While Colorado ranchers seek government compensation for cattle killed by reintroduced wolves, Swiss shepherds have a more direct protest: They have dumped carcasses of sheep killed by wolves in front of regional government buildings to signal their frustration with depredating canines.
A continent-wide spike in livestock predation blamed on wolves prompted the European Union this week to lower protections for the carnivores, making it easier for farmers and government agencies to kill both purebred wolves and a rising number of hybrid wolfdogs that prey on domestic animals.
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That’s a stunning reversal of blanket protections that many EU leaders have supported, and which bolster a larger “rewilding” movement in Europe. These protections have allowed wolves, along with brown bears, foxes, badgers, and lynx, to thrive and spread across the landscape, moving out of designated wildlands and into fields and pastures and even the margins of some of Europe’s largest cities.
This week’s decision to lift protections on wolves also follows the high-profile death of a pony that belonged to the president of the European Commission and was killed by wolves two years ago in northern Germany. France reports the most livestock killed by wolves, around 11,000 sheep annually.
An EU committee responsible for continental wildlife conservation removed the “strict protection” status of Europe’s wolves on Tuesday under the Bern Convention. The rule change allows wolf packs that prey on domestic livestock to be culled without special review and could open the way for nations to establish wolf hunting seasons.
Wolves have become so abundant across Europe that they are classified as a species of “least concern” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. An estimated 20,000 wolves roam the continent, from Scandinavia and the Balkan low country to the forests of Romania and Italy’s Alps. The same committee reckons that wolves kill around 65,000 domestic livestock every year.
European gray wolves and wolfdog hybrids are impacting livestock producers across the European continent. Photo by Thomas Hulik / Adobe Stock
Compare the European body count to that in Colorado, where wolves have killed an estimated two to three dozen cattle since the predators were reintroduced there last year following a 2020 ballot initiative that required the state to bring back wolves that had been absent from Colorado for nearly a century. The state is now working with Canadian provinces to supplement the initial release with another 15 wolves, perhaps as early as next month.
The total number of livestock killed by Colorado’s restored wolf population is a guess, say ag groups, because some ranchers haven’t yet submitted claims for reimbursement and other livestock deaths can’t be directly attributed to wolf predation. Many ranchers note that the impact of wolves on their herds is also reflected in lower weaning weights, mangled fences, and altered grazing patterns.
But while Colorado’s wolves (both the animals relocated from Oregon and those that have entered naturally from Wyoming) are presumably genetically pure wild canines, Europe’s wolf management is complicated by a rising number of wolf-dog hybrids. These hybrids are more adaptable to Europe’s fractured landscapes, say biologists, but they frustrate conservationists interested in restoring truly wild wolf packs to the continent. The new European Commission rule will allow local culling of wolf and wolfdog packs that demonstrate a taste for domestic animals.
That should mollify the Swiss shepherds who this summer dumped a dozen wolf-killed sheep carcasses in front of the regional government headquarters of Lausanne, a canton in western Switzerland. According to The Guardian, sheep producers wanted to increase pressure on the region’s environment minister and the ruling Green Party.
“It is really time to act,” Eric Herb, a member of a Swiss group advocating for controls of marauding wolves, told the newspaper. “The [sheep] breeders have played nice until now, but this time it was too much.”
Public comments will be accepted through mid-March on the proposal to classify both Eastern and Western populations of the monarch as threatened. USFWS noted that the continent’s Eastern population of the migratory insect has declined by approximately 80 percent over the past 40 years. The Western population’s decline has been more drastic, with approximately 95 percent population loss over that time. USFWS officials put the Western population’s chance of extinction at more than 99 percent by 2080 without significant conservation efforts.
In its announcement, USFWS noted that public efforts can help reverse declining habitat for the popular and recognizable species.
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“The iconic monarch butterfly is cherished across North America, captivating children and adults throughout its fascinating lifecycle,” says USFWS director Martha Williams. “It is remarkably resilient when we just give them a chance. Science shows that the monarch needs that chance, and this proposed listing invites and builds on unprecedented public participation in shaping monarch conservation efforts. Providing monarchs with enough milkweed and nectar plants, even in small areas, can help put them on the road to recovery.”
The grasslands conservation groups Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have been at the forefront of promoting pollinator conservation, and today the groups announced they “are determined to continue our efforts to boost monarch butterfly populations.”
“While this news is startling to see for such an iconic and beloved species, we are hopeful that voluntary, incentive-based opportunities for landowners to continue to restore wildlife habitat will reverse the population decline,” says Mikayla Peper, spokesperson for the organizations.
Marilyn Vetter, president and CEO of both Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, noted the organizations’ emphasis on pollinator habitat.
“When you consider the web of life, it’s no coincidence our millions of wildlife habitat projects have delivered tremendous benefits for pollinating insects and monarch butterflies at the same time we’ve delivered habitat improvements for game birds,” says Vetter. “Moving forward, our commitment is continued focus on the intersection between private and public lands, with myriad private and public partners, for the conservation of America’s grasslands.”
The 90-day public comment period for the listing status will open on Dec. 12, 2024, and close on March 12, 2025. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever encourage farmers, ranchers, landowners, hunters, and any stakeholders who value monarch butterflies and associated pollinator habitat to submit comments online (referencing docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137) to the USFWS on conservation actions. This docket also includes information about how to attend two virtual public information meetings, and associated public hearings, about this listing proposal.
The saga of CJ Alexander, the now-infamous Wilmington man who poached one of the biggest bucks in Ohio history and spun a vast web of lies to cover it up, has officially come to a close. Alexander was sentenced yesterday in Clinton County court, and he will serve 90 days in jail for his leading role in the high-profile poaching case, according to a statement from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The attorney general also ordered Alexander to pay a combined $43,000 in fines, and his hunting privileges have been revoked for at least 10 years.
“Hunting in Ohio is a time-honored tradition, and there is a proper way to be safe and successful,” Yost said Wednesday. “When bad actors like these guys try to cheat the system, it ruins the reputation of Ohio’s respected sportsmen and women — I can’t stand for that.”
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The other “bad actors” implicated in the case were brothers Corey and Zachary Haunert, and Alexander’s sister, Kristina M. Alexander, all of whom aided Alexander in poaching the buck and helped him stage an elaborate cover up. The three individuals pleaded guilty to charges in October and were sentenced separately. But it’s Alexander who faces the biggest penalties for his role as ringleader. Specifically, his sentence will require him to:
Serve 180 days in jail, with 90 days suspended and the other 90 days served at the Star Community Justice Center before he can be eligible for work release (his sentence also includes an up to 36-month suspended prison term that becomes active if community control is revoked)
Serve five years of community control
Pay $39,696.73 to the Ohio Wildlife Fund and $2,000 in restitution to KSE Sportsman Media, DBA Outdoor Sportsman Group-IM
Pay $1,000 in restitution to the poaching hotline, a $1,000 wildlife fine and court costs
Enter a four- to six-month community-based program through the Star Community Justice Center
Write letters of apology to affected parties
Forfeit all hunting-related property seized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife as evidence
Lose his hunting license for a minimum of 10 years; if full restitution is not paid by then, the license remains revoked until full payment is made
Alexander’s sentencing comes a little less than two months after he pleaded guilty to 14 charges related to the poaching. The charges included one felony count each of theft by deception and tampering with evidence, and 12 misdemeanors related to hunting violations, falsification, jacklighting, and the sale of wildlife parts.
His guilty plea in October was a major about-face, as Alexander had strongly maintained his innocence for months. He repeatedly doubled down on these claims, both in interviews with OL and other media outlets, and in conversations with investigators.
Another photo of the buck, Alexander shared this to Instagram one month before the Ohio DNR launched its investigation. Photo via Instagram
The lies began almost exactly one year ago on Dec. 8, 2023, when Alexander shared his story with Outdoor Life, claiming he killed the 200-plus-inch Ohio behemoth with a borrowed crossbow while hunting his sister’s 9-acre property in Clinton County. He maintained this version of events after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources launched an investigation on Dec. 26, seizing the buck along with other evidence in Alexander’s possession, and he continued to do so after being indicted on 23 criminal charges in June.
Public court records obtained by Outdoor Life in October show how investigators used cell phone records to unravel Alexander’s offenses. The trove of damning text messages and GPS location data proved how Alexander sought out and killed the 18-point buck on private land where he knowingly did not have permission to hunt. They also show how, after Alexander killed the buck, he recovered the illegally harvested deer with accomplices and staged photos on his sister’s property so he could profit off the deer, mislead investigators, and become the hero of his own hunting story.
“I’m gonna get offered stupid money for this deer head babe … Like buying house type money … This deer is gonna make us money,” Alexander texted his fiance Carissa Weisenberger on Oct. 17, a little over three weeks before he killed the infamous “Alexander Buck.”
Public court documents include hundreds of cell phone records that show how Alexander allegedly poached the buck and then tried to cover it up. Photo illustration by Outdoor Lif
It seems only fitting, then, that Alexander will pay out the nose for a buck that he poached for profit — a buck that was at one point in the running for the third-largest all-time typical whitetail in the Boone and Crockett book, and one that stood a chance of becoming the state’s new No. 1 whitetail deer.
Of the $43,000 in fines ordered by the attorney general, $39,696.73 will go directly to the Ohio Wildlife Fund to reimburse the state for the loss of such an incredible buck. Ohio takes these crimes seriously, and the state calculates a special restitution fee based on the total inches of antler if the illegally taken deer scores more than 125 inches gross. One widely reported gross score for the Alexander buck was 235 ⅞ inches, while a Buckmasters score sheet on Alexander’s Instagram page lists the gross score as 217 4/8.
If Alexander is unable to cover those costs, his hunting license will remain revoked indefinitely, even after the 10-year suspension is complete.
These days, a survivalist who is in search of tips can find them everywhere. Pop culture has widened its influence on just about any field of interest that you can think of. With the internet, finding information on how to become a better survivalist has become much easier.
The World Wide Web is also the home of social networks, the latest and newest source for all things survivalism. You can actually get in touch with the most popular survivalists in the world through social media, something that wasn’t possible a few decades ago.
Interestingly, other forms of mass media have stood the test of time. Films, television, and books can still be great sources of survival tips. If they are not free, they are affordable. This is indeed the right time for our subculture as preppers and survivalists to bloom because of the vast range of resources available at our disposal.
As a salute to pop culture, we have brought together some tips for any survivalist who is interested in knowledge and lessons that can be gained from the movies, TV shows, books, radio shows as well as the famous survival experts themselves. Enjoy!
MOVIES
The Hunger Games (2012): Be proactive
Stop waiting around for somebody to make your life better for you, and start making your life better for yourself! If you don’t like your job, spending every afternoon complaining about it while drinking beers won’t help – start working on your own side project after work. Don’t like how you look? Feeling sorry for yourself while eating ice cream on the couch doesn’t work – get off your butt and go for a walk!
A survivalist is someone who takes action. Via damngoodcup.com
We’re not owed or entitled to anything simply for existing – it’s our responsibility to WANT a better life for ourselves and our family, and then its our responsibility to work hard to make it happen. As I’ve learned from my favorite movie, hoping for a better life is a great start, but ACTION is required to actually make it happen. Read more…
Into the Wild (2007): Keep your goal in sight. Don’t give up what you want for what you want right now.
Even with a destination that would take him down a path fraught with adversity, Chris’s dream was unwavering. His yearning to find truth and solitude in a world where little exists led him directly into immense obstacle after obstacle.
It is so easy for us to find excuses to not follow through on our dreams. There are always a million reasons not to do something. Keep your dreams in sight and if you should fail, try and try again. Do not concede, and do not compromise to take the easier path and settle for a portion of your dream just because it’s the easiest path right now.
The Book of Eli (2010)
A survivalist knows the importance of being armed to keep from being harmed. Via alexraphael
* Benefits of carrying both firearms and low-tech weapons. * How to barter for what you need. * You have to be prepared to kill bad people or they will kill you. * Your faith can sustain you and help guide your actions. Continue reading
World War Z (2013): The latest and greatest technology isn’t always the greatest
The Colorado flash flood of a few weeks ago shows just how true this is. A couple small towns called Jamestown and Estes Park were completely cut off from the world by raging flash flood waters. All communications were down; no cell phone reception, no landlines, no internet — you get the picture.
A survivalist makes use of reliable technology. Via tonyalehman
So how did the people in those towns communicate with the outside world? Ham radio. It was hobbyists and old timers that knew how to get onto radio waves and communicate with emergency personnel. For the full post click here.
Cast Away (2000): Maintain a positive outlook
The first thing to remember, if you find yourself alone and in a survival situation, is that a positive and optimistic frame of mind can be the difference between life and death. There are many examples where people with no survival experience have managed to remain alive for extremely long periods before being rescued.
A survivalist must stay optimistic despite the circumstances. Via sky.com
Their adaptability, calmness and clear thinking have all been instrumental in helping them get through the ordeal. However, it was that positive mental attitude that meant they battled on where others would have succumbed to despair and given up the routines necessary to sustain life. Read more…
The Grey (2011)
Pack a Survival Kit in your checked baggage just in case the plane goes down and you find your luggage Keep a Survival Kit in your VEHICLE Before you leave your crashed plane or broken down vehicle be sure to strip as many available resources as possible – chair covers or headliners for shelter canopies or bed rolls, fuel and oil for making fire, water?, food?, anything that can be fashioned into a make-shift weapon, electrical wire for cordage, containers, etc… Take some general FIRST AID classes BEFORE you need them
A survivalist must have a survival kit close by at all times. Via collider.com
Leave some kind of note or sign at the crash site that tells potential first responders where you’ve gone Keep your fire building materials and tools in a WATERPROOF container or bag – Just In Case Learn how to skin, gut, process and prepare wild game over an open fire Learn some basic COLD WEATHER sheltering techniques See more…
I Am Legend (2007)
A survivalist should know when to move around. Via wall321.com
Never go into a new place unarmed, and avoid the dark at all costs. To read the whole article click here.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014): Think before you act
The beginning of the movie held a powerful scene of the apes hunting in the wild. Caesar tells Blue Eyes not to move but he goes after one of the wild beasts. Chaos ensues as a brown bear attacks Blue Eyes and the other apes have to come to his rescue. Further in the movie, Blue Eyes quick action over thinking gets many apes, and people, into trouble. This is a great reminder for us to think before we act. Consider what the consequences could be and who could be affected by the choices we make. For the full post click here.
Lord of the Flies (1990): Smoke signals are effective
The Expert Says: “There are thousands of rescues around the world with people using signal fires,” says Nester. He has a few tips that might have helped the Lord of the Flies boys get help before their makeshift society devolved into savagery: Keep the fire going at all times, and make it smoky by using green foliage and driftwood, which should be easy to find on the beach. But most of all, “you have to have someone manning it 24/7.”Continue reading
Real Steel (2011): Believe in yourself
A survivalist is aware that belief in oneself makes the impossible possible. Via moviezadda.com
Hugh Jackman (Charlie Kenton), a former boxer and operator of a fighting robot, lives life out of truck and is a loner. He doesn’t care much about life and makes a living by betting on fighting robots. His 11 year discarded son Max (Dakota Goyo) has attachment towards what he does and believes in self. He beliefs that his old generation robot Atom can challenge and defeat the unbeatable Zeus in the major boxing league. ‘Whether you win or lose, believing in self builds confidence and comfort’Read more…
The Hunger Games: Self-sufficiency will ensure your survival
At the end of the day, your survival is contingent upon yourself. You need to realize what it is that you personally need in order to strive and to prosper. What works for one person may not (and most likely will not) work for you. As much as it’s nice and comforting to go through life with a partner, this is never a guarantee. The only guarantee in life is you and the knowledge you’ve gathered over time. Click here to read the whole article.
Cast Away: Change can be sudden and overwhelming so be ready for it before it happens.
Although a plane crash could happen at any time, he never bothered to train himself to know what he would need when he should reach for it, or even where emergency materials were located. Thus, when the plane crash lands in the ocean he rips open the emergency boat and allows the emergency kit to tumble into the ocean and it snags and sinks with the rest of the plane. Had Hanks taken the time to familiarize himself with the emergency equipment on the planes he routinely flew in, he would have been able to grab onto the survival boat and deploy it properly without losing so many vital tools. He would also have been able to secure valuable belongings without forcing his trained friend to run about the cabin trying to help him.
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
A survivalist must be know how to hunt and trap. Via soundonsight.org
To properly lay a beaver trap, it needs to be completely submerged in a body of water.See more…
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
A survivalist recognizes the importance of emergency plans. Via movpins.com
* Survival against the cold takes planning and good gear. * Big urban cities make escape very difficult. * You have to consider and plan for bad weather conditions. * Listen to Dad, sometimes he knows what he’s talking about!
A survivalist must think of others, too. Via spcr.org
While stranded on the lifeboat, Zamperini creates rules for how much the survivors will eat or drink. The rations were minimal but they would help them survive.
One morning they wake up to find that Mac had eaten all of the chocolate that was left.
This hurt Zamperini and Phil. They were counting on the chocolate to last longer than it did. Mac’s greed caused them untold pain. The allure of fame and money can easily cause us to do things that we wouldn’t normally do. That’s why we’ve got to be aware of what’s in our hearts and keep the greed monster at bay.Read more…
The Road (2009): Hold on to your humanity
A survivalist knows how to show his human side no matter what the situation may be. Via nickave.com
In Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road” a father and his son travel across a gnarly landscape; survivors become cannibalistic, most are suicidal, dead people are everywhere. It’s a bleak story. But one measure of hope pops up throughout—the father, no matter what, takes care of his child. He puts others before himself. The takeaway is that humanity can exist, even in the most desolate of situations.See more…
127 Hours (2010)
Boyle says that filming 127 Hours taught him plenty about survival—and being prepared. “I remember the rescue services saying that your main chance of being found is to stay in the same place and light a fire at night, because they fly at night,” he says. “Don’t start wandering around. Take matches and a torch. And water, obviously. You can last 60 days without food, but you can only last about two days without water. And then the brain just starts to come apart.”
A survivalist must face the challenges of a survival situation. Via doblu.com
“This is a story about all of us, really,” he says. “We’re all capable of it. We probably won’t have to do it, but we will face our own boulders, if you like. And we will need other people to get through.” Click here for the full post.
Into the Wild: Find happiness in your struggles
Chris’s journey was an ambitious struggle from start to finish. In the end your struggles were all just a part of the journey. Revel in the hardships that lend to your expedition and become part of your character.
The Hunger Games: Take care of those you care about
If you have people that depend on you, whether it’s your wife/husband/children/elderly parents/grandparents, it’s your responsibility to do your best to help them whenever possible. And I don’t mean that you get to use them as an excuse to NOT take care of yourself. You’re not going to be much help to them if you are in the hospital for another heart surgery or always sleeping on the couch because you have no energy. It’s your responsibility to take care of yourself so that you can help out those who can’t help themselves.Read more..
The Road
No matter how hungry you are, do not eat from bloated cans. C. botulinum, also known as botulism, creates gases when it eats, and swollen cans are a sign that the food inside might be infected–and can kill you.See more…
Zombieland (2009)
A survivalist must have rules to ensure survival. Via aintitcool.com
Highlights:
It’s good to have a set of basic survival rules – you’ll live longer. People will trick you, take your stuff, and leave you stranded. Don’t scare people if you don’t want to get shot.Read more…
The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006): Humor is always important and no matter what, panic doesn’t help.
A survivalist knows about the importance of humor. Via movieclips.com
Will Smith’s (Chris Gardner’s) Interview:Interviewer: What would you say if a guy walked in for an interview without a shirt on…and I hired him? What would you say? Will Smith’s Answer: He must have had on some really nice pants.
Click here to keep reading
The Hunger Games: Alliances are important even if they are temporary
In life, you are going to face a variety of situations that may be better navigated with another person. People come and go in life, that’s just the natural cycle. The people you meet can simply serve a purpose for the time they are there. Take people for what they are worth and what they can offer in particular situations.See more…
Dawn of the Dead (1978/2004): Always come prepared with an escape route
A survivalist knows that escape is oftentimes the best option. Via forgottencritic.com
If there’s a crisis, your luxury-packed bomb shelter may keep you safe and happy for awhile, but eventually you’ll have to leave. And when you do, you’ll want to make sure you have a clear route to safety.Read on…
Predator (1987): Mud for camouflage and protection from bugs
A survivalist should be trained in camouflage. Via pixgood.com
“I’ve done that myself,” says Nester—though as the predator, not the prey. “When I was younger, we used to cover ourselves with mud and lay on the trail and try to sneak up on deer.” As an added bonus, mud can repel bugs if you apply it thickly enough. Though Predator is obviously fiction, Dutch’s various improvised techniques and makeshift weapons are consistent with his background as a Green Beret; using improvisation to overcome an unknown situation “is certainly something those guys know how to do.” For the full post click here.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Adapt to your world, Avoid violence
Our reluctance to change and evolve, coupled with our knack for choosing violence over peaceful resistance is ultimately what brought civilization to it’s end. Also, when we rise from the ashes and rebuild, we will be tested again: do we repeat our mistakes and act before thinking, or do we evolve with the changing landscape around us and adapt? We have a history of changing our environment to fit our needs instead of changing ourselves to fit into our environment.Read more…
World War Z: Pay attention to your surroundings
Be watchful. Listen. There almost always are clues of imminent danger.See more…
The Book of Eli: Stay off the roads when traveling between towns
As it was true in Eli’s time, it is still true in modern times, especially in third-world countries. In the lawless post-nuclear world that Eli occupies, roving gangs of marauders, rapists, and other undesirables will always take advantage of the weary traveler, robbing them of their possessions or worse. If you decide to travel to third-world countries, such as Brazil, be leery that robbers often stalk the remote roads in between cities, stopping whole busloads of passengers and robbing them at gunpoint.Read more…
Lone Survivor (2013): People are not what they seem
A survivalist must be quick to find out if a person is a friend or foe. Via vocativ.com
So often we believe we know our enemy. We may think because groups of people have been labeled bad or wrong that every member of the group is alike. We forget that beyond the political agenda of nations, we are all just human beings-people with wives, children, siblings, and friends. Something inherently good exists within every one of us. It is our conditioned thoughts of separation and judgment that keep us from living our own version of “Pashunwali.” When we accept and embrace our shared humanity and allow ourselves to shine forth, the boundaries of survival fall away and love is found in the unlikeliest of places. Read the full article
The Hunger Games: Go for a healthful, natural diet
Katniss is a prime example of a paleo eater, built for optimal functionality – sure she indulges by eating bread every once in a blue moon, but for the most part she eats what she can catch, capture, or grow. Now it’s your turn.Read more…
BOOKS
Hatchet: Small Mistakes Are Magnified in the Wilderness
A survivalist is careful in his actions. Via behance.net
Small mistakes could turn into disasters, funny little mistakes could snowball so that while you were still smiling at the humor you could find yourself looking at death. In the city if he made a mistake usually there was a way to rectify it, make it all right. Now it was different…Read more
California: Have items to trade
A survivalist is aware of the importance of bartering. Via thebookstore.co
In Edan Lepucki’s book “California,” black market trading was run by a lone dealer named August—he traveled freely out of the forest where the two main characters, Frieda and Cal live, to the gated “communities,” where wealthier folks live. Frieda trades her bra for a Vicodin early in the book—the bras, August tells her are “made of fabric and wire, both valuable. And those little metal clasps, those annoying things? Also in demand.”See more…
INTERVIEW
Zach Gilford from The Purge: Anarchy
A survivalist needs more than one skill to survive. Via collider.com
What are your unique set of skills, other than maybe hiding really well.
ZG: [laughs] I’m a really good hider. I’ve always been an outdoors guy. I used to lead camping trips, so I’m very comfortable without comforts. I feel like I’m good at puzzles. I think I’m very logical, and I’m also calm under pressure. I don’t get frazzled, so I think I’d be like, “This is the best plan.” As opposed to like, “What are we going to do?!”Continue reading
TV SHOWS
The Walking Dead
A survivalist has to be tough in order to come out alive. Via walkingdeadbr.com
Michael Rooker (Merle): “You do what you got to do, simple as that. You’re in a situation and it’s life and death. It happens all the time, people surviving these crazy situations. You do what you got to do to survive.” Click here to read the full post.
Lost: Use available resources
A survivalist must be resourceful in order to get through. Via lostpedia
The people on the island could not have continued to survive without taking advantage of the resources made available to them. Sawyer constructed glasses out of lost pairs found in the wreckage, and Sun found plants with medicinal uses. Everything from the fresh water stream to the Black Rock dynamite has contributed to the survivors’ existence. Making use of these resources provided survivors with a healthier, safer life.Read more…
Jericho
A survivalist must be ready to defend himself and his loved ones. Via screenjunkies.com
Defense – When the lights go out, communication goes down, food is running out, and the end of the world happens – violence in Jericho and surrounding areas takes hold. There is a saying something like “Whoever has the most gold rules”. I think it should really be “Whoever has the most guns will take the gold”…..well, you get my point. Firearms play an integral role in defending yourself, family, and supplies – as well as potentially adding to the food stores. Stock up on firearms and as much ammunition as you can(and learn how to use them).See more…
The Walking Dead: Escape is never impossible with a little ingenuity
So when life hands him a machete, he makes machete-ade: That sharp edge can be used to dispatch the undead to whatever eternal resting place awaits them, but it’s also handy for the less dramatic task of, say, prying up floorboards to clear a secret escape route. Whereas once he felt a captive member of a new congregation, his ingenuity with the tools at hand freed him to seek out a fresh start in another parish, hopefully one that is not so quick to abandon the tenets of its faith — if he doesn’t die of tetanus on the way there. Click here to see the full article.
Man vs Wild
A survivalist knows the importance of informing others about his plans or activities. Via kimkircher.com
Always make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you’re planning to come back. If something goes wrong, they will know to alert the appropriate authorities.See more…
Lost: Find success as a team
Throughout “LOST,” Jack has constantly reminded the survivors that on the island, you “live together, die alone.” In the days immediately following the crash, characters worked as individuals, fending for themselves unsuccessfully. But when they started to collaborate, their lives began to flourish. In a larger group as well as in small teams, the survivors have worked to find resources, overcome personal difficulties, protect themselves and solve some of the mysteries of the island.Read more…
I Shouldn’t be Alive: STOP
A survivalist should know the meaning of STOP in emergency situations. Via cjanekendrick.com
Wiggins teaches the acronym “STOP”: sit, think, observe, plan. Keep calm and ask yourself, “Do you know where you are?” “If you don’t know where you are or how to get out, obviously you’re going to stay put,” he said. “Staying put, in most situations, is really going to be key, unless the weather clears up or you have a good idea where to get out.” You could be moving away from rescuers and wasting precious calories if you don’t know where you’re going.Continue reading
The Walking Dead
Sarah Wayne Callies (Lori): “My husband’s family is military. Preparation is just, from that family perspective, it’s just a part of what makes sense to do. I’ve got a go bag. It’s a backpack that’s ready in the closet at all times for whatever. So that’s all packed.” Click here to read more.
POPULAR SURVIVALISTS
Cody Lundin
A survivalist should know how to build a fire and keep it going. Via naturen3rd.com
Building a fire is a literal statement, and involves two out of the three core concepts of fire-making; fuel and oxygen. Put the sticks too close together and you die, (lack of oxygen). Put the sticks too far apart and you die, (lack of the interplay of longwave radiation from one burning stick to the other). Most people fixate on the ignition aspect of fire-making. The wise survivor will spend twice as much time learning about the physics of fuel and oxygen placement – building a fire – than on learning ignition. The more skilled one is at “building their fire”, the less heat or ignition will be required to light the fire.Keep reading
Les Stroud Interview
A survivalist must be able to exercise prudence in extreme situations. Via thebushcraftshow
In survival situations, go with what you know. If you can turn around and go back the way you came and reach safety, even if it’s 50 miles back, why are you pushing on into the unknown?See more…
What’s the biggest myth about survival?
Les Stroud: That it’s fun. There’s nothing fun about it. Survival is very demanding. You just want to go home. People watch my show and they think, “Oh, this looks like a fun activity.” And for those of us who love the wilderness and all the little geeky survival tricks, it can be fun sometimes. But, in general, survival for real sucks. So, to me, a very vital skill set is navigating and knowing how to get yourself home.
What do you consider the top survival skill — something everyone headed out into the woods should know?
Les Stroud: I think that the No. 1 thing is the ability to get a fire going anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances. I don’t care if you’re in the jungle, the desert, it’s hot or it’s cold, you always need a fire and you always need a fire at night; the ability to get that fire going is critical. The measure of a good guide is one who can get a roaring fire going under a big, ugly blue tarp for his clients after four days of solid rain. Click here for the full post.
Ray Mears
A survivalist must know how to build a shelter. Via uktv
Whenever you build a shelter it is important that you decide on what you’re protecting yourself from. For instance, if you’re sleeping in the jungle there will probably be lots of insects on the ground, so you’ll need to get off the ground in order to prevent yourself from being bitten. Or perhaps you’re exposed when travelling on the Moors; it might be the aspects of wind, rain and extreme cold you are battling, so again you’d need to choose a place that can provide materials for you to build a shelter from. Have you got a sleeping bag or not? Have you got a fire or not? If you have neither, basically what you want to create is a nest that will preserve your body’s heat.Read more…
Dave Canterbury
A survivalist must keep practicing to master the skills. Via adventurousbowhunter
Repetition. You just have to consider the type of skills you need, and hone those skills until you get better and better. So you hone those and have a personal toolbox for use in the wilderness. If you just fish them out a few times, you’re not going to understand them. Repetition is the key ownership of the skill. This proved true for me in the military and in life. If you can’t repeat a skill in your sleep, you don’t own that skill.See more…
Bear Grylls
A survivalist must know when to stop fighting against nature and hide from it instead. Via telegraph.co.uk
One the biggest reasons people die in blizzards is that they push on and try to battle the limitless fury of Mother Nature. Your number one priority when in a blizzard is from the wind and the cold. Cover up any exposed skin, in high freezing winds frostbite can set-in in minutes. Out in the frozen tundra there may not be any natural shelter so digging a snow hole can be the difference between life and death.Continue reading
Creek Stewart
A survivalist must not give up and keep this in mind. Via creekstewart.com
Failure is not failure; giving up is a failure. Develop a new perspective about failure. Failures are rarely final attempts. You haven’t failed until no more attempts are possible. Giving up is final. Giving up relinquishes all future attempts to try. Failure is a step in the right direction, a learning opportunity. As Henry Ford famously stated, “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” Giving up develops counterproductive, anti-survival qualities including low self-esteem, fulfillment, and resentment toward others. The more one gives up, the easier giving up becomes. It’s a vicious cycle that destroys willpower and fuels long-term frustration. This is the give-up snowball effect. Over time, giving up on small tasks reduces the endurance necessary to push through larger and more complex goals and dreams. We are a product of the little decisions we make each day.Read more…
Lofty Wiseman
A survivalist must have a map, compass or GPS to avoid getting lost. Via atproductions.tv
Survival Navigation Nobody should venture out without a map or compass. Seal the map in a plastic bag and keep it in a trouser pocket. Tie the compass to you, so you are never separated from this essential piece of equipment. You can go north with a touch of east, and south with a touch of the west, but you cannot go north with a touch of south. (Only Army officers can do this).See more…
The Importance of Survival Training Survival training is probably the best insurance policy you can take out. Unlike life insurance which doesn’t guarantee you will live longer, the skills learned on a survival course do. There are many books published on the subject which are a great source of knowledge, hopefully whetting the appetite to learn more. But survival is a practical subject and there is no substitute for going outdoors and practicing these skills. It’s essential that you realize what you can achieve and not impose limitations on yourself. Watching how the experts do it will give you confidence and talking to the right people will help dispel any fears or reservations. Learn about yourself getting to know how the different stresses and problems affect you. You will only achieve this by experiencing these hardships and pushing yourself to the limit. Click here to continue reading.
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A few weeks back I showed showed you guys an article about building your “basic” first aid kit. Hopefully you have that squared away already.
But a basic kit is only a stepping stone to make sure that have everything you need to support yourself and your family during any medical crisis.
Nurse Amy from Doomandbloom.net shows us where to go once you have the basics covered but remember, you can have all of the supplies you could ever need in a crisis, but without proper training and practice they could all be useless:
Here’s my list of Survival and Collapse medical supplies with natural remedies included. We include natural remedies for first use or back up to save on items that won’t be produced in an austere setting.
Dr.Bones and I spend a lot of time and energy researching “back-up” plans for traditional medicine. We want you to have the ability to provide medical help in a disaster scenario, and for that, you’ll need conventional medical supplies and some knowledge on what natural remedies are useful for certain situations. Below is a very ambitious list of things you should consider:
Oral antibiotics-(or if emergency, fish meds) may also include garlic oil, honey,cayenne,thyme oil,peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil as herbal alternatives or fresh garlic or ginger. If you can’t acquire prescription antibiotics, see our 4 part series that discusses antibiotics, their fish antibiotic equivalents, and how to use them. This is part one:
Antibiotic ointment and/or antibacterial herbal salves ( with calendula/tea tree oil/lavender oils)
Multiple sizes of adhesive bandages- (spot, knuckle, size 1×3 or 2 x 4 is great to cover most lacerations
Ace bandages- multiple sizes
Self adhering “Coban” wraps
Kerlix or rolled gauze
Steri strips and butterfly bandages to close minor lacerations
TONS of gauze/dressings (BOTH: sterile and non-sterile 4x4s. Include lots of non-adherent “telfa” pads so healing wounds won’t stick to the dressing)
Xeroform petrolatum dressings (non stick)
ABD pads (usually 5×9), also called combine dressings
12×30 trauma dressings
Maxi Pads and tampons- multi use materials
Tapes- include DUCT, adhesive and paper ( for adhesive tape allergies)
Quality bandage scissor/trauma shears ( ALL METAL, the plastic handle ones break cutting jean material!)
Pliable splinting material (“sam” splints – everything from finger splints to 36 inch rolls that you can cut to size)
Cast material Kit (comes in fiberglass or Plaster of Paris)
Moleskin with padding- for blisters
Scalpels (#10, #11, #15 most popular)
CPR masks
Paracord- multiple uses for this
LOTS of nitrile gloves -hypoallergenic (NEVER touch an open wound with bare hands if you can help it)
A few pair of sterile size 7 1/2 or 8 gloves (or more!)
Hand sanitizer/alcohol for cleaning hands and instruments
Antibacterial soap
Betadine swabs/wipes- wipes are great to make a betadine solution with water
60cc or 100cc syringe- for wound irrigation and cleaning
Antiseptics- get lots of various solutions, hibiclens is excellent
Universal Cervical collar
OPAs (Oral Airways) good for preventing occlusion of an airway due to an allergic reaction and while waiting for the epi pen or benadryl to reduce the swelling
BZK wipes-to clean hands/wounds – great for cleaning animal bites(may decrease rabies transmission)
Alcohol pads -to clean instruments/hands
Sting relief Pads
Masks- earloop surgical (for sick people)
N-95s (for healthy people to keep them from getting sick!)
Dermabond (Rx) or super glue ( may burn the skin)
Needle holder (if you are learning how to suture)
Sutures (2-0 nylon- don’t bother with 3-0 or smaller unless working with delicate skin on the face, eyelids, etc. (higher the number=smaller the needle!) – watch Dr.Bones’ youtube.com/drbonespodcast videos on How to Suture for instructions (in a collapse) and How to Staple Skin.
Skin stapler/remover and 2 adson forceps (if you or someone you know knows how to use properly)
Curved and straight Kelly clamps ( to remove foreign objects from wounds)
Tweezers
Several large safety pins
Magnifying glass
Light source -Pen light, head lamp, glow stick, flashlight
Some type of firestarter- to start fires for boiling water or sterilizing instruments, include a container for boiling water in your supplies!
Tongue depressor(s)
Mylar blankets
Wool Blankets
Thermometer
Ammonia inhalants
Cold and Hot Packs (reusable and instant)
Cotton Sheets- can be cut into strips for multiple uses, or used to carry patients
Stretcher- lightweight, portable is best if one is needed
Cot/examining table- a bed is fine with clean sheets
Blood pressure cuff/stethescope- a good quality set would be best
Chux Pads- for use in austere conditions to make a clean surface, also used under a patient to catch fluids, leaking or with incontinence
Clotting powders/dressings (Quikclot, Celox)- cayenne pepper powder may help minor bleeding- use 35,000 HU as a minimum for bleeding.
** Remember- the more options available, the more likely you will find something that works!
Styptic pencil- minor bleeding
Tourniquet- such as CAT , only use in severe bleeding that will not stop with direct pressure or clotting agents
Pressure dressings – olaes modular bandage or Emergency Israeli bandage
Blood stopper dressings (dressing with 2 kerlix attached for wrapping)
Q-tips/cotton squares/cotton balls/cotton rolls
Cravat-style triangular bandages
Snake bit kit- must use within seconds of the bite or it is useless
Rubber bag (hot water bottle)
Re-useable GEL packs- can be cooled OR heated
Aquatabs -to help purify water
Fels naptha soap- to wash off poison Ivy,oak or sumac from skin and clothes (also a great clothes detergent)
Athlete’s foot powder (lasts longer than creams)
Monistat cream (or equivalent)- for vaginal yeast infections
Don’t forget that, in long-term survival situations, you will be responsible for dental care as much as medical care:
Toothpicks,
Dental mirror,
Dental extractors/elevator
Cotton tip applicators / cotton rolls/ cotton pellets
Tweezers
Dental filling material ( commercial or mix zinc oxide powder and 2 drops clove oil),
Pill cups for mixing the dental filling
Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and 2 drops of peppermint oil make a great gum treatment and toothpaste
Hydrogen peroxide- makes a great oral mouthwash/gargle for gum swelling and irritations. Do not use on open skin wounds after the initial wound cleaning! HP may damage healing cells inside an open skin wound.
Extra essential clove bud oil (numbs dental pain when applied directly
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Dental Floss
Just when you think you’re done:
Eye cup
Eye wash- weak Chamomile tea (1 tea bag for 2 cups water) makes a great eye wash also, may add 1/2 teaspoon raw honey to the tea for pink eye treatments
Eye pads/eye patch
An ear oil natural remedy ( usually has garlic oil and mullein oil)- use 2 warmed drops in the affected ear and place a cotton ball over the ear canal secured with paper tape, repeat 3 times daily.
Claritin (non-drowsy antihistamine)- hay fever/allergies
Benadryl ( drowsy antihistamine)-allergic reactions to stings/medication/food/contact with irritants/this is the other ingredient in tylenol PM! It really puts you to sleep at 50mg dose, but this is a better dose for serious allergic reactions!
Epi-pen (Rx), if needed for anaphylactic reactions
Sudafed- decongestant,
Eucalyptus essential oil- also a decongestant and good for coughs ( direct or steam inhalation/ a good insect repellent
pain relievers/analgesics-
Aspirin (not for children)
Tylenol
Ibuprofen
Witch Hazel- good for bug bites/stings and as an antiseptic for wounds. The main ingredient for treating hemorrhoids (with hydrocortisone cream).
Arnica essential oil/salve (great mixed with St.John’s Wort)- also an analgesic used externally in very dilute amounts (6-12 drops per ounce of carrier oil)Great for bruises, joint and muscle pain, fracture pain, use ONLY on intact skin.
***see my articles (doomandbloom.net) on Natural Medical Kit:Essential oils, Part 2 here
Other Analgesic Essential Oils -Consider 1 or 2 of these – lavender,chamomile,rosemary,eucalyptus, marjoram
Gas X and Beano -to treat gas
Imodium-for diarrhea
hydrocortisone cream- anti-inflammatory, good for rashes
Gold Bond powder -for chafing, foot issues
Sunblock
Lip balm-I love carmex brand
Vaseline/Petroleum jelly- a million uses! Great to make non-stick dressings.
A&D ointment-great for rashes
Bag Balm-also great for rashes
Aloe vera- for burns
zinc oxide cream-useful for rashes and as a sunscreen
zinc oxide powder medical grade- to mix with Clove bud essential oil, and make a temporary dental filling
*RAW honey-externally for serious burns and wound treatment OR internally mix with garlic oil or fresh minced garlic for an antibiotic effect or sore throat remedy
Vinegar (apple cider)- a hundred uses like baking soda and raw honey!!
Tea tree essential oil-antiseptic/anti-fungal/insect bite tx/burn tx
Lavender essential oil-analgesic/antiseptic/calming effect for insomnia,stress/skin care-rashes and cuts
Peppermint essential oil-respiratory and nasal congestion/Headache tx 1 drop to temples or inhale vapors/also good for digestive disorders/achy joints and muscle tx/ use 2 drops on toothbrush with baking soda as a “toothpaste”
Geranium essential oil- decreases bleeding when applied to wound/lowers blood sugar/burn tx /antibacterial
Thieves blend essential oil- A mix of clove,lemon,cinnamon,eucalyptus and rosemary oils- Antibiotic/antiseptic/and a host of other actions.
Helichrysum essential oil- anti-inflammatory and, additionally, an analgesic
Garlic- fresh crushed if you can find it is awesome mixed with raw honey for a cold/flu/cough tx.
Chamomile tea bags- internally relaxing,headache tx and digestive problems/ external compress for burns,bee stings
Ginger tea bags- internally good for nausea, stomach aches, digestive problems like gas and bloating, also good for motion sickness (crystallized ginger is an alternative, but weighs more)
Some items that are missing from this list are commonly part of some medical ktis. Unfortunately, chest decompression kits and ambu-bags are of limited help without a hospital to transfer the patient to. I would concentrate on the supplies you will need most and will likely be able use without too much training. You will still have the ability to deal with 90% of the medical emergencies you will encounter in times of trouble.
Nurse Amy
Click here to view the original article: Survival Medical Supplies | Doom and Bloom (TM).
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Have you ever accidentally spilled some chemical on yourself while cleaning and it starts to burn?
Ever pass a semi-truck plastered with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Placards and wonder what’s really inside?
Heard on the news about some leak or spill of a certain chemical in your area and wonder if your family is safe?
Here are 5 resources that are well worth packing in your bug out bag, downloading on your smart phone, or keeping in your house.
1. 2012 Emergency Response Guide (ERG)
DOT, Transport Canada (TC), and the Secretariat of of Transport and Communications of Mexico (SCT) have all teamed up to put together the ERG. They publish a new version every four years, usually with only minor updates.
I currently have the 2008 ERG and do not plan on getting the 2012 one. The first few pages are white and have instructions on how to use the ERG, emergency contact phone numbers, the hazard classification system with color pictures of the placards, and identification charts of rail cars and road trailers. The yellow and blue pages have chemicals listed in ID number and alphabetical order, respectively.
Some of the chemicals listed will be highlighted green – I’ll explain why shortly. The orange pages are then the actual guides for related chemicals. For example, chlorine and fluorine both fall under guide 124.
The orange guide pages include health and fire/explosion hazards, initial evacuation distances, and emergency response information. The green pages are tables for initial isolation and downwind protection distances for Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) materials – any chemical highlighted green in the yellow or blue pages. NOTE: A large spill is considered to be a 55 gallon drum or larger.
Here’s the scenario – After dinner, you sit down and turn on the news only to see the camera zoomed in on a rolled over semi-truck with a DOT Placard with the number “1017″ on it.
From what the reporter is saying, this leaking container is only 2 miles from you. You grab your ERG and look up “1017″ in the yellow pages only to find that is chlorine, and it’s highlighted green. You flip back to green pages to chlorine and see that the nighttime, downwind protective distance for a large spill is 5 miles. You then grab your loved ones and bug out bag and get your ass out of there!
2. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
This book is put out by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institute for Occupational Safey and Health (NIOSH).
The first few pages include instructions on how to use the book, definitions of abbreviations and symbols used throughout the book, and codes for first aid data. There are also several appendices in the back; the most notable of which is OSHA Respirator Requirements for Selected Chemicals. The chemicals include arsenic, benzene, asbestos, etc.
This is of course designed for people working with these chemicals, but if you think you might come into contact with them and want to protect yourself, the information is there. The majority of this book is a listing of chemicals with important information about those chemicals.
Some of it is more technical than you might need (ie: molecular weight, boiling point, etc), but some of it is very useful. Each chemical has a section for respirator recommendations; incompatibilities and reactivities; exposure routes, symptoms, and target organs; and first aid.
Given the same scenario above, the NIOSH would tell you that chlorine enters your body through inhalation and/or skin or eye contact; symptoms include burning of mouth, nose, and eyes, cough, dizziness, etc.; it targets your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
It also tells you that unless your eyes/skin is frozen (chlorine is typically shipped as a liquefied gas at extremely low temperatures), you need to thoroughly rinse with water and seek medical attention, and if breathing has stopped to provide artificial respiration. These are all needed pieces of information to monitor and care for yourself and your family in the event you are exposed to a certain chemical.
The WISER application is free for download on both the android market and Apple’s app store. This is basically an electronic version of parts of the ERG and NIOSH book. You can search for materials by name or ID number or just browse categories. Information it provides includes DOT hazard classification, identification, treatment, health effects, properties, environmental effects, etc.
I highly recommend downloading this app and playing around with it to become familiar with it in the case of an emergency. I have it on both my phone and iTouch. We all know batteries die, signal gets lost, and phones get broken, which is why it is also imperative to have hard copies of the ERG and NIOSH accessible to you.
4. Army FM 3-5: NBC Decontamination
I suggest downloading this and becoming familiar with some of the basics of decontamination. The most important thing about decontaminating yourself is this – if you can avoid it, you don’t have to decon yourself. Always try to stay away from any sort of possible chemical incident.
The best way to avoid biological hazards simply is good personal hygiene aka good ol’ soap and water. If you don’t have any soap, pack some hand sanitizer in your bug out bag.
5. Army FM 3-4: NBC Protection
This includes information on personal protective equipment (ppe), chemical agent detecting devices, and first aid information regarding chemical casualties. Some of the images and equipment are out of date.
For example, the masks with hoods attached are no longer in use in the military. The principles still remain the same though.
With all of these resources combined, you will be able to better protect yourself and family in the event of a catastrophic CBRN event.
Read more with these related articles from our site:
Long before emergency care was a science, it was an aspect of faith, a type of magic. History is littered with nonsensical ancient cures for all sorts of illnesses and injuries. The Greeks would implore Apollo, the god of medicine, to help heal trauma incurred in warfare. In seventeenth century Ireland, it was said that whooping cough could be cured by drinking water from a bishop’s skull.
In parts of old Europe, people would hang cans of dog fat over their shoulders, swallow monkey gallstones, and use lizard’s blood to treat day-to-day maladies. Medical care has unquestionably come a long way since the days of believing that rubbing pure Mercury on a scraped knee would aid in healing. We have attained a deeper understanding of anatomical science and of the organisms that live in our world, and this has helped to elevate our effectiveness in treating a multitude of medical concerns.
The surge in our knowledge of emergency medicine was born from the blood of the thousands of veterans who have been injured or killed on the innumerable battlefields throughout the centuries. As the weaponry used in combat became more sophisticated, the injuries that the soldiers sustained became more complicated and gruesome.
Field doctors initially learned through trial and error and later, expansions in scientific development aided them in their ability to treat the wounded. We hikers, mountaineers and all around adventurers owe a debt of gratitude to these soldiers, doctors and nurses of war. We can go on our legions of wondrous quests armed with the medical insights given to us by these courageous men and women.
Of course, I am a bit biased. Being a former US Navy corpsman serving with the Marines made me realize that even a seemingly small injury, bite or blister, left untended, can incapacitate us – or even kill us. Furthermore, basic first aid should be something you know no matter if you’re bugging out, hiking the mountain summits or local nature trails, or at the neighborhood playground with the kids.
While there are many books written on first aid – and I recommend all of us have at least two, one for basic and advanced life support in our libraries – I’ve only covered the very basic, top four or so here. Each of us has personal experiences where a first aid treatment has helped us cope with an immediate need. I know I have several – I even used a yak bone once to splint a broken arm – but I’d like to know some of your experiences. In the field, at home, anyplace that you’ve treated injury or illness as a first responder when friends and family is what I’m interested in hearing about.
Remember, this article is just to get you thinking about making yourself confident in your skill sets, and therefore, safer no matter where you are or no matter what situation you may find yourself. Consider it a refresher for those in the know, and a jumping off point for those just embarking on their journey.
A Few Common First Aid Issues When on the Trail
Blisters
Blisters are injuries that many underestimate. It may seem like a small matter but it can quickly become a major concern. Blisters usually develop because of repeated pressure or friction to the skin. The best course of action is to make sure you are wearing proper footwear. A rookie mistake is to try and break in your brand new hiking boots on a long outing. This will guarantee that you will have blister problems.
I remember being at Camp Pendleton during field medical training. We were on a 4-day training mission and two corpsman in training left wearing a new set of combat boots. One developed heel blisters so bad he had to be carried from the field. The other guy developed severe blisters on the side of his small toe. He, too, was removed from the field. That’s two casualties as a result of bad decision making at the outset. It was compounded by not getting proper care when the blisters first appeared.
You want to make sure that your boots are well broken in before you attempt an extensive trek. It’s best to keep a blister intact. If you are able the bear the pain, then try not to break the skin. Unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to bacteria and reduces the risk of infection. Cover a small blister with an adhesive bandage and cover a large one with a porous, plastic-coated gauze pad that absorbs moisture and allows the wound to breathe. To relieve blister-related pain, drain the fluid while leaving the overlying skin intact. Below is basic blister care. However, I NEVER leave home without some moleskin tucked safely away in my first aid kit. While it shouldn’t be used directly against a blister, I’ve used it in conjunction with a gauze pad with great success.
How to properly drain a blister
Wash your hands and the blister with soap and warm water.
Swab the blister with iodine or rubbing alcohol.
Sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol.
Use the needle to puncture the blister. Aim for several spots near the blister’s edge. Let the fluid drain, but leave the overlying skin in place.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the blister and cover with a bandage or gauze pad.
Cut away all the dead skin after several days, using tweezers and scissors sterilized with rubbing alcohol. Apply more ointment and a bandage.
Sprained Ankles
A sprained ankle can immobilize you and that is a situation you do not want to be in out in the wild. A good way of remember what to do when faced with a sprained ankle is: RICE.
R- Rest
I-ApplyIce
C-Apply compression to the ankle
E-Elevate the injured ankle
Burns
Hikers are very susceptible to burns. The most easily acquired burn is the sunburn. So many hikers forget how dangerous it can be when the skin is exposed to the sun for numerous hours on end. A simple thing like remembering to apply the appropriate amount of sun block protection, will save you from a great deal of pain and discomfort. Especially at higher elevations. I learned the hard way once that snow can lead to some really bad sunburns. Ever had your eyelids burned? Or how about your nostrils? It can happen. Wear sunblock appropriate for your skin type. For me, I wear SPF 100 when at elevation. Some say beyond SPF 50 is redundant. So be it. Call me redundant. And don’t forget the most overlooked body part when it comes to sunburn: the tips of your ears.
Campfire injuries are also another cause of burn injuries in the outdoors.
First-Degree Burnis the least serious of the burns. In a first degree burn, only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through.
Appearance
The skin is usually red
Swelling
Pain sometimes is present
**Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.
Second-Degree burnsoccur when the first and second layer of skin is burned.
Appearance
Blisters develop
Skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance
There is severe pain and swelling.
If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches in diameter, you can treat it as a minor burn. But if the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
Third-Degree burnsare the most serious burns. Third-degree burn involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected.
Appearance
Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white.
What to Do:
(Mayo Clinic Recommendations)
Minor Burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, take the following action:
Cool the burn.Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don’t put ice on the burn.
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don’t usefluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
**Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
Do Not use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a person’s body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
Do Not apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
Do Not break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.
Major Burns
DO NOT remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
DO NOT immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
Regularly check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.
Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist cloth towels.
Bites/Stings
There are a myriad of flying and crawling critters that can wreak havoc on your adventure.
Mosquitoes are notorious pests who are usually just an annoyance. If you can bring DEET with you, that helps a great deal. The higher concentrations are what you want. 30% concentration is minimal that I’ll use. And don’t buy the fru-fru stuff with smell-good additives. After being on the trail and sweating over campfires, what’s a little chemical smell among friends? Also, having a mosquito net with you will make your nights more tolerable.
Bees & Wasps are very commonly encountered on hikes and if you are stung, I recommend doing the following: Remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers and then immediately apply a hot compress. Bee venom can be neutralized by applying baking soda. A wasp’s venom can be neutralized by applying vinegar or lemon juice. Having Benadryl or another brand of antihistamine at your ready will offer some relief from possible allergic reactions. Also, having one of those “No-Sting” medicine sticks you can pick up at any big-block pharmacy store is a must for your field kit.
Snake Bites
It’s good to note that most North American snakes are not venomous – most. The list of venomous snakes are: Coral snake, Rattlesnake (several varieties), Water Moccasins (Cottonmouth), and Copperhead-I believe I’ve listed all of them. You are most likely going to run into a snake or two on your journey and sometimes, it’s difficult to tell the venomous from non-venomous snakes. The safest thing you can do when you come across a snake is assume it is dangerous and slowly back away. If you take all precautions and are still bitten, try not to panic. Do your best to stay as calm as possible. You will want to then do the following:
Immobilize the bitten arm or leg, and stay as still as possible in order to keep the venom from spreading through your body.
Try and remove any jewelry that might constrict you in any way once you start to swell.
Try and position yourself so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
Cleanse the wound, but don’t flush it with water, and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
Restricting your movement is important so apply a splint to reduce movement of the affected area, but keep it loose enough so as not to restrict blood flow.
DO NOT use a tourniquet or apply ice.
DO NOT cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.
DO NOT drink caffeine or alcohol.
DO NOT try to capture the snake, but do your best to memorize its color and shape so you will be able to describe it to the medical staff.
There are countless things that can go awry on a trek. The unpredictability of life follows as you ascend mountains and venture deep into the backwoods. A gash, a fracture, a burn, a bite. A fever, a stumble, a creature in the night. Any of these matters can be the thief that steals the journey from you. Navigate the trails with wisdom, my friends.
“Be afraid of nothing but be aware of everything.”~Rajan Shrestha
Recommended Reading
Wilderness First Responder, 3rd: How to Recognize, Treat, and Prevent Emergencies in the Backcountry … by Buck Tilton
The Wilderness First Aid Handbook by Grant S. Lipman Paperback
Wilderness First Aid: A Waterproof Pocket Guide to Common Sense Self Care (Pathfinder Outdoor Survival … by J.M. (Jill) Kavanagh
The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way by Joseph Alton
Chiggers are members of the arachnid family. They are extremely tiny, and my guess is you won’t even see them as they jump from the tall grass onto your skin and/or clothing.
Adult chiggers are about 1/60 of an inch and have eight legs. The larvae are red, wingless, six-legged creatures which measure less than 1/150 of an inch.
Because of their red color, you might be able to spot the larvae when they cluster together, especially on white clothing.
Chiggers reside in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. They could be in your backyard, by the lake, or your favorite hiking trail.
They are most active in summer and fall afternoons – the warmest part of the day.
Identifying Chiggers Bites
Only the larvae bite humans and they tend to choose warm, moist areas of the body.
Chiggers also have claws which help them grab onto your skin. The chigger then attaches its mouth to the skin and injects saliva.
The saliva contains an enzyme which breaks skin cells down to liquid form. Your body responds by hardening skin cells around the saliva, creating a tube (cyclostome) through which the chigger sucks the dissolved skin cells.
Chiggers can stay attached and feeding for several days before falling off.
When the chigger falls off, you are left with reddish bumps. You may notice a bright red dot in the center—this is a remnant of the tube your skin formed in response to the chigger’s saliva.
The bumps may look like welts, blisters, pimples, or hives. Bites generally appear in groups and get larger for several days to a week.
While many insects bite exposed skin which is easy to get to, chiggers like to bite in folds of skin as well as places where clothing fits tightly on the skin. Most chigger bites occur around the ankles, waist, armpits, crotch, or behind the knees.
Home Remedies for Chigger Bites
Just remember, no matter what, DO NOT SCRATCH THE BITES! I know, easier said than done. But, breaking the skin on a chigger bite can lead to infection.
Here are 5 home remedies to help with the itching and swelling.
Vicks Vapor Rub can put an end to itchy chigger bites immediately and will even reduce the risk of blisters. It’s the cooling menthol in it which relieves itching by affecting itch receptors in the skin.
Apply the compress to the bites for 10 minutes. Repeat if needed to relieve itching.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective remedy to reduce rashes as well as itchiness. It acts as a natural acid neutralizer which helps relieve itching and reduces the risk of infection.
Add 1 cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cool water.
Stir well and soak in this water for 15 minutes and pat your skin with a soft towel. (Do this once daily)
Another remedy using baking soda:
Prepare a thin paste of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and a little water.
Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
Rinse it off with cool water.
Note: Do not use this remedy more than once or twice a day. Never use baking soda on broken skin or open wounds.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties providing instant relief from itching–one of the common symptoms of chigger bites. It is recommended to use colloidal oatmeal, meaning oats which are ground into an extremely fine powder.
(You can accomplish this yourself by grinding regular oats in a sealed Ziploc bag, using the backside of a spoon to crush the oatmeal.)
Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water
Stir thoroughly
Soak in this mixture for at least 15-20 minutes
Repeat 2-3 times a day
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil can also be used to get relief from the irritation and inflammation. It is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which reduce itching and facilitate healing.
After rinsing the affected area with water, apply olive oil to the chigger bite.
Reapply several times a day.
Another option using olive oil:
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply on the affected area.
Repeat a few times a day.
Tips to Avoid Chigger Bites and Chigger Bites Infection
As summer and fall are prime time for chigger bites, it is best to take the following precautions:
When hiking, stay in the center of the trail and avoid brushing up against vegetation.
Wear long sleeves and long pants when going into the woods.
Apply mosquito repellent on your hands, feet, and exposed skin on your arms before going outside.
Shower immediately after being outdoors and use antibacterial soap.
Wash your clothes in hot water.
Resist the urge to scratch because breaking the skin on chigger bites can lead to a possible infection.
This video from Online Pest Control will show you tips to avoid chiggers and ways to get rid of chiggers:
Chigger bites much like other insect bites aren’t only discomforting, they can be dangerous too. Many of these insects including chiggers carry diseases in some cases.
The best way to deal with these bugs is to avoid them or control them with our tips here. But, if you’re so unlucky, you also now know the best home remedies to chigger bites!
Have you had to deal with chigger bites before? Tell us how, including more useful tips which worked for you in the comments section below!
In tough survival situations, you must know how you can use pine resin to your advantage!
Pine Resin and the Ways You Can Use It for Survival
A Little About Pine Resin
Growing up in the Piney Woods of East Texas, I am now well-accustomed to the scent of pine resin. While camping out for weeks at a time, my uncle always hikes out into the area of pine forests surrounding our campsite.
That’s where he finds good and solid pine trees to pull some sap from so we could get a fire going the “old fashion” way. But, I never realized how many other uses there were for pine resin.
(Please note, I take no credit for this article. It was originally run on beforeitsnews.com, by crisissurvivortips, and just happened to catch my eye.)
Pine trees produce sap to seal up cuts or damages to the tree. That’s good news for both the tree and you because pine resin has many uses for survival.
So, if you ever find yourself lost in a wilderness environment while hiking, having pine forests in the area is one of the best case scenarios you can hope for.
Where Do You Find Pine Trees?
Different species of pine trees have different needs and environments but they generally prefer open and sunny areas. They grow in a wide range of landscape and climate all throughout the world.
Pine trees grow abundantly throughout North America, Central America, and South America. They are also found in Europe, North Africa, in the Caribbean region, and in some places in Asia.
You will identify where pine trees are according to the environment. A well-draining and sandy soil are where pine trees often grow.
You can also identify pine trees by looking at their structure. They have softer needles that grow in clusters and cones that hangs toward the ground.
How to Collect Pine Resin
Make sure you know how to collect pine resin safely first before scratching into trees. Look for the damaged part of the pine tree because it will be where the resin production is.
The resin will be dry and hardened but softens with heat. Look for damaged or fallen limbs first before you purposely cut into the pine tree’s bark for the sap.
If you have to damage the tree, do it in a small area on one side only. More importantly, take only as much resin as you will need and leave some on the tree to protect the cut from boring insects.
Pine Resin Uses
Native Americans used pine sap for medicinal purposes. The pine gum resin gets either chewed on or made into a beverage by mixing with water.
It is common knowledge to be very effective in treating stomach ulcers and rheumatoid arthritis. Pine tree sap medicinal uses are common to locals, but modern medical experts have not verified the medicinal benefits of pine resin, yet.
Besides pine sap medicinal uses, there are other survival uses and even commercial uses for pine resin. One is the sale and manufacture of pine resin incense which is an effective natural mosquito repellent. Help yourself to more uses for pine resin.
1. First Aid
First off, you need to know the medicinal uses of resin. When you’re outdoors camping or in a survival situation, cutting accidents will most likely happen.
If you don’t have a first aid kit with you, then you can use pine resin to tend to wounds. Directly apply pine resin over the wound to stem blood flow almost at once.
The resin will also inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria because of its sticky nature, denying the bacteria the moisture it needs to survive. Just leave the resin in place until it dries out and then peel it out.
The resin will close the wound up the same way stitches would and you may reapply resin as needed. Furthermore, here is an in-depth look into the use of pine resin for treating wounds.
Another useful item in the tree resin uses list is making things waterproof. First, heat the resin to liquid form and then apply it to the material you want to make impervious to water like the lower half of your hiking boots.
You can also use resin to seal seams, repair holes in shoes, boats, or structures to prevent leaks. When heating the resin, use a deep container to keep the sap away from open flame because it can ignite easily.
3. Light and Heat
You can make a lamp using pine resin. Look for a stone with depression, a can, a clamshell, or anything which can be filled with resin.
For a wick, use some twisted cloth. Fill the depression with the natural resin, lay the wick on top, and ignite the wick.
The wick material will ignite the resin which will burn like a candle. Feed more resin to maintain the flame.
To use the pine resin as a heat source, get a metal container and punch holes in its side. Place it over the ignited resin.
The metal will absorb the heat and conduct to the surrounding area. This will not heat a large area but you get enough heat to warm hands and feet.
4. Make Glue Out of Pine Resin
Heat the resin to liquid form. While the pine resin heats, crumble some charcoal from the fire to fine powder (or as fine as you can make them).
When the resin is ready, remove from heat and stir in the powder charcoal – the amount of the charcoal powder should be about 1/3 of the resin’s volume.
Dip a stick repeatedly in the mixture to form a ball of pitch on the end. Store the glue until needed. Heat the hardened glue until pliable.
Tip: You can form fishhooks with the glue, repair holes in water containers, repair the soles of shoes, apply feathers to homemade arrows, or harden the ends of hunting spears to keep them from splintering.
5. Start a Fire with Pine Resin
You can use pine resin to start a fire in damp conditions. Look for some hardened pine resin and some pine sticks.
You will see streaks of resin when you split the pine sticks. Lay some dried pine needles near these.
When you ignite the resin, it will burn long enough to dry the pine needles. You can then add small pieces of the pine sticks which will burn even if somewhat damp because of the resin.
Once you’ve got a sizable flame going, you can start drying out other wood.
6. Treat Rashes
When you’re out in the woods, it’s often you encounter unfamiliar substances. These can make your skin itch and give you rashes.
Luckily, there are home remedies you can use to get rid of rashes and pine resin’s sap has a natural treatment for this. You just need the help of fire ash and oil to mix it with the pine sap.
And there you have it: moisturizing soap to treat rashes!
7. Soothe a Sore Throat
Another survival use of pine resin is to soothe a sore throat. You can get the sap directly from the tree and eat it. This will help soothe and coat your throat, especially if you’re feeling under weather.
To give you more details, here’s a video from The Outsider’s channel featuring one of the survival uses of pine resin:
Now that you know the uses of pine resin, you’ll know how to survive in case you find yourself trapped in the woods. May this list serve as a handy guide for you and your friends if you ever plan to go out for a hike.
Learn more about these medicinal plants and make effective home remedies for survival and off-grid living!
Know These Medicinal Plants for Your Own Good!
1. Marshmallow
You know you can’t make s’mores without marshmallows, of course. But did you know the sweet treat you know today was once made with the marshmallow plant?
When included in home remedies, it treats sore throat, cold, cough, and flu since it fights bacteria. It relieves skin problems and digestive complaints as well.
2. Aloe Vera
You may not have seen an actual aloe vera plant but it’s so popular—there’s no way you haven’t heard of it. It’s found in many products like shampoo, moisturizers, and healing ointments.
Aloe vera contains phytochemicals, effective in fighting fever associated with cuts and burns. It stimulates skin renewal too, so it helps fight skin aging.
What are Phytochemicals? These are organic compounds found in plants that fight pathogens and body invaders. Some are poisonous but many are used in traditional medicine, including aloe vera.
3. Pot Marigold
Like aloe vera, pot marigold is a popular topical treatment for various skin issues. Minor burns, infected cuts, blisters, and scars heal faster with pot marigold.
It also provides treatment for more severe skin problems such as acne, dandruff, and warts. Its properties also help reduce pain, muscle cramps, and stomach ulcers.
4. Chamomile
There’s a reason why chamomile tea is popular. It has qualities which combat anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
As an antioxidant, chamomile improves immune function, making your body healthier in general. It also reduces swelling, reduces pain, relieves constipation, and relaxes muscles.
A cupful of chamomile tea out in the mountains will totally do you some good.
5. Chinese Yam
Oriental Chinese medicine and diet almost always include medicinal plants. The Chinese yam for one is often included in their cooking.
That’s because the Chinese yam fights whooping cough and digestive inflammation. It is even included in treatments to prevent cancer.
So just imagine what it can do against a simple cough and stomach upset. It also helps improve your diet, address menstrual issues, and fight fatigue.
6. Echinacea
Native American medicinal herbs list always include echinacea or the coneflower. This amazing plant boosts the immune system and resists bacterial and viral infections.
With echinacea’s antibacterial properties, colds, flu, as well as burns, wounds, and sores are no problem at all. It also provides relief to stings, insect bites, and snake bites.
7. Great Yellow Gentian
This medicinal properties of this plant provide relief to stomach complaints. It helps soothe stomach aches and diarrhea.
It also helps improve digestion as well as improve appetite. Aside from treating stomach issues, the yellow gentian is also used to reduce sore throat and jaundice.
While look-alikes, Siberian, Korean, and American ginseng are not one and the same, all three have adaptogenic uses, though.
The Siberian ginseng, in particular, helps promote good health. It relieves stress and fights common ailments.
It is common in Asian medicine, but it’s gaining ground in the U.S.
Adaptogenic Definition: This natural substance helps the body adapt to stress. It also helps normalize the body’s physiological function.
9. Garlic
A very popular culinary ingredient, garlic boasts a lot of health benefits. That includes helping to control high blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and lower risks of heart disease.
Aside from all these, garlic also provides relief to colds as well as other viral infections. It is also an ingredient for homemade remedies to treat toothache pains.
10. Great Burdock
The Great Burdock is used as a remedy for various health issues. It may address indigestion, liver, and gallbladder problems.
Rheumatism and gout may also be treated with this plant. Its ‘purifying’ properties aid in expelling toxins from the blood and the urine.
This underground tuber stimulates the appetite and helps in dealing with anorexia. It also treats skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
11. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola aids in decreasing swelling and improving blood flow. For this reason, Gotu kola prevents or decreases the appearance of varicose veins and blood clots.
It also helps in preventing scars, stretch marks, and other skin issues. It has the potential to relieve anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia as well.
Essential Oils from Medicinal Herb Plants
1. Peppermint
You know this soothing herb very well because it’s found in gum, toothpaste, even in beauty products. Yet, the health benefits of mint shine most when consumed fresh as tea or flavoring to food and drinks.
Peppermint improves digestion, relieves gas, and soothes common symptoms of colds. It also alleviates nausea headache or even fatigue.
2. Sage
Sage has properties that address both internal and external health issues.
It boosts memory retention, lowers cholesterol and sugar, and eases stomach pain and diarrhea. When used externally, sage provides relief to cold sores and mouth sores.
3. Tea Tree
From bacterial infections down to sunburns, tea tree oil proves to be an effective natural treatment for a long list of health issues.
Tea tree oil is often referred to as the “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” and for those reasons. In fact, it is common to find tea tree oil in most Australian households, where the tea tree is native.
Cold and Sore Throat Home Remedy
Use tea tree oil as a rub for colds
Gargle with hot salt water for a sore throat
Gargle with apple cider solution for a sore throat
Mix water, lemon extract, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and turmeric root to make tea for a cold and sore throat
Use eucalyptus oil as a rub for colds
Home Remedy for Flu
Mix a cup of water and a cup of dried catnip, then add lemon extract and raw honey
Take omega-3 oil supplements or eat foods rich in omega-3
Heat water with elderberry extract, then add turmeric and cinnamon
Heat water with a mixture of thyme and peppermint
Fill a glass with licorice root and cover with water, then add honey
Save, download, or bookmark this infographic for reference.
When you’re in survival mode, you will have to forage for medicinal plants to make your own homemade treatment. Whether you’re an outdoorsman or not, you should know more about medicinal plants and their uses.
Have you tried other medicinal herbs and plants before? Share your experience with us by posting a comment below!
