Survival Foods

It's always a good idea to be familiar with the survival foods that are out there. The knowledge can save the lives of lost backpackers and hikers, but this isn't likely. Survival situations are usually short-term, and the primary concerns are shelter and water. Being able to obtain food too, however, is a psychological comfort, and helps maintain a sense of calm and a clear mind - and these can be important to survival.

There are a few basic categories of survival foods. Which ones you'll need to use depends on where you are and what tools you have available. The following are some of the foods most likely to be available. Note: Except for the berries, you should reserve most of these foods for true emergencies.

Wild Edible Berries

The easiest survival food to obtain. At the right time of year, you can find several different edible berries to choose from. If it looks like a blueberry, strawberry or raspberry - and tastes like one - it is. Some others you might want to learn to identify include wild currants, service berries (also known as juneberries), bearberries, wintergreen berries, bunchberries, wild cherries, thimbleberries, blackberries, cranberries, and rose hips (the fruit of wild roses).

Foods from Water

All freshwater fish in North America are safe to eat after cooking. Occasionally you can catch fish with your bare hands, by waiting where they swim by, and quickly pinning them to the bottom. I've caught 40 small fish in an hour or two in this way. You may be able to chase fish into shallow water and trap them. Fashion a line and a hook from items you have, use worms or grasshoppers for bait.

There are easier survival foods in lakes and streams. Mollusks or clams can often just be picked up (boil or cook them over a fire). Crayfish can be found hiding under rocks and logs in the water. You'll only get meat from the tail, but they are delicious.

Bugs and Insects

Not all bugs and insects are safe to eat. Unless you learn more, stick with grasshoppers and wood grubs. Grasshoppers can be caught by hand in grassy areas. Wood grubs are found by breaking open rotten logs. Cook both before eating, and remove legs and wings from grasshoppers.

Birds

It's tough to capture or kill most birds without a gun. You can use survival weapons like a bola, but unless you have previously practiced using them, it is unlikely you'll have much success. Some birds nest on the ground, though, like ptarmigan or grouse. These can possibly be taken with a well-aimed rock. They often return to the same place, so you may get more than one chance. Check nests too - eggs from ground-nesting birds are a good survival food (cook them).

Other Animals

It is very difficult to kill most mammals without weapons. Spears and other survival weapons won't help much, unless you have previously practiced using them. Wait until all your other needs (shelter, water, signal fire) are met before trying. One animal can be killed with a rock or large stick, however: the porcupine. Avoid the sharp quills by cutting and cleaning them from the underside. Porcupines are slow (and tasty), making them one of the best survival foods.

Every chapter has tips for lightweight backpacking and wilderness survival.