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Interior and Designer: Carlos Esparza
Art Producer: Tom Hood
Senior Editor: Sabrina Young
Associate Editor: Maxine Marshall
Production Manager: Jose Olivera
Production Editor: Melissa Edeburn
Illustrations Conor Buckley, 2020. Photographs Marharyta Tsapenko/Shutterstock, cover, .
ISBN: Print 978-1-64611-780-2 | eBook 978-1-64611-781-9
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This book is dedicated to my students who have spent time with me in the woods. The best way to learn is to teach.
CONTENTS
I joined the Marine Corps in 1995 and served for 21 years. During that time, I was in the Infantry, Force Reconnaissance, and Marine Special Operations Command as a Raider. Throughout my time in the Marine Corpsand through other sniper and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) trainingI became an expert at surviving in many environments and conditions. I have fine-tuned these skills in countries around the world. I retired in 2016, turning my focus to academia. However, I continue to keep my skills fresh by teaching small groups and pushing myself on extended solo and group wilderness outings.
As I read this book, I was pleasantly reminded that, in spite of years of training, I still have a lot to learn. Whether you are a novice or an expert, this book has something valuable to teach you. Something that may end up saving your life, or someone elses. Additionally, this book will boost your confidence and help make your adventures more pleasant.
Jason Marsteiner is precisely what I hope for in an author of a survival book. Jason is a father and a husband, hunter, fisherman, hiker, and camperidentities that many of us share. His advice is educational and practical, unlike that in some survival books whose authors have unrealistic expectations of the reader. Jason has the expertise to educate those who want to have safe hiking and camping adventures and to inform those who want to test their skills as survivalists.
If I can learn something from this book, so can you. This book was written for the beginner as well as for someone like mean expert with 20 years of experience in survival. Whoever you are, reading and practicing the skills in this book will make you better prepared for a plethora of situations and environments.
Glenn Wells, JD, MSOL
USMC Retired
I am the owner, founder, and operator of Colorado Mountain Man Survival LLC and The Survival University, where I teach survival skills to people of all backgrounds. I train corporate professionals, Special Forces, active duty military, and retired veterans.
I received my Wilderness First Responder certification from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed two American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) certifications from Off Grid Medic. I am a Level 1 POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) certified search and rescue tracker. I practice both primitive and modern skills, with a focus on practical techniques for real-life situations.
I was born at the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and I grew up in a nearby mountain town where survival skills were a way of life. I am a hunter, fisherman, hiker, camper, craftsman, backyard homesteader, cook, caring father, and loving husband. I have spent thousands of hours in the backcountry, honing and practicing the skills of survival.
With this book, you will acquire skills that are useful any time you venture into the outdoors. Of course, reading is different than practicing. To develop your bushcraft abilities, grab this book and then gather your gear, your friends, and your family and head into the woods.
A prepared adventurer is one who conditions their body and also their mind. No matter how big or small the journey, planning carefully ensures that you will enjoy yourself and that you will be ready should anything go wrong.
Fit for the Wilderness
Before heading out on your adventure, you should be physically and mentally prepared and have the gear necessary to face the challenge. Situational awareness is key. By constantly paying attention to your surroundings, you will sharpen your mind and make better choices. And, if you are reasonably fit, you will be able to react relatively quickly to what your mind sees, which will help you overcome difficult challenges.
Know Thyself
