Outdoor Blog

How To Identify and Eat Hickory Nuts In The Wild

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2021

Hickory trees can be found all across the United States, and they’re a wonderful source of on-the-trail nutrition. The hickory is in the same family as walnut trees and produces delicious fruits that can taste like pecans. There are several different types of the hickory tree which produce edible nuts, some which taste better than others

Anytime you’re out on a hiking trail or taking a camping excursion, it’s good to have some emergency supplies. Food, water, and a way to start a fire are three vital aspects to wildlife survival, so anyone going out into the backcountry needs to know where to source all three. We recently wrote about 8 ways to purify water in a pinch, and today we’re going to teach you all about another useful survival tip. In this article, we’re going to share how you can identify hickory nuts out in the wild.

Foraging for nuts is a great way to get nutrition out in the wild.

What are Hickory nuts?

Hickory nuts are the fruit of hickory trees. They have a thick protective husk that can be cracked to reveal the rich, sweet hickory nut meat within. Hickory nuts are high in fats, proteins, and calories, so this nutrient-dense snack is perfect for hiking trips. You can eat hickory nuts directly from the shell, or dry them to save for many months. Native Americans make porridge from hickory nuts, specifically from shagbark hickory trees.

Hickory nuts can provide an excellent source of nutrition if you’re foraging for supplies. They grow all over the US and are easy to spot if you know how to identify hickory trees. Hickory nuts are one of the most calorie-dense wild plants, so knowing how to find them could truly save your life in the wild. Read on to find out how to spot a hickory tree, so you’ll always be able to find food.

How to spot a Hickory tree

There are plenty of nut trees in most forests, and many don’t produce fruit as friendly as the hickory nut. The majority of foraging knowledge is knowing what not to eat, most importantly the dangerous plants which look similar to edible fruits. It’s vital that you don’t touch or eat any plant life which could be poisonous, so correctly identifying hickory trees is the most important part of the process.

Hickory trees are hardwood deciduous trees of the genus Carya, they shed their greenery on an annual basis. The leaves of any hickory are narrow with a serrated edge and are usually between 2 and 8 inches long. They grow from the stalk in pairs, with 2-9 pairs on either side and a single leaf at the end of the stem. Some hickory trees are more rounded than others, but all have a long narrow shape.

Hickory nuts when they are still on the tree look like large green fruits. You should see them poking through the leaves when in season, and once ripe the nuts will drop to the ground. The nuts have a double shell, the first of which is the fibrous outer husk which can be peeled away. Underneath lies the hard nutshell, and within the hickory nut meat. Hickory nuts look very similar to buckeye nuts when still in the shell, but you can tell the difference once the nut is cracked. Hickory fruit has a multi-chambered inner nutshell that divides the nut, like the inside of a walnut. Poisonous buckeye nuts, on the other hand, have a solid nutmeat without any partitions, and this almond-like warning sign is an important one to know about.

Different types of Hickory nuts

There are 16 different species of tree which are a part of the hickory family. The most popular are the walnut and the pecan, both of which have been cultivated and commercially farmed. The hickory nuts you may come across in the forest are of different species to these trees, and their fruits look and taste a little different. Pignut and Shagbark hickories are the most common to find and eat, but there are actually numerous edible hickory nut species.

1. Southern Shagbark Hickory

The southern shagbark hickory, or carya ovata, is a fairly common hickory species. It grows in limestone soils and its wood has a number of commercial uses, including furniture, flooring, and burning to create hickory-smoked foods. The Carolina shagbark’s distinguishing feature is its bark, which is immediately recognizable. In maturity, the bark of this tree begins to peel, giving a loose and shaggy texture.

Looking for bark is the easiest way to spot a shagbark hickory, but you can’t rely on it. Otherwise, you’d miss out on the fruits from younger shagbark hickory trees, which haven’t yet developed the distinctive texture. The fruit of a shagbark hickory is round in shape and generally between one and two inches in diameter. If you find a shagbark hickory nut, you’ll notice a thick, dark husk covers the nut shell within. The average height of shagbark hickories is between 60 and 80 feet tall, but the largest can reach towering heights of 120 feet.

You’ll find shagbark hickory trees in the eastern and midwestern US, mostly in humid climates. This tree can withstand a range of temperatures but needs moist soil in order to thrive. Shagbarks are often found scattered throughout pine, oak, and maple forests, and are sometimes planted as ornamental trees. The hickory nuts we’re after are produced after a tree reaches 40 years of maturity, but shagbark hickories can live for two or three hundred years.

The nuts from shagbark hickory trees are sweet in taste and can be eaten directly out of the shell. However, if you’re wondering what to do with hickory nuts to spice them up a bit, you can actually cook them! The fruit of the shagbark hickory tastes fantastic when slightly toasted over your campfire. Doing so takes away the fruitiness of the nut, and instead brings forward a more roasted flavor and satisfying crunch.

2. Pignut Hickory

Carya glabra is the Latin name of the pignut hickory, which is often found growing nearby to shagbark trees. Unlike the distinctive shaggy bark of the previous hickory species, the pignut has tight bark which does not peel in maturity. Pignut Hickory bark is grey and thin and has shallow crisscrossing tracks that form close scales on the surface.

The leaves of this hickory tree are generally between 8 and 12 inches long, usually with 5 leaflets to a stem. The end leaf is the largest, and all greenery turns a golden brown color in the fall. This tree of the family Juglandaceae grows natively across the eastern United States and Canada. Adult pignut hickories can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet, with a tall but narrow oval-shaped canopy.

The fruit of a pignut has a thin, light brown husk. They’re much smaller than shagbark hickory nuts at only half an inch and are rounded in shape. Pignut hickory fruits get their name as some people think the shape of the nut resembles a pig’s nose. Pignuts are slightly pear-shaped and have four ridges on the husk, which does not easily separate from the shell.

Pignut hickory nuts are edible but mostly bitter in taste. They still make an excellent emergency trail snack, and every nut tastes different so there’s no guarantee that your nut will be bitter. However, pignuts can be made to taste quite delicious when cooked in a certain way, so if you’re foraging to cook at home then try them out in a recipe. Pignut hickory fruits can be ground up for baking, or candied to turn them into a sweet treat.

Roasting your shagbark nuts on the campfire can give them a more interesting flavor.

3. Bitternut Hickory

The bitternut hickory is another of the more common hickory species, found in the center of North America all the way out to the coast. Try not to confuse the bitternut with the butternut, a related tree more commonly known as the white walnut. White walnut trees produce a sweet fruit which is quite different from the astringent taste of the bitternut. While not technically poisonous, we don’t recommend eating bitternuts because their high tannin content makes them incredibly bitter.

The bitternut, or carya cordiformis, is a broadleaf deciduous tree with a mature height of 50-70 feet. This hickory species is native to the Chicago region, so you’re likely to see some on a camping trip to Illinois. The bark of a bitternut is gray-green and will become scaly as the tree ages. Fruits of bitternut hickory have four-winged husks and are only about an inch in size. If you shell a bitternut, you’ll find the nut meat in four separate parts.

4. Mockernut Hickory

The mockernut, or white hickory, is the most abundant of all hickory nut trees in the US. It’s common across the eastern half of the country and can live for up to 500 years.

The carya tomentosa is called the mockernut because the shell is large, hard, and thick, but the nut meat inside is relatively small. Although it’s a lot of work to crack this hard nut for such a tiny fruit, the delicious reward is worth it.

The leaves of the mockernut hickory are large, from 8 to 15 inches in length. Leaves are alternately spread, usually grouped in 7 leaflets. The tree bark is grey and very tight, while the fruits have a distinctive reddish-brown husk.

Older mockernuts can reach up to 100 feet, so these towering hardwoods make formidable forests. Mockernut hickories grow in drier areas, mostly along slopes and ridges.

This species of hickory nuts are definitely edible, and make a sweet snack on the trail. You may need a nutcracker to break the thick husk, but if you can forage enough then there are some delicious recipes to make using mockernuts. For example, brining and baking the nuts can make a delicious savory treat.

5. Shellbark Hickory

At only 10 to 12 years of maturity, the shellbark hickory begins to produce fruit. This tree looks quite similar to the shagbark hickory, it has a similar bark which separates into long thin strips away from the trunk to create a shaggy effect. The shellbark is the largest of the true hickories, with a spread of 50 feet and a height of 90 to 130. It’s also called the big shagbark hickory or the kingnut hickory.

The leaves of this tree are much larger than other hickories, at 12-24 inches long with 5-6 leaflets. The large leaves and orange twigs distinguish this tree from other hickories, so watch out for these identifying features. Shellbark hickory nuts are also the biggest, they appear in clusters of two or three on the tree.

The fruits of carya laciniosa can be 1.5 inches wide and are sweet when eaten. The dark brown husk peels away easily to reveal the perfect on-the-trail treat.

6. Red Hickory

Carya ovalis is the Latin name for the red hickory, which is one of the more uncommon hickory species in eastern North America. The Red hickory can reach around 100 feet in height and comfortably lives from 100 to 350 years. The compound leaves produce 5 to 9 leaflets in a medium green color. This hickory species has many names, including the sweet pignut.

This is because the tree is very similar to the pignut hickory but produces a much tastier fruit.

Falso shagbark hickory is another name for this species, as a slight shaggy texture can develop over time.

The fruits of the red hickory have a thick husk, fleshy green until the fall when it becomes brown and brittle. Inside, the nuts are round and about an inch in size. Rednut hickory nuts are sweet and delicious eaten directly from the forest floor.

7. Sandnut Hickory

The last hickory species we’re going to tell you about is the sandnut. Fruits from this tree are so sweet and delicious that they’re often used in the place of pecans for baking and savory cooking. The carya pallida shows 7-9 leaflets which have hairy grey scales on the underside and can reach up to 80 feet tall. Most sandnut hickory bark is between a pale and dark grey and is smooth, furrowed, and sometimes can be shaggy.

Sandnut hickory trees produce almost-round fruit, which emerges from the four-part husk in maturity. The nut shells are thick and bony, but when cracked open the sweet nut meat within is delicious. These nuts are small, starting at sizes of only half an inch, but if you can forage a good supply then they are an excellent ingredient. Sandnut hickories are often found in dry, sandy, sloping areas, growing amongst pine trees.

The easiest way to open hickory nuts is with a nutcracker.

How to eat Hickory nuts

Picking ripe hickory nuts is easy, as they’re usually eaten as they fall off the tree. Most hickory nuts that have fallen to the ground will have a cracked husk, and this can be peeled away and discarded. When you’re foraging, collect only the nuts from within the outer husk. The next step is to carefully inspect all nuts for cracks or boreholes. Weevils and other bugs will bury inside the shell and eat the fruit within, so nuts with holes are useless.

Hickory nuts have a hard shell, so you’ll probably need a nutcracker to open them. A vise, hammer, or rock can also be used as a more primitive tool to crack nuts. Balck walnuts are so strong that you can run them over with a car to crack them. When you’re foraging in a survival situation, a rock or the butt of your survival knife is ideal to crack open the snack. If you don’t want to eat them straight away, cracked nuts can be stored in an airtight container for several months.

Final Verdict:

Foraging for food in the wild is an essential survival skill, as well as one of the most useful talents you can use to impress your camping buddies. If you know how to identify hickory nut trees and other fruit-bearing plants in the wild, it can literally save your life. Not only is it the difference between eating a bitter and a sweet-tasting nut, but it could actually be what prevents a trip to the poison control center.

The fruit from hickory trees is not always edible, so it’s a good idea to know how the blooming season works. Pollination depends on the availability of other hickories nearby, so a sole hickory will not be able to produce nuts. Once a hickory tree is mature, the first and second bloom will not produce any edible nuts. However, from here onwards a tree could fruit every one to two years. You never need to harvest any sort of hickory nut from the tree; any ripe fruit will fall directly to the ground. This happens from September onwards, during the fall period, so all you need to do is get there before the squirrels!

Bonus tip: Check out this video on collecting hickory nuts for long-term storage!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter