By Cameron McKirdy
Survival Bros combs The Woods, and identifies a King Bolete, or Porcini Mushrooms in Oregon! Hunted in the Clatsop County forest near the Pacific Ocean. I foraged, dried, and ate them for a meal off the land. Dried fungi will last a very long time in your kit. Many more Adventures coming…
#pnw #fungi #mushrooms #oregon #cam
Blog Post by Cameron McKirdy
In this HD video, I show you how to get free food samples at any Safeway Grocery Store simply by asking. First stop; The Bakery. I scored a chocolate chip cookie, and a rich brownie with fudge frosting by using little effort. Getting this freebie was child’s play, but the complementary grub isn’t available only for the kids, as you may have thought. I use this method on most of my visits to large retailers. The bakers told me they give out 10-15 trays of 45 count cookies daily. So claim your grub, and don’t let free calories go uneaten. Also of note, The Bakery is on my way from the back of the grocery store, where I check the half off sale items anyways.
Free samples and bargains can be had, even at the most expensive Safeway in America, located in my hometown of Seaside, Oregon. I do this wild stuff to offset the cost of my calorie intake, and for my own sick amusement. I want to get the maximum out of any given situation, like I did in this social experiment. The employees are typically really generous, and don’t mind my request.
A friend and I once got three types of no cost cookies for each person asking. So we enjoyed a variety of desserts for free to enjoy while filling my cart. Share your comments below on urban scavenging.
In this photo I show off my huge haul of three roast beef pieces after politely requesting to try some red meat at the deli counter. This was enough flesh for a hearty sandwich, but I ate it in store, and even shared some with another shopper! Push the limit, and ask to sample each and every appetizing food type behind the glass. It’s the education you need to become a smarter shopper.
Click here for more information on how to get free stuff in life in another #SurvivalBros article.
Produced By Cameron McKirdy
I’ve been managing Cougar Crossing Campground in The Willamette National Forest, while living in my Volkswagen Vanagon. Plus, running Terwilliger Hot Spring in Oregon. That has kept me busy enough, but with Spring and Summer, come baby making, and mice are no exception. I have assassinated 18 mice in three weeks, using this Five Gallon Bucket Peanut Butter Trap, and a few traditional spring loaded wooden Victor Brand weapons. Watch the HD Survival Bros Video Production below to see exactly how to build your own mouse deathtrap.
Keep the critters out of your house, and vehicle by using this hunting method. It’s a simple, and easy solution, to a disgusting problem. I hate killing anything living, but NOW they won’t be damaging my car, tent, etc. and eating my food! I lost a few Pop Tarts folks. To make this project at home:
1. Spread Peanut Butter around the inside edge of the large plastic bucket, just down from lip
2. Place stick running up to the top, overhanging so the mice fall inside after looking for a meal
3. Fill bucket with 3 – 4 inches of water
4. Wait overnight for animals to become trapped, and die
5. Dispose of dead rodents properly with gloves, bury if possible a foot underground
Don’t call me PETA. I love animals, and drowning is a peaceful way to go right? Continue reading for more helpful information about mouse removal and solutions from personal experience.
I asked around for more mice control tips and tricks, and here’s what my friends came up with. Rats dislike pure mint oil extract. Place a few drops on a cotton ball, and put it where you’ve seen animals to keep them out. Also, try putting dryer sheets in the holes of your car or house. The mice won’t want to pass through these smelly spots. Steel wool (not thin) set in car air vents is a deterrent too, allegedly. Play with these things if you have a rodent issue. I think it’s good stuff to know, so I’m taking the time to share for my fellow Survival Bros.
Manager’s Campground Spot #1 on The McKenzie River
The most mice I’ve captured in a night was four! They are getting thinned out quick, but I expect them in waves all Summer. I also decapitated some poor, innocent slugs, when they set off the lever on my traps. It takes time setting up multiple devices. I’ve spent 30 minutes many nights smearing peanut butter, and setting them in all the right spots. Which for me, would be small game trails, near holes, or by my vehicle. In addition, a pal told me dumping sugar away from your camping spot will keep various critters out of your outdoor gear.
You can also try low tech scare tactics on the mice. When I first heard them scampering around my Vanagon, I didn’t have traps in place. So I make a bunch of intimidating noises. I was hissing, growling, barking, and clapping. That didn’t work, and neither did playing music. I should have tried Nickelback. Shaking the van side to side wasn’t and effective deterrent either. The mice are too smart. I swear they are tuned into my brain waves, and attack my living quarters as soon as I start to fall asleep.
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Vandwelling Project for Survival Bros
Later I peed on my rig to make it seem like a big animal lives there, and to serve as a warning. If I wasn’t deathly allergic to evil cats, I’d get one to stand watch. Where’s an owl when you need one? I have tried it all folks. And the 5 gallon peanut butter bucket trap as seen HERE works best. Good luck. More soon. Please comment, like, and share this blog post with friends. You’re the best.
Owl Kills Squirrel and Poses for Cameron McKirdy’s Camera
Check out http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com for more Art, Video, and Fun!
By Cameron McKirdy
This week Survival Bros went hiking in the woods near Cannon Beach, Oregon to kill and eat a bunny. We saw, but didn’t catch the animal, so we explored the forest near logging roads. To my shock we stumbled upon a massive survival shelter made from tarps, logs, cordage, and more. There was even a 4-person tent inside, and the shack had a clean tarp floor. The place was loaded with camping gear, and everything you’d need to be self-sufficient in the outdoors for a long time. Watch the HD video to see how it was built, and what’s stored on the site. Join the Survival Bros community on YouTube, and SUBSCRIBE TODAY! It’s free of charge.
The best tarp shelter we’ve ever seen in the woods
By Cameron McKirdy
Former Marine Tactical Gypsy has an exclusive Survival Bros blog and new elk jerky recipe for you. He hunts in Oregon with seven other buddies, and no matter how much they kill, they split the meat evenly so nobody is left out. This season his hunting party terminated five bulls, producing around 225 pounds of meat each. He has used the animal for sausage, country fried steaks, and thick jerky strips. His favorite cut is the back strap, which runs on each side of the spine. It’s the most tender part, and is amazing in a stew of vegetables and spices. Simmer that on a low boil for awhile, and you have a man meal sure to satisfy. Tactical Gypsy also told me he likes to pan sear the meat first, to lock in the juice.
To produce scrumptious elk jerky he cut slabs 1/4th of an inch thick, because they shrink. His recipe calls for six or seven pounds of flesh, so he ends up with big nuggets to feast on. Each hunk is approximately 4″ x 1″ wide. The marinade calls for 4 1/2 cups of soy sauce, with plenty of Worcestershire depending on personal preference. Mix in 1 pound of brown sugar, then a 8 oz. bottle of hickory liquid smoke flavoring. Soak the elk in a bowl, or deep pan, and refrigerate for 12 hours.. After that, use a colander to run off the marinade. Next, lay out the strips on the dehydrator trays evenly, with bigger pieces going on the bottom. Sprinkle on coarse black pepper, turn the machine on high, and let her rip. Check back every few hours, and rotate the racks as needed. In 12 additional hours you’ll have a stash of jerky to devour, and give out to your friends. Tactical Gypsy, if you are reading this, please save me a nug or two. Survival Bros will have more blogs soon. Check back often. Likes, shares, and comments are appreciated.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
My bro known as “Tactical Gypsy” sent me these delicious pictures to blog about. He loves his elk. You can see all the spices and flavorings used to produce the glorious nuggets. Half of the loaves are spicy, half mild. Both varieties went well with pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, and even brie on crackers. Most of these will be stored in the freezer tonight, the others gifts.
Here’s the recipe:
8 LBS Elk burger
1/2 cup Morton’s Tender Quick. Mix well & let sit overnight in fridge.
Add… 1 1/2 TBSP Coarse pepper, 1 1/2 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 1/2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1 TBSP Mustard seed, 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper, 3 TBSP Liquid smoke…. MIX well!
Make 8 rolls/loaves. Put on broiler pan & bake 4Hrs @ 250* turning 1/4 turn every 1/2 Hr. Make sure internal heat gets to 150*.
Cool to room temp before wrapping and freezing.
Survival Bros had another full weekend. Friends and I journeyed to Cannon Beach, and took the snake-like road to Indian Beach to explore.
The park was nearly empty. I’m use to it being packed with surfers and hikers in the summer. We huffed the path down to the sand, and walked south. The rock formations at Indian Beach are incredible. The tide pools are bursting with life. We found creatures small and large such as barnacles, mussels, starfish, sea anemones, and a dungenous and hermit crab.
Plus, higher on the beach Mac and I identified a patch of medicinal Turkey Tail mushrooms growing on driftwood. He bagged them. Later the shrooms will be ground up, and put in vegetable capsules for preservation. Gotta love free meds. In Chinese medicine they are recognized as yun zhi (云芝). They are known to boost the immune system. We scored two sand dollars as well.
After wandering around Indian, we cruised to Haystack Rock. The tide pool there is famous. I remember visiting in grade school on field trips. We found more of the same sea life here. No sign of One-Eyed Willie, or the Goonies! Beach combing was a blast. The Oregon Coast is legendary.
– Cameron McKirdy
It’s mushroom season!!! My friends and I recently went to Fort Stevens for a talk about wild mushrooms, followed by a hunt around Coffenbury Lake. It’s early yet, so we didn’t find much, but we learned a lot. I hope you get into fungi! I can’t wait to go shroom hunting again this weekend. At the park we found a mushroom called “Pine Spikes.” They are edible, but not very tasty. More soon from Survival Bros! Peace and love.
– Cameron McKirdy
By Cameron McKirdy
What’s good? The Survival Bros Community is growing! People are sharing on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/SurvivalBros and subscribing to Survival Bros on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/survivalbros My friends and I have big plans for the website.
Survival Bros is pleased to announce a new geocaching service on the site. We are currently preparing caches to hide all over the world! There will be special treasure for the first time finder. We won’t make the clues, or locations easy. You may need hiking boots. It’s going to be great. More soon.
If you live on the Oregon Coast, there will be a mushroom hunting foray at Fort Stevens in Warrenton OR this Sunday. Here’s what their website says: Fort Stevens Mysterious Mushrooms
Oct 20, 2012 at Fort Stevens State Park. 1 p.m. Meet at Picnic Shelter A at Coffenbury Lake for a program on wild mushrooms followed by a hike to hunt for fungi.
The weather outside is nasty. It’s time to mix up training routines. Personally, I’ve been doing less biking and hiking, and more indoor activities. I will be doing more body weight exercises, swimming, and lifting weights at the gym. It’s time to run too. Good luck challenging your body.
To be honest, now feels like the time to bulk up for colder months. I’ve been consuming every calorie possible. My peeps and I don’t mess around when it comes to food. After all, I am a pro eater. Look at this collection of dank eats I devoured.
Finally, here’s a preppers quote to consider, “two is one, one is none.” That means, your tools will get lost, or fail. It’s best to have two of what you need. Look around your house and see what you really use. Get that pantry tight with essentials. That’s all for now. Best wishes. – Cam
What’s good? Yesterday my peeps and I smashed Saddle Mountain. I’ve hiked the beast before. I’m local. This is what we discovered, including hidden treasure via geocache. Keep reading.
Saddle Mountain photo by Cameron McKirdy
The park was popping. Crawling with life. We took our sweet time getting higher. I tracked our progress with the Nike+ GPS running app on my iPhone. Along the way, we found all sorts of shortcuts, and obscure trails. On one path we paused, only to spot a large ammo can hidden behind stacked rocks, under a rock formation.
Inside the treasure box was tons of toys, a logbook to sign, and even a riddle! We each left something in the box, and took a gift home. I got sticky hands!!! We didn’t even know there was a geocache on Saddle Mountain, but we found it. As for the riddle, we decided to listen to the Audio CD clues together, when we can find treasure again.
It felt great being blasted by the sun. Even though it was pretty windy, it was still warm. In total we hiked 5 miles. That’s from the parking lot, to the summit and back, with minor detours. According to the Nike+ GPS app we did it in 5 hours. I told ya we enjoyed the trip. Tourists would have gone faster, and missed more. More shenanigans soon from Survival Bros. Keep it real today.
– Cameron McKirdy
Survival Bros President
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 