Most useful woodsmanship skills?

Do 90% of hunters/fisherman we really need to know much 'bushcraft' to hunt/fish ? .....good question !

I don't think so. Basic 'survival' skills for sure, but very few hunters are ever in scenarios where a 911 can't be surmounted.

Most remote hunting/fishing locations you are in the care of Outfitters for basic needs and emergency scenarios.

If you hunt/fish at established base camps...there really is no different than if your staying at a cabin, off season maybe, but not something that requires special skills.

Not to many guys hunt from a tent camps anymore, but even then it's normally Coleman type camping with carried in supplies, so 'bushcraft is not essential...ie few will need to snare a rabbit for dinner :)

I do however believe that everyone needs to know basic Bushcraft skills, ie; how to hold and use a knife. Those type of things that used to be taught thru Cub/Scout organizations. I don't know if they still do or if kids are even interested in learning those skills.

But then I grew up in a generation when everyone knew how to change the oil and sparks plugs on their truck....LOL..

I think very few hunters have any woodsmanship skills - my list:

1) Building a fire in pouring rain when everything is soaked
2) Navigation by landmarks - hills valleys rocks streams trees
3) Navigation by compass and being able to read a map
4) Noticing animal tracks or other sign of them
5) Being able to move silently through the bush

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

I think very few hunters have any woodsmanship skills - my list:

1) Building a fire in pouring rain when everything is soaked
2) Navigation by landmarks - hills valleys rocks streams trees
3) Navigation by compass and being able to read a map
4) Noticing animal tracks or other sign of them
5) Being able to move silently through the bush

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x2, would also add identification of trees and plants. useful for many many reasons, for survival if necessary and also drastically increases chances for finding game. being in the right areas helps.

Having a basic sense of direction would be number 1 estimating yardage number two.
Having a basic knowledge of what you can and cannot eat in the wild and how to get clean water to drink would be number 3 for me..emergence shelter and basic first add sure can come in helpfull

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Originally Posted by dutchhunter

Having a basic sense of direction would be number 1 estimating yardage number two.
Having a basic knowledge of what you can and cannot eat in the wild and how to get clean water to drink would be number 3 for me..emergence shelter and basic first add sure can come in helpfull

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This is what I'm driving at....how many guys in 'todays' hunt scenerios, would ever need to know how to find food..other than looking in your pack for a mid day snack?

90% of hunters take their ATV/Trucks to and from where they hunt....never at risk of being late for the dinner bell back at camp.

You guys are making it sound like you have Les Stroud's skill set to go hunting or to enjoy the outdoors.

a dog that's trained to "find the truck" .

I had a little female coonhound that always knew the way back to the truck. I'd just say "Let's go! in the truck" and off she'd go!
Never had GPS back then, only compass and the dogs.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

This is what I'm driving at....how many guys in 'todays' hunt scenerios, would ever need to know how to find food..other than looking in you pack for a mid day snack?

90% of hunters take their ATV/Trucks to and from where they hunt....never at risk of being late for the dinner bell back at camp.

You guys are making it sound like you have Les Stroud's skill set to go out hunting.

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You're bang on MP! Most hunters and fishers I see out there are more interested in looking good as opposed to being good. Some good old common sense and situational awareness will prevent a lot of trouble down the road. Having said that however, the OP has asked a legitimate question. That to me suggests some common sense? Who better to ask for tips, than the ones who have experience? If the OP gains anything from this thread, he/she is on their way to be a smart, successful outdoors person.

In general terms, here are some inalienable truths to enjoy the outdoors:

Don't skimp on footwear...proper fit, support and breathability to fit the intended purpose.... and ensure you break them in before you plan to 'use' them.

Keep your feet dry....

Don't skimp on back packs if you need to carry loads long way....makes sure the weight is transferred to your hips and don't carry to much.

Make sure, for anything you do outdoors, get into shape before you bite off too much, if your not in shape, you get injured easier.

When we travel up North were out of cell range and the nearest store is 65 km's away. So we carry our floor Jack and a very large amount of tools and yes were capable of replacing a ball joint in the bush.

In terms of bush craft.

1) Be able to start a fire in the rain
2) Spare clothes
3) Lighters or matches (I preferr lighters and have them everyplace in my tackle box, truck, ATV etc probably around 20)
4) Compas or GPS with a least 2 extra set of batteries

Knowing how to "finese filet" and only remove just the outer tartan cloth layer on a Dickie's trucker shirt using a Buck 110 knife. You leave the white insulation batting on the arms to keep your arms warm, but the outer cloth is used to clean the Nutella mudslide that just came out of your body after nine coffees and a day old honey bun. You're in a serious situation after you've burned up 3/4 of a roll of tickets, your socks, and the back of your t-shirt. This essential bush skill is a must.