BASIC SKILLS TO MASTER
The
following are the most basic skills to master when venturing into the wild.
These are the heart of bushcraft practice and must be mastered before setting
out on a journey.
Navigation
There are two staples for navigation: a map and a compass. With these in hand,
it would be almost impossible to get lost, especially if the navigator is
familiar with the territory. However, a good bushcraft master would still be
capable of navigating through the terrain without these contraptions. All he or
she needs are keen observation skills and nature. In such a case, the sky would
become the map and the sun and stars would be the directives. These may not be
the most specific means of routing, but they do give a general gist of the
direction to take.
↚
Daytime Navigation
Nature,
albeit characterized by change, always functions in a certain pattern. Sunrise
paints the eastern skies and sunset discloses in the west; it may not be the
exact east or exact west, but it is somewhere in that direction.
Where there
is light, there are also shadows – these can be used to determine direction.
Now, to create an improvised dial, take a straight stick (approximately 1 meter
long) and fix it vertically into level ground. During the morning, mark the
spot where the tip of the stick’s shadow falls – this shall be point A. By rule
of thumb, this spot falls on the west. Then, using the length of the shadow as
a radius, etch a circle around the stick. At noontime, the shadow will have had
shrunk, but will extend again in the afternoon. Wait for it to be long enough
to reach the circumference once more – this will be point B (the east). Connect
the two points and stand in between them, with point A to the left and point B
to the right. The direction one is facing is north.
↚
Nighttime Navigation
Traveling
after sundown requires simple stargazing. Study the night sky and try to
identify some constellations. Polaris (the North Star) is part of the Small
Dipper and can be found in between Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper; it points to
the North Pole. The southern sky, on the other hand, is marked by the Crux.
Once both directives have been identified, draw an imaginary line from the spot
towards the earth; these indicate where the north and south are respectively.
↚
Shelters
A shelter must be sturdy, appropriately sized
and capable of protecting its inhabitants from the rain. Ensure that it is big
enough to accommodate everybody, but small enough to contain body heat. The
area must provide good camouflage to avoid detection from predators and, at the
same time, must have level ground so that beddings can be placed properly.
Additionally, the site must also be near sources of food or water but free of
insects, anthills, poisonous plants or habitats of potentially harmful wild
animals.
↚
Shelters for Different Setups
There are
different types of shelters, each suitable for specific situations and
conditions. It is entirely within one’s discretion as to which type should be
used.
↚
The Scout-Master
This type
of shelter is quick and easy to make. First off, gather 3 long, forked branches
and pile them together to form a pyramid-like structure. Make sure that the
pronged tips are interlocking. This shall serve as the framework of the
structure. Then, gradually add more branches, poles, or sticks around the
framework to provide more structure to the shelter. Cover them with browse and
other leaves.
↚
Swamp Bed
This type
of shelter allows one to sleep on wet grounds, marshes and other still bodies
of water. The goal is to create a sturdy base that will allow one to stay above
water. First off, take 4 poles (preferably bamboo) and tie them together to
form a rectangle. This shall serve as the framework of the structure. Adjust
the distance of each pole according to individual needs. It should be sturdy
enough to support the weight of the person and of the survival gear. Then, tie
two poles along the width of the structure and cut the excess. Attach more
sticks or branches along the length of the framework to increase the surface
area and allow it to float. Make the bed more comfortable to sleep on by
covering it with soft shrubbery.
Create a
fire pad by clumping together mud or clay on one spot of the structure
(preferably on the corner). Make sure that it is already dry prior to lighting
a fire.
↚
Tree-Pit Snow Shelter
When
camping during winter or in snowy areas, it is best to create a deep, sturdy
pit around the trunk of an evergreen tree. It should be deep and wide enough to
allow one to lie down and sleep comfortably. Be sure that the tree’s branches
are bushy and extend over a wide perimeter to provide sufficient cover.
Pile up the
snow tightly around and on top of the pit to prevent it from collapsing over
the inhabitants. Gather some branches and twigs and place them around the top
of the hole to prevent the heat from escaping.
↚
Desert Shelters
The main
goal in arid areas is to look for a cool area to regroup. If there are rock
outcroppings within the vicinity, simply anchor the edges of the poncho around
the outcrop. Secure these in place with rocks or other heavy objects nearby.
An
alternative would be to dig a 45 – 60-cm trench in a depression flanked by
rocks. It should be big enough for a person to lie in. Pack the sand along the
edges of the pit, forming 3 equally-spaced stacks. Shape it accordingly,
digging out more sand in one area to create an exit. Cover the top with a
poncho and secure the edges with bigger rocks. This is called a ‘below ground
shelter.’ It reduces the amount of heat received by 20 °C.
↚
Firecraft
A bonfire
serves many purposes. First of all, it illuminates the surrounding area;
second, it is a source of warmth; third, it is used to cook food or boil water;
fourth, it can be used to build weapons or tools. All of these are essential
for survival.
Building a
fire requires the presence of the three important elements: air, heat and fuel.
Balance the right ratio of the three to get a long-lasting blaze. The best way
to learn is through practice.
To start
off, select a dry area and clear the ground of twigs, leaves and the like. Dig
a small, circular depression in the ground with a half-meter radius; this
structure prevents unwanted spread of fire. Then, lay down the tinder (a highly
flammable substance) and apply heat to create a spark. It may be done by
rubbing two dry rocks together. Afterwards, add the kindling (a readily
combustible substance) to grow the flames, then add fuel (a material capable of
burning at a steady, gradual pace once exposed to heat) to maintain the fire.
Leaving an
open fire unattended may cause hazards. It would be best to carefully arrange
rocks or logs around the fire to create a wall that will contain flying sparks
and protect the fire from strong winds. But be careful not to overdo it as the
fire still needs oxygen to ignite.
Sometimes, creating an underground bonfire
would be the more advantageous choice. It minimizes illumination of the area
and is great for cooking food. Simply dig a shallow pit and connect a tunnel
for ventilation to keep the fire alive.
