With our increasingly fast-paced society and the exponential growth and integration of technology in our daily lives, a lot of people are desperate to disconnect. For some individuals, this could mean a leisurely camping trip outside the city, but others want to take things one step further. For decades, recreational wilderness survival has become more popular among the outdoor community. The concept has even captivated the public through the success of several survival television programs such as Man Vs. Wild, Survivorman, Alone, and more.
But true wilderness survival is not for the casual camper and is typically only undertaken by professionals who insist on going toe-to-toe with the environment with minimal equipment and few safety items against Mother Nature herself.
While the ethos of wilderness living may be to survive with as little modern help as possible, do you still need a firearm? Here, we want to take a look at a controversial topic in the wilderness survival community and answer the question of whether you need a firearm to survive in the wild.
Understanding Wilderness Survival
At its core, wilderness survival is the act of living in the wilderness with limited resources and tools. Of course, some individuals may find themselves in a survival situation as the result of an accident or disaster, but we will be focusing primarily on those who willingly subject themselves to this scenario and see it as a way of life or a passion.
Struggles Associated With Self-Reliance In The Wild
If you’re lucky, chances are that you have never had to spend a significant amount of time in the outdoors without any modern luxuries to ensure your comfort and survival. Today, most people aim to avoid a scenario like this because the wilderness is an incredibly hostile, unforgiving, and dangerous place. Some of the greatest dangers an individual can face in the wilderness include but are not limited to:
- Exposure to the elements
- Bad weather
- Dehydration
- Malnourishment
- Starvation
- Injuries
- Illness
- Wild animals
- And more
Again, even with the proper gear — including a gun and thorough preparation — when venturing out into the wilderness, you remain at the mercy of Mother Nature, who is always unpredictable.
The Basics Of Wilderness Survival
As noted by renowned survivalist Bear Grylls, there are some top priorities that an individual needs when it comes to survival. Three of the most important are:
Shelter: Shelter remains one of the most important aspects of wilderness survival, as exposure is considered to be the biggest killer in most environments. Not having shade from the sun, block from the rain, insulation against the cold, etc. leaves you exposed to the elements.
Water: The human body can only survive without water for about three days, which is a general amount of time that is dependent on the individual and the climate. This time can vary, especially in hot environments where dehydration sets in more quickly.
Food: While a person can only survive a matter of days without water, we can go much longer without food before dying of starvation. However, a consistent lack of food leads to malnourishment, which can greatly reduce an individual’s energy levels, health, and cognition, leaving them weak and vulnerable.
Once these needs are met, an individual can begin to focus on co-existing with their environment rather than just trying to survive it. But do you need a firearm to achieve all three?
The Benefits Of A Firearm In The Wilderness
Given the modernity of firearms, there is little denying that they can be useful while surviving in the wilderness. They may not be able to keep you warm at night or protect you from the elements directly, but there are several benefits to having a gun and other firearm accessories as part of your survival kit. Some key advantages that a firearm can provide you in the wild include:
Protection
A gun or firearm will prove to be more deadly than any other kind of weapon an individual will likely take with them into the bush. Not only does it give you the ability to kill very large threatening animals, but the noise will scare off anything that is endangering you at the time. Furthermore, the comfort that having a tool like a firearm can bring can be greatly beneficial to an individual’s psyche while in the wilderness.
Hunting
There’s a reason why many modern hunters rely on firearms such as rifles to secure their kills. This is because they are effective, powerful, relatively easy to use, and humane. Even if you have little experience with handling a firearm, your success rate of killing either small or large game to eat with it could be higher than if you were to have nothing at all or a more primitive hunting tool.
Nevertheless, while the advantages of bringing a firearm into a wilderness survival situation are appealing, this is what makes them controversial to some survivalists.
Alternative Uses For Firearms
While the primary benefits of using a firearm in the wilderness typically include personal protection and hunting, there are other alternatives that a firearm can be used for. These include:
- Using it as a signaling device
- Creating a fire by using a firearm to ignite dry tinder or kindling
- Deterring aggressive or threatening human encounters in remote areas
- Recycling bullet cartridges for other materials
- Constructing makeshift tools or implements using components of the firearm
- Breaking through obstacles or barriers blocking access to resources or shelter
So, while a firearm certainly has a place in wilderness survival techniques in terms of safety and food, there are more benefits to having one than meets the eye.
Arguments Against Firearms
When it comes to firearms and wilderness living, some survivalists may argue that they aren’t a necessary piece of equipment. After all, our ancestors thrived in the wilderness for thousands of years without the aid of firepower. Although almost any gun would be beneficial for survival, some could consider using one to go against the wilderness survival values of self-reliance and a return to nature. Furthermore, due to the power and lethality of guns, some survivalists may see them as a risk to have around to themselves, others, and the surrounding wildlife for fear of a fatal accident.
Do You Need A Firearm In The Wilderness?
Carrying a firearm into the wilderness may not be a prerequisite to survival in every environment and situation, but it is undoubtedly a piece of equipment that can strengthen your chances. While firearms may be considered by some to be a dangerous tool, the benefits of having one at your disposal greatly outweigh any arguments against them. At the end of the day, if you find yourself in a life or death situation (such as facing down a hungry mountain lion), you may find yourself grateful for bringing one for emergency situations.
Ultimately, if you intend on testing your survival skills in the wild, it would be in your interest to pack a firearm for your own safety. Nobody will think less of you for doing so, and your family and friends will sleep better at night knowing that you have a means of staying safe and healthy.
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