Introduction
In a true survival situation, the ability to barter or trade will be essential. If you have nothing of value to trade, you will be at a severe disadvantage. While many people think that stockpiling supplies is the best way to prepare for a disaster, the truth is that there are some skills that are far more valuable than any supplies. These are skills that you can use to barter or trade for what you need in a survival situation.
Self-reliance
While there are many items that you can buy to help you become more prepared for an emergency or disaster, there are some skills that money just can’t buy. These skills are things that you will need to know how to do in order to survive and thrive in a SHTF scenario.
Foraging
Foraging is the act of searching for food in the wild. This includes fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, and other edible plants. Foraging can be a fun way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It can also be a useful skill to know in case of emergency.
In most parts of the world, foraging is illegal unless you have permission from the landowner. Make sure you are familiar with the laws in your area before you start foraging.
When foraging, be sure to only take what you need. Leave some for others and for the plant to continue to grow. If you are unsure about whether a plant is safe to eat, err on the side of caution and don’t eat it.
Hunting
Survival hunting skills are ones that you hope you never have to use, but if the need arises, you’ll be glad you know them. Learning how to effectively hunt for food is a fundamental part of self-reliance.
Hunting should only be considered as a last resort when all other food sources have been exhausted. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to hunt for food, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, always obey the law. Second, make sure you have the proper licenses and permits (if required). Third, be respectful of the animals you are hunting and use as much of the animal as possible. Finally, be patient and don’t take unnecessary risks.
If done properly, hunting can be a safe and effective way to obtain food in a survival situation.
Trapping
In order to be self-reliant, you need to know how to trap. Trapping can provide you with food and furs, as well as income if you sell your catches. It requires patience, knowledge of the habits of your prey, and the ability to build traps.
There are many different types of traps that can be used, from simple deadfalls to complex stake and wire snares. The type of trap you use will depend on the animal you are targeting and the environment in which you are trapping.
Once you have decided on a trap, you need to learn how to set it properly. This is where patience comes in, as it can take some time to perfect your technique. Once you have mastered the art of trapping, you will be able to provide for yourself and others in a truly self-reliant way.
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping. “Fishing” may include catching aquatic animals other than fish, such as molluscs, cephalopods, crustaceans, and echinoderms. The term is not normally used for catching farmed fish, or for aquatic mammals, such as whales where the term whaling is more appropriate. According to the United NationsFAO statistics, the total number of commercial fishermen and fish farmers is estimated to be 38 million. Fisheries and aquaculture provide direct and indirect employment to over 500 million people in developing countries.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to be self-reliant and to have control over the quality of your food. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can also save you money at the grocery store.
To get started, you will need to choose a location for your garden. If you have a backyard, that is a great spot. If not, you can also grow plants in containers on a balcony or patio. Once you have selected a location, you will need to prepare the soil. This involves removing any weeds and rocks, and adding compost or manure to help the plants grow.
Then, it is time to select the plants you want to grow. Make sure to choose varieties that are suitable for the climate in your area. Also, keep in mind how much space you have available. Once you have chosen your plants, it is time to plant them. Be sure to water them regularly and fertilize them as needed. With a little care, your garden will soon be blooming!
Homesteading
The back-to-the-land movement was a reaction to the perceived problems of industrialization, and proponents believed that a return to a more rural way of life would solve these problems. The movement began in the late 19th century and reached its height in the 1970s.
Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of foodstuffs, and crafts. Homesteaders typically live far from civilization, in rural or remote areas. They are often interested in land preservation and environmentally friendly practices.
Survival skills
In an uncertain world, its more important than ever to have a few key survival skills. And while you can buy a lot of gear to help you survive, theres nothing like having the skills to help you get by in a tough situation.
Firecraft
Building a fire is one of the most essential wilderness survival skills. In an emergency situation, a fire can help you stay warm, dry your clothes, purify water, cook food, and signal for help. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 4,000 people die in house fires each year in the United States.
There are three things you need to build a fire: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel is anything that will burn, such as wood or paper. Heat is a source of energy that will ignite the fuel, such as a match or lighter. Oxygen is needed for the fire to keep burning.
The first step in building a fire is to gather your materials. You will need some sort of tinder (material that ignites easily), like dry leaves or grass, twigs (for kindling), and logs (for fuel). Once you have your materials, you need to create a space for your fire. The best way to do this is to clear an area down to the dirt so you have a bare spot for your fire pit.
Now you’re ready to start building your fire! The most important thing to remember is that you need to start with tinder and then slowly add larger pieces of fuel. First, take your tinder and create a small pile in the center of your fire pit. Then add small pieces of kindling on top of the tinder pile. Once the kindling is lit, slowly add larger pieces of wood until your desired size of fire is reached.
One final tip: always make sure your fire is extinguished before leaving the area!
Shelter building
In the wild, there are many different types of shelter you can build to protect yourself from the elements. The type of shelter you build will depend on the materials you have available and the environment you are in.
Building a shelter is one of the most important survival skills you can know. A good shelter will protect you from the sun, wind, rain, and snow. It will also give you a place to rest and sleep.
There are many different types of shelter you can build. The type of shelter you build will depend on the materials you have available and the environment you are in.
Here are some examples of shelters you can build:
A-frame Shelter:
An A-frame shelter is a simple shelter that can be built with just a few materials. It is easy to build and can be done in a short amount of time. An A-frame shelter is not as weatherproof as some other shelters, but it will give you basic protection from the elements.
Lean-to Shelter:
A lean-to shelter is a little more complex than an A-frame shelter, but it is still easy to build with just a few materials. Lean-to shelters are more weatherproof than A-frame shelters because they have two walls instead of just one.
Pup Tent:
A pup tent is a small tent that usually only has room for one or two people. Pup tents are easy to set up and take down, and they are very lightweight so they can be carried easily if you need to move campsites. Pup tents provide good protection from the elements but they are not as spacious as some other types of tents.
Water procurement
Water is one of the basic necessities for human survival, and knowing how to procure it in a wilderness setting is critical. In this section, we will cover some of the basics of water procurement, including identifying sources of water, purifying water, and storing water.
One of the first things to do when you areplanning a trip into a wilderness area is to find out where sources of water are located. Once you have identified potential sources of water, you can begin to plan your route accordingly. When you are searching for sources of water, look for flowing streams or rivers, as they are generally the safest to drink from. If you are unable to find a flowing body of water, look for lakes or ponds. Once you have located a potential source of water, it is important to test it before drinking it. The best way to test a body of water for safety is to use a portable water filter or purification system.
There are many different types of portable water filters and purification systems on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one. Some systems simply filter out particulates from the water, while others use chemicals or ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. While most portable filters and purifiers will work well in most situations, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a system that will provide the highest level of protection possible.
Once you have found a safe source of water and ensured that it is clean and safe to drink, you will need to store it in a safe container. The best containers for storing water are made from food-grade plastic or glass. It is important to wash these containers thoroughly with soap and clean water before using them, as even small traces of contaminants can make stored water unsafe to drink. Be sure to label your containers clearly so that you know which ones contain potable (drinkable) water and which ones do not.
Water procurement is an essential skill for anyone planning a trip into a wilderness area. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trip.
Navigation
In the most general sense, navigation is the process of figuring out where you are and where you need to go, and then charting a course to get there. It can be as simple as finding your way around your neighborhood, or as complex as planning a multi-leg journey across the country.
There are a few key skills that you need to master in order to be a good navigator:
- orienting yourself using basic landmarks (like the sun, stars, or a body of water)
- reading and understanding maps
- using a compass to find your bearings
- plotting a course using specific waypoints
First aid
Most people think of first aid as what you do for someone who is hurt. That’s true, but first aid is also what you do to keep someone from getting hurt in the first place. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for an accident. You never know when you might need to give first aid.
There are three basic principles of first aid:
First, do no harm.
Second, call for help.
Third, comfort the injured person.
Self-defense
Hand-to-hand combat
Hand-to-hand combat is a close quarters battle between two or more opponents. It can be fought with or without weapons, and can take place in any environment, from the streets to the battlefield.
There are many different styles of hand-to-hand combat, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular include boxing, karate, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, and muay Thai. Each style has its own unique techniques and strategies, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs and learn as much as you can about it.
Knife fighting
Knife fighting is a dangerous and potentially lethal form of self-defense. It should only be used as a last resort, when all other options have failed.
There are two main types of knife fighting: offensive and defensive. Offensive knife fighting is where you try to kill or incapacitate your opponent as quickly as possible. Defensive knife fighting is where you try to avoid being hurt yourself, and may involve trying to disarm your opponent or simply getting away from them.
Knives can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, but they are most effective when used offensively. This is because it is easier to control the blade when you are attacking, and you can use the full force of your body behind each stroke. Whenknife fighting defensively, you need to be more careful not to injure yourself or your opponent.
The best way to learn how to fight with a knife is to take a self-defense class from a qualified instructor. However, there are also some things you can do on your own to improve your skills. Practice makes perfect, so the more you can practice knife fighting techniques, the better prepared you will be if you ever need to use them in a real life situation.
Firearms training
There are many different ways to train with firearms, and the type of training you choose will depend on your goals. Whether you want to improve your accuracy, learn how to defend yourself or become a competitive shooter, there are options available to help you reach your objectives.
Accuracy training will focus on developing your shooting skills so that you can hit your target consistently. This type of training can be done at a gun range or even in your backyard. If you want to be able to defend yourself with a firearm, then self-defense training is a must. This type of training will teach you how to properly handle and use a firearm in a self-defense situation. Competitive shooters will need to focus on their speed and accuracy in order to be successful in competition.
No matter what your goals are, there is a firearms training option available to help you reach them.
Conclusion
In a true SHTF situation, money will be useless. The skills that you have acquired and honed through practice will be what keeps you alive. So, focus on developing the skills that will help you survive and thrive in a world without modern conveniences.