the same. It’s one thing to trap an animal, but another thing to render it into a consumable meal. I made arrangements with a country gent who raised rabbits to teach me this skill. On the way to our meeting I drove past a dead squirrel on the road and thought “I wonder if he could show me how to dress this as well”. As I got out of the car to inspect the squirrel, a neighbor just off the roadside called to me and mentioned that he witnessed the squirrels’ demise just 5 minutes previously. It appeared to be in good condition, so I collected the prize and continued on my way.

My instructor demonstrated how to kill and dress out a rabbit, and then guided me as I proceeded to butcher one of my own. Next, he showed me how to skin and dress the squirrel. As a hunter, he was well acquainted with this game animal and he confirmed its’ health and freshness. Upon completion, I kept both meats in my refrigerator, and a few nights later roasted each one on a spit over an open fire. Although the aroma of the squirrel meat was new and different to me, it tasted wonderful, especially infused with the campfire smoke.

You may have heard roadkill called “Redneck” or “Country” “fast food”, which, for those who are daring, is not far from the truth. When you learn how to butcher, you do look at things in a different light, and when you dare to broaden your pallet, a bounty of supply is waiting to be had. One thing’s for sure, the price is right – and – when opportunity knocks, you’ve got to be fast!