The Rugged Life: The Modern Guide to Self-Reliance: A Survival and Homesteading Guide

How to use an axe

Set aside a large stump as your splitting base, which will save your back some effort, and protect your axe in case you miss. Place the log on top of the base, keeping any knots near the bottom. Take aim and swing, letting your axe fall from above your head down into the log. Let the axe do the work. If the log stays on your axe when you lift it back up, simply slam it back down again.

How to remove a tick

If the tick has latched on, remove it immediately, but be careful not to break it. Use sterile tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull it out using a slow and steady upward motion. Don’t use a match, petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, or any other suggested home remedies that are likely to cause more harm than good. Seal the tick in a container and keep it in the freezer in case you begin to show symptoms—your doctor will want to test it.

How to milk a goat

Give your goat some hay or concentrate to munch on and she’ll be happy and relaxed as you milk her. Talk to her or sing to her, and be gentle. If you tug her teat, scratch her, or pull on her hair, she’ll kick over the milking pail. Keep her hairs trimmed and your nails short. Wipe down the udder with a baby wipe to remove any dirt. Squeeze the teat rather than pulling on it. Use your thumb and forefinger to apply a steady pressure—this will keep the milk from going back up into the udder—and then use your remaining fingers to draw the milk down and out. The teat will become soft and flat when the udder is empty. When you’re done, spray the teats with a tea dip to keep out bacteria—and rub them with some Bag Balm if the teats are getting dry or chapped.