The call of the wild is undeniable. The vast expanse of pristine nature, unspoiled by mankind, beckons us to explore its mysteries and secrets. But for those who venture into these untamed lands, survival can often be a challenge. That’s where bushcraft comes in. Bushcraft is a set of skills and techniques that enable you to not only survive but thrive in the great outdoors. In this post, we’ll delve into the basics of bushcraft – from building shelter to finding food and water – so you can kick-start your journey towards mastering this age-old art form and experience nature like never before!
What Is Bushcraft?
Bushcraft is a term used for various wilderness survival skills. Bushcraft can be divided into different categories, such as firecraft, woodcraft, watercraft, and shelter-building. In general, bushcraft is the ability to live in the wild and to subsist off of the land.
There are three basic principles that those interested in bushcraft should learn.
The first principle of bushcraft is to always be prepared. This means having the proper clothing, equipment, and supplies for any situation you may encounter. It’s important to have a good understanding of your environment and what kind of hazards you may face.
The second principle is to always be aware of your surroundings. This means being aware of your surroundings at all times and being able to identify potential dangers. It’s also important to have a good knowledge of plants and animals in your area so you can avoid dangerous species.
The third principle is to use resources wisely. This means only taking what you need from the environment and using natural resources sparingly. When you do use resources from the environment, make sure to leave no trace behind so that future generations can enjoy the same experience.
Finding Food In The Wild
There are several means of finding food in the wild, some more reliable than others. Common methods include:
Foraging: This is probably the most common method of finding food in the wild. Simply put, foraging is the act of searching for edible plants and fungi. This can be done by looking under rocks and logs, in trees, or in open areas.
Fishing: Fishing is another common method of finding food in the wild. This can be done with a line and hook, by hand, or with a spear.
Trapping: Trapping is a method of hunting that involves using traps to capture prey. This can be done with snares, deadfalls, or pit traps.
Hunting: Hunting is probably the most difficult way to find food in the wild, but it can be very effective. This involves stalking and killing animals for their meat and game – perhaps with an online firearms purchase you got before you headed out on your adventure.
Clean Water Sources
One of the most important things to do when preparing for any survival situation is to ensure you have clean water sources. This is especially true in bushcraft basics, where clean water can be hard to come by. There are a few ways to ensure you have clean water sources when out in the wild:
– Purification tablets or drops: these are an easy way to quickly purify small amounts of water;
– Solar stills: these can be used to distil large amounts of water, and can even be made from improvised materials;
– Boiling: boiling water for at least 1 minute will kill most bacteria and viruses;
– Filtration: using a filter (such as a coffee filter) can remove many contaminants from water.
Building A Shelter
Building a shelter in the wild is an essential skill that every bushcrafter needs to master. A sturdy shelter can provide protection from the elements and keep you warm during cold nights. The first step in building your shelter is selecting a suitable location. This will ideally be somewhere with natural features such as trees or rocks for support.
Next, gather materials for your shelter. Look around for branches, leaves, grasses, bark and other foliage to create a strong structure. Start by making a frame of wood logs or saplings tied together securely using vines or cordage. Then insert smaller branches and thatching on top.
When building your own bushcraft home away from civilization it’s important to follow basic principles: protect yourself from wind and moisture; construct raised floors & sleeping platforms; build fire safely inside designated areas without risking extensive impact on nearby vegetation.
Finally, test out your new construction before settling down for the night so any issues can be fixed ahead of time. A well-built wilderness abode could make all the difference when surviving deep within forests or mountainsides where there isn’t ready access back to comfort civilization at a moment’s notice.
Making Fire
Making fire is an essential skill when it comes to bushcraft. It provides warmth, light, and the ability to cook food. However, starting a fire in the most back-to-basics way can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the proper tools or knowledge. The first step is finding dry materials such as tinder, kindling, and fuelwood.
Tinder refers to small materials that catch fire easily such as dry leaves or grasses. Kindling consists of larger sticks that ignite the tinder while fuelwood are bigger logs used for long-term burning.
Once you gather your materials, it’s time to create a spark. There are various methods including using flint and steel or making a friction fire with a bow drill kit.
However you choose to make your flame – remember this: patience is key! Take time gathering all of your supplies and constructing your pit before trying to start any fires – rushing into things can lead to accidents which would defeat our purpose in learning bushcraft skills in the first place!
Conclusion
Bushcraft is a great way to get back to nature and learn new skills. With the basics of bushcraft, you can survive in the wild with relative comfort and safety. Knowing how to find food, construct shelter and make fire are all essential life skills that no one should be without. Whether it’s for fun on your next camping trip or an emergency situation, having these bushcraft fundamentals will give you peace of mind when preparing for any adventure outdoors.
