For those pursuing a lifestyle of independence, the transition from modern convenience to a self-sufficient homestead is often paved with a steep learning curve. Backwoods Home Magazine (BHM) has served as a critical instructional bridge for these individuals since its inception in 1989. Founded by Dave Duffy, the publication was designed as a practical "how-to" guide for anyone wishing to master the arts of gardening, livestock management, canning, building, and cooking. By focusing on original content rather than reprinted excerpts from other books, BHM provides an authentic, practitioner-led approach to off-grid living that has sustained a dedicated community of homesteaders for decades.
Evolution of the Publication and Ownership
The history of Backwoods Home Magazine is a testament to the very resilience it teaches. For nearly thirty years, the magazine operated as a staple of the homesteading community under Dave Duffy's leadership. However, the publication underwent a significant transition in January 2018 when Dave retired. At that juncture, the magazine shifted to a digital-only format, becoming available exclusively via Amazon’s Kindle platform.
This digital transition was short-lived. Recognizing the enduring value of the physical page for those living in remote areas or those who prefer tactile references, Dave’s youngest son, Sam Duffy, reopened the print edition a year later. This revival occurred under the umbrella of Self-Reliance Publications, a company co-owned by Sam and his sister, Annie Tuttle. Today, the organization manages two distinct but complementary titles: Backwoods Home Magazine and Self-Reliance Magazine.
Navigating Content: Backwoods Home vs. Self-Reliance
While both publications are published by Self-Reliance Publications and share a core mission of promoting practical independence, they cater to slightly different reader preferences. Understanding these nuances allows subscribers to choose the resource that best fits their specific lifestyle goals.
| Feature | Backwoods Home Magazine | Self-Reliance Magazine |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Homesteading, gardening, food preservation, off-grid living | Homesteading, gardening, food preservation, off-grid living |
| Firearms Content | Includes a firearms article in every issue | Specifically excludes firearms content |
| Approach | Tends to be more "hardcore" in its methodology | Focused on general practical self-reliance |
| Publication Frequency | Quarterly (4 issues per year) | Quarterly (4 issues per year) |
| Format | Print, Digital, or Combo | Print, Digital, or Combo |
Many enthusiasts choose to subscribe to both, as the complementary nature of the content provides a comprehensive toolkit for rural living.
Accessing Free Content and Instructional Material
For those not yet ready to commit to a full subscription, or for those seeking immediate answers to homesteading challenges, there are several avenues to access the wisdom of Backwoods Home Magazine without a financial commitment.
Free Online Articles
BHM offers a selection of free online articles. These resources serve as an entry point for beginners, allowing them to test the "digestible and palatable" nature of the writing before investing in a subscription. These articles cover the same rigorous standards of original content and practical application found in the print editions.
The Value of Originality
A defining characteristic of BHM—and a primary reason for its loyalty among readers—is its commitment to original reporting. Unlike many niche magazines that fill their pages with reprinted paragraphs from existing books (often reused across multiple publications with different photos), BHM focuses on first-hand experience. This authenticity ensures that the techniques described—such as seed saving and harvest preservation—are vetted by practitioners who actually implement them on their own land.
Subscription Models and Delivery Logistics
The publication offers a flexible range of access levels to accommodate different technological preferences and geographical constraints.
Subscription Options
- Print Only: The magazine is delivered directly to the subscriber's mailbox.
- Digital Only: Provides instant access to downloadable PDFs via a Digital Library.
- Print + Digital Combo: Offers the tactile experience of the magazine along with the convenience of a digital archive.
Shipping and Financials
The logistics of receiving BHM are handled with a focus on transparency and accessibility.
- Shipping Origin: Print copies are shipped from the printer located in Wisconsin.
- Delivery Timeline: First issues typically take between 2 to 8 weeks to arrive.
- Pricing Structure: The cost of shipping is included in the subscription price shown during checkout. However, there is a standard annual shipping cost of $20 added to the subscription price.
- Payment Methods: The publication accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. In a nod to the self-reliance ethos, they have occasionally accepted payment in silver.
- Global Reach: While a list of countries is typically provided during checkout, those in unlisted regions are encouraged to contact the staff via email or phone to arrange delivery.
Deep Dive into Instructional Topics: The BHM Index
The depth of knowledge contained within Backwoods Home Magazine is extensive, as evidenced by the comprehensive index covering issues 1 through 138. This vast archive serves as a textbook for the modern homesteader, categorized by subject and subcategory to ensure that information is easy to locate.
Core Subject Areas
The instructional content is divided into several critical pillars of self-sufficiency:
- Alternative Energy: Strategies for powering a home independent of the grid.
- Building: Practical guides on constructing shelters, barns, and utility structures.
- Country Living: Navigating the social and logistical realities of rural life.
- Gardening: Techniques for soil health, crop rotation, and maximizing yield.
- Health: Natural health practices and first-aid for remote locations.
- Recipes and Food Preservation: Detailed methods for canning and storing food to last through the winter.
- Science: The application of natural sciences to improve homesteading efficiency.
- Livestock: Management and care of farm animals.
- Firearms: Essential knowledge on tool use and safety (exclusive to BHM).
The majority of these entries are structured as instructional pieces, providing step-by-step guidance on specific skills rather than theoretical discussions.
The Artistic and Human Element of BHM
Beyond the technical manuals, Backwoods Home Magazine maintains a strong visual identity that reflects the pastoral ideal. This is largely achieved through the work of longtime artist Don Childers.
The cover art by Childers is more than mere decoration; it captures the essence of the self-reliant lifestyle. His paintings often depict scenes of quiet productivity and familial bonds, such as: - An older woman knitting on a cabin porch with her dog. - A young girl observing a herd of cows near a blossoming orchard. - Children collecting acorns for processing into flour. - A peaceful scene of Dave and Don Childers playing chess by a fire.
These visuals, combined with the personal narratives of readers who have used the magazine to find a sense of community and identity, transform BHM from a simple manual into a cultural touchstone for the self-sufficiency movement.
Administrative and Community Engagement
For those looking to contribute to the body of knowledge within the magazine, Self-Reliance Publications maintains open channels for creators and business partners.
For Writers
The magazine actively seeks original content that adheres to its standards of practicality and authenticity. Detailed writing guidelines and a structured submission process are available on their dedicated Writers Guidelines page, ensuring that contributors know exactly how to format their expertise for the BHM audience.
For Advertisers
Businesses that align with the values of homesteading and self-reliance can find detailed information on the advertising page to reach this targeted demographic.
Direct Support
For specific inquiries regarding book orders (which vary in price) or pinpoint estimates on shipping and delivery, the organization maintains a direct phone line at 541-250-5134 and a physical mailing address at PO Box 308, Philomath, OR 97370.
Distinguishing BHM from "The Backwoodsman"
It is a common point of confusion among seekers of freebies and samples that Backwoods Home Magazine is often associated with another publication called The Backwoodsman. However, it is critical to note that these are entirely separate entities.
The Backwoodsman was a different magazine and is no longer in print, having discontinued publication in 2025. It has no affiliation with Self-Reliance Publications, Backwoods Home Magazine, or Self-Reliance Magazine. Consumers searching for archives or subscriptions should ensure they are dealing with the Oregon-based Self-Reliance Publications to receive the correct materials.
Conclusion
Backwoods Home Magazine remains a cornerstone for those attempting to decouple their lives from the fragility of modern industrial systems. Through its commitment to original, practitioner-led content and its willingness to provide free introductory articles, it lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring homesteaders. Whether through a lifetime subscription—which the company has famously honored despite organizational shifts—or by utilizing the digital PDF library, the wealth of knowledge regarding gardening, building, and off-grid living continues to be accessible to the American consumer seeking a more independent way of life.