Practical Ideas for Self-Reliant Living
Boost your immune system with fast and easy fish dishes
By Linda Gabris
When I was growing up in the rural woods, Grandpa and I did a lot of fishing from spring through fall so...
An Introduction to Small-Scale Home Hydroponics
By Ben Richards
Issue #154 • July/August, 2015
As most people are already aware, hydroponics is the practice of growing plants without soil. This is done...
13 steps to a life of freedom
By Mary Ann Wutzke
Issue #76 • July/August, 2002
My husband and I have lived in the desert and mountain back country of Arizona since 1988....
Homestead water
By Patrice Lewis
Issue #144 • November/December, 2013
It is the most necessary of homestead requirements: water. It is literally a make-or-break resource.
There are some parts...
The homestead cat
By Jackie Clay-Atkinson
We have had at least one cat in our home ever since I was a young child. So it’s no wonder we...
Solar power for farm and ranch
By Jeffrey R. Yago, P.E.
It may be surprising to learn that there are now all kinds of do-it-yourself solar powered devices specifically designed to...
Firearms handling refresher Part I: Handguns
By Massad Ayoob
Website Exclusive • December, 2003
One of our readers e-mailed John Silveira to tell him that taking a handgun afield after a long...
Answering some well asked questions about personal defense
By Massad Ayoob
Issue #97 • January/February, 2006
Jeff Yago, Backwoods Home's energy writer, recently completed a couple of concealed carry handgun courses. The classes apparently...
The time for modern; the time for traditional
By Massad Ayoob
Issue #137 • September/October, 2012
Traditional "old skool" guns, or the most modern and efficient ballistic hardware that money can buy? I asked...
My View: Call Me Miracle Man!
By Dave Duffy
Issue #177 • July/August/September, 2019
Superheroes are the rage these days at movie theaters. Even I am fascinated by them. Old style heroes...


















































































