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Learn 7 Essential Bushcraft & Survival Skills For Beginners

Bushcraft and survival skills are important for thriving inside and outside, offering you the equipment to be self-reliant, adaptable, and creative.

In this article we’ll cover beginner bushcraft and survival skills you’ll need to know to help you gain self-confidence, so that you can feel prepared in a wide variety of unforeseen circumstances.

snowy river

What Is Bushcraft?

Bushcraft refers to dwelling sustainably within the wild, using herbal assets and traditional skills to fulfill simple needs like shelter, food, and water.

man starting fire

Bushcraft emphasizes a deep bond with nature and the expertise to work with the surroundings.

Survival skills are centered on overcoming short-time emergencies and situations in which instantaneous action is needed to ensure safety and well-being.

Why Learn Bushcraft and Survival Skills?

Learning these skills offers several benefits:

  1. Self-reliance. You’ll know how to handle emergencies independently.
  2. Adventure. Skills like fireplace-making and foraging increase outdoor adventure possibilities.
  3. Emergency preparedness. You’ll be more prepared to deal with unexpected conditions, from getting lost to natural disasters.
  4. Mental well-being. Bushcraft can reduce stess and improve intellectual abilities.

Beginner Bushcraft & Survival Skills

1. Fire-Making: The Foundation of Survival

public land hunting fire starter

Bushcraft techniques to start a fire you should learn:

  • Ferro rod. A ferro rod (also referred to as a spark rod or ferrocerium rod) is a fire-starting tool that produces sparks when scraped against a hard surface, such as iron, steel, or certain types of rock, even in damp conditions. It is beginner friendly.
  • Flint and steel. Flint and Steel is a traditional way of fire starting. You start by striking the flint stone off of a steel striker. The sparks that this produces will ignite a flammable material that you can then use to ignite other small particles (twigs, leaves, etc.) to start a fire.  
  • Bow drill. A primitive method of fire making that requires skill and patience, but that can be very rewarding to the fire starter. This method uses fireboard (typically woods like cottonwood, cedar, sycamore, poplar and aspen), a spindle (either the same type of wood as the fireboard or harder) and a cord or string to create friction that eventually gets so hot that it creates an ember that can be used to start a fire.

Fire making tips for beginners:

  • Gather dry grass, bark shavings, or cotton that you can use as your “fuel.”
  • Build your fire in layers: tinder, kindling, and larger logs.
  • Practice in various weather conditions to build confidence.



2. Shelter Building: Protection from the Elements

shelter inside tree

Below are some simple shelter types for beginners:

  • Debris hut. Build a frame from sturdy branches and cover it with leaves and moss.
  • Lean-to shelter. Use a fallen tree or a pole as the primary support, leaning branches against it and covering them with debris.
  • Tarp shelter. A versatile option if you carry a tarp. Learn knots like the taut-line hitch to secure it.

Shelter-building tips for success:

  • When building a shelter, choose a location away from hazards like falling branches or rising water.
  • Insulate the ground with leaves or grass to retain body heat.
  • Building a shelter can be very taxing, so be sure to pace yourself and conserve your much-needed energy.

Note: A reliable axe bushcraft device is also an extremely helpful tool for constructing shelters, as well as gathering firewood. See more helpful tools in the table at the end of this article.


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3. Finding and Purifying Water

boiling water over campfire

How to find water in nature:

  • Look for animal tracks, green vegetation, or low-lying areas. The lowest lying areas will often contain/hold water or moisture.
  • Collect rainwater or morning dew using tarps or leaves.

Water purification methods:

Method                      ProsCons
Boiling            Kills all pathogensRequires fire and container
Water Filter    Easy and portable      Limited lifespan
Purification TabletsLightweight and effectiveMay leave a chemical taste


4. Navigation Skills

compass and map

Things to help you to navigate in the wilderness:

  • Compass: Understand how to use it with a map to set bearings.
  • Landmarks: Make note of natural features like mountains, rivers, or rock formations.
  • The sun and stars: Learn to find cardinal directions (i.e. North, South, East, West) based on the sun’s movement, or by constellations like the North Star.
  • Pro tip: If possible, carry a detailed map of the area you are exploring and practice navigation before heading into unfamiliar terrain.

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5. Foraging for Food

mushrooms foraging

Rules for safe foraging:

  • Learn first: When foraging for food, use a reliable field guide or attend a foraging workshop prior to your first attempt.
  • The universal edibility test: Test for unknown plants by checking for adverse reactions (only as a last resort). This involves a series of steps that gradually expose your body to the plant over the course of a day. The test includes smelling the plant, (avoding plants with almond, acidic, or bitter smells), making contact with your inner elbow or wrist for 8 hours to test for contact poisoning/adverse skin reactions), and a 15-minute taste test, where you would chew it and hold in your mouth for 15 minutes before ingesting. If you have determined you can ingest the food, you would swallow and wait 8 hours to find if there are any adverse reactions. You would also drink plenty of filtered water during the 8-hour period.
  • Avoid lookalikes: Many edible plants have poisonous doppelgangers, so always be wary of poisonous imposters.

Beginner-friendly foraging foods:

  • Dandelion leaves and roots.
  • Wild berries like blackberries and raspberries.
  • Acorns (after leaching tannins with water).


6. Basic First Aid                                      

first aid kit for survival kit

Key first-aid skills:

  • Wound care: Clean cuts with water, apply antiseptic and cover them with a bandage.
  • Splinting: Use sticks and cloth to stabilize broken bones or sprains.
  • CPR: Become certified in CPR and learn how to revive someone who has stopped breathing.
  • Pro tip: Carry a first-aid kit tailored for outdoor activities, including bandages, antiseptics, and tools like tweezers.


7. Knots and Ropes

bowline knot

Top knots to learn:

  • Square knot: For securing two ropes together.
  • Bowline: Creates a secure loop that won’t tighten.
  • Clove hitch: A quick way to secure a rope to a post or tree.


How to Practice Bushcraft Safely

  1. Start small: Practice basic skills like fire-making or shelter-building in your backyard or a nearby park.
  2. Respect nature: Leave no trace, ensuring you don’t harm the environment.
  3. Join a group: Learning bushcraft with others accelerates progress and provides safety.
  4. Take a course: Many organizations offer bushcraft courses tailored for beginners.

Essential Gear for Beginners

Investing in the right gear can make learning bushcraft and survival easier and safer.

Item                PurposeRecommended Features
Knife   Cutting, carving, and food prep    Full tang, durable steel
Fire Starter     Creating fire easily     Waterproof
Tarp                Shelter buildingLightweight, durable
Water Bottle/Filter      Hydration       BPA-free, portable filter
Compass                    NavigationHigh-quality, liquid-filled


Conclusion

Learning bushcraft and survival abilities is an enriching journey that connects you with nature and equips you for challenges. Start with basic skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and navigation, and build your confidence little by little. Remember, learning bushcraft survival skills takes time to master, so get started soon!

types of knives

Knife Knowledge | A Detailed Guide To The Types of Knives

Knives are essential tools that cater to various needs, from everyday kitchen tasks to demanding survival scenarios.

Types of Knives

Each type of knife has specific features and purposes, ensuring optimal performance in its intended use. so, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of knives.

Tactical Knives

CRKT M16 tactical knife

Tactical knives are versatile tools designed for demanding scenarios and emergencies. They are typically made of high-quality materials like stainless and carbon steel for longevity. Tactical knives also have features like serrated edges, and some have capabilities as glass beakers and seatbelt cutters.

Below are some key features of tactical knives:

  • Blade types: Tactical knives’ blades are often straight-edge, serrated, or a combination of both for cutting through materials
  • Compact designs: Many tactical knives are foldable for portability, while fixed blades provide extra strength.
  • Emergency tools. Some tactical knives are equipped with features like glass breakers, seatbelt cutters, and thumb grips for easy handling 

Tactical knives are popular among military personnel, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. There are many manufacturers of high-quality tactical knives tailored to an individuals needs, including companies like CRKT .

Here are the common uses of tactical knives:

  • Self-defense, especially in close combat
  • Utility tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting ropes, and breaking glass in emergencies 
  • Emergency rescue, mainly those with seatbelt cutters and glass breakers

Survival Knives

survival knife

A survival knife is perfect for wilderness adventure and emergency preparedness. Survival knives are designed for utility and durability and typically feature full-tang blades (blades that are a single piece of metal and extend through the handle for toughness and strength.)

You can use a survival knife for:

  • Building shelter: Survival knives can cut wood, carve notches, or trim branches
  • Fire starting: Often paired with a Ferro rod, a survival knife’s blade can create sparks to ignite a fire.
  • Food preparation: Effective for skinning animals, fileting fish, and chopping vegetables.


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Hunting Knives

hunting knife example

Hunting knives are designed for processing game animals. A hunting knife is a must-have if you are a hunter or an outdoor enthusiast.

Below are some of the uses of hunting knives:

  • Skinning
  • Butchering 
  • Field dressing, which involves gutting and cleaning animals after a hunt
  • Utility tasks like cutting ropes, preparing kindling, and performing campsite chores



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Utility Knives

utility knife example

Some key features of utility knives:

  • Adjustable lengths to allow precision for cutting materials of different thickness
  • Compact design. Many utility knives feature foldable or retractable blades for portability
  • Their blades are made of durable materials like stainless steel or high-carbon steel

Some utility knives also feature replaceable blades or adjustable blade lengths, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. You can use utility knives for:

  • Everyday household tasks: Opening packages, trimming tape, or slicing through rigid plastic packaging.
  • Construction and renovation: Cutting drywall, insulation, or carpet with precision 
  • Crafting and art projects: Excellent for cutting paper, cardboard, or delicate material

Here are some examples of utility knives:

  • Fixed-blade utility knives 
  • Retractable-blade utility knives
  • Folding utility knives
  • Snap-off blade knives



Pocket Knives

swiss army knife

Models like the Swiss Army knives (example picture above) have additional features that increase versatility.

Below are some common uses of pocket knives:

  • Camping: Cutting ropes, opening cans, and preparing meals.
  • Everyday carry: You can use a pocket knife to handle everyday tasks like opening mail or trimming loose threads.
  • Emergency use: A pocket knife can come in handy during an unexpected situation.

Machetes

machete

Machete features:

  • A blade length of 12 to 24 inches 
  • A heavy tip for effective chopping

You can use a machete for:

  • Clearing bushes: A machete is ideal for creating trails or managing overgrown vegetation 
  • Harvesting crops: Frequently used for cutting sugarcane, bananas, or other crops
  • Outdoor survival: Splitting wood or preparing food in the wild.


Final Thoughts On Types Of Knives

Knives are versatile tools designed to meet various needs, from daily tasks to specialized applications. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of knives, their uses, and how to safely use them, so that you can choose the right cutting tool for the job, whether for cooking, outdoor adventures, or professional tasks.

ai fishing

Fish Smarter | Here’s how AI Is Helping The Fishing Industry

on . Posted in Blog, Fishing

AI is revolutionizing businesses. According to a study by McKinsey, as of 2024, 72% of companies use AI (artificial intelligence) for at least one business function.

Sure, it’s easy for people to imagine AI being used in the IT industry or cybersecurity field—but fishing?

Can AI really be used there?

And the answer is absolutely! In fact, it’s already used in a myriad of ways to both help those who fish and to protect the ocean

Here’s how…

More Precise Fishing

Fishing involves far more than just tossing lines and nets into the water. A big part of it is understanding and predicting where the fish will be at a given time.

School of fish in ocean

For example, the Americas’ largest non-profit environmental organization, Nature Conservancy, already uses machine learning in their Electronic Monitoring systems.

Because of this, not only are fishermen able to fish more efficiently, but also minimize any unproductive fishing time.


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Sustainable Fishing Practices

But that’s not all. With such predictive power, AI analyzes ocean temperature data and uses sensor networks to monitor fish populations, coral reefs, and other marine ecosystems.

fishing boats

AI also makes it possible to identify and classify different species of fish in real-time and analyze broader ecological shifts.

A.I. allows fisherman to make more informed decisions, like:

  • Do they continue fishing?
  • Do they move on to new locations?
  • How much can/should they fish in such a location?
  • Which species of fish should they focus on?

All these can be answered quickly and efficiently with AI, as it quickly proves to be a powerful tool for ocean conservation efforts.


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Enhanced Equipment and Gear Management

While we don’t have cool, fully-fledged, AI-powered robots to fish for us yet, fishing equipment is however, evolving to include certain forms of AI technology.

Aside from the aforementioned sensors and monitoring systems, more and more fish-catching equipment is now being powered by AI.

boat casting fish net 1

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with AI capabilities are also often used to inspect underwater fishing gear and monitor marine environments. This greatly reduces the risk of sending humans to these potentially hazardous situations.

These AUVs can detect damaged nets and even reduce what is called “ghost fishing,” which refers to lost or damaged gear that has since been abandoned. Such gear can cause harm to fish by trapping them.


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Aquaculture Intelligence

AI is also used in fish farming and aquaculture operations.

Machine learning algorithms are employed to analyze data like:

  • Water temperature
  • Oxygen levels
  • pH levels
  • Ammonia concentrations
  • Fish swimming behavior

By doing so, they can help fish farmers predict potential problems—and allow them to take early preventive action.

Some even use it to optimize their feeding patterns. AI allows feeding dispensers to automatically adjust and therefore minimize waste.




Logistics, Cybersecurity, and Marketing In The Fishing Industry

Like many other on-the-ground industries, fishing companies use AI for logistics, cybersecurity, and marketing.

AI is used for their supply chain and logistical processes, optimizing travel routes, and even enhancing quality management systems.

Similarly, fishing companies also use AI for marketing. They use similar algorithms to analyze market data and consumer trends to predict and meet any shifts in seafood demand.

fish market 1

And, as we see how the fishing industry is becoming more and more digitized, cybersecurity is becoming a more urgent concern as well. Unlike private individuals who can just use a VPN like Surfshark, fishing companies may use AI for more robust cyber protection.



Conclusion: AI’s Future Prospects in the Fishing Industry

AI is already allowing fishing groups to transition from traditional methods to data-driven, AI-powered ones to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

But then AI technology is still in its infancy—who knows what it will look like in the future? Will we eventually see fully autonomous, AI-powered fishing boats? Or technology that allows us to monitor fish movements across the globe in an instant?

By helping fishermen be more efficient and productive, as well as assisting in protecting our precious oceans, AI is proving that, when used wisely and responsibly, it can be a force for the greater good.