Skills Development
We learn through the experience and adventure of new things. Your instructors at Coyote Trails are trained in the art of living in the wilderness. Together you will learn a greater appreciation of the world around us and attain higher levels of self-reliance and confidence in the outdoors.
Nature Observation: You 'll be shown how to observe nature on a deeper level and learn the basic philosophy behind a positive outlook in any situation. Skills will include silent movement, understanding bird language, the means of camouflage, and the methods to become one with your surroundings. You will learn how to immerse yourself in the natural world.
Tracking: You will learn the basics of
tracking, including track identification
and analysis, track dynamics, animal markings, scrapes and
chews, sign tracking, scat
identification, the proper use of resource field guides and how
to follow a trail.
Wilderness Living: The following
wilderness skills will be covered:
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Shelter: techniques for constructing the debris hut,
wicki-up, thatching, mud hut, cave dwelling, and pit
dwelling.
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Water: finding water using a solar still, sink hole, plants,
and various other water gathering methods.
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Fire: making a fire using primitive methods including
the bow drill, hand drill, as well as how to build a proper
fire.
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Food: finding food from both plants and animals found in
North America ranging from desert to mountain
terrain. Collecting, preparation, and cooking will
be covered, though in the interest of conservation only a
sampling of such food will be prepared.
Tools: making stone tools, cordage, bow drills, spears, digging sticks, cooking utensils, bowls, and many more.
Trapping: trapping animals using
primitive snares and deadfalls. No animals will be harmed
or trapped during the course, but participants will understand
how to build and set traps and will practice non-lethal methods
for a better understanding of the techniques.
Tanning: the primitive ways of tanning a
deer hide; brain tanning, and making rawhide, as well as many
useful items that can be made with a hide. Due to safety
concerns, no brain will be used in the tanning of hides.
Students will gain the knowledge and experience through
alternative methods.
Wilderness Ethics: The peace found through wilderness and the caretaker approach to living in balance is discussed as the underlying philosophy surrounding the skills learned.
