The Practical Woodsman
Education • Travel • Preparedness
The Practical Woodsman is a way to share love of the wilderness, as well as my observations, thinking, and approach to what folks today are calling 'bushcraft' and 'survival'. The focus is on what is practical, as well as pointing out certain things being demonstrated by 'bushcrafters' today that are not practical at all.
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December 26, 2025
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Settin' Sentry

Ol' pup's a-settin' sentry over camp like he's drawin' wages for it.

"I'm really surprised that any woodsman would be willing to go deep into the backcountry without this most important tool, which is a creature who can smell what you can't smell, hear what you can't hear, see what you can't see. Early warning system. It's just amazing.

They'll look off into the dark. You can't hear a sound. But they've heard something or they've picked up on something, and something is out there."

— The Practical Woodsman

00:00:15
November 03, 2026
Water First at Cold Spring Branch

Plan your day around water, not miles. Fill up at every good source, filter it or treat it if you want the extra insurance, and never pass up clear moving water because you think there'll be more ahead.

— The Practical Woodsman

00:00:14
November 02, 2026
A Little Light

Out here, a little light goes a long way. You don't need to push back the whole night, just enough of it to see your next step.

— The Practical Woodsman

00:00:15
October 30, 2026
Braving the Ol’ Shawnee Appalachy Pt 2: Ornery Gal

Braving the Ol' Shawnee Appalachy - Pt 2: Ornery Gal

Coffee by a Proper Fire

Folks'll lug one o' them so-called "portable" tent wood stoves clean back into the hollers, then spend the whole blessed night a-feedin' it like a colicky young'un. Give me a proper fire ever' time.

"A regular campfire is superior, requires less work, is more dependable, and about a million times less fickle. You can get a good campfire going, walk off and leave it to itself for two hours, come back and it's still good. A campfire allows you to turn your attention to other things.

These toy stoves need constant attention and babying, demand the majority of your time, attention and energy, and only spit out heat for brief periods, and will die if you walk away from them.

A regular ol' campfire and layers is the answer, not toy stoves."

— The Practical Woodsman

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November 03, 2026

Before you build a shelter, look for the one the hill already made. Rock overhangs have kept people dry for thousands of years. Check the ceiling for loose slabs, stay out of the drip line, and leave it the way you found it.

— The Practical Woodsman

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