March 2018

DON’T MISS: THE BIGGEST MYTHS OF PREPPING

SURVIVING AN ENCOUNTER WITH A REAL WILD ANIMAL

IN THIS ISSUE:

SLEEPING WELL WHILE BUGGING OUT

MARCH 2018

USLESS GEAR FOR YOUR BUG OUT BAG

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING SHOOTING SCHOOL

COMMON MISTAKES AS A ROOKIE PREPPER

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DEER HUNT

HOW TO AVOID BLISTERS WHILE YOU HIKE and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

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Contents

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FEATURED

SURVIVING AN ENCOUNTER WITH A REAL WILD ANIMAL Despite being the number one predators on the planet, without guns and our technology we humans are pretty useless when it comes to fighting off a wild animal…

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DON’T BRING USELESS GEAR IN YOUR BUG OUT BAG A bug out bag is one of the most important things you can prepare, but if you get it wrong you may end up carting around far too much useless gear…

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SLEEPING WELL WHILE BUGGING OUT After we welcomed our kids into our family I've realized that I can function on very little sleep, but over a long period of time this definitely isn't sustainable. In a crisis, a good night's sleep…

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING SHOOTING SCHOOL I've been shooting guns for as long as I can remember, and for the longest time I had a pretty high opinion of my own skills with a firearm. I thought I knew everything there was to know…

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COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID AS A ROOKIE PREPPER It often feels like every person you talk to has their own idea about how to prepare for the upcoming "doomsday." And if you listen to everyone you're going to get pulled in a hundred…

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TIPS TO AVOID BLISTERS WHEN YOU HIKE When you're on your feet all day, blisters are the worst thing that could happen. It doesn't matter if you're on a training run up the mountains or needing to bug out after a crisis. Blisters suck…

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TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DEER HUNT I've been hunting since I was about eight, under the close supervision of my dad and uncle, learning to shoot a .22 rifle to eliminate the rabbits plaguing our property…

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WHY YOU NEED AN INFLATABLE KAYAK IN YOUR PREPS A small boat isn't going to do you much good during a hurricane or a large storm but having a kayak in your preps is a smart move. Personally, I picked up a small inflatable kayak just to test…

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CLEARING UP THE BIGGEST MYTHS OF PREPPING When it comes to being a survivalist I cop a whole lot of flak from friends and family who just don't get it. They immediately think I'm some sort of psycho…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

SURVIVING AN ENCOUNTER WITH A REAL WILD ANIMAL Despite being the number one predators on the planet, without guns and our technology we humans are pretty useless when it comes to fighting off a wild animal.

But when we start getting into the specifics, there's a few things to know about the animals you will encounter.

And despite how far-fetched it sounds, I can assure you that the reality is dire. A n i m a l a tta ck s a r e a f r eq u en t occurrence, and if you're spending any amount of time in the wild you need to use your common sense.

Again, the best way to avoid an attack is avoidance, so stay calm if you see a bear. If they approach you want to make your presence known, so stand tall, make loud noises and do not run. It'll trigger their chase instincts.

Many situations can be avoided if you have a healthy respect for the animals around you. You want to avoid drawing their attention. And the best way to do that is to keep a clean camp.

Back away slowly, stopping if the bear decides to follow you. If you're charged it can be rather scary, but this is often a bluff. They want to figure out if you're a predator or prey. Run, and you'll be in big trouble. Stand your ground. You're really only going to be in trouble if you've surprised a bear, or they are protecting their cubs. When attacked, curl in a fetal position to protect your organs and play dead. They'll usually stop attacking once you're "dead."

Food should be stored in bear-proof containers, and never stored inside your tent. Store any garbage the same way, and take it with you for disposal once you leave. Prepare, cook and eat your meals in a separate site, away from your campsite for the night. And of course, it goes without saying that you should always have a way to defend yourself. I personally always carry my pepper spray with me, and if I'm camping somewhere truly remote you can bet I've got my rifle too.

SURVIVING A BEAR ATTACK

SURVIVING AN ELK OR BISON ATTACK In national parks these animals can often far outnumber the people, and during certain times of the year, like mating season or in the spring with young calves, can pose a significant threat. Again, keep a safe distance from any herds, and do not approach any young calves.

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You may find yourself quickly coming face to face with the angry mother. My advice is to stay at least 100 feet away, just in case. But if you are attacked, your best bet is to run. Put as much distance between you as possible, as they aren't trying to eat you, they're simply annoyed at your presence. Climbing a tree can get you to safety, but if you're caught, curl in the fetal position and lie still until they leave you alone.

“you should always have a way to defend yourself…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018 cont. S U RV I V I N G A M O U N TA I N LION ATTACK Whilst mountain lion attacks are rare, it's a risk, especially if you're hiking with young children who are straying off by themselves. If your family is hiking in an area with a mountain lion population, always position your kids in between the two adults. The mountain lions are usually hunting at dawn and dusk and can attack if they're surprised. My advice is to make a lot of noise when you're hiking to drive them away and keep a close eye on any kids or pets in your party. If you're approached and the mountain lion isn't backing down, stand your ground and stand tall. Bending down to grab a stick or a rock can trigger their pounce instincts. If you're caught, fight back with everything you have. Many hikers have successfully fought off mountain lion attacks. SURVIVING A MOOSE ATTACK Of all the animals in this list, the moose is probably the most dangerous you will come across in the woods. In addition to being massive, they are incredibly territorial and will usually choose fight over flight. They can kick forward with their front feet, knocking an opponent down, before stomping and kicking with brutal effectiveness. My advice is to stay totally clear of any moose you encounter, especially a mother and calf. If the moose pins its ears back and starts stomping on the ground like it's preparing for an attack, run. A moose won't chase you like a mountain lion or a bear would, so use your speed to get out of sight, putting trees and other obstacles between the two of you. If you're caught, use a similar technique as a bear, using your arms and legs to protect your organs, and stay still until the moose leaves the area. SURVIVING A WOLF OR COYOTE ATTACK These attacks are becoming more common, as they're cunning predators and humans are easy prey.

Often, they'll stalk victims for hours, before sneaking in to take you down. Once you're on the ground, you'll be swarmed by the rest of the pack. In this situation you need to yell and scare the animals back. If it doesn't work I'd start shooting. They're carnivores and if you lose the fight there's little hope they will leave you alone. You need to win this one. So grab whatever you can to fight back.

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It's a sad fact of life that animal attacks are getting more common, but as we spend more and more time in the outdoors it's important to know how to react when you're confronted with different types of animals. I always recommend having a way to defend yourself when you're camping or hiking, and don't be afraid to fight back. Sometimes that's your only choice.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

DON’T BRING USELESS GEAR IN YOUR BUG OUT BAG Online you'll find an almost endless amount of recommendations for your bug out bag. I know, I've written a couple myself. Because a bug out bag is one of the most important things you can prepare, but if you get it wrong you may end up carting around far too much useless gear.

You can try it for yourself. Pack everything you think you need in your bug out bag and go on a hike. But not just a stroll around the block. Take it on a proper trek and cover at least 5 miles. When you settle down for the night use everything you had, and once you get home consider if there's anything you didn't need. I guarantee you there will be things you can eliminate. Like a sleeping bag. Or even a tent. I swapped out my axe for a survival saw and cut my weight by almost 3 pounds. Depending where you live, some items are totally unnecessary.

• Gear that slows you as you evacuate • Gear that limits how far you can hike

DON'T TRY TO CARRY 72 HOURS OF WATER

The goal of your bug out bag is a simple one. To give you water, food and supplies as you make your escape to your bug out location.

The average person needs about a gallon of water a day. Hence the problem. 72 hours on the road would require 3 gallons of water, which weighs about 24 pounds (10 kg).

Trade your military surplus clothing for pants and a shirt. My bug out bag is an old canvas backpack that I've had for years. It's comfortable, light, and doesn't immediately draw attention.

That's far too much weight to carry on your back; unless you're in an arid area where there's no water to be found.

Normal rules no longer apply in a crisis, and desperate people will do almost anything to keep their families alive. Don't risk it being obvious you've prepared.

That's it. It's designed for 72 hours of use, and after being a survivalist for many years, I can tell you this is one area people continually make mistakes. You see, they want to bring more in their bag. They pack the wrong items. They pack for more than they actually need. Which creates problems once the SHTF. So follow these steps, and make sure you're not making any of these mistakes. DON'T OVERLOAD YOUR BUG OUT BAG It can be tempting to start throwing different pieces of gear into your bug out bag because there's so many "what if's" when it comes to a disaster. But this is totally wrong. Your bug out bag isn't designed to cater to every scenario. It's a small, lightweight kit that has the bare essentials you need to make it to your bug out location. It doesn't need to sustain you forever. My advice is to keep your bag as light as possible. You'll be more agile, cover more ground, and make it to your secure bug out location far faster. As a rough rule of thumb, hikers never carry more than 25 percent of their bodyweight in a backpack. To me, this is overkill. I'm almost 90kg, and my bag weighs just 12kg. Because otherwise I'm too overburdened.

You'd be much better off learning how to collect and purify your water needs from your local environment. That way, you can rehydrate as you need, without being weighed down. I only take about a quart of water in my pack, as the route to my bug out location crosses a number of streams so I can replenish this in one of about 4 different locations. If I lived out in Nevada, I'd recommend carrying more, or find a way to take the weight off your back (like outfitting a mountain bike with saddlebags). DON'T MAKE IT OBVIOUS YOU'VE PREPARED In a real crisis the last thing you want to do is stand out. Your local authorities may be looking to confiscate supplies to feed the "common good," and any local thugs may want what you have for themselves. Walking around with a military-issue backpack, a rifle over your shoulder, and head-to-toe in camo gear paints a target on your back that you don't want. Because you look like a prepper. Your goal is to stay hidden. Swap the rifle for a pistol and go unnoticed.

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DON'T STUFF JUST ANYTHING IN YOUR BUG OUT BAG When selecting what to put in your bug out bag it's important to ensure that each item serves a purpose. But more than that, you need to be very comfortable using everything you've packed. A fire-steel is useless in a pinch if you've no idea how to start a fire. Or a fancy water filter could get you sick if you're using it wrong. Take the time to actually learn how to use everything you're packing in your bug out bag. Because once the SHTF it's too late to start learning. Or realize you can't stand the taste of your Beef Stew MREs. Start training now. Learn how to string up a lean to with just a tarp. Practice fire-starting in the rain. Know how to actually use your fishing kit. And if you're not comfortable using anything, it shouldn't be going in your bug out bag. To me, your bug out bag's entire objective is to help you evacuate. It's a set of supplies to help you to make a swift escape from a dangerous location. It's not everything you think you need to survive in the wild for years on end. So, don't pack it that way. I'd much rather give up a few luxuries for a little haste, especially if my life is on the line. Pack smart everyone.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018 BUILD A MAKESHIFT COT If you're not comfortable it can be difficult to fall asleep. If you've got a bedroll in your bug-out-bag spread it out on a f lat surface and g et comfortable. Blankets or curtains can provide a measure of insulation from the floor, and if you're in the wild pine boughs or any springy natural material is much more comfortable than laying directly on the ground. I'm particularly fond of stretching out a tarp and using it as a hammock. It's much cooler if you're in a hot climate, and the gentle rocking puts me right to sleep. DON'T GET COLD (OR HOT)

SLEEPING WELL WHILE BUGGING OUT After we welcomed our kids into our family I've realized that I can function on very little sleep, but over a long period of time this definitely isn't sustainable. In a crisis, a good night's sleep is going to be one asset that's hard to come by. In addition to the never-ending search for food, water and supplies, when you shut your eyes you're extremely vulnerable. And that's a dangerous thing.

STATION SOMEONE TO STAND WATCH In a crisis it's important to never let your guard down. You never know who may be out there watching your party, just waiting for an opportunity to strike. In my core survival group, we've got 4 adults, and we've developed an alternative "watch" system to ensure everyone gets enough sleep.

You'll hear many people tossing out that old saying, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," but without enough sleep, in a real SHTF situation, you're going to be putting yourself at considerable risk. Now I get that a crisis is extremely stressful, making it hard to relax, but it's up to you to find a way to catch up on sleep when you can.

Working on a 3-hour rotation, we swap three times overnight, so that each night someone gets a complete night off from watch duty. We've done a few trial runs of this system, and it's a great way to ensure we're all well-rested, while our camp never goes unguarded.

FIND A SECURE LOCATION

To fall asleep quickly you need to remove as much external noise and distractions as possible.

You need a location that's protected, along with a partner in your survival group who is willing to stand watch so you feel safe. If this is your bug out location, or any abandoned home along the way, make sure to do a quick perimeter check before settling in for the night, and find a corner to curl up in. In the wild this could be finding a rock ledge or cave to have at your back, so if you need to defend you've got assailants only coming from one angle.

CUT OUT THE STIMULI

Earplugs are great to block out any background noise and find something to cover your eyes so you're in the dark when you're trying to sleep. This way the others in your party don't have to tip-toe around, and they're able to keep any lights that are needed on, just in case. If they do need to wake you, a quick prod is usually enough.

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If you're somewhere that's either very tropical, or bitingly cold, you're going to have a very disjointed night. You'll toss and turn and just won't be comfortable. In the cold, you want as much insulation as possible from the ground, and avoid anything that will soak up moisture, like cotton in your clothes or sleeping bag. If you're tropical, you need to find ways to stay cool. A cold shower before sleep can bring your temperature down, wear clean and light clothes for sleeping, and find somewhere with a breeze. TAKE A SUPPLEMENT In an emergency, being able to take the edge off the stress is often the only way you'll get a good night's sleep. At least for me. My brain never seems to "turn off" as I'm running through scenarios, to do lists, and figuring out back up plans for my back up plans. Melatonin is one of the best supplements I've tried, it's a hormone your body produces normally when it's "time" to sleep. Taking a dose when you need a good 7 to 8 hours sleep will help your internal sleep cycle kick in, and you'll find it far easier to fall asleep. Of course, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements. In an emergency, sleep is an asset that should be treasured. It's not as immediately apparent as the need for water and food, but without good rest you're a ticking time bomb. You might be OK for a day or two, but eventually, you'll collapse from exhaustion, and that's not going to do anyone in your party any good. So don't try to tough it out, find a way to ensure you're getting enough sleep each night. Even if the SHTF.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING SHOOTING SCHOOL I've been shooting guns for as long as I can remember, and for the longest time I had a pretty high opinion of my own skills with a firearm. I thought I knew everything there was to know about shooting. Boy, was I wrong. After a couple of friendly sessions with a mate who shoots competitively, I realized just how much I had to learn. If you want to develop any sort of proficiency with a gun, you can't go it alone. You need lessons, and the best place to get these is shooting school. With the help of a proper instructor you'll improve rapidly, and learn the tricks and techniques that will have you shooting straight and true. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or have some experience with a gun. But before you walk into the first shooting school you find, there's a few things to consider before you start. DETERMINE THE OBJECTIVE Before you sign up for lessons it's important to understand what you want to achieve. Are you learning a new firearm, or are there skills you'd like to improve? Be honest with yourself.

In my opinion, everyone could benefit from basic shooting drills, but for me, stress shooting training is a lot more fun. Ultimately though, you need to understand what you're trying to learn before you sign up to any class, as you need to ensure it'll teach you what you want to know. PICK A GOAL TO MASTER Within the training that you're doing, I find myself much more motivated when I can see my progress towards a specific goal. Whether this is a faster transition between weapons, greater accuracy at a distance, or even a faster reload time. Pick one, and make sure that this will be covered in the curriculum of the course. That way, you know there will be ample time, opportunity and one-on-one training with the instructor so you will improve. DON'T GO IN BLIND Of course, I'd only ever recommend a training facility that has come recommended, so get online and do your research. See what other shooters are saying about the quality of instruction, the safety procedures, and ask around. Maybe one of your friends has trained there before and they can give you a first-hand insight into the classes.

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More importantly, ask them about what they learned and ensure it lines up with the skills you're looking to improve. RESEARCH THE INSTRUCTOR It seems silly, but many people hesitate when it comes to asking a potential instructor about their background. In my experience, there is no need to worry, and most instructors will be happy to run through their qualifications and long list of merits with you.

“everyone could benefit from basic shooting drills…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018 cont. The trouble is, the more experience an instructor has, the more in-demand their courses will be. Increasing both the cost, and the available slots in their courses. But that's not the most important part. Experience doesn't always align with the ability to teach, so spend time researching your instructor too. I'd even recommend hiring them for a single session to get a feel for their style, and teaching methods, before investing hundreds of dollars in a course. That way, you know they'll be a perfect fit. BRING THE RIGHT GEAR Once you've signed up for a class ensure you read the requirements. Without fail, there's almost always one guy who turns up on the day without the proper safety gear. Heck, one time a guy turned up without his rifle. He assumed it'd be provided, and was too shy to actually ask. Big mistake, as he missed the first class and was playing catch up over the rest of the lessons. Most good schools will tell you exactly what to bring to shooting school, so make sure you understand what's needed and if something is unclear simply ask. REMEMBER PRACTICING

TO

KEEP

Repetition is key when it comes to developing good shooting form, and if you're going to invest in lessons ensure you're also investing in regular practice sessions too. So grab some targets and make it a point to get to the range on your own time. I'd also recommend getting to every class. I understand scheduling conflicts occur, but it's very difficult to learn if you're skipping classes and aren't following a proper training schedule. So do your practice exercises, take the time to drill every element into your brain, and you'll quickly see the improvements. BE WILLING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS As your skills develop and you need to learn more, it may come time to change schools. The trick to finding a good shooting school is to ensure you're comfortable with the instructor, they understand your abilities and training needs, and there's scope for continual learning over time.

Without these, you're going to hit a plateau. My first shooting school gave me a good handle of the basics, but over time I quickly mastered everything their instructors could teach. They didn't have the facilities or resources to provide more advanced courses, like stress testing or running students through real-life scenarios. So, I had to change.

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It's important you not only find a good school, but you're constantly reassessing if the classes and lessons you're spending money on are a worthy investment. If not, change. Choosing the right shooting school comes down to a number of factors, but most importantly is the question of what you'll lear n. Before signing up anywhere, ensure you'll be getting the training you need, in a safe environment.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID AS A ROOKIE PREPPER It often feels like every person you talk to has their own idea about how to prepare for the upcoming "doomsday." And if you listen to everyone you're going to get pulled in a hundred different directions. I've been a survivalist for more than a few years now and looking back there's been some silly things I've done that I'd like to shed some light on. So, you don't make the same mistakes. DON’T OBSESS OVER “DOOMSDAY” No, there's not going to be a zombie apocalypse or a complete breakdown of society. But depending on your area there may be a high risk of flooding, tornadoes, or fires. Focus your efforts on being prepared for the most likely scenarios. Not for doomsday. DON’T FORGET SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Yes, the latest survival tools and gear is fantastic, but that's only half the challenge. You need the knowledge, experience and skills to be able to use these tools to actually survive. What good is a fire-starter if you've not been able to source dry kindling. Or a water filter you've broken and now need to fix. Without skills and knowledge to survive, you're not going to last long in a crisis. DON’T FORGET TO PRACTICE Without practice, you're not going to have any idea of what it actually takes to bug out. To spend a night living off the food in your kit. To hike to your bug out location. Or to see how your kids respond when you enact your bug out plan. The more practice, the better prepared your entire family will be. DON’T ONLY STOCKPILE Buying a ton of beans and rice is great, but it's not sustainable. It will run out. So find ways to live more sustainably. Perhaps you can install a rain catchment system to collect, filter and purify your own water at home. Or install a greenhouse so you can grow fresh produce year-round. The key is to also have a long-term plan, that ensures your family will be well provided for. DON’T BE FOCUSED ONLY ON BUGGING OUT What you should be preparing for is to hunker down. Have a solid defense plan for your home, the supplies you need to get through a disaster, and focus on being prepared at home. Bugging out should only ever be your last-ditch plan when you're forced to evacuate your home. DON’T FORGET TO ACTUALLY PLAN YOUR BUG OUT You need a plan in case you're forced from your home. Because you never know what situation comes your way. A natural disaster or even a bad group of people could force from your home, and the middle of a crisis is not the right time to start planning where you'll go next. You need a bug out plan, even if it's heading over to a family member's property on the other side of the state. DON’T TRY TO GO IT ALONE Initially I was a little reluctant to open up about my survival planning. But as I learnt more, I quickly realized the power of a group, and the truth in that old saying. Many hands make light work. We've since reached out to a handful of families in our neighborhood who have a similar mindset to our own, and brought them together to form a strong survival community. We're far stronger together than alone, and I sleep happy knowing they'll have my back no matter what. DON’T FORGET TO HAVE A LIFE Yes, being prepared is important. But it shouldn't overshadow the time you spend with your family now. The key is to strike a balance and remember to also have a life. You only get one shot at it.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018 CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOCKS Just because you've got a pair of thick socks, doesn't mean they'll be any good for hiking. Avoid any socks made of cotton as these absorb water, generally you want specially designed hiking socks that wick away any moisture that forms, and also contains padding in the right areas to make your hike more comfortable. I usually opt for wool socks for hiking. But there are lots of specially produced microfiber socks too that work. Just remember to keep a spare pair in your backpack. So you can change these out if your feet get wet or start to get damp and sweaty. DON’T LET BLISTERS START

TIPS TO AVOID BLISTERS WHEN YOU HIKE When you're on your feet all day, blisters are the worst thing that could happen. It doesn't matter if you're on a training run up the mountains or needing to bug out after a crisis. Blisters suck. They make it uncomfortable to walk, and as each step produces more and more pain, it's only a matter of time before you have to stop completely and let them heal. Which could be a death sentence if you're in an area that needs to be evacuated. I spent my youth doing my fair share of hiking. I've also had more than my fair share of blisters, until I discovered a few tricks to stop blisters coming back. I can't even remember the last time I had one. But before we get into the tricks, it's important to know what causes blisters in the first place. In short, a blister is simply a protective bubble that forms when your skin is being damaged. The key culprit is a combination of friction and sweat. Your foot starts rubbing in your boots, and your body forms a blister as a protective measure. Simple enough. The problem is, they really hurt. To stop blisters on your feet, you've got to eliminate this friction and moisture.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOES Without the right footwear, your feet are going to have a bad day on a hike. It's probably the most important item to get right. When choosing hiking boots opt for quality, but more importantly, make sure any boots you buy are the correct shape and fit for your foot. When you get this wrong, that's when it starts to rub. And you get blisters. Look for a pair of boots that fit comfortably but doesn't leave too much room for your feet to move. They will swell up after a day hiking the trails, so give yourself a little leeway. Just be wary of getting any that are too big (so your feet slide around) or too small (so your toes are crushed and bunched up). You want a comfortable fit. BREAK IN YOUR BOOTS Before setting off on a hike, you need to break in your boots. If I've got a new pair I'll wear them around the house when I'm headed out to the supermarket or whatever. Putting them on for small periods at a time helps my feet get used to the new boots, and also allows any tough areas of leather in your boots to soften up, or get "broken in." It can be a tedious process, but it's important. Don't ever head out on a week-long hiking trip if you haven't broken in your boots, that's a recipe for blisters. And disaster.

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It's not always obvious when you're going to get a blister, so it's important to stop regularly on a hike and check to your feet. Sometimes a problem can be starting, but you won't actually notice until you've got your boots off and take a look. Other times you can feel the skin rubbing as it starts to get tender. At this point your best option is to stop hiking immediately and attend to your feet. You may be able to minimize the effects now, instead of trying to power through to your campsite and suffer for the rest of the trip. Use moleskin or athletic tape to bind the area, and I'd also recommend changing your socks. The more your feet can breathe, the less impact a blister will have. Keeping friction and moisture down is critical. HOW TO TREAT A BLISTER Even if you follow all the steps, sometimes a blister is inevitable. There's a few different ways you can treat a blister, but generally, my advice is to let it be. Don't try to pop or drain the fluid, simply add a blister patch over the top and give it time to heal. Now, this will of course depend on the size of your blister, large ones may need to be drained first before you can continue the hike. Find a sterile needle, drain the blister, disinfect it (this will sting), and then bandage it up to reduce any chance of infection. Then you're good to go. Blisters are one of the worst parts about hiking, and often catch inexperienced hikers by surprise. Without proper planning, like the right socks and boots, you're going to suffer on a hike that should really be a pleasant and enjoyable experience in the wild. So, do yourself a favor. Get the right gear and don't let blisters ruin your next hiking trip.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018 MASK YOUR SCENT

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DEER HUNT I've been hunting since I was about eight, under the close supervision of my dad and uncle, learning to shoot a . 22 rifle to eliminate the rabbits plaguing our property. I rapidly sought bigger game, and some of my fondest memories as a teen were the long hikes and hunts we would go on for deer. What I love most about this sport is anyone can do it. It doesn't matter if you're eight or eighty, with the right gear, the right supervision, and the right training, you can be successful. But it doesn't come quickly. Patience is one of the most important assets of a good hunter, along with a thirst for continual improvement. There's much more to it than simply buying a rifle . UNDERSTAND THE LAWS The first step is to understand your local laws when it comes to hunting deer. Generally, you'll need to apply for a license, and there may even be certain times of the year in your state parks where hunting is prohibited, or you need special tags or permits to legally hunt. This is to ensure any hunting done is controlled, and there won't be any negative impacts on the animals for generations to come. Follow any rules or regulations in your local area, and ensure your kids get to enjoy the same sport you did.

“What I love most about this sport is anyone can do it…

If you want a deer hunt to be successful, you need to cover your scent. Animals have a much better sense of smell than we do, and anything unnatural is going to scare them away. Trust me. They can smell you up to a mile away, so lose the deodorant and flowery soaps. Odor eliminators can mask human smells, and I'd recommend giving yourself a good scrub with scent-free soap before heading out on any hunt. Oh, and staying downwind is a good idea too. USE A DEER SCENT If human scents are bad, using a deer attractant is the opposite. Normally it's either the smell of feed or deer urine, that gets other deer curious. Your local hunting store should have a good range, I've found that spraying these in a path that crosses your hideout often results in a deer walking right up to me. And that makes for an easy shot. MAKE THE CALLS One of my most successful hunting tactics is to find an area where there's a particularly aggressive male buck and use a deer call. If there's any females in the area, they will usually come see what all the fuss is about. Oh, and I've also got a couple of pieces of old antler I strike. Mimicing the sound of the bucks fighting can draw your targets close. Other hunters like to use decoys, basically either a silhouette or full-sized deer model that's placed in a meadow, to draw out any curious onlookers, but I find these a bit too bulky to carry with all of my other gear. But they do work. KEEP IT QUIET In addition to your smell, deer have acute hearing and can pick up on artificial noises quite easily. If you're building a tree stand, it's better to construct this at the start of the season and return a couple of days later so you can sneak up in there without scaring any deer away during the build. This means walking quietly through the woods, and not snapping or breaking any branches along the way. The quieter you are, the less likely you'll spook any nearby deer. BE THE FIRST ONE AWAKE I've found the best time to hunt deer is in the early morning. After a couple of days scouting, you should have a good idea where they're bedding down.

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Then you just need to setup in between where they feed and where they sleep. As the sun comes up they'll walk right by you. For me, this is my favorite strategy, as there's something especially peaceful watching the world wake up around you, even if you don't have a successful hunt. ASK FOR ADVICE If you're new to the sport, one of the best things you can do is fund a mentor. Your local gun store will have information on hunting groups, my advice would be to join and learn everything you can from people who have been hunting for years. There's just so much more you'll learn tagging along with people who have real experience that you can't get out of a YouTube clip or from a book. LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY Last season was the first time I took my drone out. Of course, you can't expect to not spook the deer with the noise, but it did give me an excellent insight into my local hunting grounds, and I was able to identify a new couple of locations the deer congregated that made last year my most successful yet. Don't be afraid to try new technology, whether it's an upgraded scope to improve your accuracy, or aerial footage to identify where the deer spend their time. It'll give you a much better insight to hunting them effectively. Deer hunting is one of my favorite sports. It requires strategy, forward thinking, patience, and if you're successful you get to take home some of the freshest meat you could imagine. Use these tips to become a better deer hunter, and ensure your family never goes hungry if you're needing to bring home food for the table. Good hunting techniques are a skill you can rely on for life.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

WHY YOU NEED AN INFLATABLE KAYAK IN YOUR PREPS A small boat isn't going to do you much good during a hurricane or a large storm but having a kayak in your preps is a smart move.

Obviously, food and water are key elements of your survival planning, but an inflatable kayak is a smart purchase as well.

Personally, I picked up a small inflatable kayak just to test out on a recent camping trip,.

WHY YOU NEED INFLATABLE KAYAK

And we've now got two as part of our go-to bug out kits in our car. Because it just makes you that much more maneuverable. • You can use a kayak to cross an inhospitable river. • You can use a kayak for fishing to supplement your food supplies. • You can use a kayak to rapidly leave an area and head downstream. Oh, and if you happen to be in an area that's prone to flooding, having a kayak will mean you're able to escape (safely) with your family, not stuck.

AN

When we head out into the wilderness one of the most awkward items to bring was our old fiberglass kayaks. They took up space, added wind drag to our car, and each time I shoved them up on the roof racks there was always a risk I'd throw my back out. Plus, everyone we met along the way would always know we were heavily prepared for a camping trip, and that could paint a massive target on our backs in a SHTF situation. So, we switched to inflatable. And I couldn't be happier. They're cheaper, more durable, and take up far less space in our car. I'm able to carry one kayak around with ease, even if you hit a snag or need to make a quick land crossing, it's much lighter.

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Oh, and using an air pump that connects into the cigarette lighter socket in my car, it takes around 10 minutes to unpack and inflate each kayak. So, you're ready to go quick.

“having a kayak in your preps is a smart move…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN INFLATABLE KAYAK When it comes to making a purchase, there's one question you need to answer. What do you intend doing with your kayak? Once you know this, you're much better positioned to make the right decision, as it's a big purchase. Inflatable kayaks start from a few hundred dollars and get more expensive as features and benefits are added. Oh and don't forget the accessories you'll need, like a personal flotation device, quick-folding oars and so on. For me, I knew I couldn't resist locking the kayaks up just for emergencies. We use ours for fun when I take my family out camping, and some of the things we looked for included: • • • •

Comfort and the ability to easily paddle around all day A multi-use kayak that performs in both lakes and the ocean Plenty of space to store gear and family members Durable to withstand more than your average wear-and-tear

But most importantly is how it sits in the water. If you get a chance to test yours out before you buy, get a good feel of how it tracks through the water, how stable it is when under a full load, and ensure you're happy before you buy.

USING IT IN A CRISIS

USING IT TO FIND FOOD

In addition to the speed of setup and just how light they are, in a crisis an inflatable kayak is a wonderful tool.

I love going fishing but often you're too restricted with the areas you can reach by foot or car. Plus, you're only ever going to reach the perimeters of the lake. With an inflatable kayak you can get out to more secluded areas and bring in bigger hauls of fish. In addition to my bug out gear, I've got a small fishing kit that comes with me each time I bring the kayaks, and I've never failed to land a fresh fish or two for dinner. It's a nice way to supplement the food supplies we need to take when we go off-grid.

Depending on the size of the kayak you've bought, you can often carry a few hundred pounds worth of supplies, in addition to yourself, on the kayak. Which makes it one of the most versatile bug out vehicles. It packs securely into a bag that's not all that big, which means you're also able to store and transport it easily.

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For us, the experience and use we've already got out of our kayaks has proven a great investment, and I know I'd be comfortable using ours as an alternative bug out vehicle, in the instance we couldn't stick to the roads after a crisis. And that's the biggest benefit. Without taking up too much space, or spending too much money, we've got a great bug out vehicle that could prove to be my family's saving grace in a crisis. How are you going to escape?

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018

CLEARING UP THE BIGGEST MYTHS ABOUT PREPPING When it comes to being a survivalist I cop a whole lot of flak from friends and family who just don't get it. They immediately think I'm some sort of psycho with a garage full of firearms and 25 years of beans stored in the basement. Others have become downright hostile, treating my family like we're some sort of extremists. However wrong this is, I do understand it, because the truth is, they've only seen one side of survival. Between the antics people get up to for television, like Bear Grylls, along with the crazies that are drawn to shows like Doomsday Preppers, the general public has been greatly misinformed with what it takes to actually be a prepper. And truth be told, I don't really like being classified as a prepper. For one, even telling people this is a breach of your operational security, and it also leads to some awkward questions about how many years worth of beans are in my basement. Instead, I usually tell people I run a hobby farm. It's the truth, more or less, and it tends to invoke a much more positive response. The funny part is just how much overlap there actually is.

We stock up on food, can our own produce, and ensure our household is prepared for events like a long winter, in addition to having a whole host of homesteading skills. Funny how much negative connotations are associated to a single word. Over the years I've heard more than you could believe about prepping, and today I'd like to clear up some of the biggest myths. WE ONLY STOCKPILE “STUFF”

WE’RE PARANOID ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT P e r s o n a l l y, I d o n ' t m i n d t h e government and I definitely don't want the world to fall into chaos. The government plays a vital role in society, and the way it operates allows my family to live the life we choose. The only time I'll have an issue with those in power is when they start infringing on my rights. Enforcing rules that deny our basic human rights. Taking my property to serve the needs of the many. That's when being ready as a survivalist makes sense.

There's an element of truth in here, but it also couldn't be farther from reality. Yes, one of the fundamental parts of being prepared is to ensure you've got enough food, water and supplies to last whatever disaster comes your way. But it doesn't stop there. More important than anything you can store in your garage is to acquire knowledge. The experience that comes from hunting and gathering your own food. Living off your wits in the wild. Starting a fire in the pouring rain. Without real knowledge, you're not going to last long when the SHTF.

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“I don’t like being classified as a prepper…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2018 cont. WE’VE ALL GOT FANCY BUG OUT LOCATIONS I wish. The reality is that most families will never be able to afford multiple properties. I know mine can't. But a bug out location doesn't need to be a remote cabin in the woods. In fact, this is probably one of the worst ideas in a crisis. You'll end up heavily isolated and may put your family in even more danger should bad people find your hide out. Instead, we've got plans that involve communities, so there's many hands to contribute to the work, and many people to help with security and lookouts. WE’RE ARMED TO THE TEETH This is an angle they love to exploit in television. That we're all gun-crazy hoarders with enough ammunition stockpiled to start a small war. Yes, most preppers will have a few firearms in their home, for hunting and protection, but that's usually about it.

And no-one I know has a bunker filled with rounds. It's just too damn expensive. Of course, I'd love to afford to be able to buy more, but the reality is you're probably going to find many other family's with more fire-power than I have. WE”LL HAPPILY SUPPORT FREELOADERS If you want to grind my gears you just need to utter one sentence. "I'm coming to your place when there's a crisis." Just because our family has been living beneath our means and putting our additional income into supplies and gear, doesn't mean we're going to hand it out freely in a disaster. Our supplies are calculated and designed to get my family and those in our survival group through a crisis. Not to feed your family because you've not got more than a couple of days food in your home. That's just bad planning.

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WE ACTUALLY WANT THERE TO BE A DISASTER Of course, there's always extremists, but I definitely am not hoping for a crisis. Our family's survival planning is there as a last resort. A means to make it through a difficult situation, and ensure we're able to eat, stay safe and healthy, and survive. Let me say this again. Most preppers are not hoping for the world to end. We're simply putting together a backup plan. Just in case. I'd much prefer that we never face a crisis, and I hope to God my kids never have to live through one. But I know we are prepared, just in case. Forget the word prepper. There's so much bad press around this lifestyle, I certainly don't ever call myself one. In this article I hope I've cleared up some of the biggest misconceptions about preppers, because there certainly is nothing wrong with being ready for a disaster. It's like a back-up plan. That may just save your life if you take the time to think about it.