Matchless Firestarting

Early or pre-humans have been controlling fire for as long as 1.7 million years – before humanity evolved, beginning 300,000 years ago. Fire is a result of impact, compression, solar energy or friction. Ancient fire-making methods include the hand drill, bow drill, pump drill, fire plow, fire saw, fire thong, and sparks caught from striking rocks. Bow drills have been used by humans around the world for thousands of years.

Learn how to make and practice using a complete bow drill kit - bow, spindle, handhold, and fireboard - using a variety of locally-sourced materials and a piece of deerskin rawhide. Industrial cordage also available. Everyone gets a bow drill kit to take home. Suggested donation: $20

Rewild Maine is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We depend on donations from the community to offer free classes and workshops and we are grateful for your support. Scholarships are available for paid classes on an as-needed basis and nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds. All donations are tax-deductible.