Digging Stick.
Finding an edible root is fairly easy, but most roots grow deep, and digging them out can be difficult unless one is prepared with a few good techniques. Skillfully applied, a simple device called the digging stick saves time and energy that is otherwise expended scrapping and grubbing with flat stones and fingers, which could lead to infection.
(1) Find a hardwood stick that is 1 meter long, 2-3 centimeters in diameter, and is straight as possible.
(2) Remove the bark from the stick.
(3) Form the tip of the stick into a chisel shape.
(4) Fire harden the chisel if using green wood.
Noose Stick.
A noose stick is useful for strangling and controlling improperly snared animals that are still alive.
(1) Find a pole as long as you can effectively handle.
(2) Attach a noose of wire or stiff cord at the small end.
(3) To catch an animal, slip the noose over the neck and pull it tight.
Sling Shot.
A Y-shaped stick can easily be made into a sling shot. A sling shot is an extremely effective and accurate weapon.
(1) Locate a hardwood, Y-shaped piece of stick.
(2) From your survival kit, attach the sling shot rubber and pouch.
Throwing Stick.
One of the simplest weapons for survival is the throwing stick. As a tool, the throwing stick can be used to knock dead branches out of a tree that would normally be too high to reach. The dead branches can then be used as firewood.
(1) Find a stick straight as possible, 50 – 75 centimeter long, and 3 – 5 centimeter in diameter.
(2) Remove the bark from the stick.
(3) Taper each end of the stick.
(4) Fire harden the entire stick if using green wood.
(5) There are two methods of employing the throwing stick. When in forested area, the best method is to use an overhand throwing motion. In an open area, you can increase the killing radius by using a sidearm throwing motion.
Using the throwing stick. Note the “star” throwing stick in the right side of the picture