In the unforgiving embrace of the wild, survival often hinges on the age-old principle: adapt or perish. Remember the rule of threes: you can survive three minutes without air, three hours without shelter, three days without water, and three weeks without food. Well why push those limits when the wilderness is teeming with sustenance, if only you knew how to find food in the wild? From the vibrant tapestry of edible plants, to the art of fishing, from wild egg scavenging, to the overlooked bounty of bugs and insects. This article guides you through the essential skills of food survival in the wild. Here’s what you actually have a chance of catching.

Understanding basic survival principles

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand some basic survival principles. When faced with a survival situation, start with the Rule of Threes. You can survive approximately:

1. Three minutes without oxygen
2. Three hours without shelter in harsh conditions
3. Three days without water
4. Three weeks without food.

These guidelines serve as a reminder of our primary needs. Among them, the need to either have food or find food in survival scenarios. the significance of finding food in survival scenarios.

The role of food in your survival

Food provides energy needed for human survival at it’s most base level. It also boosts morale and mental clarity.

The right food can provide the nutrients necessary to maintain bodily functions and sustain physical stamina. In a survival situation, a well-nourished body is more resilient and better equipped to handle physical and mental challenges.

Food is not just a source of sustenance but also a psychological comfort. In times of stress and uncertainty, a warm meal can provide a sense of normalcy and security. Food plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive mindset. On the other hand, hunger leads to irritability, decreased focus, and impaired decision-making abilities.

The right balance of nutrients is essential for the body to function optimally. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals all play a vital role in supporting bodily functions and homeostasis. In a survival situation, where physical demands are heightened, ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients is even more critical.

The rule of threes in survival

Understanding the Rule of Threes helps prioritize your actions when searching for food. While you can go without food for approximately three weeks, it is important to focus on other survival essentials, such as shelter, water, and signaling for rescue, first. However, once these needs are met, finding and procuring sustenance should become a top priority.

Of course, this is for a situation when you’re unprepared for the emergency or crisis you face. Preparing beforehand for an emergency or disaster involves choosing and packing the right survival food in your survival kit in the first place.

If you’re out of luck and unprepared however, timing is everything in your survival. The Rule of Threes helps you understanding the urgency of different needs to stay alive. However, it is important to note that the Rule of Threes is a general guideline and can vary depending on individual circumstances and environmental factors.

How to find food in the wild

When searching for food in a survival situation, it is essential to consider your own skills and resources. What is your knowledge of edible plants and animals? Are you up to the risks associated with hunting or foraging?

Making informed decisions and using your survival skills can greatly increase your chances of finding food and sustaining yourself until rescue or a more stable situation arises.

So lets look at how to find food in the wild – the easy way.

Identifying edible plants

We start with plants because they’re easiest to gather, once you know how to look for them.

The trick is in identifying which plants are edible.

The idea of foraging for edible plants in the wilderness may seem intimidating, but with some knowledge and caution, nature can be your pantry. Knowing which plants are safe to consume is paramount to avoid potential harm.

When venturing into the wild, it is useful to have a basic understanding of edible plants in your area. Familiarizing yourself with common edible plants can greatly enhance your foraging experience. And the chances of finding sustenance until rescue.

Common edible plants

I once visited the Alice Springs Desert Park in the Northern Territory, to learn about how First Nations peoples find food and medicine in the desert. The First Nations guide started the tour with a question I’ll never forget:

“When you look out at the desert landscape and these trees and bushes, what do you see?” he asked.

“Trees and bushes” was our answer.

“I see the supermarket.” he said

The point I’m making is, there’s edible plants in most any vegetation, no matter how inhospital. You just need to know what you’re looking for.

Here’s a great list of some of the many edible native plants you’ll find in different parts of Australia.

Some other commonly found edible plants in both Australia and the US include:

Exploring the wilderness and stumbling upon these edible treasures can be a rewarding experience. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and ensure proper identification before consuming any wild plant.

Remember, proper identification is critical when foraging for wild plants. Always consult a reliable field guide or seek guidance from an experienced forager before consuming any unfamiliar plants. Joining a local foraging group or attending workshops can also provide valuable insights into the world of edible plants.

Dangerous plants to avoid

Staying alive in the wild is as much about what you choose not to eat as what you do.

While nature offers an array of edible plants, there are also lots of toxic plants that can lead to severe illness or even death. In particular lots of wild mushrooms and wild berries can be toxic to humans. And poisonous varieties can very closely resemble edible ones.

If in doubt, it’s better to go hungry than risk consuming something poisonous.

If you’re in a long term survival situation (multiple weeks), edible plants will not be sufficient to sustain physical conditioning. Without alternate forms of protein, you’ll eventually begin to experience calorie deficit, weight loss and weakness.

And that brings us to other sources of survival food in the wild, and how to find them.

Fishing for food in the wild

The next easiest way to find food in the wild is probably fishing.

If you’re near water, fishing is an excellent source of high protein food. With basic fishing skills and basic equipment, you can turn a creek or lake into your own personal grocery store.

Making a basic fishing Rod

Nature provides excellent materials for crafting a basic fishing rod.

Look for a long, flexible branch for a rod. To that, you can attach a line using natural cordage or improvised fishing line. Here are 5 different materials you can find in the Australian bush, to make fishing line from:

1. Kurrajong Bark (Brachychiton populneus): The inner bark of the kurrajong tree can be stripped and twisted into strong cords.
2. Cabbage Tree Palm (Livistona australis): The fibers from this palm can be twisted into a durable line.
   Flax Lily (Dianella spp.): The long, tough leaves can be stripped into fibers and twisted together.
3. Animal Tendons: If you come across an animal carcass, the tendons can be dried and then teased apart to create a strong, thin line. Kangaroo tendons are particularly strong.
4. Vine: Some vines, when stripped of their outer bark, can be used as a makeshift line. Just ensure they’re flexible and strong enough to hold a fish.
5. Spider Silk: Some large Australian spiders, like the Golden Orb Weaver, produce a strong web. Collecting and twisting these together can create a very fine but surprisingly strong line.

When it comes to a hook look for bits of bone, thorns or scrap metal. As always, it’s best to be prepared with survival food you’ve prepared earlier and packed in your bush survival kit. The reality is, it may take a metric tonne of patience and skill, to reel anything in using DIY fishing rod and hook.

Identifying Edible Fish

Before you cast your line, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local fish species and their edibility. While most fish are safe to consume, some may have toxins or be inedible due to size regulations. Always consult local fishing guidelines and consider catch-and-release practices to sustain fish populations.

Foraging for eggs

Its a less obvious source of food by eggs are full of protein and nutrients. So what kind of eggs could you scavenge for?

• Bird Eggs: Various birds, from ground-nesting species like the emu and mallee fowl to tree-nesting birds, lay eggs that humans can eat.
• Reptile Eggs: Many reptiles, including lizards, goannas and non-venomous snakes, lay eggs. These eggs are typically soft-shelled and can be found buried in sandy or soft soils. Be cautious about disturbing the nests of a venomous species. You can eat snake eggs, just cook them first.
• Turtle Eggs: In coastal or freshwater regions, you might come across turtle nests. While these eggs can be eaten, many turtle species are endangered or protected. So only as a last resort measure.

8 tips to help your egg scavenging antics

Here are the top 8 things o watch out for, if you’re scavenging for eggs in the wild:

1. Freshness: Always check the freshness of an egg before eating it. You can do the “float test” by placing the egg in water. Fresh eggs will sink, while old or rotten eggs will float. Also, inspect the egg for any off-putting smell or discoloration.
2. Diseases: Wild eggs can carry diseases or parasites. It’s crucial to cook them thoroughly to kill any potential pathogens. Avoid eggs with cracks or holes, as they can be contaminated.
3. Protected Species: Try not to eat protected species unless as a last resort. Disturbing or taking eggs from endangered or protected birds, reptiles, or other animals is illegal in many places.
4. Predators and venomous creatures: Some animals, especially snakes, can be very protective of their eggs. Always be cautious when reaching into hidden areas or when you suspect the presence of a venomous creature. While it might seem tempting, don’t be silly enough to scavenge for crocodile eggs if you’re down under. It’s seriously not worth the risk of coming face to face with that egg’s protective mother.
5. Ecological Impact: Remember that by taking eggs, you’re reducing the potential for that species to reproduce. Always consider the ecological impact of your actions and only take what you need.
6. Camouflage: Many eggs are well camouflaged or hidden. Look for signs like nests, or tracks.
7. Legal Restrictions: In many places, collecting wild eggs is regulated or prohibited. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits if required.
8. Storage: If you’re not consuming the eggs immediately, store them in a cool, dry place. Remember, wild eggs have a natural protective layer that helps keep out bacteria.

Gathering insects and bugs

The thought of consuming insects and bugs is not great. Actually, it’s pretty gross. But desperate times call for desperate measures. And just ask Bear Grylls. Insects and small creatures can provide an excellent source of protein and energy to keep you going.

So what creepy crawlies are safe to munch on?

5 edible insects from the Australian bush

While it’s crucial to avoid consuming poisonous insects, many bugs are safe and surprisingly nutritious. Some edible insects you’ll find the Australian bush are:

1. Witchetty Grubs: These are large, white, wood-eating larvae of several moths. They’re a traditional food source for Indigenous Australians and can be eaten raw or cooked. When cooked, they taste a bit like scrambled eggs or chicken.
2. Honey Ants: Found in the arid regions, these ants store honeydew in their abdomens. The swollen abdomen can be eaten and tastes sweet, just like honey. They’re another traditional food source for Indigenous Australians.
3. Bogong Moths: These moths migrate to the alpine regions of southeastern Australia during the summer. They’re rich in fat and have been a seasonal food source for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. They can be roasted over a fire.
4. Earthworms: While not the most appetizing, earthworms are edible and can be found throughout Australia. It’s best to purge them first by letting them expel the dirt in their systems. After that, you can boil or roast them.
5. Green Tree Ants: Found in northern Australia, these ants have a lemony taste due to the formic acid they produce. You can eat the ants and their larvae. Just be cautious of their bite; it’s best to remove the head before consuming.

5 edible bugs if you’re in the US

1. Crickets: Found almost everywhere in the US, crickets are a great source of protein. They can be roasted, fried, or even ground into a powder to add to other foods. Just make sure to remove their legs and wings before consuming.
2. Mealworms: These are the larvae of darkling beetles and are often found in stored grain products. They can be roasted or fried and have a nutty flavor.
3. Grasshoppers: Like crickets, grasshoppers are found throughout the US and are rich in protein. It’s best to cook them to eliminate any parasites. Remember to remove the wings and legs before eating.
4. Ants: While smaller than some other options, ants can be found in abundance. They can be eaten raw, but many people prefer to roast them to neutralize their formic acid, which can give them a sharp taste. Some species, like the honeypot ant, store honeydew and have a sweet taste.
5. Earthworms: Just as in Australia, earthworms are a viable option in the US. They can be found in moist soil. It’s recommended to purge them first and then boil or roast them to improve their taste and texture.

Just like plants, you need to be sure what you’re eating. At lot of bugs are just not for human consumption.

If you’ve ever eaten bugs before (and I have) you’ll know that there’s also the delicate problem of keeping what you’ve eaten down. Not ralphing your stomach lining up because you’ve just eaten a squishy-in-your mouth bug. Cooking them can help kill off parasites and reduce the risk of transmitting diseases. And make them just a little more palatable.

Preparing bugs to eat necessitates careful cleaning and cooking to remove any pathogens and to kill bacteria and parasites. Techniques such as roasting and boiling are easiest on a campfire.

If you can’t stomach eating creepy crawlies, eggs are good alternative. But they’re also much harder to find.

Recap

If you know how to find food in the wild, you are undoubtedly better equipped to survive most scenarios. After reading this article you know the 4 survival foods you actually have a chance of catching or gathering in a survival scenario. Like Mike on Alone: Australia, you could burn all your energy building traps and snares to never catch a thing. Or you can focus on learning to identify the plants, eggs, bugs and fish around you that are easier to catch or gather, and maintain enough calories to get through. The choice, is up to you.