We all need to eat. When we're out practicing our craft and doing it the right way, we don't take a lot of food with us. Just some salt, coffee or tea, maybe a little flour, and a few spices—perhaps a small emergency ration. We take so little because we're intent on living more off the land. If you're out hunting for winter meat, you still need nourishment until you bring down that big buck. That's where small game comes in!
Rabbits, hares, squirrels, grouse, and ptarmigan are pretty plentiful where we live and not too hard to hunt as long as you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
Safety
Before we go any further, it's essential to say this: Learn and practice the rules of firearm safety!
Getting Started
You need to know what’s in your area and start learning their habits. Grouse, for example, aren’t the smartest. There can be four or five of them near each other, and they often don't react when the first couple are taken. Rabbits, on the other hand, tend to disappear when Mr. Wolverine is nearby.
What are you using to hunt your small critters? This is pretty important because even an arrow to the body of a squirrel can ruin a lot of meat. I stick with a .22 or maybe a .410 for most everything, always aiming for a headshot. If I have to use a 12-gauge, I go with as light a load as possible and try not to damage the body. Be quick and clean in your kills, and show respect for the animal.
Cleaning/Skinning
Birds and rabbits don’t need a big knife to clean and process. I can even teach you how to gut a rabbit without a blade at all. Be efficient in your work. Don’t puncture organs or innards that will contaminate the meat, and don't waste the hide unnecessarily. Keep the meat clean and as cool as possible in the field until full processing can be done.
Cooking/Preparation
One of the great things about game meat is that it's very lean and healthy. This lack of fat (except in ducks!) can be a downside too. Since there's so little fat on small game and because of its size, you need to be mindful when cooking. Low and slow is the basic rule here—no high-heat fast searing.
Bonuses
Aside from the meal or two you get from your small game, there are bonuses. The hide you expertly peeled from Mr. Bunny can be used to make glove or boot liners, a pouch, or even a nice length of leather cord. The wings and feathers from Ol' Grouse can be used to make trap baits or for flies and lures.
What's your go-to strategy for hunting small game, and do you have any tips or stories from the field to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
When it comes to bushcraft and prepping, one of the biggest deterrents for many people is cost. But here's the good news—living simply and self-sufficiently doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and careful shopping, you can create an affordable survival kit loaded with reliable gear.
This guide will walk you through seven budget-friendly items every outdoor enthusiast, prepper, or budget-conscious adventurer should own. You’ll find practical tips, affordable solutions, and even DIY tricks to get the most value from your kit.
1. A Quality Knife – Your Most Important Tool
Your knife is the heart of your outdoor adventures. Historically, fur traders valued their knives above all else because it was the one tool that could help them rebuild everything they lost. The same applies to modern survivalists.
While premium knives can easily skyrocket into triple digits, there are incredible budget options that don’t skimp on quality. Shop around at thrift stores, pawn shops, or even garage sales—you may score an overlooked gem.
For new purchases, brands like Morakniv, Buck, CRKT, and Perkin offer reliable and well-crafted blades that won’t empty your wallet. For example, the Morakniv Companion Knife, often priced under $20, is a go-to for survival enthusiasts for its durability and razor-sharp edge.
2. Fire Kit – Start a Flame Anywhere
Fire is your next survival priority, and you want multiple methods to start one. The Bic style butane lighter is a classic option that’s affordable, readily available, and super reliable—even after it runs out of fuel for creating sparks.
For backup, consider prepping wax-coated or nail polish-covered “strike anywhere” matches. These are easy to waterproof and provide dependable ignition for emergencies.
If you prefer a challenge or traditional methods, a flint and steel kit is a must. You can buy a budget-friendly kit online or DIY your own using scrap steel and flint or chert shards. A ferrocerium rod is another excellent choice. Additionally, keep some waterproof emergency tinder on hand. You can make these at home by soaking makeup removal cotton disks in melted paraffin wax mixed with lighter fluid.
These simple, affordable methods ensure you’ll never be caught without a flame when you need it most.
3. Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Essential Hydration and Versatility
Hydration isn’t just about carrying water—it’s about making sure it’s safe to drink. Alongside your bush pot for boiling water, invest in a stainless steel water bottle with single-wall construction. Why? These bottles allow you to not only carry water but also boil it directly in the bottle to purify it in a pinch.
Need extra functionality? You can even use your steel bottle to create char material for fire starting. Rugged and long-lasting, these bottles are valuable multi-purpose tools. Trust us, this is one investment you won’t regret.
4. Paracord – A Survival All-Rounder
Paracord is a budget-conscious prepper’s best friend. This multi-functional cord serves countless purposes from setting up shelters and fishing lines to repairing gear. For under $10, you can pick up a paracord bundle that will last through countless outdoor adventures.
Look for 550-rated paracord, as it’s strong enough for demanding tasks yet compact enough to fit easily in your kit.
5. Basic First Aid Kit – Prepared for Cuts & Scrapes
You don’t need a fancy first aid setup for survival. Instead, grab a basic first aid kit from any big-box store or assemble one at home. For under $20, you can stock essentials like bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and pain relievers.
Pack a roll of duct tape and a few safety pins for makeshift fixes. These budget additions can handle anything from patching gear to creating splints in an emergency.
6. Tarp or Emergency Blanket – Shelter on a Dime
Protection from the elements is critical, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Budget tarps or emergency blankets are lightweight, compact, and effective for creating quick shelters or insulating your sleeping area.
Emergency space blankets usually cost less than $10 and work exceptionally well for retaining body heat, while a tarp serves as a versatile cover during heavy rain or snow.
7. Multi-Use Duct Tape – The Fix-It-All Tool
No survival kit is complete without duct tape. It’s the ultimate problem-solver for repairs, crafting tools, or even creating watertight seals. You can wrap a few feet around your water bottle or knife handle for convenience without adding bulk to your pack.
Cost-efficient and incredibly versatile, duct tape is one of the cheapest and most effective tools you’ll own.
Wrapping It Up
Survival is all about resourcefulness, not overspending. Building a functional and reliable survival kit doesn’t require premium gear. By shopping smart, repurposing household items, and investing in inexpensive yet practical tools, you’ll be well-prepared for any adventure without blowing your budget.
Want even more gear advice and prepping insights? Check out my Christmas Wish List for incredible bushcraft gift ideas that blend affordability with functionality! Your ultimate survival kit awaits.
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
The holidays are here, and it's the perfect time to gear up or find the ultimate gift for the bushcrafter, prepper, or outdoor enthusiast in your life. Whether you're assembling a family prep kit, treating yourself, or making someone else's Christmas extra special, we've put together a wish list packed with essential gear. From versatile cutting tools to rugged covers, these items will make every wilderness adventure safer and more enjoyable. Click the links to get straight to the gear and check them off your list!
1. Containers
Storing and carrying items efficiently is a must when you're out in the wild. Containers ensure you have a reliable method for collecting items on the trail, carrying water, boiling it, and keeping essential small objects organized.
- Water Bottle: A durable, stainless steel water bottle can double as both a hydration tool and a way to boil water in survival situations. Brands like Nalgene or Klean Kanteen are highly favored.
- Bush Pot: Compact yet capable, a bush pot allows you to cook meals, boil water, or melt snow efficiently. Look for models made from stainless steel or titanium for durability and portability.
- Haversack: A sturdy knapsack is an invaluable companion for carrying your essential gear. Choose one with a weather-resistant design for the best protection.
- Ditty Bags: These small, lightweight bags are perfect for organizing tools, tinder, or food supplies. Bonus points if you opt for waxed canvas for durability!
- Mess Kit: Don’t forget a lightweight, compact mess kit for eating and food prep. Look for kits with stackable compartments to save space.
2. Covers
Protecting yourself from the elements is crucial during any outdoor adventure. Covers provide shelter for sleeping, cooking, and keeping dry in harsh conditions.
- Emergency Blankets: Thin, lightweight, and heat-reflective, these are life-saving essentials that take up almost no space in your pack. Perfect for emergencies.
- Lightweight Tarp: A lightweight tarp is incredibly versatile—use it as a ground cover, shelter, or even as a rainwater collector. Opt for one that's both water-resistant and tear-proof.
- Bushcraft Tarp: For serious bushcrafters, a bushcraft tarp made from high-grade materials like waxed cotton or nylon offers better durability and protection from heavy rain or snow.
- Wool Blend Blanket: Wool is naturally insulating, even if it gets wet. A wool blend blanket combines the best of natural fibers and modern technology for warmth and comfort.
3. Cutting Tools
Cutting tools form the backbone of bushcraft and prepping. From carving to building to preparing food in the wild, these tools cannot be overlooked.
- Knife: Arguably the most essential bushcraft tool, a high-quality knife will handle everything from carving to food prep. Look for full-tang knives with carbon steel blades for strength and versatility.
- Camp Axe: A reliable camp axe is perfect for splitting wood, building shelters, and more. Compact models are ideal for portability without sacrificing functionality.
- Tomahawk/Hiking Axe: Lightweight yet durable, tomahawks are excellent for chopping, hammering, and digging. Find one made from high-carbon steel for long-lasting performance.
- Saw: A folding saw or pocket chainsaw is excellent for cutting through thicker branches, perfect when building shelters or working on projects.
- Multi-tool: This all-in-one gadget is indispensable. With various attachments, such as blades, pliers, and screwdrivers, it rescues you in countless scenarios.
4. Cordage
Modern cordage outperforms traditional fibers, offering an array of strong, lightweight options for building shelters, setting traps, or securing gear.
- 550# Cord: Also known as paracord, this is a must-have in every pack. It's versatile and strong enough for everything from setting up shelters to making emergency slings.
- Bank Line: Tougher than paracord in some applications, this tarred twine is excellent for lashing and crafting.
- Jute Twine: Lightweight and surprisingly strong, jute twine is also perfect for use as a fire starter when frayed.
- Snare Wire: Essential for building snares or repairing gear, this is a lightweight addition you’ll be glad to have when food or tools need attention.
5. Combustion/Candling
A fire can mean the difference between life and death outdoors. A good fire setup offers warmth, cooking capabilities, and even safety from wildlife.
- Ferro Rod: Spark a fire in any condition with this reliable tool. Ferro rods are long-lasting and work in wind, rain, or snow.
- Storm Matches: Waterproof and windproof, storm matches make an excellent backup fire-starting option. Keep them in a sealed container to ensure they stay dry.
- Flint & Steel: The classic combination for traditionalists, flint and steel never run out of fuel. Perfect for the bushcrafter who values skill.
- Lens: A magnifying lens provides a renewable, lightweight fire-starting method. On sunny days, it's a lifesaver.
- Candles: Compact and multifunctional, candles provide immediate light, heat, and a way to extend the burn time of fire-starting materials.
- Fire Extenders: Materials like char cloth and petroleum jelly-coated cotton balls are lightweight and extremely effective for starting and maintaining fires in damp conditions.
Merry Christmas and Happy Bushcrafting!
I hope this list has inspired you to gear up for the wild or surprise the bushcrafter in your life with the perfect gift. Each item on this list is more than just gear—it's a tool for survival and adventure.
This holiday season, invest in top-notch bushcraft essentials that will make every trip into the wild more enjoyable, reliable, and safe. Gear up today and make this Christmas unforgettable!
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
Ever wonder why some people seem naturally adept at survival skills while others struggle to start a campfire? That's because within each of us lies a reservoir of instinctual knowledge—call it genetic memory—that's just waiting for the right moment to shine. As outdoor and survival enthusiasts, it’s crucial to harness this potential in our children, empowering them with skills that won’t just occupy their time but could be life-saving.
The Hidden Genius of Instinctual Knowledge
Teaching basic survival skills to kids doesn't have to be overwhelming. Remember when you watched your toddler grab a handful of butter? Their body knew it needed fat. Similarly, the instinct to survive is buried deep within us, waiting for a spark. The key lies in igniting this instinctual wisdom without turning it into a chore.
Let's start simple. At the right age, introduce your kids to the concept of fire not as an object of fear, but as a tool humans have harnessed for centuries. Light a birthday candle together and explain the magic of combustion. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about understanding human innovation.
Water Wisdom and the ‘Whoa’ Factor
Water—a seemingly familiar substance—harbors the secrets of survival. Once kids understand its vital role, the quest for clean water becomes not just educational, but fun. Show them how contamination works using food coloring; watch their eyes widen with understanding as the colors mix. Build a DIY filter and distill water together, turning a necessity into a fascinating 'Whoa' moment.
Mastering the Art of Shelter through Games
Survival is often about finding shelter, a game we've naturally mastered since childhood. Remember playing Hide and Seek? That was more than just fun—it was survival training. After each game, discuss why specific spots were chosen. Did they provide warmth? Were they hidden from sight? This primal, instinctual game teaches kids to evaluate their environment as a potential haven.
Navigating the World without a Compass
Yes, classic sayings like "Never Eat Soggy Worms" can be the gateway to essential survival skills like navigation. Determining cardinal directions by observing the sun or using landmarks can be an exciting discovery for children. My own granddaughter learned these skills at just eight years old, impressing us all with her grasp of coordinates from landmarks and flight experiences with her uncle. Such moments not only educate but enthuse.
Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Preparedness
The biggest challenge facing parents today is the overwhelming nature of prepping for survival scenarios. Many feel unprepared themselves, leading to hesitation in educating their children. Additionally, the fast-paced digital age can divert attention away from practical, hands-on learning.
However, this can be turned into an opportunity. Modern technology offers interactive ways to teach survival skills, ensuring that these essentials are learned in an engaging manner. By taking survival lessons outdoors, parents can reinforce family bonds and instill a sense of responsibility in young ones.
A Call to Action for Adventure-Driven Families
It's time to rewind life's soundtrack and listen to those hidden primal beats. Equip your kids with the know-how to not only survive but thrive in various scenarios. The lessons they learn today in refuge and resourcefulness can shape their confidence tomorrow.
Start today. Gather them around, share a story about survival from your own adventures, and show them how the age-old instincts we're all born with can be honed into expertise.
The world has changed, but our instincts remain steadfast. Let's start teaching survival skills to our children—because the knowledge of ages is already within them, waiting to be unlocked. Your adventure in raising the next generation of resilient explorers begins now.
How well do you really know your firearm? For enthusiasts and novices alike, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of shooting or the allure of adding another piece to your collection. Yet, reliable performance doesn't come from mere possession—it comes from intimate familiarity and diligent maintenance.
Every firearm enthusiast understands that maintenance goes beyond aesthetics; it's about safety and reliability. Whether it's a rifle, shotgun, revolver, or pistol, keeping your firearm in top condition is essential to ensure dependable performance every time you pull the trigger.
Understanding the Basics
The first step in maintaining your firearm is understanding it. You don't need to be a master gunsmith to keep your firearm in great shape. With a simple arsenal of tools—a cleaning rod, bore brush, solvent, patches, gun oil, a rag, and a few drivers—you can perform essential maintenance that significantly extends your firearm's lifespan and reliability.
The philosophy of gun ownership, particularly for instructors like myself, is deeply rooted in the intimate knowledge of your tool. After all, the second task after purchasing should be getting familiar with its teardown procedure. Field stripping—a basic disassembly—is crucial for cleaning and lubricating key components.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Clean the Right Way
A simple but effective routine ensures your firearm remains reliable:
- Wipe Down After Exposure: If your gun is exposed to moisture or dust, wipe it down. This reduces corrosion risk and allows you to inspect for rust, dings, and misaligned sights.
- Regular Inspection: A quick visual inspection during cleaning can highlight potential issues—address them early to avoid bigger problems.
- Triple Check Safety: Always triple-check that your gun is unloaded before cleaning. Safety is paramount.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Field Strip: Break your firearm into its component parts. This procedure can differ slightly depending on the model. For semi-autos and rifles, start with the firing pin/extractor, then move to barrel/lug components, receiver, and finally slide.
- Clean Components: Use your bore brush and cleaning rod with solvent to scrub the barrel. Clean smaller components gently with patches soaked in solvent to remove dirt and residue.
- Lubrication: After cleaning, apply a thin coat of oil to all moving parts. Keep in mind that too much lubrication can attract dirt.
- Reassemble and Test: Once you’ve cleaned and lubricated, carefully reassemble your firearm and conduct a function test to ensure reliability.
Simplifying with Break-Opens
For those who prefer ease, single-shot break-open guns are a joy. They typically consist of three components (barrel, forend, receiver), making them straightforward to clean and maintain. The barrel can be scrubbed with soapy water, dried, and oiled – reminiscent of a simpler, black powder era.
WD40 – Friend or Foe?
Aim appropriately with products like WD40. While it serves well as a moisture displacer, using it as a lubricant is a no-go. It dries into a sticky residue that gums up moving parts. Stick to its intended use and follow with a suitable gun oil.
The Power of Knowledge
Understanding your firearm and maintaining it correctly does more than ensure a functional tool—it builds confidence and trust in your equipment. It shifts the conversation from "Do I need to clean my firearm?" to "How can I know my firearm better?"
Join our community of enthusiasts who share these values. Learn more expert tips, exchange experiences, and elevate your firearm expertise. Connect with us today for insights that keep you and your equipment at the top of your game.
