Tag: Knots

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Back from the batcave

Good morning,

Sadly it has been awhile since you have heard from me, but that doesn’t mean I have NRA Training Logo Suite-INST-3CSPOTbeen stagnant, I bring word from the batcave.

 

I have been busy in the field, we have completed a couple of gun safety classes. I really enjoy these classes because I feel very strongly about how important they are. If you feel that you need to own and/or carry a firearm, I believe it is your responsibility to become highly proficient with its use and safe handling. I believe you should have to show competence, not just a written exam. Just like an automobile, show me you can parallel park.

Backpack

 

My steadfast partner in crime has been insistent that we start offering pre built Bug out Bags. So we have been doing a lot of research so we can be sure to offer what we feel are the best solutions for the different type of bags we all should have. In the not too distant future you should see a selection of prebuilt solutions being offered. We believe everyone should be prepared for the unforeseen, and look forward to offering the best bags you can get. Stay tuned.

 

As always,

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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Food in the Backcountry – Trapping with snares

We live in a society that has trained us to eat meat on a daily basis. Fortunately we are moving away from this paradigm, as we have learned it is both unnecessary and problematic to the long-term health of our planet. That being said, when we are in a survival situation it may become necessary to our survival to harvest some fauna from the earth. Chances are you will not be packing around your hunting gear, if you even have any, when the need arises. So this will focus on methods that use your natural surroundings and a few basic tools.

There are many types of traps at your disposal. Snares, deadfalls and pits to name a few. If you are reading this I am assuming you have a certain level of readiness, like a pocket knife and some paracord.

Lets talk about snares, the two we will talk about today are spring snares and drag snares. Of these the spring snares are the most complicated of the two.

rabbit-snares

This is an illustration of what I call a drag snare. it is designed so that all that is needed is a well placed loop of cordage and the animals instinct to flee for successful operation. If you look closely you will see the loop is fashioned with a slip knot that will become tight when strained. This ensures that your prey does not escape. Placement is the key ingredient to success. Try to find an animal trail and place the loop so that your prey will pass through it while traveling normally. Make the loop the size of your intended prey. 3-4 inches for rabbits 2-3 inches for squirrels. You don’t want to catch a bear.
spring_snare

spring snare is quite effective but way more complicated in the setup and reduces your chances of releasing an unwanted captive, as it is more aggressive. But it tends to be more successful because it uses the critters body weight to maintain tension on the snare once it is tripped.

The single most important message I want to pass on is;

Traps are indiscriminate and must not be forgotten!

If we decide we need to set traps for our survival, we must be responsible in their placement and management. Taking life to maintain yours should never be taken lightly, be a good steward.

 

As alway,

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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The Five C’S of survival

The 5 C's

Never go into the wilderness without these 5 C’s

 

(1) Cutting Tool: Ultimately, this means a sturdy, full tang knife, something that is always on your person in the backcountry. A four to five-inch carbon-steel blade and a flattened back edge is the most dependable and versatile. Well-made survival knives allow you to do everything from clean fish to split kindling.

(2) Combustion: A fire is critical in a survival situation during foul weather, it’s fundamental to maintaining your core temperature. Carry tinder material such as Wetfire or dryer lint with a ferro rod and a good lighter.

(3) Cover: We don’t get to decide when disaster strikes, this is important to remember. Always carry some sort of emergency shelter, a large garbage bag, a tarp, a poncho or even a wool blanket will do. You need to be able to setup some sort of shelter from the cold, rain and even sun. I would say forgetting this, is the most common mistake of outdoor enthusiasts.

(4) Container: Staying hydrated is essential in the outdoors, let alone an emergency. It is important to carry a container that can serve you in multiple ways. A large single walled stainless steel container is ideal, it not only allows you to carry plenty of water, in an emergency you will be able to boil water in it to make it safe for drinking. The are also very durable and well dent before the break

(5) Cordage: Carry a 100 feet of paracord, it is incredibly strong and has a myriad of uses, I never leave home without it.

As always,

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared