Bushcraft and Survival

Log Splitting With A Small Bushcraft Axe

2010-12-05T12:37:00.000Z

Splittting a recently felled ash log with a gransfors brucks wildlife hatchet.

A Mental Wilderness Survival Kit

2010-11-25T13:36:00.000Z

A survival kit should be carried by anyone who goes deep into the wilderness. What should be in it? Matches, a blade of some sort, and first aid supplies are among the usual recommendations.

When you read the true stories of survival, though, you start to see that it is what's in a persons head that often determines if they survive or not. What, then, should be in this mental survival kit?

A Survival Kit In Your Mind

1. Willingness to learn. Even those who know nothing about survival until lost in the wilderness can still learn as they go - if they are willing to. If you're cold, watch that squirrel dive under a pile of leaves, and try that to stay warm (it works). Notice what's working and what isn't, and keep trying new things.

2. Willingness to do what's necessary. This is one of the most important items in your mental survival kit. Hey, they can eat hissing cockroaches just for the chance to win some money on "Fear Factor," so you can do it to save your life, right? Spoon with your buddy to stay warm, break open logs to find grubs to eat - do whatever it takes.

3. Positive attitude. This is an essential. In many stories of survival it is clear that those who expected to survive did. Even if you're not sure you can survive, encourage this attitude by acting as if you expect to.

4. Inspirational thoughts. This is how to have that positive attitude. An easy and enjoyable way to get this inspiration is to read true stories of wilderness survival. Some of the stories are about situations far worse than anything you are ever likely to encounter. Remembering them at the appropriate time is a sure way to see that you can survive. tell them to others too, if you are in a group.

5. Wilderness survival knowledge. You don't have to go to a survival training school to read and remember that you can safely eat all North American mammals, or that you can stuff your jacket with cattail fluff to create a winter coat. Any little bit helps, so learn a new trick or two each season, or take an edible plant guide on your next hike.

6. Reasons to survive. We all have reasons to want to live, but we need to remember to pull out those reasons when the time comes. Many people have attributed their survival to the constant thought of a loved one waiting for them, or something they want in the future.

Maybe you've already done this mental preparation, but it can't hurt to look over the list above again. Is there anything you need to work on in your mental survival kit?

Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and new Wilderness Survival Guide can be found at http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com/wilderness-survival-guide.html

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Please Remember What's First - Wilderness Survival Tip

2010-11-04T11:41:00.000Z

When in a survival situation, there are a lot of things that rush through your head. However, it is very important that you Please Remember What's First. That's P. R. W. F. for Protection, Rescue, Water, and Food.

Protection

Your first goal should always to ensure adequate protection. Even in 50 degree weather you can get hypothermia, especially if wet and in wind. Shelter from the sun is essential in warmer climates as well. Using paracord that you should have in your survival kit and whatever you can find in your immediate vicinity, construct some form of shelter and protection from the elements.
When building shelter to stay warm, remember one layer of insulation on bottom is as good as two on top. Much of your body heat seeps into the ground during the night. Also, keep your head covered as the majority of your body heat is dissipated through your head. If possible, build on ground that is dry, well drained, and flat. Choose location that is close to water and firewood. Build shelter on a site that is easy to be seen and spotted.

Clean and bandage wounds with alcohol prep pads and bandages, another key item you should have in your survival kit. Infections can present serious danger in survival situations. Use safety pins to secure bandages in place.

Rescue

After you have established protection, your next job is to attract attention to yourself for rescue. Use a whistle, a piece of tinfoil as a signaling mirror, or a flashlight to signal any search parties. A whistle's blast can carry for 1-2 miles in the wilderness, and requires very little energy to use. A human voice can only carry 100-200 meters at best. A smokey fire is also a good method of drawing attention to yourself from afar.

3 of any kind of signal is the international sign of distress. 3 flashes of a flashlight, 3 blasts of a whistle, 3 sticks or even 3 fires in a triangle will signal any search party that you are in distress.
If you must travel, leave obvious markers along your path for rescuers to follow, and also to prevent you from doubling back on yourself. Three stones stacked on top of each other is an excellent method of leaving markers when nothing else is available.

Water

Water is the next most essential element in surviving. Conserve your water by not breathing hard, avoid sweating, stay out of direct sunlight. The best place to store water is in your stomach. Drink as much as you need, and as often as you can. Store extra water in a ziploc bag, or a canteen or water bottle. If fire is not readily available, you may drink from streams that are flowing and clear. Never drink stagnant water! If possible purify your water by boiling. A piece of tightly folded tinfoil makes a good cup for boiling water (yet another helpful survival kit item). Do not place tinfoil directly in fire, but near the heat on a hot rock. Place a small bit of bullion cube in water to replace lost electrolytes and improve flavor.

Trees and vegetation contain great amounts of moisture and water. A clear plastic bag or bottle may be wrapped around a leafy branch, or filled with leafy material, sealed with a rubber band or string, and placed in the sun. Over time direct sunlight will evaporate liquid in vegetation and reconstitute it into drinkable water.

Food

Food is your last concern after protection, rescue, and water. Eating a piece of glucose candy can temporarily raise your blood sugar and give you much needed energy to complete a task. If a stream is nearby, a small fishing line and a hook or safety pin with a bit of bait attached to the end can work. Snares can be set using paracord. A rubber band can be used to improvise a harpoon or slingshot to catch other kinds of small animals. Knife or razor blade that should also be in your survival kit can be used to prepare meat for cooking.

If you remember these steps in this order, you will have a much higher chance of surviving your emergency situation. So always: Please Remember What's First.

A survival kit is an essential item to have with you at all times when in the great outdoors. Don't ever leave home without one! There are many very cool knife based survival kits on the market that have everything you might need in one very handy package. Check out our reviews of some of the top knife based survival kits available!

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Survival Requirements Of Sheltering

2010-11-02T12:54:00.000Z

By now everyone must appreciate the value associated with having emergency supplies readily at hand during a major crisis. The situations that developed during the Katrina disaster should only serve to reinforce our goals to be able to take care of ourselves during a national or local emergency. The government responses were sluggish and in many cases ineffective. In this article I will briefly review the requirements for establishing an adequate shelter plan.

A shelter is one of those items high on the list of necessities when a disaster occurs. It is of vital importance that one maintains their health and it is beneficial that as soon as you can get out from amongst the elements the better. In most cases when considering your shelter requirements you will need to determine whether you will be remaining in place or travel to your selected retreat. Both have specific advantages as well as related disadvantages.

Assuming that you are confident that your best chances for survival would be to remain at your home and simply fortify what you have then you would have the advantage of familiarity. You already know your immediate area around your home and the various locations around it which could become detrimental to your survival plans. You likely would not require a "map" since you know your home area like the back of your hand. One of the advantages which you have over the retreat people is you do not have to be concerned with traveling dangerous highways in order to arrive at your retreat and you have the advantage of not needing to transport your survival supplies to another location. To you, I would advise you make adequate back-up plans just in case being at home fails to work out as well as you expect. You should never make the assumption that you will be continually safe at home as situations change and there is the possibility of deterioration of the area. Always have a secondary plan and a retreat to go to if necessary.

The retreat centered survivalists understand that viable change is inevitable and make no assumptions that they are totally secure where they presently are. They have learned to function on the bare minimum of supplies and can easily make due with what they have on hand. In most cases the survival retreats are very well stocked with supplies and equipment. In addition, you have the advantage of being mobile in the unfortunate event that your initial location becomes compromised. Often getting to your retreat can frequently be a difficult task. I try to base my retreat on one tank of gasoline in my BOV. This allows me to pass by dangerous gas station situations with their long waiting lines and potentials of car jacking. You must plan accordingly when your goal is to go to a retreat. It is essential to read between the lines and see the disaster coming. One of the major problems encountered with retreats is the movement of your supplies and equipment so you can expect to have less supplies to work with.

Contrary to commonly accepted arguments those individuals who survivals in a country setting are not necessarily safer or better off then their city neighbors. Surviving in the city is possible however it will require a bit of additional planning. Provisions must be taken to provide for fresh water collections, necessary food storage as well as the defense of your home. In a crisis situation cities will become a refuge for diseases and the fear of fires are ever present. Rioting and looting is expected in the city and will likely be widespread. The key here is to remain hidden and out of view as these kinds of events bring out the worst in human beings. You will encounter hoards of relentless snipers which will make foot travel around the city difficult.

The country dwellers at their retreat will have to deal appropriately with the wandering refugees escaping the city seeking a location which offers them protection. It won't be easy turning people away but you must initially think of your own. A retreat unless it is a group organization will not have an adequate workforce making defense difficult at best. It is a sure bet that any retreat without the proper defense will quickly be overrun by marauders.

Copyright @2010 Joseph Parish
http://www.survival-training.info

For more information relating to survival visit us at http://www.survival-training.info

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Wilderness First Aid Courses - Going Beyond Basic First Aid

2010-10-28T15:21:00.001+01:00

Due to the difference in conditions in the wilderness as compared to the general work or home environment, wilderness first aid courses must cover emergency medical attention in different settings with different conditions and hazards. Types of injuries that occur in the wilderness frequently differ from those occurring in traditional settings. Courses are available for the casual outdoor enthusiast, for wilderness tour guides, and for others who act as first responders in remote locations.

Courses for those who work or travel in less remote locations are not as intense as courses for those who venture far from traditional help. Basic wilderness first aid courses teach emergency treatment as the first response to an accident or injury before medical assistance arrives. The typical course explains patient assessment and exam, taking vital signs, documenting the injury or illness. Short-term initial care for spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and shock is covered. Stabilization of fractures, dislocations, and sprains that occur in the outdoors is taught. Extremes of cold and heat experienced outside can bring on hypothermia or heat stoke. Lightning strikes, insect and animal bites, and plant toxins are more frequently experienced out of doors. Without cell phone reception or emergency care minutes away, those who hike or guide tours must be able to care for the patient for several hours or more. The care given during this time can be the difference between full recovery and lasting effects from the event.

Advanced courses are appropriate for river guides, mountain climbers, survival school personnel and others who work in remote locations. Due to the distance from traditional emergency medical responders, the time spent caring for the patient can lasts from days to even weeks. Intensive knowledge of all body systems, evacuation techniques, long-term care for fractures, spinal cord and head injuries, and full treatment of shock victims are some of the subjects covered.

All wilderness first aid classes teach the use of materials on hand for emergency situations. Elaborate first aid kits are rare in the wilderness. Splints and braces can be made from materials such as snowshoes, skis, straps from backpacks, and padding from packs or clothing. A quick response and creative use of available materials are essential in the wilderness.

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Learn More About First Aid Classes - CPR Classes

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Disaster Preparedness - 5 Top Tips For Earthquake Survival

2010-10-21T19:28:00.000+01:00

By Wayne Bennett

The recent earthquakes in Haiti remind us that we must be prepared. This impoverished country had little to no preparedness in place. We must take steps to become more self reliant and capable of taking care of our own families in an emergency.

I have been involved professionally in emergency response since 1982. In that time I have responded to thousands of emergencies. Mostly of the daily 9-1-1 nature. Some were of a catastrophic nature, including large earthquakes, wild fires and floods. I have also been training the public in disaster preparedness since 1987. What I have come away with is a pattern of unpreparedness by civilians. This led me to create this list of the top 5 things one should do to prepare in the order of importance.

"Real" First Aid Kit - This is number one because injuries don't and can't wait. They must be addressed immediately. You must have a kit that can handle problems even when you do not have immediate access to 9-1-1. A "Real" first aid kit is a kit that is more than a owie or boo, boo kit. More than just band-aids and wipes. What you need is a kit with at least CPR barrier mask, trauma dressings, multiple 4x4 gauze dressings, gauze rolls, paramedic scissors, a real splint (not popsicle sticks), sterile water, burn dressing, etc. This is a kit that can manage serious and minor injuries. The ability to stabilize and sterilize can be lifesaving when outside sources become limited or unavailable.
Utility shutoff tool - The ability to control your gas and water meters is extremely important to minimize property damage and risk to life safety. To reduce the risk of fire and explosions immediately following an earthquake is critical. Always check the gas meter dials to determine a leak. As most leaks will be in the walls or attic of the home and you may not smell gas til it is to late. Look for a non-sparking metal tool that will turn off both your gas and water meters.
Fire Extinguisher - Since all fires start small, having an extinguisher handy is a great advantage for preserving life and property. Purchase an ABC dry chemical extinguisher. This type will extinguish all three classes of fire (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electrical. Keep a fire extinguisher in the home and car. Periodically check the gauge for pressure.
Water storage - Even though you may not need water in the next hour. It will become critical to your families survival in the following hours and days. This not something you can get later. Store enough Water - a minimum of one gallon per person per day for 7-14 days for drinking and hygiene. Store tap water in approved barrels and treat with "Water Preserver" for five-year storage. Keep "Water Purification Tablets" on hand to treat any untreated or questionable water. One tablet will treat one quart of water. Never store water in old bleach bottles, milk type plastic containers (as they are made from breathable plastic) in the garage because any fumes from vehicles, paints, solvents, pesticides will contaminate your supply.
Car Survival Kit - Since we take our cars everywhere, place one in each family members car. You will always be prepared. Store a 3-day food bar, sterile water pouches, medical, warmth (thermal blanket) and lightsticks and flashlight in your kit.

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Wayne Bennett is a twenty five year fire captain in southern California. He is also the owner of Survival Skills & Co. a business specializing in Disaster Response training for Schools and Businesses. He has trained over 20,000 persons since 1991 how to save lives in his one day "Disaster Survival Skills" workshops. His company also provides realistic kits and supplies for disaster preparedness. His company provides NIMS training, CPR & First Aid classes. He is a FEMA CERT instructor, American Heart Assoc. Instructor, National Safety Council training center. His training includes Urban Search and Rescue training, Swift water rescue, Ice rescue, High/low angle rope rescue, CSTI earthquake management, etc.

Visit his website at http://www.disastersurvivalskills.com

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Making Bannock - Simple Bushcraft Bread For Everyday Or Survival Food

2010-10-17T18:59:00.000+01:00

Simple unleven bread that you can premix the dry ingredients and makes great trail food.

Basic Recipe

2 cups of flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tb baking soda
1 tb baking powder
1/4 c milk powder
salt to taste
add water to desired effect around 1 c. less for bread/bisquits or more for pancake style
Add pineapple and spam for a Hawaiian Bannock.

Enjoy!

Cultural Tourism - Visiting The Remote Tribes Of The World In Search Of Understanding

2010-10-14T15:44:00.001+01:00

The various tribes of the world that have managed to remain unscathed by the ravages of civilization are precious repositories of eco-friendly life styles. These earth-friendly cultures are as fascinating as the intricacies of the Universe itself. Increasingly, those looking for respite from too much civilization are drawn to these pre-historic caches of human life. As a result there have been instances where tourists rush in where locals fear to tread, and invariably leave a trail of destruction in their wake. There's more to be gained from cultural tourism if it is approached with a certain amount of sensitivity that may be termed responsible tourism.

In past centuries cultural or tribal tourism was often motivated by sheer curiosity and had a voyeuristic element which failed to appreciate the down to earth lifestyles of the tribal people. There was a decided feeling of superiority and relief at not being "uncivilized savages" themselves. Others felt an overwhelming need to civilize the "savages" or bring them into the folds of religion. So, for whatever reason, there was a pressing need to interfere in these indigenous lives to make them better.

Fortunately in the last few decades this trend has been overtaken by a healthier attitude marked by a genuine interest and responsible mindset, tinged with respect and appreciation for the subject. A quest for understanding has taken tourists to the remote corners of Africa, Americas, and Asia to discover information regarding alternate ways of life. Anthropological studies and television documentaries have kindled an ever increasing interest in cultural tourism, fanned even more by tour companies and state governments that see new economic opportunities in their backyards. Celebrities contribute their mite by bringing new places to the attention of the world either by adopting kids or touring these remote lands. Cultural tourism has surely arrived, even grown by leaps and bounds. How does this affect the tribes themselves, if at all?

In the northwest region of Namibia, live the tribe of Himba. They inhabit the wilderness of Kaokoland and have done so since time immemorial. The Himba women adorn themselves with a great deal of jewellery and elaborate braids, taking a lot of pride in their femininity. They rub their bodies with a mixture of ochre, butter, and fragrant herbs to give their skin a translucent perfection. The Himba lived off the fruit of the land in isolation till the tourist descended on their idyllic hideaway. With the best intentions in the world, they introduced candies to the children and liquor to the men, besides a whole lot of processed food all around. Now Western modernisation has swept the Himba young into its fold, while only the old timers cling to their traditions.

The San, or the Bushmen, are another tribe that have lived in Namibia for at least 30,000 years. They can now be visited as one of the highlights of a safari in the Etosha National Park. The Owambo people, who live in thatched dwellings in a fenced kraal with a sacred fire in the centre, are another attraction.

In the heartland of Australia live the majority of aboriginal tribes such as the Arunta, Arrarnta, Yolgnu, and Aranda, who have persisted in the rhythm of their pre-historic cultures to this day. Marked by a considerable amount of ceremonies, rituals, songs, and dances, their culture has survived intact in certain areas where outsiders are forbidden to watch them. However, European colonisation has robbed other tribes of their identities and totally destroyed at least some of their tribal sanctity.

The central and north-eastern states of India have a wealth of ancient tribal cultures that continue survive as their people live more or less the same lives led by their ancestors. There are strongholds of ancient cultures thriving in the remote interiors that are untouched by modernity. The government has taken steps to preserve these as national treasures, and so you have areas like Jharkhand and Chattisgarh where about 70% of the population belong to various tribes. There are a number of organized tours that take tourists there. You can interact with the local tribes and take part in their ceremonies at select opportunities. These tribes are quite willing to share their lives with outsiders but think twice before adopting foreign cultures, which helps preserve their cultural integrity.

Tourism that takes you to the backyards of other people, whether it's an Amish village, Native American Indian sites in North America, or the aboriginals of Australia, is best done with the same respect and responsibility we would show when we lean over the fence for a friendly chat or enter a neighbour's kitchen for a cup of tea. We most certainly would not pluck her prize roses, walk all over her vegetable patch, or leave with her pet goldfish. Responsible travel is merely taking these good manners with us when we visit another community and remembering our common humanity while striving for understanding of a culture so different from our own.

Tribal people have customs, rituals, sacred places, and holy days that we may have no idea about. Even the local people who do not belong to the tribes might be quite vague about details. The governments may not publicize these issues for fear of driving away tourist dollars. Tour operators just do their jobs. So it is pretty much up to us as responsible travellers to ensure we take into account these factors and aim to tread lightly on our planet with respect and understanding.

Justine has been a journalist for 20 years and is a contributor to Just The Planet, the online luxury travel magazine for independent travellers. Read more articles about peace through tourism [http://www.justtheplanet.com/peace-through-tourism/peace-through-tourism.php] and more travel features.

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Intelligence: The Most Important Wilderness Survival Tool

2010-10-12T20:08:00.000+01:00

One of the biggest mistakes day hikers make is assuming they don't need to plan for wilderness survival. After all, a hiker usually reasons, "I only plan to be out for a few hours. I'll be back long before sunset. There's no reason to carry more stuff than I have to." Unfortunately, hundreds of hikers die or become seriously injured every year by relying on this faulty reasoning. Wilderness survival requires planning ahead and making three basic assumptions.

The first assumption you should make is that you may be gone longer than you plan. If you're planning a day hike (a few hours or more), plan as though you'll be out overnight. Bring enough water for the hike, plus enough for the night and the following 24 hours. You may become lost or otherwise unable to get back to your starting point by sundown. Your body will already have lost a great deal of water from the exertion of the hike. The last thing you want is to find yourself stuck in the wilderness overnight with no water. It may seem like a hassle to carry so much water. However, your survival chances will increase exponentially if you have enough water to sustain you in case of emergency.

If you are stranded in the wilderness overnight, always assume that the temperature will drop. Even in the desert, overnight temperatures can be significantly colder than in the daytime. Exposure to cold or inclement weather can result in hypothermia and may even lead to death. Day hikers should never leave home without additional warm clothing. A sweatshirt, long pants, socks, and rainproof jacket or covering should be carried in a backpack. You also should consider carrying a thermal emergency blanket, which is lightweight and compact for easy carrying. They reflect heat, protect from weather and are fire-resistant.

The third assumption day hikers should make is that they may become injured. If you aren't prepared for the possibility of an injury, you could find yourself in trouble. Hikers should always carry a basic first-aid kit. Many hikers who have chosen not to carry one in order to save weight or space have regretted it later. Make sure the kit is fully stocked with band-aids, a sterile cleanser, gauze, adhesive tape and cloth bandages. Always replace items later if you use something from your kit.

Some other important things to remember:

Take a buddy. Hiking alone is never recommended. It can be very dangerous, especially if you become injured. Hiking with a partner increases your chances of getting out of the wilderness alive if you get hurt.

Take a cell phone. Dozens of hikers are rescued every year because they carried a cell phone. Having a cell phone may reduce your chances of injury or death by up to 50 percent.

Make a plan. Be sure you know the area where you'll be hiking. If you haven't been there before, get a map of the area and mark the trail you'll take. Make copies of your map, and make sure every member in your group has a copy.

Inform someone at home. Never go into the wilderness, even for a short time, without telling someone where you'll be, and when you plan to return. Leave a copy of your map with the person and explain your plans in detail. Tell them where you plan to leave your car. Arrange to call when you begin your hike and as soon as you return. This way, if you don't get back when you planned, someone else will know and have a good idea where you are.

Using your head ahead of time may very well save your life. It just pays to be prepared.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/nature-articles/intelligence-the-most-important-wilderness-survival-tool-384209.html#ixzz129mEG56e
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Wilderness Survival Kits - Basic Necessities

2010-10-11T10:21:00.000+01:00

Just because a company may say that their wilderness survival kit can double as an emergency kit, you should do your due diligence and take note of what is contained within it. For the most part, if you want an emergency survival kit, you should specifically look for one that is just made for that purpose.

Otherwise, you will likely have to shuffle around some of your own products and survival gear for the wilderness is for the most part, not the same as survival gear for unfortunate natural disasters to your home.

However, there are some items that may be great for use in both types of kits. Here are some reminders to note when buying a basic survival kit.

It is very efficient to have a kit that contains all the basic supplies. Bottled water, a good quality knife, a lighter, a signal light, a compass, spare batteries for your flashlight. Basic pain-fever medications, bandages and hand sanitizers are some of the things that are highly recommended to be inside your survival kit.

Your survival kit must contain items that are of good quality. You must ask first the company that manufactured the items inside your kit. To avoid from getting lost, your compass must be working well. Your pocket knife must be really sharp and is made with robust handles.

Make sure that the number of items stated in the label of your survival kit is correct. Some distributors are adding up the number of the most invaluable item inside the kit. They do this in order to make the kit look bigger that the other kits. Also, make sure that the items are enough for you to consume.

The items inside your kit must be versatile. Items that can be used in different ways must be included in your kit. Never choose a low priced kit over an expensive kit. If you buy a low-priced kit, it will be a hit and miss game but you will not know the verdict until you are in real need of the supplies that are contained within.

You are never sure of the item's quality if you buy a low-priced kit. See to it the items inside your kit are not expired. Always check the dates and change them out for new ones when they expire. Most of the time, you can use the soon to be expired supplies up in normal everyday use so, in that way, you are not wasting them by just throwing them out.

Your items must be convenient to use. In an emergency, a fast or speedy action must be maintained. Try buying a couple of kits. Other kits might have items that are not included inside the other kit. It is better to be ready at all times.

If you would like to know more about this topic, visit Wilderness Survival Kits. Excellent tools to have if you want to explore the wilderness at night are Night Vision Monoculars.

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Poisonous Snake Bites - What Not To Do

2010-10-01T15:18:00.000+01:00

Throughout the world there is an average of 2.5 million venomous snake bites each year. Of those, 125,000 result in death, largely because anti-venom is not readily available in the areas that most venomous snake bites occur. If you are in a situation in which yourself or someone you know has been bitten, it is wise to have an idea of the things to do and not to do to lessen the severity of the bite.

In the developed areas of the world, very few deaths occur due to snake bites as more often than not, the antivenoms are on hand at medical facilities. The under developed world is quite the opposite as antivenoms are quite expensive to keep on hand, especially in an area where the average person cannot afford to pay for it when they need it. India has more deaths by snakes than any other country combined.

So, back to the situation when you are someone else has been bit by a venomous snake. The first thing you want to do is get away from the snake, obviously the only thing worse than one bite is two. Now that you are safely away, let's go over a few things that you should not do if there has been a snake bite as many of the old fashion techniques that have worked in the movies are now known to be false and in some cases can make the end result even worse.

Things Not to Do: Do not do these things

Panic: This is tough, but panicking will only result in high heart rates and faster spreading of the venom. The best thing to do is to lie down and take deep breaths, but try to keep the bite lower than the heart. By keeping still, this allows the venom to localize and not spread as much.
Suck: Do not attempt to suck out venom unless you do it on yourself. Having a person suck on a wound of another person is a good recipe for infection. If done immediately and does not hinder the time of getting medical attention, a person can try to suck out venom on themselves but it is said they will not get much out and probably not worth the effort. A suction device can be used but again will not remove a significant amount of venom.
Cut: Do not cut the snake bite to extract venom. This may cause tissue damage and will increase blood rate around the bite, making things worse. Again, cutting also brings upon the threat of infection.
Tourniquet: While it is advised to place a constricting band above and below the bite, placing a tourniquet on the area is highly unadvised and can result in the loss of a limb, and possibly a life.
Ice: Do not cool the area to prevent swelling. The area needs to swell and should not be hindered. You should remove all rings and bracelets, even if they are not in the bite area, as you never know how and where the toxins will affect you.
Stimulant: Do not administer any medicines unless a doctor tells you to.

There are other things that should be avoided, but most are common sense. Here is a quick list of the things that you should do: Keep calm and get away from the snake. Keep bite lower than the heart and apply a snug band two inches above and below the bite, but do not make it so tight as to cut off circulation. Slowing the venom moving through the tissue is the goal. Immobilize the bite area to reduce the spread of venom with a splint. If there is a long distance to travel, help will be needed to minimize movement. Contact emergency services as soon as possible and get medical attention where you will be administered antivenoms.

While it is always good to know what to do if you get bit by a rattlesnake, the best thing you can do is avoid getting bit all together. The most definite thing you can do is avoid poisonous snake territory. Of course, this is not always that easy as said. A good way to prevent rattle snake bites is to wear snake protective gear. Snake protection comes in many different forms, and what is best for you will vary with your situation. Snake boots, gaiters, chaps, pants, and gloves are all available for purchase. You can learn more about snake protective gear and the best brands of each at this site: www.SnakeProofGear.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_N_Jackson

Wilderness Survival Guide - How To Treat These 3 Dangerous Events

2010-09-30T08:59:00.000+01:00

Whether your wilderness survival guide is in your head or in book form, it's essential that you treat it like your outdoor credit card, and don't leave home without it. You never know what can happen when you venture into Mother Nature's adventure-filled world, so you have to be prepared for some of the most common dangers and injuries.

Knowing what to do and doing it quickly can be the difference between life and death, or, at the very least, make things much more bearable until professional medical help arrives.

Take my breath away!
CRP is one of the most essential of the indoor and outdoor survival skills. There are many reasons that someone may have stopped breathing, and while this is one of the few skills you can't perform on yourself, it's good to know the proper way to artificially breathe for someone else. The official word on whether or not to employ the breathing part of CPR is always changing, but it's worth a shot of chest pumps aren't working by themselves. First, make sure the victim's neck is elevated, then tilt their head back, pinch their nose, and blow slowly and steadily into their mouth, much like you would breathe out on a deep exhale. Continue doing this at the rate of about 12 to 15 breaths per minute, until they start breathing again or medical support arrives.
Break it down!
A simple slip or fall could result in a break or fracture to one of your lovely limbs. In the event of someone suffering a full break or fracture, having or making a splint is essential in setting the bone and reducing complications once medical help arrives. Fashion the splint so it extends past both joints of the affected area, wrapping it tightly, while still allowing for full and normal circulation. Try to eat a snack from your survival food storage to keep your energy up and avoid going into shock in the event of a gruesome break.
Snake attack!
While the best anti-venom is a watchful eye and avoiding the slippery slitherers in the first place, that stick you thought you saw could still end up sinking its fangs into you. First, keep the bite site below your heart, so the venom will at least have to work against gravity to get to your heart. If you can do it safely, without sustaining another bite, try to get a picture of the snake, so you can identify it in the possible need of an anti-venom. Also, immediately remove any tight clothing or jewelry to prevent it from becoming stuck if and when you start to swell out. This applies for everywhere on your body, not just the bite area.

While there are a myriad of other potential dangers and injuries in the great outdoors, this basic wilderness survival guide should get you off on the right foot.

For even more tips and advice on a wilderness survival guide, come join us on the #1 site on the net for survivalists, and you won't believe what today's post is about (hint: it has nothing to do with what you just read)...

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Bushcraft Knives - Ideal Tools For Survival

2010-09-29T10:43:00.000+01:00

If you are an outdoor person you would know how bushcraft bonds you to nature and its elements. It is all about surviving the raw environment that comes with all its ferocity and wilderness. Bushcraft gives you the skills and abilities necessary to survive in nature. For a person who spends a lot of his or her time with nature, a knife is the best companion for it serves a lot of purposes outdoors.

These knives can be used for a variety of uses, right from cutting your food to carving different items to making the cordage that helps you climb or tie objects. A good bushcraft knife can not only express your style but also help you survive the various dangers that come your way in a forest. Once you are adept in using the knife it can be the best tool to possess while on a bushcraft.

While purchasing bushcraft knives you need to check different things other than their appearance. Their handles should give you comfort while you hold them. Their blades have to be sharp enough and at the same time enable you to work on different items including your prey. They shouldn't be too heavy that you feel tired after holding them for some time. If you are planning to buy a bushcraft knife you can discuss your needs with an experienced bushman who can give you valuable ideas on it.

Bushcraft knives come in different styles and cater to different needs. There are bushcraft knives of different shapes, steel, blades, etc. Though this variety could be quite confusing, the main point you have to keep in mind while shopping for them is that you need a sharp knife of the best quality that can be a companion to you in all your adventures. Bushcraft knives are the best tools that you could have when you are out on a hunting and camping venture.

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Freeze Dried And Dehydrated Food Survival Combination Technique For Food Survival Kit

2010-09-27T11:14:00.001+01:00

Created during World War Two due to the lack of refrigeration for medical treatments (serum needed to be sent to Europe without spoiling) freeze drying eventually was developed for food as well. Freeze drying is an amazing preservation technique and with the proper storage (where temperatures are not extremely hot or extremely cold) freeze dried food survival can allow storage for up to 25 years. Freeze dried food is sought after by many survivalists and campers but it is difficult for individuals to produce freeze dried food products due to the need of heavy machinery in order to perform cryodesiccation.

Cryodesiccation also known as lyophilization is the process that transforms a solid into a gas phase. Another incredible preservation technique that has existed since ancient times through sun and wind drying is Dehydration. This survival technique removes water from food which hinders the growth of microorganisms and prevents decay. Dehydration can also reduce the weight of the food by removing approximately 75 percent of the water through evaporation. O.k., so with all of the extensive research, testing and evaluation, what we have now is the combination of both freeze-dried food survival and dehydrated food survival techniques providing ready-made entrees with quality taste. Amazing, it really is.

Testing on particular foods that are more expensive such as peas and other vegetables, these foods are usually freeze-dried where other ingredients like noodles and onions actually taste better when they are dehydrated. So this combination allows better taste and is still viable for very long term food storage. Pick up a grab 'n go bucket of food survival products that use this excellent combination of food preservation techniques. Available in individual packets and are ready-made entrees providing quality taste.

Food Survival Kit

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Food Survival Kit

Anne Heller

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Making A Box Trap

2010-09-24T14:18:00.000+01:00

These traps can be modified in size and bait to catch many different species of wild animals alive.

To name a few animals that these traps will catch alive: They will trap ringnecked pheasants, trap ruffed grouse, trap partridge, trap quail, trap pigeon, trap crow, trap all different types of game birds.

They will also trap squirrels, trap rats, trap most rodents, and many other different birds and animals.

A Look At Native American Medicine Bags

2010-09-20T12:36:00.000+01:00

You would think that because it is called a medicine bag that it has actual medicine inside. Well technically, it holds natural elements and healing herbs that are important to the wearer. In Native American culture, these items offer holistic cures and protection both physically as well as spiritually. Can modern medicine do that for you?

Those who claim to possess healing powers are not the only people who use Native American medicine bags. They hold specially chosen items such as herbal plants and stones. Worn by most Indians for personal uses, these bags are a normal part of the Native American culture. The most popular size of a medicine bag is very small and can be worn around the neck. To maintain personal harmony which consists of the spiritual, physical and the supernatural, many people choose to wear a medicine bag. The contents of a medicine bag will change throughout life as the needs of an individual change. Items of importance to the wearer are placed in the bag such as various herbs. Some of these can be found in nature and the everyday experiences of men. They could be classified into the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, mineral kingdom and the things seen in the world of man.

The appeal of Native American medicine bags has become widespread and it is being used now by non native Indians as a form of protection and a source of power. Not only worn, many people place them wherever they want and even under the pillow while they sleep. The common material used for the creation of these bags is very soft leather.

To enhance the supernatural and spiritual abilities of the wearer, healers often use the contents to perform the ritual known as vision quest. It would then promote an increase in physical strength, agility, skills in fighting as well as healing. The intense spiritual connections and beliefs in the supernatural make Native Americans really interesting and the use of various kinds of herbs in a specialized pouch makes the experience more grounded because for Native Americans, the connection between nature and spirituality are very tightly knit. To enhance the quality of life of the individual, every herb or item used responds to a certain kind of spiritual euphoria to attain something desired.

The allure of the Native American medicine bag is still present although modern medicine and practical knowledge is available to everyone now days. Having a Native Indian medicine bag is something of homage to the beautiful culture as well as hand craftsmanship of the great American Indians of the United States.

Author, Craig Chambers, offers more about Native American Medicine Bags on his website. You should also get his monthly newsletter, online discounts and download his popular free ebook from http://www.missiondelrey.com

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The Wilderness Survival - Altoid Stove

2010-09-20T12:25:00.000+01:00

There are a variety of different stoves you can employ when you are practicing wilderness survival from MSR stoves to the humble tea light stove. And the large range in cost means you can find just the right thing to fit your pocket book.

A stove really only needs to contain two items - a fuel, and a container in which the fuel burners. Added components can be used to increase efficiency.

The simplest stoves are the tea light, cat food, and Altoid stoves. This article will discuss the bare bones Altoid stove, however the technique can be applied to just about any metal container you have lying around for wilderness survival.

The first item discussed will be the fuel used in the stove. At present, my current preferred fuel is the automotive additive called HEAT. You can get this at any gas station for about 2 or 3 dollars. It will easily ignite but does not produce fumes that can flare up light gasoline (do not EVER use gasoline as a fuel in a stove).

The stove itself is an empty Altoid tin with the top of the container removed prior to use. You do not want to have your cooking container sitting directly on the stove, as this may put the flames out. So you will need to either find an item that will allow your billycan or canteen cup to sit above the flames or you can just dig a small trench in the ground. This will house your stove and you can use the earth as your pot stand.

Place the stove in the trench or under your pot stand and add your fuel. With my test I found that 3 oz of fuel provides about a 20-minute burn, which should be sufficient to boil your water and heat your food. You can then light the fuel with your preferred method (match, lighter, ferro rod) and you are good to go. Just place your billycan or canteen on the pot stand and heat your food.

I thought that 3 oz of fuel was a lot to use in this stove, and you may be able to make the stove more efficient by adding some fiberglass insulation inside the tin. This will hold the fuel and provide a more even burn - but I have not yet tested this.

The knowledge you should keep is that you can basically create a stove from any metal container you have handy, but you may have efficiency issues. If this is tolerable, you can have a small, portable, nearly indestructible stove when you are in the wild. This is just one wilderness survival skill.

Ohio Valley Outfitters reviews gear and gives tips and tricks for wilderness survival.

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Wilderness Survival Tips - Understanding the Rule of 3's

2010-09-16T13:33:00.000+01:00

In emergency situations, one of the biggest problems is to focus on what matters most. That's why in the field of emergency medicine, we use acronyms and steps like the "ABC's" to help us control panic and remember what we should do first, then second, etc...

I was an EMT and WEMT and I taught First Responders for years. It was always interesting to see how people reacted in emergency situations. And over the years, I grew to really love acronyms because of how they helped people focus when the chips were down.

Well survival is no different, we still need to control panic and prioritise our efforts. This is where the "Rule of 3's" comes in.

The Rule of 3's simply stated is you have:

3 minutes without AIR

3 hours without SHELTER

3 days without WATER

3 weeks without FOOD

So what does all this mean? It tells us where our priorities should be in a survival situation.

First, we should focus on all life threatening conditions making sure we'll still be breathing in the near future. Next, we should worry about shelter because more people die of exposure than any other incident in the outdoors. Next is water. And then finally food, which is last, not first. You would be surprised at how long a human can go without food (we're a little spoiled in modern society in the area of food).

Search and rescue statistics show most people are rescued within 72 hours, so if you handle the first 2 priorities, you're most likely going to make it.

If things do go longer, you know what's next - water. And finally, last but not least, food. The "Rule of 3's" (just like the "ABC's") is a tool to help you control panic and remember in any survival situation what your steps are and what matters most.

We've all had a few emergencies in our lives. Find out all you can about survival by visiting the wilderness survival skills blog for step-by-step photos of different survival skills. Plus, visit to discover the most important thing you should know about personal survival

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Bushcraft Oil Lamp

2010-09-15T12:11:00.000+01:00

Olive oil lamps were used on ships since if spilled, they go out instead of setting everything on fire. This video shows how to make one using traditional bushcraft skills.

Wilderness Camping - The Ultimate Challenge Of Survival

2010-09-14T10:05:00.001+01:00

For people who like a challenge and think they are independent, wilderness camping will be the ultimate test. Camping for fun or recreational camping will be great. You can explore the outdoors, go fishing, hunting, or just plain relax. Wilderness camping well that is a different story.

Wilderness Camping is Dangerous

If you would like the challenge, go for it. If you decide to go out in the wilderness, you will be on your own. There won't be much of a safety net, so prepare yourself. Those who don't prepare for the challenge will regret it if they are lucky enough to survive.

Do not depend on luck; understand the environment and the wildlife around you.

When you are out in the wilderness, you are just another animal. In the wilderness, there are only two types of animals, predators and prey. If you go to fish or to hunt, you will be a predator.
Predators compete for food. Keep this in mind and be prepared to defend yourself and your food supply. The rules of nature are survival of the fittest. If you don't prepare yourself well, you will change from a predator to prey in a heartbeat.

Tips to Surviving a Wilderness Challenge

If you still think you want to accept the challenge of wilderness camping here are some tips to get you off on the right foot.

Study the environment. Get as much information about the terrain and the weather patterns for the time you plan to camp. This information will help you to bring the necessary equipment for your trip.
Learn first aid. In most cases, you will want to go beyond first aid. You can find many books and articles on both. Remember, there won't be any medical facilities readily available. You may have to treat yourself or your fellow campers for a lengthy amount of time.
Know the three requirements for survival. Food, water, and shelter, how to find them and how to shelter yourself. If you have to abandon you're equipment in an extreme emergency, you will need to find these items to save yourself and others.
Keep Your Location Known. Let other people know where you plan to camp, the route you are planning to take and how long you plan to stay. This information will be crucial if you get hurt and have to hunker down until help arrives.
Carry a GPS locator. Most important, take emergency equipment locators with you, you can find GPS locators and other types of emergency equipment on the Internet or in most equipment stores.

Keep these things in mind and you will have an adventure and stories to tell that you will remember for the rest of your life. Prepare yourself and you will get hooked on wilderness camping or you will hate it. In either case, memories will be your reward.

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Wilderness Survival - Getting Water To Drink

2010-09-10T09:34:00.000+01:00

More important than food and perhaps even more important than fire, water is necessary for survival. Maybe it is obvious, but our bodies are comprised of a lot of it.

You can harvest water in a variety of ways. Unless you live in Michigan (the Great Lakes State) or Minnesota (Land of 10,000 Lakes) or such locales where ponds and lakes are prevalent, free-flowing water may not always be readily available. Standing water can be a bit sketchy, so if you don't have a kit to test or a way to purify, you need to seek it elsewhere.

Plants are some of the easiest to locate and most reliable sources of clean water. Many of them hold droplets of rain on the leaves and others house plenty of moisture in their stems.

Avoid drinking from storm drains, sewers, and puddles with rainbow sheen. Not all that is wet is water, so use your other senses to help determine whether or not it is in fact water.

If a plant is growing in soil that is near urban areas, the ground water may be contaminated. In this case, the more rustic the venue the better your chances are of finding healthier sources. Of course, this works to your advantage - if you are in a survival situation, you are probably pretty far out in the wild anyway.

Use caution when acquiring water from plants in the wild. If you aren't sure whether or not a plant is poisonous or not, don't use it. Remember the unfortunate kid at summer camp that ran through the poison ivy in shorts? Now imagine trying to scratch the back of your throat when it itches!

More often than not, you may be able to trust grapevines, birch tree sap, maple tree sap, and thistles. Some plants look like other plants that you really don't want to use for water collection. Grapevines have a poisonous look-alike, the Canada Moonseed vine, so be careful.

Instead of pressing your luck by squeezing what may or may not be grapevines, press the wood fibers of birch trees in your fist and point your thumb towards your open mouth.

Remember: water can be acquired from a variety of natural sources, but use your better judgment and never assume.

When the chips are down, you need tools you can depend on. Check out the Bushman Survival Knife and other Wilderness survival gear.

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How To Clean Bowie Knives Properly

2010-09-09T09:43:00.000+01:00

Bowie knives are beautiful, useful tools. They can be the centerpiece of a knife display, or they can be utilitarian tools that help you accomplish numerous mundane tasks. If you find that you actually use your knife, it's quite possible that the blade will become soiled (it's expected, actually). However, in order to keep your knife in the best condition possible and to prolong its useful life, you need to know a bit more about care and maintenance. How do you go about cleaning your knife?

First, it's important that you understand why you should care for your knife properly. You might be under the impression that Bowie knives need little or no care at all. This is not the truth. Like any other knife, these blades must be maintained in order to avoid rust, discoloration, dull blades and other problems. This is true even if you have a knife with a blade made of surgical stainless steel. Without the proper care, you will find that your blade becomes an eyesore, rather than something of which you can be proud.

Next, when cleaning Bowie knives, you might be tempted to put your blade in the dishwasher. Never do this, as it can actually harm your knife. You need to make certain that you use a cleaning paste devised specifically for knife blades and a clean, soft cloth. Work the paste down the blade, from the hilt toward the tip. Be very careful near the edge of the blade, an incautious touch can result in a serious injury.

Once the blade has been cleaned, you might decide to polish it a bit. A polishing compound and a soft cloth are all you really need here, though a rotary tool with a buffing pad can also be used to great results. Regardless, make sure that you always clean the blades of your Bowie knives to avoid any rust spots getting started on the knife.

Finally, when it comes to storing Bowie knives, there are two different schools of thought. Many people assume that keeping the blade stored in a leather sheath is sufficient. While this will work fine for ordinary use, where the blade is cleaned on a regular basis, it is not the right option if your knife will not see use for some time. In this case, you should store your blade in an airtight container to avoid moisture seeping through the leather sheath.

Sammy Sabot has expert knowledge of the bowie knife, combat knives and camping lighters.

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The Cherokee Indians & Their Rituals

2010-09-08T14:10:00.000+01:00

Cherokee comes from the word "Chelokee" meaning "people of a different speech." They are the second largest tribe in the United States. Today many live in homes in Cherokee communities. They used to travel about the country, living in tepees that were made of sticks and animal skins. Their tepees ranged from ten to eighteen feet high. They would build their fires in the middle of the tepee. The smoke from the fires was let out of a small hole at the peak of the tepee. The Cherokee Indians have many rituals that they perform that may seem unusual to us.

The Cherokee and almost all Indian tribes offer thanks to nature, usually in a dance ritual sometimes called a Sun Dance. In the Sun Dance, elders take the younger men in the tribe, paint their bodies and teach them the simple dance. The dancers would go into a trance and have Vision Dreams, helping them determine their names and meet with the spirits of their elders. Some used the painted skull of a buffalo as a ceremonial artifact when giving thanks to nature for providing food and clothing.

Tribes would also have sweat ceremonies to cleanse themselves of evil spirits. First they would build an enclosed hut. Then they would put hot rocks, which have been sitting in a fire for a whole day, in a small hole dug in one corner of the hut. They would then pour water over the rocks, generating steam. They take off their clothes and sit in the hut for hours to sweat and provoke spiritual visions. When they finally come out of the hut, they pour cold water on themselves, bringing them back to the natural world.

Tobacco was a special and sacred plant to the Cherokee and many other tribes. They had ceremonies for planted seeds and harvesting the leaves. They had ceremonial pipes that were made of either bone or wood. Smoking was sacred and it was offered to nature, friends and the universe.

Indian tribes, such as the Cherokee, had assigned roles for the men and women. The men were hunters and protectors, and the women would cook, build shelter, make fire, and care for the children. When the men would catch an animal, the woman would immediately cook the heart and the liver and other inner parts of the animal to eat right away, celebrating their fortune and to thank the spirits for a successful hunt. The rest of the meat was cut into thin slices and dried out. The dried strips are like the food that some people still eat today called Jerky.

Because of their belief that you shall not harm anything unless it is necessary for survival, they had a strict liability law for any killing of humans, nature, or animal. They did not waste anything. They believed that an unnecessary death created an imbalance which required revenge or sacrifice to restore harmony. The clan of a killer was to admit and accept responsibility for the wrongful killing by someone in their tribe. Then the clan was expected to pay the cost, sometimes a human sacrifice.

The Cherokee way of life is an interesting topic to learn about. Though the lifestyle seems out of the ordinary to many readers, this was the way of life for the original inhabitants of North America. Though the people and their numbers are waning, their traditions should be taught and carried.

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A Bushcrafter's Guide To Getting A Good Source Of Potable Water

2010-09-08T11:12:00.000+01:00

If you love doing the extreme or by chance is trapped in a forest, you must know how to survive, among them is knowing how to avoid dehydration. The simple answer to this is by obtaining safe water to drink.

An average person may survive for 3 to 5 days without fluid intake. This of course depends on the climate and the how much energy they exert to survive.

A lot of those who do not survive in the wild are reported to have died of dehydration. It is very difficult if you do not know where to look for, how to get, or how to clean water so you can drink.

Fluid Loss

Bushcraft survival primarily depends on food intake, fluid intake, and fluid conservation. If you can't find water to drink most likely you cannot find food to eat. We come down to the third essential point which is fluid conservation.

You must remember that the more fluid you expend means the more fluid you must drink. Here are some methods how our body loses fluid:

Perspiring - Perspiration is a natural ways to cool our body. If you are trying to survive in an environment with temperatures rising to around 35 degrees Celsius, you may lose around 2 liters of water even if you sit down under the shade of a big tree. Try to minimize your activity to conserve your body fluids. Energy should be spent on getting help or basic survival needs.

Urinating- It is normal to urinate but if you are trying to survive in the wild, it will help if you can hold it longer to prevent fluid loss. Worst comes to worst, you can apply urine to the skin to help the body cool down. Never drink it though if you do not know how to distill it.

Vomiting and Crying- Both of these are natural tendencies but may also lead to fluid loss if you cannot control. Try to stay calm and avoid vomiting or crying since these will not help you at all to conserve body fluids.

Methods of Getting Water

Now that you know how to conserve body fluids, you must know how to look for and get some water to drink.

Remember if you only have a liter of water from your bushcraft kit; try to take only a few sips in between long intervals.

Here are some methods to establish good water supply while surviving in the wild:

Creek beds - you can soak a piece of cloth in the damp sand or mud and wring out the water. You can also try to cut the roots of trees that you can find in the creek bed to source water.

Rocky formation - the natural terrain may have water pooled in a rocky formation or sipping through its cracks.

Salt Lakes - if it rains, the top 3 mm of the lake will be fresh water. You can siphon this using grass straw so you can have something to drink.

Animal Trails - think of animal instinct. Animals will be moving from one source of water to another to survive. Use their trails so you can also find water supply.

Tree Roots - Before the heat of the day, roots of trees hold water. You can cut them in short lengths and drain them of the fluid.

Dew - the collection from trees may be tedious but survival is survival

Whatever you do in the wild, make sure that you are drinking clean water. Bad water will cause internal infection and may not help in your aim to survive. Try to boil the water if you can. Remember that clear water is not always clean water.

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Bushcraft - The Survival Tactics

2010-09-07T10:43:00.001+01:00

When the term "bushcraft" was invented by Les Hiddins, he would have barely thought that it would become so popular everywhere, especially his own country, Australia. It didn't take much time for it to spread to other countries as well, especially South Africa and New Zealand. So let's come to the term itself. Bushcraft means the craft or skills to survive in a raw environment like a forest or desert where you would have only your perseverance and surviving capacity to help you. In other words, it's like going back in time to thousands of years back and living like our ancestors did making use of only the resources of the nature.

There are different factors that comprise bushcraft. Here are a few of them:

Learning the Environment

This involves the study of the behavior of wildlife. Living in the raw nature, as you would've guessed, is all about adapting to the surroundings. Understanding and predicting the actions and reactions of the animals in the bush where you are is very important. Similarly, being able to identify the plants and trees also help you survive. It tells you how these plants can be used for different situations as well as why some of them should be avoided.

Hunting

The main purpose of hunting is of course to find the food to survive in the bush. It involves fishing as well as tracking. Tracking lets you find and follow the foot tracks of the animals and finally get them for food. And if it is a ferocious animal, tracking also lets you escape from the animal.

Fire Craft

Fire serves many purposes in a forest. From providing you safety from animals at night to preparing food, it is the best gift nature has provided you. Besides the warmth and comfort that fire provides you, fire can cook food as well as preserve many items. It sterilizes wounds and also helps create smoke signals to get rescued.

Building

To erect a shelter in any environment is one of the most important aspects of bushcraft. It is highly important to know how to make a shelter, be it a tent or a caravan, to protect yourself from animals or other natural damages.

Rope Making

To know how to twine ropes together to make different items is also another important requisite while dealing with natural environments. Rope twine making has several mechanical uses like making pulleys, knots, etc.

Bushcraft involves many tools that can help you manage in the forest. Some of them are:

• Cutting tools (axes, knives)
• Cooking tools (bonfire pots)
• Bonfire tools
• Carving tools
• Bungee

The basic idea behind bushcraft is always to make use of the available resources. This requires some pre-knowledge that can let you take the maximum advantage of the items that you come across.

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