An animist approach to practical butchery

Harvesting your own food is something that should be accessible to everyone. It is our birthright to have deep, intimate connection with our food, no matter where you live, or what skill level you have. It is a sacred act to take full responsibility for the death that we eat, and that is how we approach these classes.

This introductory level class is for those who wish to learn how to source, transport, handle, kill, gut, pluck, preserve, and cook fowl. We work hard to honor these animals as best as we can, creating ceremonial space to hold us as we sing open and closed the threshold.

We source the highest quality “beyond organic” birds we can. They fully rotationally pastured and fed a local corn/soy free supplemental grain. At the local food co op these birds are worth $50+.

Each student will kill their own chicken and leave with their animal.

It is our goal that everyone will go home feeling confident in harvesting birds on their own.

WHERE

Held on our new school site! Nestled in 20 acres of raw forest in Quilcene, Washington, this class teaches simple, safe off grid techniques for animal slaughter. We will be working outside in the forest, surrounded by Ravens, Eagle, and Deer. Fresh spring water and rustic campsites are provided.

Topics Covered

-how to source and transport live chickens

-ethical and humane techniques of harvesting fowl

-gutting cleanly, and sorting of organs into edible and non-food uses

-options for plucking/cleaning the skin

-different uses of non-food parts

-discussion of bone broth making

-how and why to let the meat rest

-how to properly wrap and freeze the carcass

-butchering

-cooking techniques for maximum deliciousness

Class includes:

• One day of hands-on instruction with Harmony Cronin (starting on the evening of Saturday June 14th, ending at lunch on Sunday June 15th)

• A gourmet offal lunch on Sunday

• Take your kill home to share

• Primitive camping on 20 acres

Tuition - Sliding Scale $275-420

Please email gatheringwaysschool@gmail.com to reserve a spot