Starting from the end and working back (hey, I'm one of those "backward" people), I do know how to knap flint as well - and have the scars to prove it! The things I do best at are hunting, trapping, working hides (brain tanning and chemical tanning), making center seam moccasins and understanding animals. We lived in a tent from April till November. Did our cooking on an open fire, got water from a stream. Our house was two rooms, 26 x 26 on the outside, with an indoor hand pump and one propane light. We did have a car or truck for me to use to run traps, make doctor appointments, and go to powwows (Hey, we need some social life). There's a fundamental experiential difference between an anthropologist doing field work and me living traditional. I have yet to have an anthropologist actually lend a hand to help on the trap line or in the fur shed. They always seemed to know how to show up for meals though. Well, as long as they didn't know they were eating muskrat, coon, possum or some other furry woodland creature. My new wife says I could go much further but she had to attend a presentation today at the VA on treating PTSD in a culturally appropriate way, so she's wound up :) No, I don't think an anthropologist's experience is less valid because it's written down. What I do have a problem with is the cultural bias in the anthropologists I've met and read. Some of the best I've read are Frances Densmore's Ojibwe books. Her writing is factually accurate for the most part and totally lacking in perspective. In our culture the why is as important as the how. My mind is going so much faster than my fingers can type. I really enjoy talking to you and don't want to spew trite answers which are worse than no answers at all. Do you do historical reenactments? Before we moved to the city we used to do several rendezvous, reenactments of the pre 1840's fur trade. Most of them would love to have a flint knapper. I really appreciate your desire to live simply and would be glad to continue this discussion either here or in a more appropriate forum. I'm sure there's so much we could learn each other. Before moving back to the woods in 94, I cowboyed and rodeoed from 66-88, taking time out for a tour of beautiful SE Asia in 70. Please keep in touch.

My 16 year old daughter thinks you should save those books for fuel for your first winter. Until 2 years ago we lived traditionally (we're nekked red savage injuns)and while we're not degreed anthropologists I think we have a better handle on hunter gatherer societies than they do. Check out my Facebook profile and PLEASE, if you're really interested in our lifestyle contact me. I made our living for 15 of the last 17 years hunting, fishing, trapping, ricing, sugaring, making the 8 cords of wood it takes to get through a winter in Northern Wisconsin, and in another year we'll be moving back to.

So can DNR wardens, whether you you hunt, fish, trap or not game wardens can enter your house, search your refrigerator or freezer, garage or outbuildings to search for violations of game laws. Federal fish and wildlife officers more than occasionally disrupt dancers at powwows and other ceremonies and confiscate feathers, claws and other articles they deem to be in violation of Their federal rules. Even if the items in question are white legal, you'll never see them again or they'll be desecrated beyond use.

As someone who actually keeps bees, this story is hilarious! We've been treating for Nosema for more years than I've been keeping bees (16). Take a deep breath. Every eight years or so we go through the same series of events, colonies die off for no apparent reason, then recover in a few years. This "catastrophe" will pass as well and as soon as the non profits and other interested entities have milked it for what it's worth CCD will be replaced by the next environmental "catastrophe". Meanwhile, eat honey and drink mead.

The first rule of old books is never throw them out. The day after discard is the day you will desperately need that book (which will be out of print and unavailable even in rare book stores). The second reason to keep old books is because they're like old friends. Once in awhile you run your hands across the backs of them and remember why you bought it and all the memories associated with it. Nah, don't junk them, If you absolutely must get rid of them give them away as presents. Disclaimer: I have book caches in three states.

Welcome home! It took a lot of years after my tour of beautiful SE Asia till I could deal with fireworks, or slamming doors, or cars backfiring.... but eventually it does get better. Hang in there and don't let the bastards get to you. Do what you need to and eventually things will get better. Once again, welcome home. PS Feel free to privately email me if you wish.