Roadkill a.k.a. Fast Food

Ken — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:00:57 +0000

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!

Amazing Silverware Figure-4 Deadfall

Ken — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:16:48 +0000

One evening I sat at my kitchen table while my wife was on the phone. It was a call to our folks who live out-of-town and was becoming rather lengthy. As usual my listening skills began to wane and I began to entertain myself with the silverware that was left on the table after dinner. I began interlocking them and the thought occurred to me that I might be able to create a figure-4 type trigger for a deadfall trap. After several trys, I came up with a workable configuration. It begins with a spoon placed on the table face-up. Then the tip of a fork handle is placed in the bowl of the spoon and is held upright. As you slide the fork handle toward the tip of the spoon, the spoon handle will rise up. Continue to hold the downward pressure of the fork on the spoon to keep the handle floating up, then place a butter knife with the spline between the fork tines and the heavier handle resting on the floating spoon handle. When the weight of the deadfall is placed on the fork’s tip, the pressure will keep the assembly in balance. Because of the spoon’s slippery nature and the delicate counter weight of the knife, it’s quite easy to trigger. Of course, don’t forget to put bait on the handle of the spoon, which should be facing inside and under the leaning deadfall. The bait can be peanut butter, butter or grease… something that will stay adhered to the handle. So, suppose you’re in a city situation after a disaster has struck and the area stores are out of food, you can use your silverware for more than one way to eat. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.

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Roadkill a.k.a. Fast Food

Amazing Silverware Figure-4 Deadfall