It might sound like something out of a movie, but there are many people who actually live in the wild. For some, it’s something they are passionate about, and for others, it’s just a way of life. If you have an interest in the outdoors, but don’t know how to survive when you venture into the forests or other wilderness areas, this article is for you.
Read on to learn more about what it takes to thrive in the wild and what your first steps should be if you want to do so.
Learn all you can about the wildlife and environment
Wildlife in the wild can be dangerous, so it’s important that you know as much as you can about it. As well as learning about the local wildlife, you should learn about the climate and seasons and how this can affect where you are going. It’s also important to learn about any local regulations that affect your trips, such as fishing seasons and bans. If you can, go on a wildlife safari and learn from experts in the field.
Eat what’s available
While it can be nice to dream of feasting on delicacies such as wild boar or venison, you should also be realistic about what you can eat. In the wild, what’s available is often limited to plants and small animals. You can sometimes gather wild edibles, such as mushrooms or berries, but it’s best to stay away from most of the animals that you might eat because they may have been poisoned.
If you are in an area that is known to have a lot of food, such as a desert, you can eat a lot of plants and fungi. However, in most environments, what’s available is just a small part of what you might find in the grocery store.
Stay hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated in the wild, just as it is in your daily life. If you are hiking for many hours or going for a long swim, it’s best to drink plenty of fluids. When you are in the wild, it’s easy to forget that water is a precious resource. So, make sure you don’t run out of water and that you have a way to filter and purify it.
You can also use water to purify other liquids such as melted snow. In the wild, water sources are often limited to rivers and lakes. When there is a river, you need to anticipate that it will change course every year or two and that it may flood or dry up completely. So, you need to be ready for these changes.
Shelter yourself from the elements
If you are in a particularly harsh environment such as the desert or the polar region, it’s important to try to shelter yourself from the elements. When you are in the wild, you are exposed to the elements, which can be extremely hot or cold. So, it’s important to find shelter that is away from the weather.
You can build a shelter using natural materials, such as fallen trees or branches, or use a tent or other shelter. In the wild, you need to be ready for extreme weather changes. Thunderstorms, for example, can occur at any time of day and when you aren’t used to them, they can be dangerous. Make sure you have a way to get indoors or to a more sheltered place.
Don’t forget your own needs
It’s easy to get caught up in exploring the wild and forgetting about your own needs. When you are in the wild, you need to be ready for any situation and have supplies such as food, water, and a way of shelter that you can use whenever you need it. You should also have a means of communication, such as a signal mirror or a signal flag, that can help you get help if you need it.
Be prepared to be on your own
Wilderness survival can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that it’s often a solo activity. When you go into the wild, you need to be prepared to be on your own. This doesn’t mean that you should be paranoid or that you are a hermit who hates people, but it does mean that you need to know how to look after yourself.
When you are in the wild, you need to be prepared for anything and have supplies such as food, water, and a way of shelter that you can use whenever you need it. You should also have a means of communication, such as a signal mirror or a signal flag, that can help you get help if you need it.
Bottom line
Wilderness survival can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that it’s often a solo activity. You can learn how to survive in the wild by reading books and watching survival guides and shows on TV. However, if you want to go out and try it yourself, you need to be prepared for the dangers and have supplies such as food, water, and a way of shelter that you can use whenever you need it. And remember, it’s often a solo activity so you need to be prepared to be on your own.
