01/21/13

The Shepherd School helps you prepare for anything…

crookOur goal is to be a haven for any self-styled “Prepper MacGyver” – people that have (or want) a lot of knowledge, and that temper that with common sense and the ability to take that knowledge and create on the spot solutions to any problem.

We love out of the box thinking, but as we are fond of saying “You cannot think outside the box, until you understand the reason for the box”.  We don’t make changes for the sake of making changes, but we are constantly experimenting and seeking out new ways to solve problems, as this keeps our mind flexible and strong.

Firearm courses are still our primary class offerings, but we recently bought 15 acres in Wayne county, and plan on growing a training center that will allow us to finally teach the prepper/homesteading course that has been on our heart to teach.

 

05/24/13

Bulk Hamburger Storage Tip

3We buy our meat in bulk – and that means we have to do some repackaging of large packs into smaller amounts. Today’s tip will help you freeze large portions of ground meat in a way that allows you to break off smaller quantities without having to thaw the entire package.

In the video we take 2 pounds of ground meat and put it in a gallon zip lock freezer bag.
After pushing out all the air, and forming the meat into a uniform thickness and shape, we take a long skinny utensil (chopsticks work well) and form uniform blocks by pressing down through the meat and pressing the utensil down to the counter-top. Continue reading →

05/23/13

Food Storage Made Easy & Delicious

As a prepper I am constantly looking at long-term food storage solutions and I wanted to write today about a new company I found that has really top-quality foods and one of the things I like the best about them is the products are so easy to make.

The idea of having a long-term food supply is not new at all. In fact… back in the day everyone did. I am quite sure that your grandmother had all sorts of stuff put up in Mason Jars for “just in case”. Some people that are into long-term foods put up a bunch of beans and rice and while I will admit that beans and rice will get you through in a pinch (and I have a lot of it put away)… I would not want to eat it 3 times a day for months at a time (and if you know my better half – you KNOW she won’t). Continue reading →

05/23/13

Old School Rifle Boresighting

rifleI like gadgets and things that make life easier, BUT – I think it is vital that we don’t loose the ability to perform essential tasks without the aid of specialized equipment.

Today we will describe the “old school” method of bore sighting that allows you to sight in your rifle without the aid of laser bore-sighter, collimator, or other equipment.
This is a very simple procedure to do on any bolt action rifle that has a removable bolt.

Continue reading →

05/23/13

Snell: Waking the dragon — How Feinstein fiddled while America burned

imagesI was working on a similar essay, but when I read this yesterday morning I realized that Barry Snell said it very well, and rather than add one more voice to the discussion I would simply share his very articulate and well thought out argument.

I only wish to add that as I read his summary I was reminded of what General Mattis told the tribal Iraqi leaders after the invasion of Iraq “I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.”

I say this because just like the Marines in Iraq, we are stronger than our enemies, we have the ability to dominate our enemies by aggressive and skillful use of force at any time we desire.  However, we prefer peace and only wish to be allowed to do our job and live our lives according to our own beliefs.

I pray that the anti-gunners will listen, take heed, and leave us alone, but in my heart I do not believe that they will, because they choose emotion over reason. Continue reading →

05/20/13

So This Stuff Stays Fresh For 25 Years?

I have seen a lot of people in the food storage business touting the longevity of their food products…. 25 years?

I did some digging into the topic and what I found out was it is all in the processing and how it is stored.
The best ideas I have seen so far are 5 mil thick Mylar pouches that have been flushed with nitrogen before sealing and with the added protection of an oxygen absorber added. Continue reading →

05/20/13

Dealing with wax moths

Wax MothWax moths won’t typically kill a healthy hive, but they will not only kill a weaker hive, but they will make a horrible mess of your hive.

Not only will the moths damage your equipment they leave pheromones that will attract new moths after you have killed the old ones, so after you destroy the moths, wipe down your boxes, frames, and equipment with a 10% bleach solution to destroy the smell. Continue reading →

05/19/13

PRN Episode #18 Top Bar Beekeeping for Preppers

PRN

Beekeeping can be as simple or complex, as expensive or inexpensive as you make it.  It just depends on what your goals, budget, and willingness to work.

In today’s show, David talks about the basics of top bar beekeeping, a simple method of keeping bees that only requires a bare minimum of gear, and is well suited to the preparedness/self reliant lifestyle.

There are some drawbacks to beekeeping this way, the most observable is that you get less honey and more wax than with “traditional” box style hives, but, as David explains, that may be a plus.

This is a very valuable resource that preppers should not discount, as honey is invaluable both as a sweeter, a base for alcohol, and as a medicine.  The wax also has hundreds of very important uses in it’s own right.

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

 

Listen to internet radio with Preparedness Radio Network on BlogTalkRadio

Continue reading →

05/17/13

Tea Brewing Tip

3This is a quick tip on brewing sweet tea – it works particularly well with hard water, but we are on city water, and it made a huge difference in the quality of my favorite drink.

I really like sweet tea, but due to the bitterness of the tannins it contains, I hate unsweet tea. I have to have a lot of sugar to counteract the bitterness. However, sugar is not very healthy, and I am trying to get a little healthier. Continue reading →

05/16/13

Homemade 48 Hour Crisco Candle

candleThis is a very simple trick to get a long lasting emergency light for very low cost.

Simply take a tub of shortening, insert a natural fiber wick (I use cotton string) and light.

As the shortening melts it is wicked up and burned. I have heard a tub of shortening can last as a candle up to 48 hours. Personally I have not timed it, but it I do think it can last a while.

If you need more light (or heat) you can add additional wicks – but obviously this will decrease the longevity of the candle.
As with any candle you must use common sense and never leave it burning unattended or in a closed environment.
Hope this is helpful.
Continue reading →