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Bigwoodsman » Outdoor Skills

Embrace The Outdoors, Learn The Necessary Skills

Master Outdoor Skills and DIY Projects

In todays age of fast paced lives, all to many people are focused on their screens. Getting outside and connecting with nature can be very refreshing and at time therapeutic. From camping and enjoying the stars, catching your own dinner or building something needed for the homestead it is very important to reconnecting with nature. Outdoor skills and DIY projects not only bridge this gap but also equip us with practical abilities that can enhance our daily lives and foster a greater sense of self-reliance. If you are just starting to embrace the outdoors or are a seasoned homesteader, there’s always something new to learn and create.

My whole life I have been a very hands on person.  From a young age I was heavily into building anything I could, be it card houses, living room forts or anything with Lego or Mechanics.  I also have a strong artistic background so couple these two skills together and there really isn't anything I won't try.

I was very fortunate to have grown up on a farm where many times if something gets broken then you just fix it. If you spend enough time using something such as a tool or piece of equipment then you usually find it doesn't quite meet your needs exactly. This is where modifications come into play. A lot of times there is a better way to do something or you just need that extra little item to ease your workload. Mostly you just have to figure it out and possibly assemble it. This is where I got my basic skills to assess something, see a fix, design the item needed and manufacture it. That is the whole basis of my Outdoor Skills page. Why spend your hard earned dollars on sometimes overpriced stuff when you can make exactly what you need at home for less. Seems like a good idea to me.

Here is my home made chainsaw mount for my 4x4

I was fortunate that my public school was previously a high school so when they converted it they left the shop and all the classes associated with it. I learned a lot of skill at a young age that I still use today. It is super helpful to have the skillset to look at something around the house and be able to make small repairs etc. to fix it quickly and cheaply. I have never shied away from trying something new also. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but I find if you pay attention to the details you can more often than not usually create a good product.

My design built snow plow proof mailbox

If you live on a large rural property, home stead, cabin, cottage or hunt camp, it is important to have the skillset to fix things as needed. I use these skills to build and repair numerous items either around my own country property, hunt camp and my off grid cabin.  The main item has been our house. We purchased a house that was in need of repairs but we mainly wanted it for the property and the views. This has taken us 10 years but we have created an amazing place to live. I couldn't have done it without having a basic background in outdoor skills. The important ones are listed below.

Key Essential Skills Everyone Should Know

  1. Shelter Building:
    1. Tent Setup: Properly setting up a tent in the proper location.
    2. Emergency Shelters: Constructing shelters using natural materials like tarps or branches in case you need it during a survival situation.
  2. Fire Making:
    1. Fire Starting: Using matches, lighters, ferro rods and fire starters with different materials.
    2. Fire Safety: Understanding the fire triangle and how to safely build and supervise a fire.
  3. Water Sourcing and Purification:
    1. Finding Water: Identifying potential water sources and knowing how to safely collect water.
    2. Purification Methods: Using filters, purifiers, and boiling to make water safe for drinking.
  4. First Aid:
    1. Basic First Aid: Treating cuts, burns, sprains, and other simple common injuries.
    2. CPR: Basic knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  5. Survival Skills:
    1. Signaling for Help: Using whistles, mirrors, and other signaling devices.
  6. Outdoor Cooking:
    1. Cooking Methods: Using portable stoves, fire, and other methods for food prep.
    2. Food Storage: Keeping food safe and preventing animal intrusion.
  7. Self-Sufficiency:
    1. Tool Use: Proficiency with knives, tools, and other essential gear.
    2. Problem-Solving: Creative thinking and improvisation when things don’t go as planned.

Here is a list of a few of the DIY projects I have done over the years. You can find the associated videos on my Youtube page. Scroll on over to that.

  1. Building a winter survival Quinzee
  2. Roasting a big pig on spit
  3. Installing a Wood duck box on our pond
  4. Rebuilding a Polaris 4 wheeler
  5. Poison ivy ID in every season
  6. Demolishing a carport
  7. Demolish a barn
  8. Restoring antique lights

Final Thoughts

Outdoor skills and DIY projects are more than just hobbies—they’re ways to deepen your connection with the natural world and foster a sense of independence. By mastering essential outdoor skills and learning to do things by yourself, you not only enhance your safety and enjoyment but also build confidence in your ability to flourish in any environment. DIY projects allow you to create personalized gear and solutions that fit your specific needs and preferences.

Whether you’re lighting your first campfire, fixing a broken implement, or crafting your own outdoor gear, each experience enriches your understanding and appreciation of the great outdoors. So, step outside, embrace these skills, and let the adventures begin. The more you learn and create, the more you’ll enjoy and cherish every moment spent in nature.