Setting out into the wilderness is more than just an adventure—it’s the epitome of freedom. But living in the wild comes with its own set of hefty challenges. For those new to bushcraft, the sheer volume of survival skills can be overwhelming. Where does one begin? What should a beginner focus on?
Once you’ve acquired a solid foundation of bushcraft skills, the wilderness transforms into both a playground and a sanctuary—whether you’re seeking a break from civilization or preparing for uncertain times. In this article, we’ll cover 10 essential skills every beginner should learn. These skills will set you on the path to becoming a proficient woodsman and bushcrafter. Each skill will be explored in greater depth in subsequent articles, providing you with a comprehensive guide to mastering the wild.
1-Fire-Making. To make fire in the wild, it’s essential to know how to use the following tools: matches, Bic lighters, ferro rods, flint and steel, magnifying lenses, bow drill kits, and fire pistons. Additionally, familiarize yourself with easy fire-starters like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly. It’s also important to understand how to use natural fire-starters and tinder, such as dry leaves, dry grass, pinecones, tree bark (like paper birch), and fatwood from pine trees.
2-Shelter Building. Begin by learning how to construct simple tarp shelters using a ridgeline. Once you’ve mastered this, you can move on to more advanced shelters, such as: Lean-To Shelters, Super Shelters, A-Frames, Debris Huts, Tarp Shelters in various configurations (e.g., Plow Point), Tepees, Wigwams, and Tree-Pit Shelters. Additionally, learn how to build a raised bed in the wild to keep yourself off the cold and damp ground.
3-Water Sourcing and Purification. When sourcing water in the wild, look for flowing water, as it is generally safer than stagnant water. Follow animal tracks to locate bodies of water, such as lakes and ponds. Collect rainwater using a tarp or gather morning dew with a t-shirt or bandanna tied around your ankles. You can also source water by tapping trees in late winter and early spring. Additionally, you can build a solar still or seep well to gather water. Most water harvested in the wild, except for rainwater, needs to be filtered and purified. It is important to understand the difference between filtering and purifying water.
4-Foraging for Edible and Medicinal Plants. Get the books, Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants and the Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs. These two books are excellent resources for identifying edible and medicinal plants. I would also advise taking a course on these plants to learn how to properly identify, harvest, and use them as food and medicine. These lessons are offered at survivalschoolmichigan.com and are also taught during the survival weekend courses. Start out by learning five common plants at a time in the eastern woodlands, such as plantain, dandelion, cattail, heal-all, and clover.
5-Knot-Tying. Learning knots is essential for new bushcrafters because these practical skills are foundational to a variety of outdoor survival tasks. Whether you’re securing a shelter, setting up a tarp, creating snares, or performing first aid, the right knot can make all the difference. At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, you will learn a series of knots toward the beginning of the 101 weekend. You learn these knots early because you will need them as you progress to other skills during the weekend. For example, you will need to know some basic knots before we start the land navigation course and make ranger beads. Mastering basic knots like the square knot, bowline, and clove hitch equips you to handle challenging situations with confidence and efficiency. Furthermore, knot-tying is an invaluable skill that enhances your resourcefulness and self-reliance, enabling you to adapt and thrive in the wild using minimal gear. In essence, knowing how to tie and apply knots effectively is a fundamental aspect of bushcraft that promotes safety, versatility, and resilience. When knot-tying, you will find yourself using a wide range of different types of cordage: paracord, shoelaces, drawstrings, bank line of varying sizes, ropes of varying materials, jute twine, grapevines, tree and plant roots, tree bark, milkweed stalks, cattail leaves, and a host of other materials.
6-Land Navigation. At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, we start the weekend on Friday by determining your pace count at 100 meters. We have students walk the distance and measure their pace count several times to improve accuracy. We also walk up and down hills to show students how their pace count changes with terrain. This enhances their accuracy and knowledge when foot orienteering in the wild. After establishing your pace count (mine is 68 at 100 meters), you will learn how to use a compass along with a topographic map. You will also learn to use ranger beads to determine each time you have traveled 100 meters, eventually reaching one thousand meters. Additionally, you will acquire various orienteering skills, such as using handrails and catching features. Your goal should be to acquire the skills to move between any points on a map, find your direction, determine your distance, and navigate around obstacles. Additionally, you should aim to: understand and use topographic maps effectively, master compass use, have the ability to plan and execute efficient routes and have the ability to adapt to conditions as they change.
7-Food Gathering. Food gathering in a survival situation involves searching for protein sources beyond just plants. This can include fishing, hunting, trapping, and setting snares to catch small game. Additionally, utilizing “the smalls,” such as wood grubs, crickets, and ants, is essential for quick protein intake. For easy-to-access protein, you can kick open a rotten stump to gather the wood grubs inside. Sharpen the ends of a branch, place the grubs on the points, and cook them over a fire. Fishing provides a rich source of protein and can be done using improvised fishing lines, hooks, and nets. Hunting and trapping require knowledge of animal behavior and suitable traps for different game species. Setting snares in well-traveled animal paths can yield small mammals like rabbits or squirrels. Edible insects, like crickets and ants, are abundant and nutrient-dense. They can be found under rocks, logs, or among vegetation. Cooking these insects ensures they are safe to eat and enhances their flavor. Always be certain of the safety of any plants or animals you consume by familiarizing yourself with the local flora and fauna.
By diversifying your food gathering methods, you increase your chances of obtaining sufficient nutrition to sustain yourself in a survival situation.
8-Tool Use and Safety. When it comes to tools used in the wild, I most commonly think of my bushcraft knife, saw, and axe. It’s essential to learn how to use these tools safely, maintain them properly, and keep them sharp. Do you know what makes a knife dangerous? Being dull. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. A good bushcraft knife is a versatile tool used for various tasks such as carving, cutting, and food preparation. Always keep it sharp, clean, and dry. Regularly oil the blade to prevent rust. A good saw is ideal for cutting wood. This saw should be maintained by cleaning the blade and teeth after use. Ensure it remains sharp by using a file or saw sharpening tool. A good axe is an indispensable tool for chopping wood, building shelters, and other heavy-duty tasks. Keep the axe blade sharp and free from nicks. Periodically sharpen it with a whetstone or file. Regularly inspect the handle for any cracks or wear and replace it if needed. Like the knife, keep your axe oiled, including both the blade head and the shaft of the axe. Be mindful of safety whenever using these cutting tools. Always use the appropriate tool for the task to avoid accidents. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using these tools. Maintain a firm grip and secure footing to prevent slips and injuries. Additionally, learn and abide by the “circle of blood” and “triangle of death” safety principles to further ensure your safety.
9-First Aid. A new survivalist or bushcrafter should also seek to expand their knowledge in handling medical emergencies. Understand a victim’s ABCs: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Learn bleeding control and wound care. Learn how to perform CPR and rescue breathing. Also, learn how to deal with fractures and sprains. Gain knowledge about frostbite, hypothermia, and hyperthermia. Understand how to handle contact with poisonous plants and animals. Learn how to prevent and treat dehydration, as well as basic hygiene. Additionally, as you advance in outdoor skills, learn about AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), HACE (High-Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema). To further your education, you can attend a first aid course, a Wilderness First Responder course, or even seek paramedic training. These courses will equip you with the necessary skills to effectively manage a variety of medical emergencies in the wilderness. You’ll learn to identify and treat different conditions, use medical equipment, and make quick, informed decisions that can save lives. Continually updating and practicing your first aid skills is essential for ensuring you’re prepared for any situation that may arise in the wild.
10-Weather Reading. For new bushcrafters, learning to read the weather is a crucial skill. Understanding weather patterns can mean the difference between comfort and catastrophe when out in the wild. By interpreting the sky, cloud formations, wind direction, and other natural indicators, bushcrafters can predict impending weather changes and make informed decisions. This knowledge enables them to find shelter before a storm hits, avoid flood-prone areas, conserve energy in extreme conditions, and ensure they have the appropriate gear and clothing. Additionally, being adept at reading the weather can enhance their overall safety and preparedness, allowing them to navigate and thrive in the wilderness with confidence.
To learn more or to sign up for a class, visit survivalschoolmichigan.com. Go to the Shop tab, click on Classes, and select the date that works for you. “I’ll see you in the wild”!
Cover Your Wood Pile
Keep Your Wood Off the Ground (Raise It with Pallets)
Bark Side Up When Stacking
Keep It in the Wind for Good Airflow
Put Your Wood in Sunlight
