Starting out in bushcraft can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out which skills to learn first. With so many different techniques to master, it’s tough to know where to begin.
To help you get started, I’ve put together what I think, based on my years of experience, are some of the most important bushcraft skills you should know. Master these, and you’ll be well-prepared before heading out into the wild.
1. Starting a Fire in the Wild
Starting a fire is one of the most fundamental skills you need for survival in the wilderness. Fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook food, making it an essential part of any bushcraft skill set.
There are several methods to start a fire, from the traditional flint and steel to modern fire starters like matches and lighters. You should also learn how to use natural materials like dry leaves, bark, and twigs as tinder. In wet conditions, finding dry materials can be challenging, so practice starting fires in different environments to build your confidence.
One of the most reliable techniques is the bow drill method, which uses friction to create an ember that you can use to start a fire. While it takes practice, mastering this method ensures that you can start a fire even without modern tools.
2. Cooking in the Wilderness
Once you’ve caught your food and started a fire, the next step is cooking it. Wilderness cooking is about more than just roasting meat over an open flame—it’s about knowing how to use the resources around you to prepare meals safely and efficiently.
Understanding different cooking methods, like spit roasting, boiling in a makeshift container, or even baking in a clay oven, can expand your culinary options in the wild. You should also learn how to safely clean and prepare different types of game and fish, as well as how to forage for edible plants to complement your meals.
Cooking in the wild requires creativity, but it’s also about ensuring your food is safe to eat. Always make sure meat is thoroughly cooked to avoid foodborne illnesses. And remember, cooking smells can attract animals, so be mindful of your surroundings and store food securely.
3. Navigating the Wilderness
Navigating through the wilderness without getting lost is a skill that could save your life. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or exploring, knowing how to find your way is crucial.
Start by learning how to read a map and use a compass, as these tools are the foundation of wilderness navigation. Even if you prefer using a GPS device, it’s important to know how to navigate without one in case the batteries die or you lose signal.
Beyond the basics, familiarize yourself with natural navigation techniques, such as using the sun, stars, and landmarks to orient yourself. For example, moss often grows on the north side of trees in the Northern Hemisphere, which can help you determine direction.
Understanding your environment and recognizing key features can also prevent you from getting disoriented. Practice these skills regularly so they become second nature when you’re out in the wild.
4. Identifying Trees, Plants, and Mushrooms
One of the most vital skills in bushcraft is being able to identify the trees, plants, and mushrooms in your area. Every year, people end up seriously ill—or worse—because they mistook a poisonous plant or mushroom for a safe one.
Many plants and mushrooms have lookalikes that can be dangerous, and even some trees can be harmful if used incorrectly. For instance, using oleander or yew twigs as skewers can lead to fatal poisoning. Likewise, mistaking water hemlock roots for wild carrots can be deadly.
Knowing which species are harmful is just as important as recognizing those that can nourish or heal you. Identifying a sugar maple, for instance, allows you to tap it for sap in early spring. Or, if you can spot yarrow, you’ll have a reliable remedy for stopping bleeding.
While books and online resources are helpful, it’s wise to learn plant and mushroom identification from an expert. A local mushroom guide is also invaluable—David Arora’s “All That the Rain Promises and More” is a classic for Western North America, while those in the Northeast might prefer Timber Press’s guide.
5. Making Cordage from Natural Materials
In a survival situation, you might run out of rope or paracord. That’s where knowing how to make your own cordage comes in handy. Many plants can be processed into rope, twine, or yarn, which can be used to secure shelters, carry items, and more.
It might not seem like the most critical skill at first, but being able to make your own rope could be a lifesaver when you need it most.
6. Mastering Knot Tying
Just as important as knowing how to make cordage is understanding how to tie knots. Different knots serve different purposes, and knowing which one to use can be incredibly useful.
Our guide to essential homestead knots is a great place to start, but expanding your knowledge with a good knot-tying book is a smart move. Practice tying knots while watching TV or listening to podcasts to build your skills.
7. Crafting Tools from Natural Materials
A significant part of bushcraft involves making the most of what nature provides. Learning how to craft basic tools from materials found in the wild is a crucial skill.
This could include making hammers and axes from stone and wood, or creating weapons like spears and arrows. You might also want to learn how to make personal items like snowshoes, baskets, and even backpacks.
If you’re interested in more specialized crafts, consider learning how to make drop spindles for spinning yarn, or primitive looms for weaving fabric. Tools like knitting needles or nalbinding hooks can also be made from natural materials.
8. Sharpening Blades and Maintaining Tools
Sharp tools make bushcraft much easier, but they don’t stay sharp on their own. Learning how to sharpen your blades with whetstones, sandpaper, and a leather strop is a skill you won’t regret.
Tool maintenance goes beyond sharpening. For example, if your axe head becomes loose, you’ll need to know how to secure it properly. Other useful maintenance skills include sharpening saw blades, preventing rust, and replacing handles using natural materials like pine pitch glue.
9. Repairing Clothing in the Wild
Clothing repair might not seem like a critical skill until you’re out in the wild with ripped clothing. Knowing how to sew basic stitches like backstitch and blanket stitch can keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.
Different fabrics require different repair techniques, so it’s important to learn how to patch and darn various materials. This knowledge can extend the life of your gear significantly, making it one of those underrated but essential bushcraft skills.
10. Forecasting the Weather Naturally
Being able to predict the weather can be a lifesaver in the wilderness. Different cloud formations signal different weather patterns, and knowing what to look for can give you time to prepare.
For example, Altocumulus clouds often mean rain or snow is on the way, but a sudden green sky could indicate an imminent tornado. Being aware of these signs can help you avoid dangerous situations.
11. Recognizing Animal Tracks
While not the top skill on this list, recognizing animal tracks can be very useful. If you’re in an area with predators like bears or mountain lions, knowing what their tracks look like can help you steer clear of danger.
Track identification is also essential for hunting or trapping. Knowing which animals are nearby can guide you in setting traps or hunting routes, increasing your chances of success.
12. Moving Silently to Avoid Detection
Whether you’re hunting, photographing wildlife, or just trying to stay safe, moving quietly is an important skill. It’s also useful if you’re in an area with large animals that you’d rather avoid.
Learning how to move without making noise, controlling your breathing, and understanding wind direction can help you stay undetected. Creating a DIY ghillie suit for camouflage can also enhance your stealth, making it easier to blend into your surroundings.
Just make sure your ghillie suit matches the environment. Wearing a grasslands suit in a forest won’t do much for your camouflage!
13. Setting Traps for Food
If you plan to trap or snare animals for food, learning how to set traps is a must. Each type of trap works best for specific animals and environments, so it’s important to know a variety of techniques.
For example, knowing how to set snares is great, but if small game is scarce, you might need to set fish traps or deadfall traps for larger animals. The more methods you know, the better your chances of catching food.
14. Hunting Techniques
For those looking to live off the land, mastering different hunting techniques is crucial. While trapping and snaring are effective, knowing how to hunt larger game like deer or turkey can make a big difference.
Research the hunting laws in your area to understand which animals you can hunt, the methods allowed, and the licenses required. The more diverse your hunting skills, the better prepared you’ll be for any situation. Consider learning to hunt with both a rifle and a bow for added flexibility.
If you run out of rifle ammunition, knowing how to make and fletch arrows could save you.
15. Humane Animal Dispatch
Hunting and trapping often mean ending an animal’s life. It’s essential to know how to do this quickly and humanely, especially if an animal is caught in a way that causes unnecessary suffering.
Ending an animal’s life up close is much different from doing so at a distance with a rifle. Learn how to kill different species humanely to ensure your actions are as ethical as possible.
16. Staying Clean and Healthy in the Wilderness
Good hygiene is crucial when you’re out in the wild. It’s one of those bushcraft skills that directly affects your comfort and well-being.
You can bring items like a toothbrush and soap, or you can use natural alternatives. For example, chewing on the end of a birch twig creates a natural toothbrush, and birch has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your teeth healthy.
Identifying antifungal plants like chaparral, usnea, or echinacea is also important. These can treat infections that might develop from wet clothing or footwear. Soapwort and horse chestnuts can be used for washing both yourself and your clothing.
17. Basic First Aid Knowledge
First aid is a skill you should never overlook. Knowing how to handle common injuries can prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Take a first aid course if you can, or at least read up on essential techniques.
In an emergency, knowing how to tie a tourniquet or when to leave a blade in place could save a life. The more you know, the more confident you’ll be in handling injuries in the wilderness.
18. Emergency Signaling Techniques
Being able to signal for help can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Whether it’s using sound, light, or smoke, knowing how to get attention is a crucial bushcraft skill.
You don’t need to master Morse code, but knowing how to signal SOS ( … _ _ _ … ) is important. You can create this signal with whistles, metal, or even a gun. Three shots fired in the air is a well-known distress signal. Carrying flares or smoke signals that burn red or orange can also increase your visibility if you need help in a remote area.
