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Question

How do you make an easy shelter in the woods?

Josh Goldbach
Outdoor Education Expert
Josh Goldbach is an Outdoor Education Expert and the Executive Director of Bold Earth Adventures. Bold Earth leads adventure travel camps for teenagers all over the world. With almost 15 years of experience, Josh specializes in outdoor adventure trips for teens both in the United States and internationally. Josh earned his B.A. in Psychology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. He’s also trained as a wilderness first responder, a Leave No Trace master educator, and a Level 5 Swiftwater rescue technician.

Josh Goldbach

Outdoor Education Expert

Expert Answer

A debris shelter is a good option if you're in a pinch and need to make a shelter in the forest. Look for a long, solid stick that you can lean up against a tree. Then, build a structure of sticks along that and fill in the gaps with debris (like leaves). You want to stack that debris at least 1 ft (30.5 cm) or higher.

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Question

If I see a wolf and I want to go up to it, what do I do?

Community Answer

Prepare for it to ether run away or possibly harm you. It is best to leave wolves alone.

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Question

What gadgets and tools do I really need?

Giacomo0097

Community Answer

A knife, a fire starter and a pot or another metallic container that you can boil water with.

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Question

How can I best understand my surroundings?

Community Answer

To understand your surroundings, observe the local wildlife, vegetation, and geography. Different geological formations receive varying precipitation, influencing plant and animal life, thus creating diverse ecosystems. Studying how these elements interact, alongside the impact of human culture, will deepen your comprehension of the area.

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Question

Can I use an empty cave as shelter?

Giacomo0097

Community Answer

It isn't a good idea. Mainly because bugs and animals like to stay in caves, and most importantly, starting a fire in a cave is extremely dangerous.

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Question

Is it possible for an animal to try to bring me into its pack?

Community Answer

An animal will not attempt to incorporate you into its pack. Wild animals generally try to avoid humans, although some may exhibit hostile behavior. It is not in their nature to accept you.

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Question

Can I just pick a good area or do I need to buy a piece of land?

Community Answer

Presumably, you can just pick your own area. However, if it is a place that attracts to much attention, you may want to move to a new site to avoided unnecessary traffic from people.

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Question

Do I need a hunting permit to hunt for my own food in the wilderness?

Willow Novak

Community Answer

Yes, you generally need a hunting permit or license to hunt for food in the wilderness, as regulations vary significantly by location. For example, in many places, a hunting permit is legally required. You must research and comply with the specific laws of the area you plan to hunt in, as permits are almost always necessary regardless of how remote the location.

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Question

What if there is a tornado?

Community Answer

Try to apply weather pattern prediction skills to see if its coming. Most suitable and safe accommodation will be a secure cave (mind current settlers of that cave!) or build secure underground place, sheltered by a big ground-level feature on the side of the direction from which the force is coming, with no big let-ins, if you cannot get out of the way of the tornado.

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Question

Do I need to bring a cell phone?

Community Answer

You generally won't need a cell phone in the wilderness, as you'll likely lack service and charging capabilities.

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Question

Do I actually have to pee to mark my territory?

Community Answer

No, you don't. Even if someone did intrude on your land, they aren't going to know that the urine smell is yours (if they could smell it at all).

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Question

What should I do if I suffer from withdrawals from the computer?

Community Answer

You should just suffer through it and learn to accept the discomfort of not having a computer. That's part of living in the wilderness!

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Question

Is it a good idea to build a cave under a hemlock tree?

Community Answer

You can't build a cave. Caves are natural things.

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Question

How do I become part of a monkey pack?

Community Answer

You would just have to follow and engage with the monkeys on a daily basis. Be aware though, it's likely they will reject you (or just ignore you) rather than letting you become part of their social group.

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Question

Can I go with a group of people and start a settlement in the wilderness?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the "wilderness" isn't someone else's property, including the government's (i.e. a national park or some such).

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Question

Where can I use the bathroom?

Community Answer

Find a spot near where you set up camp. Try going to that spot every time you need to go. Make it not too close to camp, but not to far.

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Question

What if I see a bear?

Dillon Zeqiri

Community Answer

If it is a brown bear, curl up in a ball or lay down with your belly on the ground and your elbows covering your face, and try your hardest not to move. If it's a black bear, never play dead. Find a medium-sized rock and throw it at the bear's eyes as hard as you can. It will be stunned for a moment and you can quickly run away.

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Question

What should I do if I get lost and can't get back to my hut?

Yuna Song

Community Answer

To prevent getting lost, always establish a clear trail back, for example, by dropping markers as you travel. If you do get lost, avoid wandering aimlessly, which can worsen your situation. Instead, try to recall recognizable landmarks you passed to retrace your steps.

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Question

Any tips for doing a bow drill fire? I’ve been practicing for awhile, and the wood gets a little hot, but it just won’t seem to burn down to a coal..

kid vs wild

Community Answer

Get into a kneeling position, put your hand that holds the bearing block under your leg at the bending point and this will help you to add more pressure, thus allowing you to generate an ember.

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Question

Do I absolutely have to bring canned food?

Community Answer

No you don't have to. If you are skilled and not a vegetarian, then you can kill wild animals (only kill wild animals and not endangered species). If you are skilled and vegetarian, then consider growing a garden.

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Question

How much money should I bring?

OakSocks

Community Answer

You probably won't need much, since you're in the wilderness. Bring a little in case of an emergency, in case you need to get rescued or buy food for some reason.

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Question

My life feels overly scheduled, and I want more unexpected experiences. Should I make an immediate change or finish my education first?

Otterly Badgerific

Top Answerer

It is common to feel life is routine, and how you approach this feeling matters. While new environments might seem appealing, your challenges could follow, as any setting can eventually become routine. Completing your education first can broaden your perspectives, ignite your creativity, and open up future opportunities you may not yet envision.

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Question

What climate is best for living in the wilderness, and how can I find a suitable piece of land with features like a stream?

Donagan

Top Answerer

While finding land with specific features like a stream can be challenging, it is not impossible; you should keep an eye out for suitable properties. A temperate climate is generally ideal for living in the wilderness, but many places can work as long as they are not extremely cold.

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Question

What should I eat over the winter?

CookieQueen123

Community Answer

Your best chance for survival involves both building a shelter and securing food. Focus on sources such as elk, squirrel, and safe berries.

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Question

How can children receive an education when living in the wilderness?

CookieQueen123

Community Answer

Not everything learned in traditional schools is essential for wilderness living. Adults can teach children vital survival skills such as hunting, purifying water, and making clothes, while some academic subjects, like basic math, remain valuable.

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Question

What is an effective way to cover my wilderness shelter?

CookieQueen123

Community Answer

You can use tree leaves for the roof and cover the walls with dirt and grass. This will make your shelter resemble a natural hill, helping it blend in and deter predators like wolves. Be sure to include a functional door.

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