Q&A for How to Live in the Wilderness

A debris shelter is a good option if you're in a pinch and need to make a shelter in the forest. Look for a long, solid stick that you can lean up against a tree. Then, build a structure of sticks along that and fill in the gaps with debris (like leaves). You want to stack that debris at least 1 ft (30.5 cm) or higher.

Prepare for it to ether run away or possibly harm you. It is best to leave wolves alone.

A knife, a fire starter and a pot or another metallic container that you can boil water with.

Look at the wildlife, vegetation and geography. Different mountains (such as the Rockies and Appalacians) are formed different ways. They get different amounts of precipitation and, as a result, different types of things can grow, which in turn effects the types of wildlife you see. This world is super diverse with TONS of niche ecosystems. Take the time to study how all these things play together and you will understand the area better. Also, keep in mind that areas are also affected by the people who live there and their culture(s).

It isn't a good idea. Mainly because bugs and animals like to stay in caves, and most importantly, starting a fire in a cave is extremely dangerous.

An animal will not do this. Animals will typically try to avoid you, though a select few may be hostile. It is not in their nature to try to accept you.

Presumably, you can just pick your own area. However, if it is a place that attracts to much attention, you may want to move to a new site to avoided unnecessary traffic from people.

It depends on where you've set up camp, but I know where I live (Victoria, AUS) you need a gun license to even own a gun, so it may be possible you need a hunting permit. If you're COMPLETELY out in the wild and TOTALLY separated from society then it wouldn't matter because you need permits and approvals to build your cabin and stay out in the wilderness.

Try to apply weather pattern prediction skills to see if its coming. Most suitable and safe accommodation will be a secure cave (mind current settlers of that cave!) or build secure underground place, sheltered by a big ground-level feature on the side of the direction from which the force is coming, with no big let-ins, if you cannot get out of the way of the tornado.

No, a cell phone is not necessary in the wilderness, and there will be nowhere to plug it in when the battery dies.

No, you don't. Even if someone did intrude on your land, they aren't going to know that the urine smell is yours (if they could smell it at all).

You should just suffer through it and learn to accept the discomfort of not having a computer. That's part of living in the wilderness!

You can't build a cave. Caves are natural things.

You would just have to follow and engage with the monkeys on a daily basis. Be aware though, it's likely they will reject you (or just ignore you) rather than letting you become part of their social group.

Yes, as long as the "wilderness" isn't someone else's property, including the government's (i.e. a national park or some such).

Find a spot near where you set up camp. Try going to that spot every time you need to go. Make it not too close to camp, but not to far.

If it is a brown bear, curl up in a ball or lay down with your belly on the ground and your elbows covering your face, and try your hardest not to move. If it's a black bear, never play dead. Find a medium-sized rock and throw it at the bear's eyes as hard as you can. It will be stunned for a moment and you can quickly run away.

In order to prevent that disaster, try to make a way to get back. For example: You could make small wooden sticks and drop them along the way. Then you would follow the wooden sticks to get back. If you are already lost, do not look for the hut yourself, you could get even more lost. Instead, try remembering the things you saw on the way to wherever you were going, such as landmarks.

Get into a kneeling position, put your hand that holds the bearing block under your leg at the bending point and this will help you to add more pressure, thus allowing you to generate an ember.

No you don't have to. If you are skilled and not a vegetarian, then you can kill wild animals (only kill wild animals and not endangered species). If you are skilled and vegetarian, then consider growing a garden.

You probably won't need much, since you're in the wilderness. Bring a little in case of an emergency, in case you need to get rescued or buy food for some reason.

Most people's lives end up feeling a little routine; it is really about how you perceive it and deal with it that makes for a difference. Running away, traveling or hiding away can all feel tempting at first but your problems are inside you and will catch up with you again eventually, as wherever you ran to also becomes routine in time. Instead, finish the education as it will broaden your horizons and spark your imagination in infinite wonderful ways, giving you freedoms you've yet to realize.