August 2018

DON’T MISS: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR AIM WITH YOUR RIFLE

OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES TO BECOME A REAL SURVIVALIST

IN THIS ISSUE:

AUGUST 2018

NATURALLY KEEP A GARDEN THRIVING

SURVIVE AGAINST A MACHETE ATTACK

TURN NEWSPAPER AND JUNK MAIL INTO FIRE BRICKS

DON’T FORGET THESE IMPORTANT BUG OUT SKILLS

HOW TO SMOKE A FISH TO PREVENT IT SPOILING

WHY EVERY KIT NEEDS A ROLL OF PARACORD and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018

.

Contents FEATURED

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR AIM WITH YOUR RIFLE Learning to shoot goes hand in hand with survival. Firearms are not only a means of feeding your family, but they provide that last line of defense should the authorities let you down…

page 4

WOULD YOU SURVIVE AGAINST A MACHETE ATTACK? There's something particularly brutal about the machete. Designed initially as a farming tool, in the hands of an attacker it's a deadly weapon. A combination of axe and blade, capable…

page 5

NATURALLY KEEP YOUR GARDEN THRIVING Growing my own food is one of my top priorities as a survivalist. There's only so long your stockpile will last, so it's important you've got a way to replenish your stores. Plus, it's a great…

page 6

ENSURE YOU STAY ALIVE ONCE THE SHTF When the SHTF, life will change pretty drastically. And not for the better. We spend all this time preparing and planning, because we survivalists understand just how bad it's going to be…

page 8

DONT FORGET THESE IMPORTANT BUG-OUT SKILLS If I've said it before I'll say it again. To successfully "bug out" you need more than the gear in your kit. Sure, it's going to help, having a few protein bars and a water filter, but what's most…

page 9

SMOKE A FISH TO PREVENT IT SPOILING Fishing can go one of either two ways. You either catch far too much for a single meal, or you spend the afternoon watching the stream with no fish. Trouble is, when you're camping, or…

page 10

WHY EVERY KIT NEEDS A ROLL OF PARACORD Paracord has got to be one of my favorite survival items. When you're stuck in the wild, having good cord is a god-send. And it's been used for generations. Originally designed as the…

page 11

TURN NEWSPAPER AND JUNK MAIL INTO FIRE BRICKS When I moved onto our homestead and started separating all the paper from the trash, I was a little shocked. The newspaper and the pile of junk that turns up in my mailbox each day…

page 13

OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES TO BECOME A REAL SURVIVALIST It's not easy being a survivalist. You're often misunderstood, or branded "that crazy friend" in your group. The people around you make it hard to fit in, and not only that, you're worried…

1

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR AIM WITH YOUR RIFLE Learning to shoot goes hand in hand with survival. Firearms are not only a means of feeding your family, but they provide that last line of defense should the authorities let you down. And trust me. You don't want to be relying on the government in a crisis. But being a smart survivalist requires more than owning a gun. You need to learn how to shoot. And how to shoot accurately. Being good with your rifle can help you take down that deer for dinner, eliminate the invaders who are sneaking up on your bug out location, or even just give you bragging rights with your friends. There's nothing better than a tight group of fire on your targets at the range. It’s like real-life proof your training and preparation is paying off. But just because you're not there yet, it doesn't always mean it's you. I struggled for years with my rifle skills, they plateaued and I simply wasn't getting any better. I was alright, but there wasn't anything fantastic about my shooting. Until I took a course with a pro.

Over eight weeks we did 15 classes, and I learnt more during those hours than I think I had in my entire life shooting guns. I was blown away by how the subtlest mistakes were impacting my accuracy. And once corrected, I couldn't believe how much I had improved. These days I've got no excuses. Fix these simple mistakes and improve your aim with your rifle. ACCURATELY SET YOUR SCOPE

CREATE A STABLE BASE When you're shooting over long distances, even the smallest movements can throw off your accuracy. It's important to have a stable base for your rifle, so the shake in your hands doesn't ruin your aim. For me, my hands are a mess and I struggle keeping them still. I actually found the best solution for me is to bring my own rifle base. I use a pair of custom-made "sandbags" for want of a better word. They make it so much easier to shoot.

There's more to putting your scope on than bolting it to your gun. Follow the instructions that came with it to fit this onto your rifle. The manufacturers guide is the best steps to follow, and there's plenty of tutorials on YouTube than walk you through it. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, ask an instructor at your shooting range. But pay attention. You may need to do it yourself one day. Once you're done, I'd also recommend fitting a laser sight, as this can help you quickly bring your rifle to bear.

2

“even the smallest movements can throw off your accuracy…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 cont. They're also refillable, so they make a great addition to your bug out kit, as you just need to bring the bags and you can fill them when you need. USE THE SAME PRESSURE When I was taught to shoot one of the key lessons from my dad was the importance of holding my rifle tight into my shoulder. Over time, I gradually increased the pressure, so I was hugging it tighter and tighter in an effort to keep the gun from moving. Now even though there's no "right or wrong" way to do this, the trouble would come after a long shooting session when I simply couldn't keep up the high levels of pressure. I was too tight. Instead, you want to find that sweet spot where you're keeping the gun firm into your shoulder, but you're still able to repeat it with the same pressure each shot. PRESS THE TRIGGER GENTLY There are far too many people that think "pull the trigger" actually means yank the trigger back like they do in a Hollywood movie. Trouble is, your trigger will have slack. And as your finger moves sharply back, your gun will move. Ever so slightly. But enough to ruin your aim over a long distance. The key to good shooting is a smooth and slow trigger press. You need to practice this most of all, as each gun is a little different. What you're looking to do is slowly start to remove all the slack in the mechanism as you being the trigger press, so you're able to choose the precise moment to fire. That way, you're in complete control. MAINTAIN YOUR FOLLOW THROUGH Once you take a shot you're not yet done. Don't get up. Stay in your shooting position until you see the bullet hit the target. You want to visualize the entire process, from the moment you press the trigger, the arc of the bullet down the range, and the impact on the target. Stay in the moment, as once the bullet hits you'll also be in a better spot to judge what corrections need to be made.

I get though that this can get boring, so what I like is to mix up the targets. As a practice session gets going I'll aim for smaller and smaller targets, and if I've got the chance I'll even setup some of my own. The trick is to aim for a certain spot, whether it's just above the shoulder on a deer, or in the center ring of a target so you're fully concentrated, and maintain your follow through. When it comes to good shooting there is a certain amount of skill involved.

3

Some people are just better than others, as they do many of these lessons instinctively. But what I love most about shooting my rifle is that practice makes perfect. If you want to become a great shooter, what you really need to develop is consistency. You need to be able to eliminate ever y outside influencer that will affect your aim, and shoot exactly the same, every time. That's how to improve your aim with a rifle.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 RUN THE OTHER WAY

WOULD YOU SURVIVE AGAINST A MACHETE ATTACK? There's something particularly brutal about the machete. Designed initially as a farming tool, in the hands of an attacker it's a deadly weapon. A combination of axe and blade, capable of inflicting a massive amount of damage to anyone standing in their way. It's also a piece of gear that's easy to get hold of. And one that's going to find its way into most people's bug out bags. In an uprising or a SHTF event, the machete has proven time and time again to be the weapon of choice for those without access to firearms. Being both easy to use while readily available, it's an easy choice. But the trouble comes when you're facing an opponent with a machete. One swing and you could lose an arm, or be cut that deep you bleed out before you can get help. With enough strength, a sharp machete can even be used to behead an opponent. Think about that for a second. It's like an axe and a knife had a baby, and in the hands of your attacker it is a devastating weapon. Fighting back is indeed a dangerous move, but here’s how you survive. DEFUSE THE SITUATION My first recommendation is to try and diffuse the situation. Perhaps your opponent only wants your wallet, or the food in your pack. Hand it over without question. Stay calm, and do what they say. No matter what, getting into a fight with someone armed with a machete is dangerous, and you never know how it's going to end. You can replace food. But a critical wound could prove fatal, especially in a SHTF situation. The only caveat here is if you suspect the attacker wants to harm or assault you. That's when you fight back.

They always say the best defense is a good offense, and if you're unarmed against a machete-wielding attacker, my next advice is to run. One hit will cut deep into your flesh, and you'll go down, probably for good. So, size up your opponent, and if you can surprise them by fleeing, do it. Just make sure you're running towards an area with other people, and you don't trap yourself in an alley or a remote location because that's not going to end well. Drop everything and run as fast as you can. FIND A SHIELD Every strike you take from a machete could be fatal. If you do need to fight back, the first thing you need to find is a makeshift shield. Use a backpack full of textbooks, find a trashcan lid, or pick up anything that you can use to take the brunt of each blow. Be careful of your fingers, these will get severed if they take the hit, and hold tight to your shield. You're not looking to do anything except stopping the machete from hitting you. The only advice here I can give is to look for something solid, a broomstick or anything wooden is likely only to shatter when hit. FIGHT BACK WITH FURY Now comes the important part. Against an opponent with a machete, you want to keep your distance, but you also need to fight back if you want to survive. This would be the perfect time to draw your concealed carry firearm, or unload a can of pepper spray into their face so you can escape. But I get that's not always possible. Instead, look for anything you can use to fight from a distance or gain the upper hand. A broomstick (or similar) may not hold up well as a defensive shield, but if you can smash their hand or wrist that's holding the machete so they drop it, you've now g ot the advantage. Especially if you can pick up the machete and use it yourself. So aim for their arms, and not the machete. You could also target sensitive spots on the body like the throat, eyes, and temple. Whatever it takes to remove the threat of your opponents weapon.

4

A brick (or similar) can be thrown to give you a chance to charge in and disarm your opponent. This is highly risky, but if they can't get a good swing you're much more likely to survive the initial contact. Look for whatever you can to close the gap and remove the advantage the machete gives your attacker. Even a handful of dust can provide vital seconds, and once your close use a knife or a strikepen to inflict a massive amount of damage and win the fight. USING A MACHETE YOURSELF If you manage to overpower your opponent and get hold of the machete yourself, knowing how to use it to fight back is also smart. Grip the handle tight, and strike with an angled downward motion. The trick is to put force into your strikes without overcommitting, while targeting large, meaty areas of the body that aren't possible to dodge. Like the neck and shoulders, the torso, or the legs. Surviving an encounter with a machetewielding maniac comes down to you. If you can diffuse the situation or escape, that's definitely your best option. Fighting back requires a way to shield yourself from the strikes, and a weapon that you can use effectively with a little range. Once you get in close you'll need to end the fight fast, so make sure you've got the appropriate self-defense items in your everyday carry. You never know when you might need it.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 WOOD ASH To boost the alkalinity in your soil, collect the ash from your fireplace and sprinkle it in your garden. The trick is to keep your fire as natural as possible, so no using fire starters or charcoal. Hardwoods only, and a little paper to get the fire started. We get a bucket of ash every week during winter, which is perfect for our kale, beets and beans. SEAWEED We head to the beach every couple of weeks, and despite the nasty smell, seaweed is fantastic for your garden. Just collect a couple of buckets, and when you get home give it a good wash and let it dry out. That'll cut down most of the smell. Once it's dry, chop it up up and mix it one for one with water. Then pour straight on your plants, GRASS CLIPPINGS

NATURALLY KEEP YOUR GARDEN THRIVING Growing my own food is one of my top priorities as a survivalist. There's only so long your stockpile will last, so it's important you've got a way to replenish your stores. Plus, it's a great source of nutrients and vitamins when you're living off tins of food. Every survivalist needs a garden, and they don't even take up that much space to add real value. But what you do need is fertilizer. And when the SHTF the stores aren’t going to open for you to just buy fertilizer. It's important you know how to keep your garden thriving. COFFEE GROUNDS My tomatoes thrive in an acid-rich soil, and one of the best ways to create this is to use coffee grounds as a fertilizer. I've got a container under the sink to collect the grounds out of the machine, which I just allow to dry and then sprinkle onto the soil. BANANA PEELS Our family goes through a couple of bunches of bananas a week, and the peels are a fantastic way to add more potassium into the soil. Simply take the peel and shred it up, it takes half a minute to chop these up after a snack and you can then use the peel as a base around the plants.

EGG SHELLS Egg shells are high in calcium and help you to grow strong and heathy plants. If you're cooking with eggs, set the shells aside and allow them to dry. Once they've dried, you just need to grind these to a powder to use on your garden. I've got a small trash can by our chicken coop for drying the shells, which I crush up and use every couple of weeks. AQUARIUM WASTE Once I started researching aquaponics I realized just how powerful fish waste was in putting nutrients back into the ground. We've got a small fish tank that gets cleaned every couple of weeks, and the waste water is a great plant fertilizer. So long as it's a fresh water tank that is. Simply collect it and pour directly into your garden. COOKING WATER Every time you boil vegetables and pour the water down the drain, you're sending nutrients right into the sewer. The hot water leeches these out as you cook. So, collect the cooking water and let it cool, and pour it straight into your garden as a little booster for your plants. Just make sure it's water only. If you've added salt this isn't healthy for your garden.

5

To put nitrogen back into your soil, use grass clippings as a fertilizer. The trouble is they can't be used directly as they take time to break down. Instead you're going to make tea. Fill a fivegallon bucket with clippings and top it up with water. Then combine one part of your grass tea to five parts water, and pour on your plants. ANIMAL WASTE If you've got animals, manure is a great fertilizer. You can mix it directly into your compost heap, or leave it to dry first. Before I start planting I add about a half inch to the top of the soil, then till it in by hand. You can use chicken, cow and horse manure, but not anything from your dog, cat or other meat-eaters as it has harmful parasites. WORM CASTINGS Packed with minerals essential for growing plants, a worm farm will create a constant supply of highly nutritional plant food. Just feed them your kitchen scraps and a little shredded newspaper, and let the worms do their thing. It typically takes six to eight weeks for a worm farm to start producing compost, and then you're good to go. For your survival garden to thrive, you need to keep it fertilized. And once the stores are stripped bare you'll need to find natural ways to feed your plants. All of these ingredients can boost your garden's ability to produce, so start trying them today.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018

ENSURE YOU STAY ALIVE ONCE THE SHTF When the SHTF, life will change pretty drastically. And not for the better. We spend all this time preparing and planning, because we survivalists understand just how bad it's going to be. In a post-collapse environment, when there are no rules, real life is going to be far worse than anything we've imagined in cinema or a novel. People are the bad guys.

So, don't give anyone a reason to probe or learn more about you, don't do anything to raise suspicion, and don't let it slip just how well you've prepared. Keep your head down and blend into the crowd. There are people out there looking for the outliers they can take advantage of.

The law will no longer protect you. The police and authorities will be looking out for their own families first, and the only person who truly has your best interests at heart, is you.

DON’T GO OUT ALONE OR UNARMED

To ensure you and your family have the best chances of staying alive after a crisis, you'll need to follow a number of rules. These are guidelines to help you u n d e r s t a n d a n d o ve r c o m e t h e challenges you will face, so pay attention. They may just save your life. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN We've talked about the grey man concept in other articles, and you should already have a good idea of what it means. If not, it's a simple idea. You want to be as unremarkable as possible. You want to be forgotten as soon as you've passed by. You want to not draw any attention as you go about your business.

Don't be one of them.

It stands to reason that a single person is more vulnerable than a group, and by venturing out alone you also put your wife and kids back home at risk.

MAKE YOUR PLANS COMMON KNOWLEDGE There's no point having a survival plan if no one else in your g roup understands what you're doing. Let your family in on your plans, and be honest. Knowing they’ve got enough food stored will help calm their nerves, and most importantly, ensure they can follow your communication plan. Whenever you're heading out, make sure to tell your family where you're going, when you're expected back, and where you'll go if there's trouble.

So, don't do it. If you need to head out on a supply run make sure you travel in pairs, so you've got an extra pair of eyes and ears to watch your back. Just one other person could make all the difference, especially if you're both armed. Always, always carry a firearm with you, and ensure you've got backup weapons and ammunition just in case. And be prepared to use them. The bad guys will shoot first, and you will need to react quickly if you want to survive.

6

“make sure to tell your family where you’re going…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 cont. That way they know how to get in contact with you if you do happen to get separated. Because you never know what may happen once the SHTF. BE WARY AROUND NEW PEOPLE It stands to reason that you need to keep your distance when meeting a stranger. Pay attention to everything, from their eye movements to what their body language is saying. If you've got business, get it done fast, so you can get back to a safe and secure location as fast as possible. I'd also recommend having a spotter to watch for a potential ambush, or any other people closing in on your destination. It's a simple trap technique where the attacker lulls you into a false sense of security before their second wave of troops approaches on ambush. Don't let your guard down around new people. FIND THE ULTERIOR MOTIVE The second move when you meet a new person, is to uncover what it is they want. People don't travel or wander for no reason. So be street smart and figure it out. Perhaps it's something simple, like food or water or medicine that you can trade for. Maybe they're scouting for a new location, or a family they can exploit. Be ready for this too. Once you understand what it is they are after, you can take steps accordingly. BE PREPARED TO BE BRUTAL In a lawless society there's a few things to watch out for. It sounds horrible but there will be groups of men looking for women, and they will take what they want. There's even a number of studies that highlight just how prevalent cannibalism is in disasters. In just a couple of weeks without food, humans will turn on other humans. You need to be prepared to fight. Arm yourself with a firearm, as well as other weapons like pepper spray, a taser, or whatever you prefer. Survival of the fittest means you need to be brutal in a confrontation. REMEMBER PERSONAL HYGIENE This last rule is a big one. With utilities not running, not to mention the piles of trash building up, the biggest risk you face after other people is bacteria and infection.

Wash your hands with soap, and remember to bathe regularly. Take the time to wash your clothes too, and if you do happen to get a cut or a scrape, sanitize it properly before you bandage it up. Oh, and find somewhere away from your home to dispose of any waste, whether it be in a pit or its burned. The last thing you want is to get sick.

7

In the aftermath of a disaster the world will see just how fragile our society really is. Once it comes crashing down. Without laws and penalties in place, it won't be long until people reveal their true nature. It may take days. Perhaps weeks. But definitely not months. If you want to stay alive, you need to follow these rules. They will keep you safe.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018

DON’T FORGET THESE IMPORTANT BUG-OUT SKILLS

If I've said it before I'll say it again. To successfully "bug out" you need more than the gear in your kit. Sure, it's going to help, having a few protein bars and a water filter, but what's most important to develop is your skills. Your knowledge, experience and training cannot be lost, damaged or taken. Unlike a bag of gear slung over your shoulder. Here’s the skills you need to know.

Find the right campsite. After a day bugging out, you'd be forgiven for not giving much consideration to your site. But you're wrong. It's important to know what to look for, so you're not suffering plagues of bugs, or a rising river if it starts to rain.

Care for your tools. If you've been cutting saplings for your lean-to or chopping wood from the fire, your hatchet and knife will get blunt fast. Know how to sharpen these, and also how to care for all of your gear. It'll help it last longer in a disaster.

Build a decent shelter. A lean-to is one of the simplest survival structures. But you don't want the first time you build one to be when you need it. So, practice. Know your knots. Where to find material. And see how well yours holds up during a storm.

Prepare for winter. One of the scariest situations you can face is the cold. It's unforgiving, and if you're not ready to overcome it, the cold will win. Understand cold-weather camping, and ensure you've got the gear, and the know-how to stay warm and dry.

The art of the fire. In the wild a fire iwarms, cooks, purifies water, and can help keep any nasty animals at bay while you're asleep. You need to master it. Know how to start and keep a fire burning through the night. How to cook on it. And how to put it out.

Tracking and following . Being able to identify the people and animals in an area can help you avoid trouble, or make a successful hunt. Knowing what to look for is critical, from different types of spoor to predicting the destination a group may be headed.

Source clean water. Without water you're going to be suffering in less than a day, but it can be elusive to find. Take the time to learn how to find water in your local area, and also purify it. Boiling is simple, but primitive water filters can help.

Leave no trace. Other people will be the biggest threat when the SHTF, and my advice is to leave no trace so you cannot be found. Apply the tracking techniques you've been practicing to your own bug out so you're not creating a path to your camp.

Gather food supplies. We all fantasize about hunting for meat, but the most calorie-efficient means of finding dinner is gathering. Take the time to understand the local edible plants in your area, how to identify them and prepare it for consumption.

Basic first aid. There's more to first aid then sticking a bandaid on it, especially if you're caring for someone injured. Take a course, and learn the techniques to keep someone alive. CPR, wound care and more will all come in handy once the SHTF.

Catch real protein. Eventually you'll need meat, so it's important you're also able to catch your dinner. Learn traditional fishing techniques and how to use them, and know where and how to catch game like rabbits, boar and more. It's not as easy as you think.

Signaling for help. If you ever need to get the word out, knowing how to signal for help is a good skill. Three of anything is the trick here, and includes everything from setting three signal fires, to laying out three big markers in an field to be seen from above.

Store all of your food. It's not realistic to hunt every day, which means you're going to need to know how to store and preserve your catch. Practice smoking meats, and ensure you've got a safe place to keep any food out of the reach of any nearby predators.

Learn from a pro. All of these skills are great to practice , however if you've got the chance to attend a survival course. Do it. There's so much to learn, from the proper attitude to all the small things you pick up that aren't on the list. It’s well worth the investment

Basic navigation techniques. Google Maps is handy, but once the batteries die you need another way to navigate. Practice map reading and using a compass, and don't forget about the simpler navigation techniques, using the sun or the stars to find North.

All of these survival skills are critical in my opinion, and it’s important you start practicing them now, before you really need it. You don't want to be figuring this out on the fly when a real disaster hits, you want to be one of the prepared ones who survives.

8

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 Any thinner and you run the risk of them breaking apart. Too thick and they won't cure properly in the smoke. From a decent sized trout, I usually get about eight strips of fish to smoke. Any meat left makes for a great soup so you don't waste any of your catch. Take these strips you've cut, and soak them in your salt water mixture, for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You want the salt to properly penetrate the meat.

SMOKE A FISH TO PREVENT IT SPOILING Fishing can go one of either two ways. You either catch far too much for a single meal, or you spend the afternoon watching the stream with no fish. Trouble is, when you're camping, or riding out the aftermath of a disaster, is you've nowhere to store your catch when the fish are biting. Raw fish meat may last only a couple of hours in the sun, which means you're not able to stockpile anything.

It usually takes about 30 or 40 minutes to get enough coals for this stage, so start the fire first, and by the time you've prepared the fish it should be ready. I like to build a big fire and let it die down, as it makes it easier to tend to at the later stages of the smoking process. If you're worried about stealth a small fire will work, but it'll require a little more hands-on management to ensure it smokes enough.

Unless you know how to smoke it.

For the smoking technique to work properly you will need salt. If you're by the sea you can collect salt from the tidal rock pools, or better yet, make sure you've got a few sachets in your bug out kit. Mix up a batch of salty water (past the point where it's not even drinkable) and you're good to go. If you don’t have any salt that's fine, though you may find your fish will spoil a little faster if you skip this step.

Properly smoked fish can last for weeks, which means you'll have a plentiful source of protein no matter what. And when I say smoking here, I'm actually talking about a preservation technique. We're not trying to cook the fish like fancy smoked salmon. We're using the heat of the smoke to cure the meat, removing all moisture so it stops rotting. Essentially creating strips of fish jerky, using a campfire and a little ingenuity. The good news is that even if you're not 100 percent successful with your smoking efforts, your catch should last at least 24 hours before it starts going bad. Which is far better than most other options you've got if you're stuck in the wild. Now here's how it works. First you need fire. A base of red hot coals for a smoker to work.

Next, you need to clean and prepare the fish. It is possible to smoke whole fish however I'd advise against this for two reasons. Not only will it take ages (talking 10 to 12+ hours to properly smoke), you run the risk the job isn't done properly and your fish spoils. Not good if you're hoping to eat tomorrow. Scale the fish, carefully fillet it and remove the skin. You want to slice the fillets into strips, about a quarter of an inch thick.

9

Now comes the smoking chamber. Above your campfire you need to create a structure that traps the smoke for the fish. Look for three large saplings, cut these and build a simple teepee above the flames. Use leafy green branches, moss, mud or whatever you can find to cover 90 percent of the sides of your teepee, leaving just enough room as an opening to tend to the fire. And your fish. While collecting the materials, look for small green "skewers" you can use to thread the fish onto and wedge these into the sides of the teepee. I like to hang these a couple of feet above the fire, with either end poked into the sides so it's secure and won't fall. You want the fish to be hanging in the air, so the smoke can penetrate all sides. The trick to this next stage is to create a really smoky fire. Look into the opening you've made in the smoking chamber, and it should already be filling up. There should be white clouds billowing out all sides of the teepee. If there's not, you can add more green material to the coals to create more smoke. Just be careful, and only put a little at a time. You want to create smoke, not more flames. If you've got the option, burning hardwoods like oak and maple will also impart a taste to your fish while you're smoking, and it tastes great. In my experience it takes about two to three hours to properly smoke fish using this technique. Pay attention to your fish fillets in the smoker, and rotate them every half an hour to ensure they're smoking evenly. You'll know when they're done as they'll harden up like strips of jerky. Smoking is a cooking technique that will require your constant attention, and whilst not the stealthiest means of food preparation (you're essentially creating a giant smoke signal), it's one of the best ways to keep your catch more than a few hours without refrigeration. And when the SHTF it may be one of your only ways to ensure you've got a stable supply of food.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 BUILDING YOUR SHELTER

WHY EVERY KIT NEEDS A ROLL OF PARACORD Paracord has got to be one of my favorite survival items. When you're stuck in the wild, having good cord is a god-send. And it's been used for generations. Originally designed as the "parachute cord" our soldiers used in World War 2, it wasn't long before the military realized the benefits of paracord. The stuff is literally fantastic. All you need to do is buy it. Paracord comes in lengths of 50 to 100 feet, though you can buy more if you want to pick up a spool of it. Personally, I've got a belt that's woven paracord, just in case, and I usually carry a roll of about 100 feet with me in my kit when I'm camping. Oh, but be sure you're getting the Paracord 550. There's a bunch of different "strengths" to paracord, and the 550 means it'll take 550 pounds or more to break it. But that's not the best part. Inside proper paracord there's seven strands, each of which are made up of three inner strands. You can cut a length of paracord down to get these strands out, and while not as strong as what you started with, they're plenty strong enough if you need a little line for fishing, or to lash different sections of your shelter. I've used paracord for a ton of different needs when I've been in the woods. Here's a few different ways it can help.

My go-to shelter is a simple piece of tarp I string up with paracord. It's far lighter than car r ying even a backpacking tent, and means I can adapt it to whatever environment and conditions I'm facing. But you need cord to both string it up and secure it. ADDING TO YOUR BACKPACK One of my biggest peeves with most backpacks is there's not usually enough straps. There are a few pieces of gear I like having handy, like a Firestarter and a knife, space for my rifle, and a small bedroll for winter hikes that I tie on with paracord. It's much easier than having these buried in my bug out kit. SURVIVAL FIRST AID You can spend a ton of money buying specialist gear, or you can learn how to adapt and improvise with what's in your kit. Paracord can be used to create a tourniquet, hold a splint or a bandage in place, or even build a makeshift sling. REPAIRS AROUND CAMP After I tore an old leather belt, I made one with paracord and a cobra weave. It's my favorite belt to this day. You could also use it to replace a broken shoelace, fix a zipper pull, or even replace a drawstring in your clothes. TRAPPING AND HUNTING I prefer thin wire when setting snares, but beggars can't be choosers. Strip out the inner threads to give you the cord you need to set your snares and any other traps. I've also built a couple of smaller fish traps that I tied with the inner strands, and you can even use these as fishing line in a pinch. SETTING A PERIMETER

“I usually carry a roll of about 100 feet with me in my kit…”

In a SHTF situation you never know who may be sneaking up on your camp. For a simple alarm system run a perimeter with paracord and tie cans or bits of metal that will rattle if the cord is knocked. In the dead of night a few seconds warning may just save your life. DRYING YOUR CLOTHES Once you've setup camp you're going to need a way to dry out your clothes. A few lines of paracord between the trees makes a great clothesline, especially if it's close enough to the fire to dry it all out properly overnight.

10

IMPROVISE A HAMMOCK When the weather is clear there's nothing better than sleeping under the stars. Take your tarp, and use your paracord to string up each end. Weaving a hammock would take far too long, but with this technique you'll be resting peacefully in minutes. Just make sure to double it up a few times . CREATE A HEAVY-DUTY ROPE Paracord isn't the strongest rope, until you start weaving it together. With each strand capable of up to 500 pounds of pull, you can braid or knot together many strands to create a heavy-duty rope. To hold your weight on a descent, or even tow a broken-down car. SETUP GRIPS AND LANYARDS Often the tools I use are a little lacking in the grip department. To make a nonslip grip you can tightly wrap paracord around the handle, and leave a loop at the end to also act like a lanyard. It makes it so easy to find or hang a knife so it's always within easy reach. BEAR-PROOF YOUR SUPPLIES If you're in bear country it's important to keep any food well out of reach. A length of paracord makes a great bearhang, just tie one end to a rock to give you enough weight to send it over a high branch, then hoist up your gear. RESTRAINTS FOR BAD GUYS When the SHTF the rule of law goes out the window, and you never know who you may come across. Paracord is strong enough to tie and restrain anyone who intends you harm, either as rope handcuffs or to lash them up. Paracord is one of the best survival items. So, buy a length today, and ensure you're not left wanting next time you're in the great outdoors.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018

TURN NEWSPAPER AND JUNK MAIL INTO FIRE BRICKS When I moved onto our homestead and started separating all the paper from the trash, I was a little shocked. The newspaper and the pile of junk that turns up in my mailbox each day is atrocious. So, I decided to do something about it. I will warn you though. Depending on where you live, it may be illegal to use this technique. In Washington, you're not allowed to burn newspaper logs. Primarily because the glue, inks and chemicals that are in the paper get released when then burn, and that's not good for the environment. Arguably, sending it to rot in a giant pile of trash at the local tip isn't much better for the environment, but that's neither here nor there. Just make sure if you do follow this guide that you're not accidentally breaking any local laws in your state.

Now before we get into it I want to raise two important points. The glues and inks and chemicals are not good for you. So, don't use fire bricks in your wood stove or to cook on. That's just common sense. Also, make sure you've got plenty of ventilation when you’re burning. If you're outside, that's great. Inside, make sure your chimney is clean and the smoke is being drawn out Right, now onto the fire bricks. What I love most about this project is that it's free and easy. You won't have to buy firewood, and it's far less tiresome than heading out with a chainsaw to cut (and then split) all of the logs. My wife and kids actually enjoy creating fire bricks, and one of the techniques I use they will all chip in and help, which is great to get my girls involved.

11

Before I made my first fire brick I was a little skeptical at just how well this would work in real life. Paper usually burns fast so it seemed like this would be a waste of time. But I've got to say I was pleasantly surprised. The paper burns much like a real log, providing heat and warmth for our home. And the best part is that it's free.

“the paper burns much like a real log…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 METHOD #1 - NEWSPAPER LOGS I setup shop in the kitchen, by the sink as it gives me water, and plenty of space to work. Fill your sink with water. Now take a few pages of newspaper and dip them in the water, pulling them out after a few seconds. Hold the paper above the sink until the excess water has drained, then lay them flat on your counter. I usually do three or four pages at a time as it makes it a little quicker. Start from the side, and roll your newspaper back up. It doesn't really matter how tight you do it, but a looser roll will burn faster. Try to make it tight. Once your roll is done, it's time to wet another batch of paper and repeat the process. But this time roll the new batch of paper around the first roll you've made. Repeat until you've got a newspaper log as big as you want it. I've found about the width of my arm to be a good size. Once you're done, tie it tight with some string (not plastic) and set it aside to dry. The drying time will depend on how big you've made your roll. I usually just wait for a nice sunny day to do this project, and once I've got my rolls made I stand them outside in the sun. Don't lay them on their sides to dry as the paper layers will be a barrier to the water draining and they won't dry well. After a full day in the sun they're usually good to go, but if you're in a colder climate it could take a few days. During winter if I am making more logs I'll stand them in a box near the fireplace (while we're nearby of course, never while sleeping) so the heat can help to dry the new batch out.

And if you're in a particularly nasty bit It should be water-proof, as it's the first It's a lightweight solution, and it makes JUNK MAIL of METHOD weather, you #2 can -add another layer BRICKS line of defense you have against the finding things in my bag super easy. But of protection by slipping your foot rain. Oh and make sure the hood works that's not the best part. Because This is a little moredonning fun and is the and job will mykeep kidsyour lovehead to help outpants, on. I discovered technique when I inside a plastic bag before your dry. For everything this is stored in plastic, if water discovered just how annoying it was to try and roll all of our junk mail into logs. It took up too much shoes. It feels a little weird at first, but I'd recommend trying these on with the does happen to make its way into your because everything a different it'll time keep your feet dry. Which is was critical. bootssize. you're planning to wear, so you bag, your gear will stay dry. Then I You need to be mobile during a bug out can make sure they'll tuck in under the simply bring out my waterproof cover Right. you're For this to need twoThat buckets that fit be inside of aeach ifother. Araining, drill. Water some otherwise not you're going togoing get very pants. way you won't sending it starts and for and the most part actual bricks to weigh down your press. What we're going to build first is essentially a French Press far at all. torrent of rainwater into your shoes as it'll work a treat. coffee machine, made out of the buckets. bucket, and drill a few holes in the bottom. This is to soon as Take it startsone raining. allow the water to drain. KEEP YOUR BODY DRY Staying dry when you're bugging out is KEEP YOUR STUFF DRY critical if you want to make it safely to In the second bucket, scrunch game of it with kids, When you're trying to keep your core up all of your junk mail into balls. I make youra final destination. If my you're cold racing to see who can do it faster. Pretending to play basketball and the like. Then take it outside and add dry the key is to use layers. Start with a If your budget allows it's well worth the and wet, a drop in temperature water. You're bottom makinglayer, a junkormail Give it atogood and let it soak for 20 or becomes 30 minutes, usingas moisture-wicking a soup. investment buy mix a waterproof suddenly very then dangerous your scoopshirt. the wet and move with the you're holes.now Once all hypothermia. the junk mail is light woolhands or synthetic This junk type mailbackpack. It's it theinto onlythe way bucket to keep your risking there,willplace other bucket over the two out together) and it should only go down of in clothing draw the the moisture from in things truly top dry (fitting if you're the bugging halfway as the base will hit your layer of wet junk mail. Use bricks orthese whatever youensure haveyou've as your skin, so it can evaporate faster and and it starts to rain. Otherwise you or rocks, So follow steps, and weights to press this down, and you'll see water start to run out the holes in the bottom of the bottom keep you dry. Above this you need to could always get a waterproof backpack got the right gear to keep the cold rain meansThis it'sworks working. Set your press the sun, it takes 2 to 3 days the plans. paper to addbucket. a layer ofThat insulation. to cover. It'sbrick the next bestinthing, and is from ruining yourfor disaster properly dry. Once it has, you've now got a dinner-plate sized fire brick that you can use as is, or take a trap the heat your body generates in, so acutually the technique I use. small saw to it and cut it to size. you're better protected from the cold and wet environment. Look for a fleece With my bug out kit I have a two-step or a wool blend that is warm, yet process to ensure everything stays dry breathable. The final layer is your shell. (and organized). First, I use heavy-duty

12

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018

OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES TO BECOME A REAL SURVIVALIST It's not easy being a survivalist. You're often misunderstood, or branded "that crazy friend" in your group. The people around you make it hard to fit in, and not only that, you're worried yourself that you've not prepared enough. That you're not actually ready to survive the coming crisis. Or worse, you fall into a sense of complacency because you think you've done enough. I'm here to give you a wake-up call. Yes, it can be a lonely road. But there are others out there. Communities who are willing to help. If you're feeling uninspired, it's up to you to overcome it. Because when the SHTF the only person you can rely on is you. In today's post I'm going to outline the biggest challenges I've seen, again and again, when helping people learn to prep. It's my hope that by putting this down on paper, I can help you to overcome one (or all) of these that you face. You don't have to go it alone. T hese are universal problems survivalists all over the world are facing right now.

FEELINGS OF FEAR The problem I have with fear is how paralyzing it is. When we don't know what to do, the options in front of us seem overwhelming. So, we don't do anything. We let our fears and concerns control us, instead of the other way around. It's like a deer caught in the h e a d l i g h t s. T h i s c a n l e a d t o complacency, or worse, you get so anxious about what's coming you go into overdrive and try to prepare for everything, all at once. Neither of these are good. My advice is to sit down, grab a pen and list out everything you're worried about. Then start brainstorming solutions for each problem. Once you've got your list, prioritize each action you need to take (based on how likely that situation is), and start ticking these off the list as you get them done. It may take months or even years to get through the bigger items on your list, but you'll feel better knowing you're making progress each and every week. FEELINGS OF DOUBT Being prepared for "anything" is rather tough to achieve. The worst part about getting your plans down on paper is you've now got a list of things you will need to overcome to keep your family safe. It may even feel too long.

13

Could you fight off an intruder? How about ten? Would your supplies see you through the disaster, or do you need more? It's only natural to have feelings of doubt, especially as most of us have never had to live through a real crisislevel event. But I want to tell you something. Even if you've never been tested. If you've never experienced a real disaster. Everything you've done to prepare means you're miles ahead of those who couldn’t be bothered.

“when the SHTF the only person you can rely on is you…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2018 cont. Just the fact you've got a plan, a stockpile of gear and supplies, and the training you've done on bugging out and evacuations will ensure you're much more able to survive. Trust in your abilities. They will see you through. FEELINGS OF EXCLUSION I still hate the fact there's such a stigma attached to being a survivalist. Reality television and shows like Doomsday Preppers painted us in such a terrible light, it's all anyone ever thinks about when they realize you've got a stockpile of food and supplies. Having a retirement account is considered smart. Having savings is also a good idea. But being prepared for a disaster (natural or otherwise), is considered crazy. Even though there's a new crisis every few months on the news. I don't get it. What you need to realize here is that people will treat you differently when they know you're a survivalist. If could hurt your career, your friendships, and even make your home a target when there actually is a crisis.

My advice is to keep your mouth shut. Be very careful about who you open up to about prepping, as it goes hand in hand with good operational security. It is a lonely path you've chosen, but when you find the right people to connect with you will thrive. There's plenty of communities on Facebook, MeetUp and probably also in your local town that support what you're doing. Attend a few events and connect with people who understand and embrace the lifestyle you've chosen. FEELINGS OF ENVY There's only so much you can do with what you have. In my circle of friends, I've got a business owner who dropped millions of dollars on his "homestead" to ensure its completely state of the art. Everything you could possibly want he's got in multiple. It's very difficult not to get jealous. And then to criticize your own plans. Like you've not done enough, or are not good enough. I'm here to tell you that's life. There's always going to be people better off than you, just like there will always be those who are worse off.

14

What actually matters is what you're doing within your means. Most of the survivalists I know are just getting by, paying their bills and using whatever money they have left to be a "little more" prepared each month. Every step you take towards being more prepared, the better off your family will be. Don't worry about what your rich neighbors are doing. Focus on creating a plan to help your family survive. These four challenges are the core of what you need to overcome to become a real survivalist. This lifestyle isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. But it's also an unachievable goal. There's always more you can do, more you can prepare, more you can learn. So, fight off the feelings of fear, doubt and uncertainty and do whatever it is you need to keep your family safe. Everything you do today will make you a better survivalist tomorrow. And that's how you survive.