Basic Survival Needs

When venturing into the wilderness for outdoor activities or hunting, your survival hinges on three fundamental necessities: Shelter, Water, and Food.

Shelter is paramount as it protects you from the elements. Prioritize finding or creating a shelter to regulate your body temperature and serve as a safe haven from wild animals and harsh weather. Opt for:

• Natural cover (caves or overhangs)
• Man-made structures (tents, lean-tos)

Water is critical, as you can only survive a few days without hydration. Locate a water source immediately and have the means to purify it:

• Streams, lakes, or springs
• Purification tools (filters, tablets, boiling)

Food is your body's fuel and is essential for maintaining your energy. For short-term survival, food is less critical than shelter and water, but having a reliable food source is vital for extended stays in the wild. Opt for:

• Edible plant knowledge
• Hunting tools (for longer excursions)

Remember to carry a basic survival kit containing:

• Knife or multi-tool
• Firestarter
• First-aid supplies
• Navigation tool (compass, map, GPS)

Staying safe outdoors relies on preparedness and the understanding that your basic survival needs come first.

Shelter

Shelter is a critical component of survival in the outdoors or when hunting. It protects you from the elements and can prevent hypothermia.

Location Selection

Choose a location that is safe from hazards such as falling branches, flooding, and high winds. Look for areas that are flat and dry, to make building easier and sleep more comfortable.

• Safety: Assess for environmental dangers.
• Terrain: Prefer flat, dry ground.
• Resources: Proximity to materials for shelter construction.

Temporary Structures

Create a temporary shelter using materials such as tarps, branches, and rope. Your structure should be sturdy enough to withstand weather conditions and simple enough to erect quickly.

• Tarp Shelter: A tarp and some rope can provide quick cover.
• Lean-to: Utilize nearby trees to support branches and foliage.
• A-Frame: A more enclosed structure for better protection.

Natural Shelters

Utilize existing natural features to save time and energy. Overhangs, hollowed-out trees, or even natural depressions can provide immediate cover with little effort.

• Overhangs: Good for immediate coverage without construction.
• Caves: Offer excellent protection, but be wary of existing inhabitants.
• Hollow Trees: Can be ready-made shelters, but inspect for stability.

Water

Securing a reliable water source and ensuring its purity is crucial for survival in the outdoors. Your body requires a consistent intake of water to maintain hydration, especially when active during hunting or other outdoor activities.

Sourcing Water

• Natural Sources: You can find water in natural sources such as streams, lakes, rivers, or springs. Always assess the water's clarity and flow; clear, flowing water is often cleaner than stagnant or muddy water.
• Rainwater: Collect rainwater using tarps, containers, or directly from vegetation. Ensure you have appropriate collection materials ready.
• Dew: Early morning dew can be wiped from leaves and grass using a cloth and then wrung out into a container.
• Snow and Ice: Melt snow or ice for water. Never eat it as-is since it can lower your body temperature.

Water Purification

• Boiling: Boil water for at least one minute to kill harmful pathogens. At altitudes above 2,000 meters, increase boiling time to three minutes.
• Chemical Treatments: Use purification tablets or drops containing iodine or chlorine. Follow the instructions carefully for correct dosage and waiting periods.
• Filters: Portable water filters can remove bacteria, protozoa, and sometimes viruses. Check the filter specifications to ensure its efficacy.
• UV Light: Handheld UV purifiers can kill microorganisms. Exposure time varies, so adhere to the device's guidelines.

Food

Securing food is vital to maintain energy levels and strength during any outdoor or hunting survival scenario. Knowledge about edible flora and fauna, coupled with skills to capture or collect them, increase your chances of survival.

Foraging

When foraging, it's crucial to identify edible plants, nuts, berries, and fungi. Use a regional guidebook to determine safe species:

• Edible Plants: Focus on common plants you can identify easily, like dandelions or clover.
• Nuts & Berries: Look for familiar, non-toxic varieties such as acorns or blackberries.
• Fungi: Exercise extreme caution—only collect mushrooms with absolute identification certainty.

Hunting

For successful hunting, you need:

• Weapons: Choose based on availability and your proficiency, whether a bow, a firearm, or a slingshot.
• Knowledge: Learn animal habits, tracks, and signs to track effectively.
• Patience and Skill: Remain quiet, blend into the environment, and wait for the appropriate moment to strike.

Animal	Suggested Technique
Rabbit	Silent stalking or using snares
Deer	Use of camouflage and scents
Fish	Spearfishing or use of a makeshift fishing rod

Trapping

Setting traps is a passive food-gathering strategy that can work while you attend to other survival tasks.

• Snares: Identify animal paths and set wire snares for small mammals.
• Deadfalls: Use weighted traps for larger animals, ensuring they're set along active trails.
• Fish Traps: In waterways, construct weirs or traps with funnel entrances.

Remember, respect local wildlife regulations, even in a survival situation, if possible.

Navigation

When in the outdoors or on a hunting trip, navigation is a critical survival necessity. You need to know your location, destination, and how to chart a course between them.

Tools for Navigation:

• Compass: A magnetic compass is a trusted device for determining direction. Its reliability does not depend on batteries or satellite signals, making it indispensable in remote areas.
• Maps: Topographical maps give a detailed view of the terrain. Understanding how to read contour lines, landmarks, and other map features is essential.
• GPS Devices: Global Positioning System (GPS) devices offer precise location data. Modern GPS units can provide real-time maps and routes but require a power source.

Skills for Navigation:

• Orienting the Map: Match the map to the environment by aligning it with a compass.
• Triangulation: Use known landmarks and your compass to determine your precise location on a map.
• Route Planning: Identify waypoints and natural features to aid in navigation and avoid obstacles.

Remember to:

• Always carry spare batteries for electronic devices.
• Protect navigation tools from the elements in a waterproof case.
• Learn how to use these tools before your trip; proficiency can be a lifesaver.

Signaling for Help

When you're in a survival situation outdoors, attracting the attention of rescuers is critical. Your ability to signal for help could determine the outcome of your predicament.

Visual Signals:

• Brightly Colored Fabrics: Wave or lay these materials out in an open area.
• Mirrors or Shiny Objects: Use sunlight to create flashes visible for miles.
• Smoke Signals: Large plumes of smoke can be seen from a distance, especially if you use green vegetation to create white smoke.
• Signal Fires: Three fires in a triangle is an internationally recognized distress signal.

Auditory Signals:

• Whistles: Carry a loud whistle and use three sharp blasts as a standard distress call.
• Gunshots: Three shots at regular intervals may attract help.
• Voice: Yelling or using a deep, loud voice can carry over distances.

Ensure you understand and can employ at least one method from each category. In some cases, using a combination of visual and auditory signals can increase your chances of being found. Remember to conserve your strength and resources while signaling, as it may take time for rescuers to reach you.

First Aid

When you're in the wilderness or on a hunting trip, having a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for addressing injuries and preventing infections. Prepare your kit with the essential items to handle minor accidents and potential emergencies.

Contents of a Basic First Aid Kit:

• Bandages and Dressings:

  • Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  • Elastic bandages
  • Triangular bandages
  • Adhesive tape

• Tools and Equipment:

  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Disposable gloves
  • CPR face shield

• Medications and Preparations:

  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
  • Antihistamine for allergic reactions
  • Insect sting relief solution
  • Burn cream or gel

Wound Care:

1. Clean the wound with antiseptic wipes gently.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
3. Cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad.
4. Secure the gauze with adhesive tape or an elastic bandage.

Remember, in case of serious injuries, seek professional medical help immediately. Your first aid kit is for initial intervention only and is not a substitute for comprehensive medical treatment. It's beneficial to take a first aid course to be better prepared for handling emergencies during your outdoor adventures.

Hazard Awareness

When you're outdoors or hunting, being aware of potential hazards is crucial for your safety.

Weather Conditions: Always check the forecast before you depart. Extreme temperatures, lightning, and unexpected storms can pose significant threats. Be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

• Hot Weather: Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and understand the signs of heat exhaustion.
• Cold Weather: Layer your clothing, prevent wetness, and be aware of frostbite indicators.

Terrain Challenges: The lay of the land can present various dangers.

• Uneven Ground: Watch your step to avoid twisted ankles or falls.
• Steep Areas: Take care on inclines to prevent slips and trips.

Wildlife Encounters: Respect the fact that you are in animal territory.

• Large Predators: Know how to store food properly and what to do if you encounter a predator.
• Insects and Snakes: Use repellent for insects and watch out for venomous snakes in your area.

Plant Awareness: Some plants can cause harm.

• Poisonous Plants: Learn to identify and steer clear of plants like poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac.
• Harmful Berries: Avoid consuming berries or plants unless you are certain of their safety.

By staying vigilant and prepared for these hazards, you can help ensure a safer experience in the wild.

Survival Gear

When planning for outdoor or hunting survival scenarios, it's essential that you prioritize your gear selection. The following outlines crucial survival gear for ensuring safety and preparedness in the wilderness.

Shelter: Your first line of defense against the elements is proper shelter. Carry a lightweight, durable tent or a tarp with a strong cord. It is vital to maintain body heat and protect yourself from wind, rain, and snow.

• Options include:
  • Tent: Portable, with options for various seasons.
  • Tarp: Versatile for creating a quick shelter.
  • Sleeping bag: Rated for the temperature of your outdoor environment.

Water purification: Hydration is non-negotiable. You must have access to clean water. Contaminants in water can lead to severe illness, so include a reliable method to purify water.

• Solutions to consider:
  • Filters: Portable and easy to use.
  • Purification tablets: Lightweight and effective.

Fire starting tools: The ability to create fire is crucial for warmth, cooking, and signaling for help. Always pack waterproof matches, a lighter, or a flint striker.

• Fire tools:
  • Waterproof matches: Ensure they are stored in a waterproof container.
  • Lighter: Easy to use, even in windy conditions.
  • Flint striker: Reliable in wet environments.

Though this list is not comprehensive, starting with these key items will significantly increase your chances of survival in an emergency situation. Tailor your gear to fit the specific environment you'll be encountering and practice using these tools before setting out on your adventure.