The Woodsman's Journal Online: Survival Hints for the Sportsman, 1959©

Survival Hints for the Sportsman, courtesy of The Woodsman’s Journal Online

Survival Hints for the Sportsman, was compiled in 1959, by the RCAF Eastern Area Rescue Co-Ordination Centre, and is an interesting and very hard to find booklet, which includes some great points and tips on survival, particularly on survival in the Canadian forest. I found a copy for sale a couple of years ago, purchased it, and in the spirit of the compiler's wishes, I have decided to share it with you.

The authors of Survival Hints, explained that they had three main ideas in mind when they wrote the booklet. First, that it was to be used as a guide to help you prepare for an expedition into the wilderness, second, that should you become lost in the wilderness, that you could use the instructions provided to stay alive, and third, to help you help your rescuers to find you.

The authors also recommended learning to use and always carrying, several essential survival tools, whenever you go into the woods. They felt that you should always carry a sharp axe with a sheath or a sharp knife, strike anywhere matches in a water-proof container, a compass and map and some emergency food (for information on a really tasty 1962 survival ration go [HERE] and [HERE]). The authors also suggested the following optional items, a whistle, sunglasses, signal mirror, mosquito net, snare wire and a medical kit which includes tape, a sewing kit and insect repellent. These essential and optional tools are very similar to the early 10 Essentials developed by The Mountaineers.

What I liked most about this booklet was the philosophy of the authors, which is as follows, that there is no disgrace in becoming lost, although there is a potential for a tragedy, particularly if you haven’t prepared ahead of time or you give in to your fears, lose your will to live and then die before you are found. The compilers of Survival Hints believed that tragedy could be avoided with “a little knowledge, a minimum of skills and a STRONG DESIRE TO LIVE”. Additionally, they felt that “YOU MUST HELP YOURSELF!” and that “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. To help yourself, you have to learn and practice some essential habits and skill, so “LEARN THESE…AND LET’S STAY ALIVE”.

I hope that you reading this booklet as much as I did and until next time, Happy Trails!

Sources:

RCAF Eastern Area Rescue Co-Ordination Centre, Survival Hints for the Sportsman, The Queen’s Printer And Controller Of Stationary; Ottawa, Canada; [1959]