Survival 101 ... Lesson .. Finding Sustenance in a Northern climate

If you are Reading this, you are likely an Outdoors type of person... this means there is a chance, that someday, you may find yourself lost in an unfamiliar Wilderness, faced with the reality of your own Survival.

I am referring to an Area of about 40 degrees to 65 degrees North Latitude.. This area presents a varying degree of Climatic conditions.. but these variations correspond with similar regions around the World.. Which means you may recognize Plants and Animals even on another Continent.. I will present you with some basic information that will aide your chances of Survival; any further research and learning you do will increase your Survival Rating directly, and dramatically.. Any species i present here are commonly found.. If faced with survival foraging your best tool is your Brain.. you Must continue to learn from every success, as well as every failure.. When you acquire a food resource take note of anything that may help you in the future.. in this way one success will lead to the next..

• Herbs, Roots, Tubers, are readily found.. Many Plants store starch underground; These will sustain you in your attempt to hunt Game, and gather plants and small critters..
  Cat-tails
  Ramps / wild onions
  wild carrots / yarrow / queens Lace / dandelion

• in the early spring the buds and sprouts of many plants that are otherwise inedible, are easily digested because of a lack of chlorophyll and phyto-chemicals in the early growing stages..

• the young shoots of Ferns are nutritious and none are known to be poisonous..

• Insects like Ants, grubs, grasshoppers, and termites are considered tasty treats in all of Asia; do not hesitate to eat them whenever you feel hungry.. They can be fried, boiled, or roasted.. NEVER eat caterpillars..

• Edible Nuts are one of the most Sustaining food sources.. Acorns can be soaked in a running stream for a day or 2 then boiled, and drained for a hearty meal.. They can also be Ground into flour, and dried for a store-able Winter food source..
  

  Chestnut
  Black Walnut
  Beech Nut
  American Hazelnut
  Pine Nuts

• Most all Lichen, and Moss is edible.. Soak, rinse, repeat; boil a long time.. avoid any yellow colored moss; it is likely to be toxic..

• the inner Bark of Birch, Poplar, and Willows are edible.. Remove the tough outer bark to get to the softer white inner bark.. Pine needles can be used to make a tea rich in vitamin-C..

• Wild relatives of fruits and berries exist which you are already familiar with..
  

  apples
  strawberries / blueberries
  raspberries / blackberries / grapes

• Do NOT eat Mushrooms unless you are an experienced mushroom Harvester.. The Danger of toxic shock is much higher in Fungi... That being said, there are 3 common types of Mushrooms that are readily distinguishable.. Learn them and you will be well rewarded..
  

  Sulfur Shelf
  Cat's Ear
  Chicken of the Woods

• if you are near the Ocean, seaweed is an easily acquired safe food source.. Soak, rinse, repeat, add to soups, and stews..

• Observation rewards you with success; this goes back to using your Brain..

• All of Nature is Patterns; See the patterns and you will know where and when to find Game..

• As for the How, this is where your imagination comes in... Any animal that is cornered will fight to live. Surprise, and stealth are your tactics; the same as any predator. Use whatever means necessary to gain an advantage..

• Create your own advantage.. that's what makes us Human.. Forward thinking..

• What one person can do; another can do.. Remember this is how your Ancestors lived.. you can try asking for their advice.. they will listen and guide you.

• All mammals provide some portion of nutritious Meat. Utilize as much of the animal as possible.. Small birds, and mammals can be boiled whole, bones and all to get the most out of the meal.. The Heart, Brain, and eyeballs are very nutritious. Avoid eating the Liver of any animal that Hibernates in the Winter.. Ligaments can be used as cordage.. Hide can be used as bedding or clothing.. Fat and grease are a resource for cooking or weatherproofing. Bones can be utilized as tools, such as fish hooks, spear points, and a root digging tool..

• Use the long edge of a rock to split open big bones; Lay the bone across the edge lengthwise, Smack the Bone with another rock.. this will gain you access to the Marrow, a Most nutritious food source. If in your wanderings, you find bones from a kill site, split one and smell the marrow, if it does not stink then it is good to eat still, as it has been encased in the protective bone... Marrow may keep for months like this.. so remember you can keep some bones with you as a future meal, and to make tools..

• When Hunting, move slowly, stop and remain motionless often.. Keep noise to an absolute minimum.. Pay attention to wind direction.. Always Hunt into the wind, and be mindful of where your own scent is headed.

• Every body of water is a food reservoir.. Turtles, frogs, Fish, crawdads, and Snakes are all edible.. Carefully remove, and bury the head of venomous snakes to avoid injury and death..

• Minnows can easily be caught with a simple plastic bottle trap.. Minnows can be added to soups and stews; just squeeze out the excrement.. (the same holds true with Earth Worms)

• Waterfowl is an exceptionally good food source.. Try to save the grease while cooking for later use.. It is an excellent flavoring for bland, and bitter roots.. Take note of nesting sites and seasons..

• Eggs are an excellent food source if you are lucky enough to find them..

• Traps for Fish and Animals can work for you while you are occupied in other endeavors..

Feel free to Print this out and put it in your back pack.. give a copy to your Outdoors buddy... pin it to a bulletin board, or stick it on your refrigerator with a magnet.. it's yours Now, and i relinquish all title to it..