6 Basic Survival Skills You'll Need to Know
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Whether you're planning a trip to the mountains or going camping for the first time, there are some basic survival skills you'll need to know to keep yourself safe. This includes hunting, fishing, setting up a snare, and building a temporary shelter.
1. Navigation
Having a compass in your pocket is no doubt a prerequisite for any outdoor activity. But knowing how to use one is no small feat. The right tools and the right knowledge can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. A few simple steps can help you navigate the wilderness with confidence.
Navigation has evolved over the years. From the old-fashioned compass to modern day GPS technology, there is no dearth of technological advancements. While many of these technological marvels may seem to be incompatible with one another, the most successful amongst them will work in harmony. Using a compass to navigate can be a rewarding experience.
2. Hunting Small Game and Survival Fishing
Whether you are on a desert island or in the woods, hunting small game and survival fishing is a must. These are the simplest and most effective ways to replenish your body's depleted reserves. Hunting requires a lot of time and energy. This can be better spent on other activities. Survival fishing requires stealth and scouting.
To get the most out of your efforts, it's a good idea to learn the basics of the various animals you're hoping to harvest. This includes their natural habits and feeding patterns. For instance, turtles can be captured on baited hooks. If you have a knack for catching frogs, there are many ways to go about it.
3. Setting a Snare to Catch Small Game
Using a snare to catch small game is an essential skill for hunters. They can be used anywhere, anytime, in any climate. They are easy to use and do not require maintenance like other fancy traps.
In addition to catching small game, a snare is an effective depredation control device. You can use snares to capture other wildlife, too. For example, groundhogs are often caught in fixed snares.
For a snare to catch small game, you will need a snare hook, a trigger stick, a bait, and some type of anchor. The anchor can be a stake driven into the ground or a sapling or shrub. You may also use a rock on the side of the trap to create a funnel for the animal to enter.
4. Building a Temporary Shelter
Having basic survival skills includes learning how to build a temporary shelter. While you may not be able to survive for long without a shelter, being able to build one can give you a tactical advantage.
First, you'll need to assess your location. Ideally, you'll want to build your shelter in a location that's far away from dangerous hazards. Also, choose an area that's not flooded. This will make it easier to see any search parties.
Next, you'll need to gather the materials. This can include a tarp or cordage, as well as woodworking skills. The type of wood you use depends on your location. For example, in the American Southwest, a wicki-up shelter is usually made from brush and poles.
5. Administering Basic First-Aid
Getting trained in first aid is a great way to prepare yourself for disaster. It will provide you with the knowledge you need to help others in need. It can also teach you how to care for your own body. It may not seem like an important thing to do, but knowing how to properly administer basic first-aid could save your life.
Basic first-aid involves applying pressure to a wound or injury to stop bleeding. It also involves cleaning and dressing the wound. It can also include preventing choking on blood or vomit.
First aid can also include other skills, such as preventing respiratory arrest. A bystander can also clear a blocked airway, which may save a life.
6. Set a Space Blanket to Prevent Dampness And Insulate Your Shelter
Using a space blanket to insulate and prevent dampness in your shelter can be a valuable tool. They are great for shelters in any weather. Using a space blanket can also enhance your visibility.
Space blankets are made from a thin layer of aluminum coated with polyethylene terephthalate. The aluminum layer is thinner than human hair and can fold up into a tiny package. The aluminum layer is also reflective. This is important because it can help reflect the sun's rays back onto the human body, which helps maintain a body's heat.
In addition to being a reflective object, a space blanket can also insulate and prevent dampness in your survival shelter. It's important to use a space blanket to prevent dampness because damp clothing can conduct cold directly from the air.
Although these skills will serve you well in the outdoors, they are also good to have, especially if you are stranded in any kind of storm. Knowing how to create shelter and perform first aid are invaluable skills for staying safe in different situations.
