Be prepared for a crisis. Practice your survival skills at home. You don’t need to spend days in the wilderness to learn survival skills. You can learn and practice several survival skills in the comfort of your own home. That way, if a time comes when you need to use your skills, you will be capable and efficient.
Practice Tying Knots
Tying knots is a crucial skill for wilderness survival. Shelter, floating devices, and food storage depend on strong and sturdy knots. Your life may rely on them. You should know how to tie knots quickly, with various types of ropes and paracord. For knot tying beginners, there are plenty of books, online guides, and YouTube videos available.
Whittle Some Wood
Whittling is an excellent survival skill. You can carve all sorts of useful items from wood. Also, if you are stranded alone, it is a perfect way to spend time. Many people find carving very relaxing. You can cut a spear for hunting and fishing. You can also make spikes, which you can use to secure rope into the ground, or hold down a tent or tarp. You can form a spoon.
These are all things you can practice at home, as long as you have a source of wood. You can also create feathered wood, sometimes called a “fuzz stick.” Feathered wood has thin curls of wood protruding from the sides. A feather stick is a great fire starter when dry wood is not available.
Once you’ve mastered the above items, you can continue to carve more intricate items. Keep practicing the basics too. When you are hungry, you will want to be able to produce a spoon quickly.
Practice Identifying Plants
Learn how to identify edible plants and poisonous plants. Some plants may not be edible but have healing properties when applied topically. Do not only research native plants but also learn about any invasive species that may be edible. Practice identifying these plants during all four seasons in all sorts of light and weather. Learn about the plants in the region you live, and also any places you plan to visit.
Build Some Nets
If you live or spend time near water, you can catch fish in your homemade nets. Building nets is a good way to practice your knot-tying skills. You can also carry gear in nets, store items in hanging nets, or make a long net to use as a hammock.
Construct Some Animal Traps
This survival skill puts food on the table. There are several types of traps. Some traps rely on trees, but you can make other types inside your house. Snares are easy to construct. Learn what small game lives near you. If you gather a large number of materials from outside at one time, you will be able to practice at home, whenever you have time. Check the regulations in your area to find out if you can test the traps in an area near your home.