Another little tid bit

When it comes to building a fire,build a dakota hole,fire pit,and use dry barkless wood when ever possible,reduces smoke to nothing,all that you will notice is the smell of fire.Remember build to size needed.Basicaly a dakota hole is nothing more than 2 holes,5-8 inches in diameter,spaced about a foot apart,at a deapth of 12-14 inches deep,and connected at the bottom.It's a little tricky to get fire started,but once started it will stay going,just drop pieces of wood into fire,when needed.A little trick,use small piece of cotton-vaseoline,piece of candle,military fire starter bar,etc,than once lit,drop into hole,than slowly start adding more fuel.Works great within a bliss,if just building fire,not staying put,build dakota hole under any big tree with lots of branches,when possible,this will help disapate any smoke or condincation,from fire

Boy, it does my heart good to hear someone else talk about "Dakota holes." It's about the stealthiest heat source you can use in the field; properly placed, even heat-seeking aircraft would have to be right on top of you to detect it.

I'm writing a novel (which is now on hold, due to higher-priority work ) in which the hero (a twelve-year-old girl) must survive on her own. The Dakota hole plays a big part in her surviving the winter while eluding the authorities.

Onward and upward,
airforce

I just learned lesson #1 for the day! Thanks for the Dakota hole idea/how to.

The part about cottonballs soaked in vaseline--When I first tried that, I put one in an empty dog food can and lit it. I kid you not...4 hours later it was still burning.

Now I have a Double lined ziplock bag of them in my BOB!

Cordially

CatDaddy Jack

I read about these tricks in a book I purchased called "Wilderness Evasion" by a writer name Chesbro.

It's a book about going deeeeep into the backwoods and losing oneself if being pursued by authorities, enemies, etc.

Dakota holes are a great source for heating oneself and for cooking ones meals while seeking to remain undetected from "whomever".

Great post!

Thanks!
If only it weren't so rocky here