curved J shape that looks like a miniature hockey stick, about 1.5 to 2.5 feet
(0.5 to .75 m) in length. Some people sharpen one end of the stick, though
that’s not necessary. The throwing stick can be used for protection from
wild animals and can also double as a digging stick.
A throwing stick does you little good, however, if it’s not at hand
when you need it. In the African plains, I was hiking with my throwing
stick strapped to my backpack. A few minutes into the walk, I stirred up
some ground birds about 5 feet (1.5) away from me. Of course, I missed the
chance to kill them because by the time I got my throwing stick out, they
were gone. That’s a mistake I won’t make again.
You do not want to travel long distances with the throwing stick look
ing for game; this requires too much energy and the stick is not accurate.
Use it only when an opportunity presents itself.
Skinning and Dressing
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT PREDATORS, make sure you clean game some
distance from your camp, preferably near a water source. To skin large
game, lay the animal on its back and split the hide from throat to tail,
avoiding the sex organs. Turn your knife blade up to ensure that you cut
only the hide and stomach muscles, not the internal organs, as cutting
internal organs such as the stomach or kidneys can sometimes introduce
foultasting liquids, effectively spoiling your catch.
Smaller game is easier to skin. Cut the hide along the bottom or back
legs and across the anus. Insert your fingers under the hide on both sides
of the cut and pull it apart, using the knife to cut away places where the
skin is holding on. The skin should slide back quite easily.
Carefully cut through the stomach muscles. The exposed internal
organs can now be cut or pulled out; they are attached only at the throat
and anus. Don’t throw them away, though: most are edible. At the very least,
they can be used for bait. You can eat the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver
(but be wary of liver that appears discolored or diseased). Avoid stomach
and intestines, and although the stomach contents may be edible (such as
crawfish inside fish) they should be considered a lastditch food source.
(^204) | Survive!