Manage Calories
Survival is a calories game. Your body converts food into fuel, which provides you with energy, but if you burn more calories trying to obtain food, you are not properly managing your calories. For every calorie you burn you need to find ways to replace it. Conserve your energy.
The average active person will use approximately 3,000-5,000 calories per day.
Always ensure that the energy gained from the food is more than the energy you expended in procuring it, otherwise it’s a wasteful exercise.
In a short-term survival situation, food should NOT be your major priority.
In a long-term survival situation, your survival priorities will change and the need for food will become more important.
Food Sources
Plants – They are easy to collect, and require little energy to obtain. Make sure that you are absolutely positive that they are edible. Learn 5-10 common wild edible plants in your area.
5 Common Wild Edible Plants Every Person Should Know
- Dandelion
- Clover
- Plantain
- Violets
- Wood Sorrel
All of these plants are easy to identify, and are easy on the stomach and taste buds. NEVER eat a wild plant, unless you know what it is.
Fish and Crawfish – Requires little effort once the lines and traps have been set. Fish are high in protein, and can be cooked dozens of ways. I simple soda bottle can be transformed into Minnow Trap, and there are several natural resources to build a Funnel Fish Trap. Check out our Fish Trap Video Here. Yoyo fish traps are also an excellent survival gear item to carry with you. We have several Yoyo videos as well.
Insects / Reptiles / Amphibians – Be careful that you don’t waste too much energy trying to catch them. Remember:
“Red, Orange, and Yellow KILL a fellow; Black, Green, or Brown EAT’em down”
5 Common Edible Insects
Ants
- Earthworms / Mealworms
- Grasshoppers / Crickets
- Grubs
- Termites
ALL insects should be cooked before consumption. Remove the head and entrails, and skewer on a stick. If not certain, if bug or animal is safe to eat, you can always use it as bait.
Birds / Mammals – They are wary of humans, and can be difficult to catch. Even if caught, the animal will need to be killed and processed.
A simple throwing stick is an easy way to procure some quality protein. Large game even as big as deer, have been taken with such methods.
To become effective with the throwing stick remove any branches or obstructions that might impact flight. Take a wide stance, and throw side arm.
Most wild foods must be cooked. Roast over an open fire, or make a stew if container is available. I highly encourage you to make food procurement a priority in your survival skills tool belt.
Recommended Food Procurement Gear:
Chief AJ’s Slingbow
Emmrod Fishing Gear
Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow 35lb
Nomad Survival Bow
Check out these amazing videos on Food Procurement / Managing Energy / Caloric Intake and Expenditure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz_fjSSpP2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nblem5XGF3s
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