Animal Tracks: Know What's Around You

Animal Tracks: Know What's Around You

When you are out in the wilderness, it is wise to know your surroundings.  While hunting for food, tracking is a good way of finding prey.  Whether you are out in the bush, walking in the snow, or taking a stroll down a sandy beach, it is good to know what types of creatures are around.  There are so many animals out there, it would be difficult to name every one of them and their tracks.  So, to make things easier, Live Your Wild Side has selected just a few to share with you.

Cougar/Mountain Lion Tracks

Grizzly and Black Bears Tracks

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Tracks

Gray Fox Tracks

Skunk Tracks

Raccoon Tracks

Mountain Goat Tracks

Whitetail Deer Tracks 

Moose Tracks

See this link for more information on animal tracks:

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/publications/tracks_guide.pdf

What's Knot to Know? (How to Tie Knots)

Types of Knots: How To


When you are out in the wilderness, the ability to tie knots is a valuable quality.  You can tie your food supply out of the reach of hungry animals, tie up tents and tarps, tie yourself in a tree to sleep at night, and do many other things with knots.
There are many different types of knots, but here are a three of them that are especially helpful:

Bowline

The Bowline Knot is great to know because it doesn't slip.  It is useful for mountain climbing, anchoring tarps, and many more operations. 

Alderleaf Wilderness College show us how to tie it:

To start the bowline, first make a small loop on the rope.

Take the rope end through the loop, around the main line of the rope and back down into the loop.

Try to remember “the rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree and then back down into the hole.”

To tighten, pull the main line of the rope away from the loop.

Square Knot

This knot is also known as the Reef Knot.  It is used to tie packages, bandages, and to join short pieces of rope together.   

Alderleaf Wilderness College shows us how to tie it:

To begin, lay the ends of the ropes parallel and then pick up a rope in each hand.

Now tie an overhand knot as you would for tying your shoe laces by putting the right end under and over the left rope end.

Then tie another overhand knot, this time putting the left end under and over the right rope.

Completed Square Knot

Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch tightly secures a rope to an object.

Alderleaf Wilderness College show us how to tie it:

To begin, bring the rope end over and under the post. Next, take the rope around a second time, crossing it over the first wrap to form an X on the post.

Now, bring the rope end around a third time, and tuck it under the center of the X.

Tighten by pulling the end and the main line apart.

Before you head out into the wilderness, it would be wise to learn the knots shown above.  There are many situations that you will find these knots helpful, once you are out in the wild.  The knots listed above are the bare minimum you should learn, there are many more to know about.  See the links posted below for more knots, and how to tie them.

Check out this page for more information on knots and how to tie them!
http://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/
There's some helpful and interesting information about knots on this page:
http://www.asiteaboutnothing.net/cr_knots.html

Let it Blaze (In a contained area)

How to Make a Fire

So it's getting cold out, and your hungry.  You need to build a fire.  How do you start?

First, gather ignition to light your fire.  If you didn't bring matches, you can use flint and steel.  When you strike the steel against the flint, a little piece of it breaks off, generating heat from the impact.  The steel ignites from the heat and creates a spark.  Aim the sparks at your tinder, which you will need to collect next.

What is Tinder?

It is anything that will catch the spark/flame from your ignition, then transfer to the kindling for your fire.

 Some good examples of tinder:

• Dry needles from coniferous trees
• Dry plants and grasses
• Dry sticks
• Birch bark 
• Pine pitch
• Lint 
• Moss
• Wood shavings

 The third thing you need to accumulate to make your fire is kindling.  Kindling creates heat and flames to ignite your main fuel source.  Pieces of wood, twigs, and logs cut up into strips of wood all work as good tinder if they are dry.

Now, you should collect you main fuel source, which could be dry wood, peat, dry animal droppings, coal, and dried up pieces of grass twisted together.

Hint: Once your fire is set up and burning, you can use wet or green fuel, which will burn slower than dry fuel. 

Next, clear a circular area for your fire, about four feet in diameter. To prevent the fire from spreading, enclose the area with stones, or dig a chasm a couple of inches deep. 

Stones will insulate the fire's heat.  You can also build a wall of wood to direct the fire's heat to you rather than away from you.  This method conserves heat, and you will stay warmer.

It is desirable to keep enough water with you to extinguish your fire in case it gets out of control. 

Place your tinder on top of your pile of kindling. Your kindling should be piled in a way that the air can circulate and still allow the flame to spread. 

Light the fire with your ignition by aiming the spark/flame at the tinder. Once the fire is inititated, start adding firewood/fuel from smallest to largest.  Remember to place wet fuel on the fire only after it is started, otherwise it will not be able to ignite.

There are a few different methods you can use for building your fire - here's a look at a few of them:

The Tepee 

Log Cabin

Lean-To

 

The Pyramid

 

The Star

Now you know how to start a fire.  Let it blaze in a contained area, and enjoy!

For more information on fires, check out this webpage:

http://www.wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/index.html

Check back soon for more exciting posts:

• Hunting with a Bow and Arrows
• Types of Knots: How To
• Animal Tracks: Know What's Around You

Eating Habits (Edible vs. Poisonous)

Edible Plants and Berries vs. 
Poisonous Plants and Berries


The last thing you want is to be poisoned by something you ate, especially when you are out in the wilderness, away from emergency care.
Thank goodness you came to this blog.  Now, you can venture into nature with no fear of being poisoned!  You may eat your fill of plants and berries, since you will know which ones are safe, and the ones that are deadly.  Do not get them confused!
So, you are walking through the forest, and you want to eat something.. but you don't know where to begin looking.  
Plants and berries both grow in a climate that is not too hot/too cold.  They need water to survive, and depending on what your looking for, shade or sunlight.  




EDIBLE SECTION 

The Edible Plants
Who would want to eat plants?  Well, if you are hungry, and dont have a supermarket within driving distance, you may decide it's worth a shot.  You may eat the following without fear:

• Indian Cucumber Root
• Cattail
• Jerusalem Artichoke
• Clover
• Nettles
• Chicory
• Ostrich Fern (Fiddleheads)
• Chickweed
• Trout Lily
• Dandelion
• Wild Leeks
• Burdock
• Agave Root
• Field Pennycress
• Fireweed

Check this link out for more interesting information:

http://artofmanliness.com/2010/10/06/surviving-in-the-wild-19-common-edible-plants/

The Edible Berries 
Who doesn't like berries? There are also some tasty fruits and healthy veggies included below. 

• Gooseberries
• Saskatoon Berries
• Mayapple
• Gooseberries
• Wild Carrot
• Buffaloberries
• Blueberries
• Bilberries
• Currants
• Huckleberries
• Cranberries
• Salal
• Rasberries
• Strawberries
• Asparagus

For more information on edible berries, see this article:

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/wild-berries


POISONOUS SECTION


This blog, Live Your Wild Side, is not responsible for damage done to any person who consumes the following list of poisonous plants/berries.
Poisonous Plants:

• Castor Beans
• Rosary Pea
• Monkshood
• Bushman's Poison
• Angel's Trumpet
• Water Hemlock
• English Yew
• Snakeroot
• Strychnine Tree
• Moonseed
• Narcissus
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Nightshade

It is highly recommended that you check out the pictures and information on this page about poisonous plants:
http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/09/16/16-most-unassuming-yet-lethal-killer-plants/


Poisonous Berries:

• Daphne
• Doll's Eyes
• Privet
• Pokeweed
• Jerusalem Cherry
• European Holly
• Elderberry
• Holly 
• Yew

For descriptions and how to avoid these poisonous berries see this link:
http://www.life123.com/home-garden/trees-shrubs/berry-bushes/poisonous-berries.shtml

Preparing for The Wildest

If you want to know how to get out and live in the wilderness, you're at the right place.

First things first.  When you want to get away from the city and live in nature, where in the world do you go?  First, decide what setting you want.  Sandy beaches, deep forests, rolling hills, grassy meadows, a lakeside treehouse, or thriving rivers are all possible destinations. 

Second, search up an uninhabited place that suits your liking, pack up, and head out.  Find out how you are going to get there and if it is private land, stay off.  Nobody wants to get shot down by a hillbilly.

Next, pack supplies for your trip.  Here are some items that you will find helpful:

• ropes
• flint and steel (purchase at a hobby shop)
• strong string
• a knife (or make your own out of wood or rock)
• adequate clothing and leather boots
• a water bottle (unless you want to use your hands as a cup or make a wood bowl)
• a hammock (which you can make if you bring enough rope)
• a backpack
• hunting bow and a sheath of hunting arrows (or make your own)
• fishing net
• a tarp

Ropes come in handy for many things including tying yourself to a large tree branch to sleep, making nooses to catch prey,  and keeping your food up and out of hungry animals' reach.

Making a fire with flint and steel is challenging, but not impossible.  When you strike flint against steel, it creates a spark by breaking and heating a tiny piece of the steel, causing it to ignite when it feeds on the air's oxygen supply.

String will be necessary if you want to make a bow.  Make sure it is durable, and has flex to it.



A knife is good for living in the wild.  You can use it for many things including hunting, skinning and gutting food, cutting rope/string, and carving a bow. 

Try to pack as little clothing as you need, but make sure you have an outfit suitable for each season you will be living in the wild. 

Leather boots will be your lifesaver during the times you are hiking in the bush.  In summer months, if it is too hot, barefoot is always an option.  Just stick your boots in your backpack.

A water bottle is a useful for survival, since you might not always be in close proximity to water.  When you are out in the wild, make sure you are living near a source of fresh water.  Never drink stagnent water, it is full of bacteria.

A hammock is great for living outdoors.  In the winter, fill it with dry leaves, moss, etc. to act as a bedding - it will help you stay warm.  Also, try to find a place where you will be surrounded by trees, which will help to block out the wind.  On hot summer night, try to find a shady areas to set up your hammock.

A large backpack is useful for carrying items - clothing, flint, a tarp, ropes, hammock, etc.

A hunting bow and  a sheath of arrows could be a lifesaver.  If you have good aim, you can shoot down prey to eat.  Among prey could be rabbits, squirrels, wild turkeys, birds, and if your lucky, moose or deer.  Wild dogs (coyotes, wolves) and cats (cougars, lynx) are best left alone but if you have to kill one to protect yourself, you might as well eat it.  

A fishing net is useful for obtaining food. Catch fish from water that is not stagnent.

Last but not least, a tarp can provide a decent shelter from rain/ wind.  Make a tent by typing a rope in between two trees, draping the tarp over, and holding the corners apart with heavy stones.
Now that you are packed, there are a few more things to learn before heading out.
Be sure to check for upcoming posts!


Topics will include:

• Edible Plants and Berries‹Poisonous Plants and Berries
• How to Make a Fire
• Hunting with a Bow and Arrows
• Types of Knots: How To
• Animal Tracks: Know What's Around You

Check out Survival Blog for more tips and information:
http://www.survivalblog.com/

Here's an article you might find helpful when packing for a wild adventure:
http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/06/maintaining-your-equipment-for-years-of-use-by-mc-in-arizona.html

Welcome to the Wild

Welcome to Live Your Wild Side. 
The world around us is beautiful, especially when you take a step outside the city.  There is more to wild living than just pitching a tent and camping for a few nights.  When you step out into the vast uninhabited places God has made, you have to think to survive, forage or hunt for food to eat, build or find shelter, and avoid dangerous predators and poisonous plants.  How do we do these things? Well that is what this blog is for.  Find out the answers to these questions and more.  Live your wild side!