Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute
The Dilemma of the Modern Prepper: Home vs. Remote Retreat
One major challenge many in the preparedness community face is the harsh reality that owning a separate, remote retreat often isn’t financially feasible. Realistically, who can afford two mortgages? Most people need to live within commuting distance of their jobs, which are frequently based in major cities. For example, I commute daily to my job in Muskegon, Michigan. Others are anchored to urban or suburban areas by family obligations, perhaps they care for aging parents or grandparents.
This raises a critical question: Is it better to live in your retreat year-round, or maintain one far away from home?
If you’re forced to bug out at a moment’s notice, will you even be able to reach your retreat? What if the highways are shut down? What happens if you’re heading to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Mackinac Bridge is closed? The answer could mean everything.
Why Living at Your Retreat Might Be Best
I believe the ideal scenario is to live at your retreat full-time. Here’s why:
• Better Preparedness: You’ll have time to stock supplies, gain gardening experience, and master homesteading before any crisis hits.
• Learning Curve: Mistakes in gardening, animal husbandry, or farming are better made now—not after TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It).
• Security: You’ll be there to protect your garden, livestock, food stores, and property.
• Community Integration: Living there year-round transforms you from a suspicious outsider to a trusted local. In times of unrest, refugees and strangers often face exploitation—or worse.
Knowing your neighbors can be crucial. In my own neighborhood, I live near an Army officer, a doctor, and a state trooper. In a post-collapse society, these individuals would be invaluable members of a neighborhood defense and support team.
If You Must Bug Out: Timing Is Everything
For those who do maintain a remote retreat, the most pressing issue is when to leave. The risks are twofold:
• Bugging out too early might make you seem paranoid or waste resources.
• Bugging out too late could leave you trapped—turning you into a refugee instead of a survivor.
Strategizing Your Remote Retreat
If your retreat is over an hour away, you must prepare meticulously:
• Pre-stock your refuge with food, gear, and survival tools.
• Check on supplies monthly to deter theft and ensure nothing’s compromised.
• Conduct annual bug-out drills, hauling as much gear as you can to test your capacity.
Map out multiple routes—preferably those that bypass interstates and known choke points. Keep a reliable GPS and a backup compass, and prepare printed maps in case electronics fail.
Blending In Could Be Life-Saving
Whether bugging out or already living remotely, blending in matters:
• Adopt local culture—if you’re heading to Wisconsin, become a Green Bay Packers fan.
• Switch your license plates and driver’s license to match your retreat state.
• Outsiders, especially those with unfamiliar plates (e.g., North Carolina tags in Michigan), could be denied entry at law enforcement or local defense checkpoints.
Present yourself as a returning local. These checkpoints are designed to filter out non-natives and refugees. Fitting in could determine your survival.
Final Thoughts: The Clock Is Ticking
If you’re studying Bible prophecy—or just reading the signs—it’s clear something is coming. The question isn’t if, but when.
So plan wisely. Prepare thoroughly. And above all, make sure you’re ready to act when the time comes. Stay safe out there in the wild times to come!
Firearms Preparedness
Firearms Preparedness In the realm of preparedness, prioritizing firearms proficiency is essential. While some individuals acquire firearms expertise through military service, law enforcement careers, or years of experience as hunters or outdoorsmen, the majority of Americans lack comprehensive, real-world firearms training and knowledge. As a dedicated gun enthusiast, I train daily with my firearms because, when adversity strikes, no one is coming to save me. In those critical moments, the only person I can depend on is myself. Even among those who claim to be proficient with firearms, I’m often surprised by the disparity in skill levels. For example, I once encountered someone at the range who identified as former Air Force Special Forces yet struggled to hit a paper plate at 100 yards with an AR-15—a task I accomplished with ease. Another acquaintance invested in a premium AR-15 from a reputable manufacturer but, five years later, has never fired it, despite insisting it is a cornerstone of his TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It) defense strategy. To enhance your tactical firearm skills and accuracy, you need a strategic combination of education, consistent practice, and disciplined commitment. Here’s how to elevate your abilities:
- Enroll in tactical training courses and participate in programs offered by renowned institutions like Gunsite Academy, Tactical Hyve, or the Sig Sauer Academy. These courses cater to all proficiency levels, from beginners to elite professionals, and include essential techniques such as shooting while moving, utilizing cover and concealment, and transitioning efficiently between targets.
- Engage in competitive shooting and test your skills under pressure by joining events like 2- and 3-gun challenges, USPSA, IPSC, or IDPA competitions. These environments sharpen your tactical prowess while providing opportunities to learn from some of the nation’s most skilled shooters.
- Practice dry firing and incorporate dry fire drills into your routine to refine trigger control, build muscle memory, and perfect technique—all without using live ammunition. Always prioritize safety by aiming in a secure direction with a solid backstop, such as a fully stocked bookshelf. Commit to daily practice for consistent improvement.
- Master your firearm’s mechanics and familiarize yourself with your weapon’s nomenclature, operational procedures, maintenance routines, and malfunction clearance techniques. Knowledge breeds confidence and operational efficiency.
- Focus on the fundamentals! Professional shooters excel by mastering foundational elements, including stance, controlled breathing, sight alignment, and precise trigger control. Study experts like Massad Ayoob to refine these critical skills.
- Prioritize physical fitness! Physical conditioning directly impacts survivability in high-stress scenarios. Strengthen your core, improve endurance, and maintain overall fitness to enhance agility and effectiveness in a firefight.
- Adopt the right mindset. Tactical proficiency demands mental discipline as much as physical capability. Familiarize yourself with concepts like the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and the color codes of readiness (white-your nose is in your cell phone and you are oblivious to your surroundings, making you an easy target; yellow-your alert to your surroundings but have no current threat; orange-you are specifically alert to a potential threat and/or hunting a potential adversary such as a home invader; red-you have encountered a threat and it’s all systems go! Now you wait for the mental trigger. Develop this preset mental trigger to determine when and how to engage decisively. This trigger tells you when to shoot (example, a guy runs at you with a knife). Know your state laws!
- Secure your concealed carry permit. Ensure full compliance with legal requirements and take the necessary steps to obtain your permit responsibly.
**Disclaimer**: The information provided in this article is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Firearms training and usage must always be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Readers are encouraged to consult local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership, usage, and concealed carry permits to ensure compliance. Safety is paramount. Always adhere to established firearm safety protocols, including the use of proper protective gear and the implementation of secure storage practices. The recommendations in this article are aimed at improving skill and proficiency but do not guarantee success in critical situations. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the content of this article. It is the sole responsibility of readers to exercise caution, follow legal procedures, and prioritize safety when engaging in firearms training or preparation activities. Good luck, stay vigilant, and remain safe. Remember: It’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.
The Wilderness Delusion: When Fantasy Meets Reality in Survival
Are You Really Prepared for the Wild?
I always enjoy when people dive into conversations about their “survival plans” for when disaster strikes. It’s fascinating how many tell me they’d grab their bugout bag and head for the vast wilderness of North America. Some even imagine escaping into Canada’s untamed frontier.
But before you romanticize living off the land, consider these 10 critical survival questions:
1. What’s in your bugout bag? Are you carrying the essentials or just guesswork?
2. Have you attended any survival schools? Do you have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive?
3. How will you find safe drinking water? Without it, your plan ends quickly.
4. Do you know North American plants? Can you name five with medicinal uses or find a plant to treat a deep wound?
5. How will you start a fire without matches, lighters, or a ferrocerium rod? Fire is life in the wilderness.
6. What’s your food plan when hunting or gathering fails?
7. What kind of shelter will you build, and how? Shelter is critical to protect against the elements.
8. What happens if you’re injured or ill while alone in the wild?
9. Can you handle threats from wildlife (like bears or wolves), hostile humans, or severe weather?
10. How will you navigate without GPS or a cell phone? Do you understand land navigation and map-reading?
The reality? “Bugging out” into the wilderness is not the glamorous survival strategy many imagine.
Here’s why:
• Most people underestimate the sheer difficulty of regulating core body temperature. The majority of wilderness deaths stem from hypothermia.
• Food shortages are inevitable. The knowledge to forage or hunt enough calories is rare, and even small groups can quickly deplete local resources.
• Survival is brutal. From starvation to broken tools to severe illness or infection, the odds stack up against the unprepared. Something as simple as a cut can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
• And let’s not forget the competition. Countless others will head to the same wilderness, untrained and desperate. Overhunting and overforaging will exhaust the area’s resources rapidly.
Even with my experience, after just a week in the wild, I’m tired, hungry, and craving a hot shower and comfortable bed. The idea of vanishing into the forest to “live off the land” is more a dangerous fantasy than a viable plan.
Want to actually prepare for life’s unexpected disasters? Learn real, life-saving survival skills by visiting survivalschoolmichigan.com. Whether it’s building shelters, mastering fire-making, land navigation, water purification, or understanding foraging, we’ll equip you with practical knowledge to face the toughest challenges.
I’ll see you in the wild!
The Best Wood for Bow Drills in the Eastern Woodlands: Your Ultimate Guide
In the Eastern Woodlands of the United States, selecting the right wood is critical for successfully making a primitive fire using a bow drill. Among the various options, tulip poplar and cedar are my go-to choices for creating friction fire with a bow drill due to their superior performance.
There are five key factors to consider when choosing bow drill wood in the Eastern Woodlands:
- Softwood: Opt for softwoods. Refer to the list below for the most suitable types of wood for bow drills.
- Dry Wood: Ensure the wood is dry. Seek out dead branches hanging from trees, wood from dead standing trees that have been exposed to the elements for extended periods, or baton a section of wood to access the dry core. The latter is especially effective in wet conditions, such as during rain.
- Availability: Familiarize yourself with the local tree species and their uses. Understand the resources available in your specific forest area. For example, in the forests of Michigan, where my survival school is located in West Michigan, tulip poplar is rare, but poplar and cedar are common and effective choices. Interestingly, I once found a tulip poplar along Wildcat Creek, south of Whitehall, Michigan, which was surprising since this tree is generally more prevalent in southern regions.
- Non-resinous Wood: Avoid pine, as the resin can hinder friction when using a bow drill. Pine can contain up to 20% resin, which can be found in branches, needles, cones, stems, and roots. While some success has been reported with white pine, it is not my preferred choice for a bow drill set.
- Consistency: Typically, using the same wood for both your hearth board and spindle yields the best results, although exceptions exist. For instance, pairing a poplar hearth board with a willow spindle can be effective.
Below is an alphabetical list of the best types of wood for a bow drill:
- Aspen
- Basswood
- Cedar
- Cottonwood
- Juniper
- Poplar (known as “popple” in Michigan)
- Staghorn Sumac
- Tulip Poplar
- Willow
- Yucca Stalk (referred to as Adam’s Nettle in Michigan)
Discover the art of primitive fire-making with a bow drill, and much more, at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute. Join us for a transformative course—visit our website at survivalschoolmichigan.com to learn more. See you in the wild!
Best Haversacks for Minimalist Bushcrafters
When venturing into the wild, a lightweight haversack is key, but first, let’s discuss the materials they are made from. While high-quality leather looks and feels great, it’s generally too heavy for a lightweight haversack. Polyester is light and affordable but often lacks the robustness needed for bushcraft. The top materials for lightweight bushcraft haversacks are:
1. Waxed Canvas
- Pros: Extremely durable, develops a rugged patina over time, and is highly water-resistant. It’s tough enough for the most challenging conditions.
- Cons: The heaviest of the three materials and not very breathable.
2. Oilcloth
- Pros: Lightweight, excellent water resistance, and easy to clean. Perfect for keeping your gear dry.
- Cons: Slightly less durable than waxed canvas and potentially flammable.
3. Nylon
- Pros: Lightweight, strong, and flame-resistant. Cordura 500D is a heavier-duty variant that’s exceptionally durable and water-resistant.
- Cons: Less water-resistant than waxed canvas or oilcloth unless treated. Can melt and drip under high heat, posing burn risks.
For minimalist bushcraft haversack, consider these lightweight options:
- Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel
- Material: Cordura 500D (heavy-duty nylon)
- Weight: 1.06 lb (500g)
- Features: Multiple pockets and compartments, large main pocket with a heavy-duty zipper, side attachments for tools, and a solid shoulder strap with quick-release buckles.
- Price: $59 – $73
- Campcraft Outdoors XL Haversack
- Material: Waxed canvas
- Weight: 0.85 lb (390g)
- Features: Adjustable shoulder strap, extra-large single pouch, heavy-duty stitching, hand waxed for water resistance.
- Price: Around $45
- FJÄLLRÄVEN Greenland Shoulder Bag
- Material: G-1000 (poly-cotton, waterproof, and weather-resistant)
- Weight: 0.64 lb (290g)
- Features: Large main compartment, smaller sub-compartments for organization. Wax supplied by the company for added waterproofing.
- Price: Around $135
For oilcloth haversacks, visit Etsy. The main advantage of oilcloth haversacks is how lightweight they are. Some are in the range of 6-12 ounces! Happy hunting. For classes on survival and bushcraft, go to my shop tab, click on the class you want to attend, pick the date that works for you and go to the checkout. “I’ll see you in the wild!”
Battling the Freeze: Essential Tips for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite
Frostbite is nature’s brutal way of reminding you who’s boss. When temperatures plummet and you’re exposed to the biting cold for too long, your skin and the tissues beneath can literally freeze solid. It’s the extremities—fingers, toes, ears, and nose—that take the worst hit. Initially, your skin turns ice-cold and red, then goes numb, hard, and pale as it progresses. The more severe the frostbite, the deeper it bites, tearing through muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, sometimes leading to permanent damage or even amputation. From a mild stinging sensation to skin turning a sinister shade of purple or black, frostbite is relentless. Dressing in layers, covering every inch of skin, and seeking warmth as quickly as possible are essential to stave off this icy menace. Once frostbite sets in, immediate medical help is your only lifeline.
Remember the colors red, white, and blue? They’re not just about patriotism—they’re your body waving the white flag to the cold.
Red: The early stage, known as frostnip, where your skin turns red and cold. You’ll feel pain, numbness, and that dreaded pins and needles sensation, especially in your hands and feet. Time to escape the cold, find heat, and seek shelter.
White (and early blue): This is superficial or second stage frostbite. Your skin turns white and stiff, like wax, with the tissue freezing underneath. Strangely, your skin might feel hot at this point. Your body’s sending out distress signals—get warm now!
Blue: Deep frostbite is the real deal. Both superficial and deep tissues are frozen. Your skin turns blue and splotchy, circulation is clogged up, and you’ll start getting blisters. Ignore it, and your skin will turn black and die, leading to potential amputation.
Immersion foot (trench foot): Think WWI. When feet are stuck in water below 60°F for too long, it wrecks the nerves, leaving lasting damage.
So how do you stave off these icy attacks? Get out of the cold, find shelter, find heat, and strip off those wet clothes and shoes. Start rewarming—slowly. It’s gonna hurt, but it’s necessary. Too fast, and you risk stopping your heart. For frostbite, soak the affected area in warm water (not above 103°F) for 30 minutes, replacing the water as needed. Skin should turn red again. Give Ibuprofen for pain and to help blood flow. Whatever you do, don’t let the tissue refreeze—that’s a one-way ticket to more damage. And no rubbing frozen skin!
Remember, it’s a cold, cruel world out there. Stay warm, stay vigilant.
The Healing Walk of the Forest: Discover the Power of Phytoncides and Forest Bathing
Have you ever spent time in a forest and later noticed how at peace you felt? Did you notice how well you slept that night? Did you feel better physically? The trees and green plants of the forest emit invisible biochemicals called phytoncides that create a shield of protection around them to ward off harmful microbes, insects, bacteria, and fungal infections. When you are in a forest, you inhale these phytoncides and benefit from their medicinal qualities, such as a reduction in stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and a boost to your immune system. These phytoncides cause your body to increase white blood cells which fight off viruses and other microbes. The phytoncides are also beneficial in that they have anticancer properties, improve your respiratory and cardiovascular health, and even elevate your mood. The air of the forest can relax you and helps to calm nervous energy. It helps with insomnia. A two hour walk in the forest can produce enough white blood cell activity and a health boost that can last for days. In Japan they practice Shinrin-yoku, which according to my research translates as “forest bathing.” Could the Japanese, who have the highest life expectancy globally, be on to something? These phytoncides are part of what gives essential oils there powerful medicinal properties. There are thousands of phytoncides, but the most common forest-related compounds are listed as follows: camphene, pinene, limonene, myrcene, and sabinene. Forest bathing, hiking and camping are great ways to get a dose of these healing phytoncides, which aid in our physical and mental well-being. Depressed? Stressed? Feeling tired or worn out? Time to get out into the wild for a recharge! Getting outside, getting sunlight and breathing in that fresh medicinal air is an exceptional way to promote your health.
First Aid Kit for Camping or Road Trip
We live in an era marked by danger and conflict. Every day brings new reports of horrific car wrecks, accidents, assaults, crime, war, and other misfortunes. In such an increasingly dangerous world, what can the common man do to protect his family’s health and wellbeing?
Building First Aid Kits of varying sizes is a practical step. Start with an IFAK or a small kit for your hiking, survival, or bugout pack. Then, create a medium-sized kit for your truck or SUV. Finally, assemble a large First Aid Kit, often referred to as a “jump bag,” which typically involves a duffel bag that can be slung over your shoulder. Below is an alphabetical list for a Camping or Road Trip (a larger kit):
Abdominal Pads
Ace Bandages
Adhesive bandages (different sizes)
Adhesive tape
Ammonia Inhalants
Antibiotic Ointment
Antibiotics (bacterial infections) and Miconazole (fungal or yeast infections)
Antihistamines (Claritin D, Benadryl)
Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptics
Blister Pads
Burn Cream or Gel
Butterfly Bandages
Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle
Cold packs
Contractor Garbage Bags-Place contaminated clothing inside these rugged bags or use the bags for a make-shift shelter
Cotton Balls
Cotton Bandanas
CPR Mask
Dramamine
Drawing Salve (stings, insect bites, splinters, etc)
Duct Tape
Electrolyte Tablets
Emergency blanket
Epipen
Eye Wash
Finger Splint
Fire Starter (minimum 3 ways to start a fire)
Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights
Hand Sanitizer
Hemostatic Gauze and Powder
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hyfin Chest Seal or Vented Chest Seal
IFAK
Imodium
Insect Sting Relief Wipes.
Laxatives
Latex or vinyl gloves
Liquid Bandage
Moleskins
Multitool-endless uses
N95 Mask (if more dire of a situation switch to a gas mask)
Narcan
Nasopharyngeal airway – 28 FR
Needle and Thread stored in Isopropyl Alcohol
Non-stick Pads
Notebook/Pens
Pain-reliever (Aleve, Tylenol, Acetaminophen, etc)
Paracord
Poison Ivy Rinse
Portable Radio-Find out what is going on in the rest of the world
Potassium Iodate (KI) Tablets-This will protect your thyroid if there is a radiological emergency
Powdered Gatorade
Prescription Medications
Prilosec
Quikclot or Celox
Rolled Gauze
Safety Pins
Saline Eye Drops
SAM Splint
Shears (like what EMTs and Fire Fighters use to remove clothing)
Shoe covers
Silk Medical Tape Roll
Snake Bite Kit
Splints
Sterile gauze pads
Sunscreen
Superglue
Thermometer
Tick Removal Tool
Tourniquet
Triangular Bandages
Tweezers
Vaseline
Water Purification Tablets
Whistle/Signaling
Wool Blankets (minimum two)
Wound Irrigation Syringes
Is there anything you would add to this list? For more content and training that could save your life, check out survivalschoolmichigan.com
Hardtack: The Timeless Survival Biscuit
Hardtack
Hardtack is more than just a simple biscuit—it’s a steadfast companion that has traveled through the annals of history alongside humanity’s bravest explorers, seafarers, and soldiers. From the days of ancient Egypt, where it sustained sailors on the Nile, to the ranks of the Roman legions marching across vast empires, hardtack has been a reliable source of sustenance.
During the tumultuous Middle Ages, soldiers in battle relied on these resilient crackers, known by various names such as sea biscuit or ship’s biscuit, as their unyielding ally in the face of hunger. Hardtack’s legacy continued to expand, becoming a staple aboard naval vessels across the globe, ensuring that seafarers had a durable food supply on long voyages.
In the American Civil War, hardtack was indispensable for soldiers on both sides, often softened in coffee or soup to make it more palatable. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, this hardy bread earned the moniker “pilot bread” as it was carried by aviators, proving its worth in the skies.
In a world where modern conveniences might fail, hardtack shines as a beacon of survival. Its incredible durability allows it to last for years when kept dry, outlasting the need for electricity or refrigeration. With just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, and a pinch of salt—anyone can whip up this life-sustaining biscuit.
When you need to bug out, hardtack’s lightweight and compact nature makes it an ideal companion. You can carry enough to sustain yourself without being weighed down, and its versatility in use means you can turn it into a variety of meals.
This recipe makes approximately nine squares, each about 3″x3″. On average, one or two squares would be served per person, making this batch capable of feeding 4 to 9 people.
Recipe for nine squares:
- 2 cups of flour (use white or whole wheat)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ to ¾ cup of water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
- Mix the flour and the salt up in a bowl or container
- Mix water into the flour and salt until you make dough
- Roll your dough onto a hard surface that has been pre-floured
- Get the dough good and floury to where it won’t stick
- Cut this dough into squares about 3”x3”
- Use a chopstick or other similar object to poke holes in each of the nine squares
- Poke anywhere from 9-15 holes in each 3”x3” square
- Place the squares on a baking sheet, ungreased
- Bake for a half hour at 375 degrees, turn it over and bake on the other side for a half hour
- If it is not completely dry or hard, keep baking each side
Once your hardtack emerges from the oven, let it cool completely. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last for many months, even years, preserving its legacy as an enduring survival food. Transform your Hardtack into a culinary delight:
- Soak and Savor: To enjoy hardtack without risking your dental health, soak it in water, coffee, broth, or soup until it softens up. This simple trick makes it much more palatable.
- Fry for Flavor: For a delicious twist, pan fry your hardtack. Many people love frying it in bacon grease, adding a rich, savory taste.
- Perfect Pairing: Hardtack pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, complementing the hearty flavors and providing a satisfying crunch.
When times are tough or you’re in an emergency or survival situation, hardtack stands as a reliable ration. While it may not earn a Michelin star, this humble bread will keep you alive and well when you need it most. Bon appétit, adventurer!