Being self-sufficient and able to survive without modern conveniences is not only necessary for those who want to survive after the end of the world. It is necessary for all hunters. These are skills that every hunter must possess, because they are vital.
Know how to hunt
Hunting is not an “optional” skill if a person intends to survive in the forest. It is necessary to master a variety of weapons, including cold weapons.
It is necessary to know how to find and track the species of animals being hunted. After killing an animal, it is necessary to know how to butcher it, for which a knife is required.
You also need to know what you can eat and what is better not to eat.
Be a fisherman
Fishing tactics change throughout the year. To feel most comfortable in a survival situation, you need to learn how to catch at least one species of fish in each month of the year, even if it is only two or three species.
This way, the hunter will always know how to catch dinner. For proper fishing, you need a fishing rod or at least a fishing line.
Know how to purify water for drinking
Clean drinking water is crucial for survival, and it is not always possible to have access to water from the city. You also need to know how to purify water in the wild.
There are several ways to do this, but the simplest and most effective is to collect water and then boil it over an open fire.
Know how to dry meat
Dried meat is an excellent choice for food in the forest. It is easy to store, spoils slowly, and is a source of protein.
It all starts with freezing the meat for 30-60 days. Then the meat is thawed, cut into small strips, trimmed of fat, seasoned to taste, and left to marinate overnight.
Next, place the strips in an oven preheated to 71 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. Then transfer the meat to a dehydrator and dry it for 5-10 hours (at a temperature of at least 70 degrees).
Determining what is edible and inedible in the wild
This is a lost art that many have forgotten over the past century. But knowing how to determine what is edible is an extremely useful skill that can save a hunter’s life if they are in the forest for a very long time.
There are many categories, but these are the main ones: plants, mushrooms, beetles, and so on. This must be approached very carefully because a mistake can mean swallowing something poisonous, which is another set of problems.
Knowing how to administer first aid
Anyone who goes into the forest should know simple first aid techniques. The first is CPR. Know how to do it if you need to save someone else.
Second, know the Heimlich maneuver (and how to perform it on yourself). Knowing how to prevent choking is an important skill if you are far from getting help.
Third, know how to stop bleeding and stitch a laceration. To do this, always carry thread and a needle in your pocket. The ability to solve such problems can save a hunter’s life in an emergency.
Be able to use everything
Rule number one in the wilderness is never to waste anything. A hunter can always find a use for anything in the wilderness. If he doesn’t use something in the city, let him save it for hunting. The time will come when it will be needed.
Keep an eye out for sticks, stones, and other resources that are intended for specific tasks, especially those that are well suited for building shelter.