The term bushcraft is sometimes used synonymously with survival skills,
but this definition does not encompass the full meaning of the word.
Although there is considerable crossover, the idea of bushcraft is not
just to survive but to live well, even thrive, in the wilderness through
the use of traditional techniques from around the world.
The modern world with all of its trappings is obviously a new condition which does offer us many comforts. However, the belief that our ancestors lived on the brink of starvation as they huddled in caves is a fallacy quickly dispelled with a little research. Anthropologists tell us of hunter gatherer cultures who lived comfortably, created beautiful artwork, and actually had much more leisure time than we do. Despite the rampant industrialization around the globe, many of these cultures still exist today. It is in this spirit that bushcraft practitioners view our relationship with the natural world. It shapes the attitudes and skills to be learned for use in the backcountry.
The art of bushcraft also marries well with the new trend in ultralight backpacking since "the more you carry in your head, the less you carry on your back". These skills need not end on the trail, though. As we strive to rediscover a sustainable way of life, the lessons of bushcraft can help us all realize the importance of protecting what we have so carelessly taken for granted.
Mike Lummio is the founder and head instructor at Bushcraft Northwest. He is also a Biologist, traditional bowhunter, fly fisherman, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Eco-dynamic Agriculture.
Mike has been fascinated with the natural world for as long as he can remember. He was first exposed to bushcraft over 25 years ago during a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he was given the book Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen. Since then, he has had the good fortune of learning traditional wilderness skills through hands-on training and created Bushcraft Northwest to continue this tradition.