This weekend was opening of Muzzleloader season here in Ok and I was of course in the woods. There are pine trees everywhere in all stages of growth and as I sat waiting on my 8 point buck to come along, I know that Les and Baer use the pine branches to make shelters and beds and the sap is a great fire starter, but there are other uses.

We cooked several items in a dutch oven and my hunting buddy asked how should we remove the coals from the top to avoid getting it in the food. I reached up grabbed a branch and swept off the tops.

Later, some dishes were dirty and the food was being stubborn..again I went to the pine, grabbed a hand full of needles and they made an excellent pot scrubber.

To ensure my clothes stayed fresh, I took some pine and shoved it in a bag with my clothes, and then before heading out...I rubbed the needles all over me...leaves behind a nice pine scent.

Got the 8 point by the way.

Amazing...and that's just one tree. Now if you could just cook over the wood.