A four day hands-on intensive where our group will take two animals from life, through death, and into a variety of usable parts.

All students will directly participate in the processing of all food & materials from the animals, learning how to make delicious meals as well as an array of useful and beautiful materials from the gifts the animals’ bodies provide

WHOLE ANIMAL PROCESSING

    • Knife safety, sharpening and care

    • Methods of a calm and deliberate kill

    • Skinning without damaging the hide

    • Carcass breakdown processes

    • Field sanitation and scavenger prevention

    • Culinary prep for head, blood & organs 

    • Sinew saving and usage

    • Hide brain tanning

    • Bone tool making

    • Cooking over fire

    • Jerky making

    • & more

    • Tent camping with access to kitchen for making your own breakfast

    • We will be making communal meals from the animals all week we will prepare and clean up together

    • Down time for hikes, blackberry picking and relaxation

  • August 20th-23rd

    $400 4 Days- Meals cooked from the animals

    2 Partial Scholorships Available (contact us via gorgepermaculture@gmail.com

meet your instructors

Myron Cretney is an Earth Skills instructor and has led numerous animal processing classes during the past twenty years with people of all ages. He places great consideration and importance on the experience of the animals, as well as the students. His goal is to make the skills of this process accessible to all who are eager to learn.

Rob Taylor is owner/manager of Buckhorn Valley Farm in Ashland, Oregon where he raises pasture-based lamb using regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices. He believes that food can be a powerful bridge between people and their local landscapes, and is passionate about fostering a deeper sense of connection, stewardship, and place.

FAQ

  • We’re a collection of homesteads 30 mins East of Portland International Airport stewarding a total of 20 acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

  • We are located off the 14 freeway in E Washougal, WA.

    If you’re flying in it’s an easy Lyft or taxi from the Airport.

    • Comfortable outdoor clothes

    • Shoes for hiking and being in the elements.

    • Swimsuit (there’s river access nearby

    • (If you are camping) Tent/pillow/sleeping bag/pad (bring what you need to sleep well and stay dry)

    • Headlamp/flashlight

    • Bowl, plate, cup, eating utensils, water bottle

    • Cooler with food and snacks

    • Camp chair

    • Knife

    • Personal First Aid Kit and any necessary medication

    • Towel and biodegradable soap/shampoo for shower

    • Acoustic Musical Instruments

    • A notebook for taking notes during classes (if you are a note taker)

    • Anything you may want to be comfortable and meet your needs

  • All profits are distributed to the workshop hosts in an effort to support the craftspeople who generously share these skills with our community.

    We often offer flexible pricing based on the level of accommodation desired: from local commuters, to folks who want a private room.

    Private room(s) and glamping tents are limited and not an option at all events.

    Depending on the event- one to two partial work trade scholarships are typically available (inquire via email gorgepermaculture@gmail.com)

  • This is a drug and alcohol free space supporting personal responsibility, and earth care. All attendees are expected to treat themselves, each other and the land with respect and care.

    Please pay attention to what you are doing, as well as be aware of what others are doing. 

    We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave the land at any time due to inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • Meals differ from workshop to workshop- from full catering to provide for yourself.

    This workshop is unique in that we will be cooking and eating the animals we are breaking down throughout the process.

    Guests are encourage to bring their own coolers and non-alcoholiic beverages and snacks, as well as breakfast items to share.

    We strive to serve organic, wholesome food to keep everyone feeling good!

    We will have hot water on hand during the day for tea, etc.

    The property is on spring water so please bring containers to fill up.

  • There is space for tent camping and vehicle camping, although we do not have hookups. Fresh spring water is available at spigots on the land. We have a portapoddy and an outdoor shower.  Please come with everything you need to take care of your sleeping accommodations for yourself and your family. Propane stoves and heaters are okay. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out event! We do not provide garbage services for participants. Please take your trash with you and practice "Leave No Trace" at your campsite as well.


  • Due to the farm animals on the properties, please leave your dogs at home

  • The minimum age for this event is 18 years old

  • Due to administrative back and forth capactiy that we don’t have we have a strict cancellation policy. All classes and accommodation payments are due in full upon signing up and no refunds. So make sure you can make it! :)