A couple of posts ago, we featured Art Mortvedt, a survival expert and trainer based in Alaska. Art has worked as a National Park Ranger and while teaching Eskimo students in the village of Shungnak, north of the Arctic Circle, he learned subsistence, survival and dog mushing techniques from local native elders.
We asked Art for his TOP SURVIVAL TIPS, and this is what he said:
1. Mother Nature is in supreme control.
2. NEVER roll up in a frozen moose hide for warmth. It will freeze solid; and there will be no way to get out. It will be your tomb.
3. The only constant is change; i.e. always adapt with circumstances and conditions, which are never the same.
4. Always keep the glass half full; i.e. always look on the positive side of any situation, no matter how dire.
5. Advice from an Eskimo elder many years ago – in bear country – “keep your rifle with you all the time”. Over the years I’ve had several bears charge me; and the elders advice was very true, and has saved my life.
6. The predictable thing about bears is their unpredictability. There are “nice bears” and “bad bears” – just like people; and one must always be ready for the bad bears. If a person is suddenly attacked – with no chance to defend himself by shooting the bear or using pepper spray – one must, as best as is possible, roll up in a ball and protect the abdomen and neck area. A grizzly grabbed a friend of mine by the head, and shook him around; but he survived. Of course his facial bones were crushed – and he had some dramatic scars – but he’s back to normal, only wearing a beard now to cover the scars.
7. Hypothermia is indeed the “silent killer”. Always have spare dry clothes and/or a place or method to dry off and warm up.
8. Birch bark is the ultimate fire starter – even in the rain.
9. Make every survival situation into a “camping trip” – realizing a bit of discomfort at the moment, but also realizing that with the positive attitude things will get better and that survival is then imminent.
10. When you’re chilled – e.g. tingly toes and fingers – don’t wait to warm them. Do so immediately. Waiting too long puts you over the edge; and there’s no going back.
11. Don’t go anywhere in winter without snowshoes, axe, knife, and matches.
12. Moose nose, grizzly bear foot, and boiled porcupine are quite tasty delicacies; and a human being can be quite happy eating nearly anything when truly hungry.
13. In a survival situation, depend on no one but yourself. Do not depend on rescue; because conditions, such as bad weather, may not allow it.
14. Drink lots – especially warm decaffeinated drinks; and do not become dehydrated.
15. In a survival situation, let your imagination soar – “imagine what you can’t imagine” – i.e. there may be tools right in front of you, or ways to make them, that you otherwise would not have noticed. “Necessity is the Mother of invention”.
16. Plan ahead. Always be thinking of what you WOULD DO, IF YOU HAD TO.
17. Panic kills.
So now we know.
For more on survival courses with Art Mortvedt, or to stay at the lodge he runs with his wife Damaris, visit www.alaskawilderness.net.
