For the seasoned Bushcrafter a walk in the woods is like a stroll down the aisles of the local superstore. In this field-based course, students will start seeing the woods like a Bushcrafter, from learning the basics of how to live in the bush comfortably, and what to do in a survival situation. Utilizing a minimum of modern materials combined with natural materials students will learn to make natural resources into shelter, fire, transportation, tools, compass/navigation devices, cordage, food, and hunting and fishing equipment. Students will build survival shelters to sleep in (optional), a bow drill fire kit, and work together on constructing a primitive (tarp) skin on frame style improvised canoe. Students will also learn how to light fires under any weather conditions (modern and primitive methods), powerful use of the bush knife, ax, and saw, and the identification of and procurement of available bush foods and materials. The flat terrain, and thick forests of the North have caused many wilderness travelers who strayed, even a short ways, away from camp or main trails and canoe routes to get lost and go missing. If there’s no compass or the GPS fails, it can be very hard to find your way on a gray day. This course will also cover compass skills and primitive methods of navigation through the deep woods, and how to safely deal with a variety of common hazards of going cross country, like stream and bog crossing. This course will meet at North House on day 1, and then take place entirely in a field location. Camping overnight with the group is optional. Participants should be physcially capable of moderate hiking over uneven ground.

You will need the following tools for this class:

• Leather Gloves
• Quality Fixed Blade Knife: Like a Mora 511. Instructor will have these knives available for appx. $15
• Long Pants
• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Closed Toe Shoes
• Non-synthetic Clothing Like Wool and Cotton are best for being around fires
• Appropriate Clothing for being comfortable in the outdoors and dealing with Cold, Heat, Bugs, Rain, Wind, Sun etc.
• Sleeping Bag and Pad or Wool Blankets (for sleeping by the fire) if you plan to spend any nights in the field.
• Tent if you prefer to sleep in a tent/rather than a primitive shelter of your making.
• Bug Spray
• Water Bottle(s)
• Any cooking and eating utensils you require
• Pack to carry your gear
• Food for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks while we are in the field. We will be camped out near our vehicles so food can be stored nearby.
• Whatever you need to be comfortable in the woods for an extended period of time, including overnight if you intend to camp out. The instructor will be in touch with students prior to the course.

• Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.
• camera 
• note-taking materials
• Your Favorite ax or hatchet in a safe protective sheath.
• Bug Nets for covering yourself in a primitive shelter if you plan to stay in one
• Bug/Head Net
• Wool Blanket if you plan to sleep by an open fire.
• Swim Shorts
• Fishing equipment
• Plant Guide books etc.