Today we’re going to learn about a bunch of different survival uses for turkey parts.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
This is one of the best holidays to celebrate – probably because it gives Americans yet another excuse to gorge ourselves excessively on turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing while watching football and spending time with family. Glorious.
However, one of the biggest regrets I have about this holiday (besides stuffing myself and needing a bigger belt) is all those time I threw away the leftover turkey meat and the carcass. I know, forgive me. I was young and naive.
Truth is turkey has a ton of survival uses that you probably wouldn’t expect. Obviously, you can use the leftover turkey to make sandwiches (aka “the moist maker,” if you’re a Friends fan), and you can freeze the rest of the food for your stockpile. That’s easy and delicious.
Other than that, most people just use the carcass for turkey broth, and think that’s all there is. However, this isn’t the only use for the bones and other parts – not even close.
There’s a lot more to a turkey than just what it can provide for sustenance. And you’ll find out how you can use this dead bird to your advantage once you read about all these…
6 Survival Uses For Turkey Parts
1 – Ease Depression
Turkey is a very healthy, lean meat. And one of its best qualities is that it contains tryptophan – which creates serotonin. Serotonin is essentially a compound that helps boost your happiness. Therefore, by eating turkey, you can naturally life your spirits and lessen the symptoms of depression. All the more reason to go back for seconds!
2 – Hold Things Together
Ever notice how fat sort of holds our body together? We used to be told that fat is “bad.” However, thanks to scientific research and the proven effectiveness of the Keto Diet, we’re finally learning fat doesn’t just help insulate us and keep everything in place (especially when our skin rips or tears). It’s also downright healthy.
Plus, one of the great things about turkey skin is that it’s actually better for you than we think. According to Lilian Cheung of Harvard’s School of Public Health, “There is more monounsaturated fat than saturated fat in poultry skin. The skin adds calories, but there is more healthful fat in it than unhealthful fat. So it’s OK to enjoy, if you like it.”
Obviously, fat storage is huge in a survival situation, since it’ll help give you energy and keep you warmer when the cold sets in. So eat up!
3 – DIY Floss
Remove the raw tendons from the bird, and dry them in open air for about seven days. Then pound them with a heavy object (like a rock or hammer) in order to separate the fibers. These small sinuous fibers are surprisingly strong can make good floss when you need it most. It’s all about being resourceful, right?
4 – Use A Turkey To Catch A Turkey
You read that right. By using parts of the carcass, you can fashion yourself a turkey call to attract and kill more turkeys. It’s a win-win! Use hollow wing bones to make it.
Once the call is ready, put your lips together and make a kissing sound while breathing in. This convincing “yelp” sounding through the hollow bone will encourage turkeys to come over and fall prey to your cunning skills.
Here’s a video to explain more about the process:
5 – Fashion A Fish Hook
One of the great things about the turkey carcass is that it holds plenty of bones. Use these to your advantage by removing them and then carving, sanding, cutting, and grinding them down. This can help you fashion your own fish hooks, which you can use to catch your next meal.
6 – Help With Hunting
Got some leftover turkey bits? You can chop these up and use them as bait for your hunting snares. That way, when animals come looking for the delicious smell, they’ll be caught in your trap – and you’ll have your next meal ready in no time.
There are a whole lot more survival uses for turkeys – in fact, we wrote a survival article earlier this week with even MORE uses for turkey. You can read that article here.
Remember, the more you Prepare Now, the more likely you’ll Survive Later! Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving!
