The Fear of Camping Alone: Wild Animals & Solo Camping

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This BushTalk episode is all about the fear of solo camping.
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[@TheDaveDryden]

NEW SOLO SURVIVAL 2022 Winter Edition!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZqupGCaapidnLs

[@MattiasHolger]

I rather camp deep in the woods than beside a road at a lay-by or a camping area. People are much more dangerous than animals.

[@kadalpura555]

Know exactly what you mean

[@ald.5147]

Amen. There is nothing to fear in the wild. Mostly exposure will get you before anything else. Stupid animals are mostly just cuious and will run away. A Grizzly is the only thing I personally would fear. All the other animals would be exciting to me. After all, why else would you want to camp in the wilderness? If you just want to sleep in a tent, you can do that in your back yard.

[@mobilegaming633]

Yup same hate camping where people know where I am I'd rather be where nobody know's where I am

[@maja2393]

Interesting perspective

[@MOTOMINING]

Animals are predictable, people aren't.

[@thegoodguy1702]

I went in woods once camping, heard loud noises, got scared shit myself and ran home..

[@chuckstubblebine1147]

LMFAO!!

[@tinafinmokodlawson4421]

Hahahaha! Did you made it home in one piece😜

[@ibrahimkayikci2146]

I used to go out in the woods all the time back in the day, and had no problem with it. But, for some reason the mood really shifts from fun to creepy once it gets dark. Even with friends with you. You can't see what's happening 20 ft in front of you. It's even harder to see if you have a live campfire.

[@charade5551]

The first time I went on a solo survival challenge I had made a shelter and a makeshift cot inside. After I had fallen asleep and a couple of hours later the fire was almost burned out I was woken up by a raccoon in my shelter with me.

[@TheDaveDryden]

Charade lol!

[@sonofabear]

That is hilarious!

[@sosteve9113]

Charade luckily we don't have bears around here

[@sosteve9113]

Charade the only bear that you hear around here,is the noice of a emty stomage lol

[@jimmorgan8688]

Charade Did the two if you get it on?

[@NatureBoyBC]

Excellent video. I just did my 1st overnighter in North Eastern Saskatchewan alone. I spent 1 day and night without bear spray. Hearing large branches breaking hid in my car and listened. I slept in the car and woke up to 6"bear tracks. I went up a 2nd time this past week to a neighbouring lake with spray and feeling the sensation of being watched seeing silhouettes again retreated to my car and listened and then slept. I woke up to a mountain lions' tracks 4" wide. I'm sure my friends on FB think I'm crazy but it is the most incredible feeling. My location has about 80 km of radius of nobody in the wilderness unlike what ppl perceive Saskatchewan to be. I'm living tho and enjoying life to it's fullest. Listening to loons and wolves on a lake alone by yourself with no cell phone service is a thrill. I probably should have not gone in full speed like I did but I am not so afraid now. The photo opportunities are numerous and the air is clean

[@gmoore6406]

I once came out of my tent at night to through on some more wood onto the fire at 2:30 am and there was a 400-450 lb blackbear on the other side of my fire 8-10 feet away had no bear spray but a 30 cal and it just looked at me for a few seconds and walked away into the night like nothing was going on.

[@noahriding5780]

@@gmoore6406 sounds like its lucky you woke up.

[@douglassudsbear7880]

I found the my greatest fear was from the unknown. In the bush the rustling sounds made me jumpy. It was after I took up birding and started going on slow quiet walks in the early morning that I discovered the things that were making all the noise. Ground scratching birds, small wrens and chickadees flying through the thickets,squirrels.raccoons, voles walking through the leaves. After learning the sounds of these denizens of the forest I had a lot less fear.

[@linoosprey3906]

Douglas Sudsbear wow. That’s my story 😁. Same here. Started birding 4 years ago. Now I also go solo hiking during weekdays where sometimes there is no one on the trail. Love nature.

[@themodernadventurer4320]

Reminds me of a porcupine in Alaska, shook the whole bush and boy those quills are loud when scratching. Almost jumped off a cliff cause of the sob. And eagles with a 10 foot wing span but those are actually dangerous

[@Bumblingdesertdweller]

Never cook food where you camp. Hang your food at night away from camp. And never wipe your hands on your clothes while cooking. For some really good pointers read the book killer bear attacks. I've camped for years alone in some of the hairiest country in the US. And never had a problem by following these rules.

[@shubhamravindra4895]

Thank you so much for the tip

[@gmoore6406]

Change out of the clothes you cooked with and hang em with your food helps too.

[@JohnDoe-fv3vs]

animals dont bother me its ppl... crazy ppl are worldwide now days.

[@elkhunter8664]

Good idea on easing into being alone. Most people have no idea how quickly a friendly camp during daylight can turn sinister at full night. Every childhood fear WILL come back to haunt you. Count on it. I have been solo most of my time in the wild for the last 40 years. And yes, I have had some sleepless nights. Best thing to do is not fight it. Just get up and rekindle the fire and relax. Daylight will come soon enough:).

[@TheDaveDryden]

elk hunter definitely, it feels like a long time those nights but eventually morning comes

[@mobilegaming633]

I can't have a camp fire being a bow hunter and trying to not stink of camp fire or let the animals know I'm here in the woods

[@maja2393]

Have you ever experienced bear encounters?

[@elkhunter8664]

@@maja2393 Just three times. I sleep in a tent so I kind of get a warning when bears get curious and start batting at it from outside. All three simply ran off when I emerged. Our black bears are hunted seasonally so don't like being anywhere near a human. Only one returned but a gunshot into the ground convinced him he had other places he'd rather be. LOL.

[@josha3891]

@@elkhunter8664 Hey elk hunter. I've tried just about everything, but I can't camp alone. Every little noise has my mind saying it's coming to eat you. I'll start thinking about that movie The Edge, or the Anthony Treadwell documentary, or well anything that might scare me in that situation. Any advice would be appreciated!!!

[@stanlee3041]

I'm Canadian and I usually always have a gun with me shotgun or rifle. once i had a black bear pushing the side of my tent in at 4am i jumped out of bed yelling and grabbed my rifle I knew the bear was just on the other side of my tent wall so i took my ruger 30-06 rifle I gave the tent wall a quick poke that startled the bear I heard him take a step back. not wanting to stand there all night went outside not seeing the bear being night and he was black i let off a shot to scare him never saw a thing went and slept in the car and he came back in the am daylight again never saw him but heard him. i was up north about 10 miles out of Prince George. if i was an American i would have slept in my m1 a1 main battle tank with my rocket launcher handy at my side.

[@Airik1111bibles]

😂...Bear spray is ok I guess BUT I'm much more comfortable with my revolver. Honestly I'm more concerned about crazy people, I've ran into the strangest freaking people when camping. Crack heads are everywhere.

[@metalhd7277]

I live in Prince George

[@inthedeepnorth8740]

Yeah, I take a short barreled shotgun with me camping in northern Ontario. I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it thats for sure.

[@daveboyle76]

Battle tank with rocket launcher. Lol. 😂

[@anju2606]

@@Airik1111bibles dude im about to go camping and I was doing fine with the bear talk until you mentioned crazy meth heads. Now im actually scared again lol.

[@ridesharingwithjoshuadean9444]

It's not the wild Life you have to worry about , it's man you have to worry about. I had a cougar encounter 1 time in 10 years of camping and it took off as soon as it saw me. I've been hunting Tom's for about 5 years and they truly want nothing to do with us. If you're really worried , put a trip line attached to a mouse trap with caps and as soon as it is triggered the loud pop scares them back into the hills.

[@gmoore6406]

I had one walk around my tent sniffing me for I don't know how long because never heard em' come or go just prints in the morning and the huge inhales it did just two feet away while I clutched my 30 in one hand and a pistol in the other. Heard later that it jumped a hiker later that morning.

[@jackduffy1817]

One of out-doors men made a comment about sleeping out doors, Alone. As he was laying there in the dark, He began to think about the wild anamels, And ghosts, He lay there thinking for few minutes, I don't believe in ghosts, And the animals have gone to sleep, He turned over, And went to sleep, Woke up in the morning in one piece. If you are worried about wild animals and ghosts, Don't be, Just turn over and go to sleep. You, Me, And us are the wild animal's in the forest. Over and Out.

[@Triumph2024.]

We are the wild animals, as is the remorseless, super-strengthed 800 pound carnivore with the razors in his paws and mouth, Mr. Grizzly. Shhhh. What was the cracking sound outside this flimsly nylon tent?

[@mobilegaming633]

Cougars and coyotes don't sleep at night that's when they hunt I'm by far more afraid of cougars though

[@smcc5785]

From scotland so no dangerous wildlife. Legends of big cats in wild. But really nothing.

[@markhopkins7920]

I am a firm believer in Jesus and would tell you I dont believe in ghosts....All ai know is many years back in the mid 70's I woke up for a " nature call" and something walked up the trail, 5 feet off the side of where I was camped, and STOPPED right next to me...except the was NOTHING there. I stood and watched until the sun came up....whatever it was it never did anything else but I packed up and left....too wierd

[@danarogers1029]

As a 50 year old female who recently did my first ever and first solo overnight, its 99% mental. Walking around my campsite during daylight was also a good idea. I did see several deer before dark and hearing how they walked through the wood helped me when at 4am I heard the same sounds. I love the solitude of being alone in the woods.

[@abbyabby590]

Can i blast music through my speakers while in the woods, just to let wildlife know I’m present?

[@f.azahraeousgougou602]

I'm more worried about people attacks than animal attacks , wrong turn ,the hills have eyes , Friday the 13 kind of people

[@uncatila]

I set up claymor mines & tripwire so I know I'm safe.

[@Madmaxxxx1984]

If it bleeds we can kill it 💪 ....

[@uncatila]

@@Madmaxxxx1984 we lost the mega woods walker.

[@uncatila]

@Christopher Albert Daniel Boone got attacked by a bear. He got torn up but he killed the bear with his knife. He carved a message in a tree. "I Daniel Boone killed a bar by this here tree"

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Firearms are always good choice. Wildlife is one thing to be concerned about, but the 2 legged animal is far more dangerous. Lots of nut cases and dope addicts running around in the woods.

[@21stcenturycaveman33]

Excellent point

[@JSMCalder]

Thank god I live in the UK. A firearm wouldn’t even come to mind when in the woods or anywhere else for that matter. We don’t need guns to protect ourselves as human beings. Nothing that a big stick wouldn’t handle.

[@DDinVT]

SurvivorMetalMan -- sad but true. I do a fair amount of solo in here in VT/NH, & NEVER leave w/o my trusty SP101 .357. Small, light, powerful. I rarely worry about animals even though I see them occasionally. When I do hear those odd sounds in the night, I always consider there's som1 out there. Kinda takes the fun out of it sometimes

[@plasticapple704]

JSMDodge80 Most of us are glad you live in the UK too.

[@plasticapple704]

S Tim Ulate Most people never hope they're put in a situation where they have to shoot another person. But if a bad guy is about to kill me or someone in my family I would definitely be prepared to shoot the bad guy(s). I train constantly for a day I hope never happens. But it could happen. I live in the REAL world, not Disneyland.

[@Shawn-px3yz]

Great video Dave. It's a great subject.. people have fears and don't like to talk about them. Great job..

[@TheDaveDryden]

Shawn Robinson thanks man

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

A great subject indeed, I second this. :)

[@andrewkreis193]

I’m scared to camp in my back yard

[@Dirty_Squirrell]

I camp as a lone woman. I'm more concerned about other humans than any wild animal. Wonder what the laws are in my state for using bear spray on a human.

[@Owens_Racing]

Open carry tends to keep things respectful.

[@userx9166]

what about falling trees and stuff like that? Finding a good and secure place to put up the thent.

[@billreid2066]

As far as bear spray verse firearms, the stats are misleading. Yes bear spray is far easier to use than a firearm if you don't practice. However a bit of practice goes a long way to make easier. As far as the stats go, many people such as myself regularly buy a bear tag just in case. I know of a number of aggressive bears that were shot, tagged and never reported so they never made the stats. I personally know four people that were attacked here in BC, three killed the bears with their rifles, all were reported to and investigated by CO's and judged as self defense. The fourth was attacked by a grizzly in 1986, he was unarmed.When the bear charged, he climbed a tree, the bear pulled him out of the tree, when on the ground the bear was attacking him and started biting his backpack. He was able to shrug out of the backpack and climb the tree while the bear focused on the pack.I have been camping and hunting for about 45 years, the only problem that I ever had was being chased up a tree by an old range bull that was on crown land. He circled the tree for over two hours before wandering off.When sleeping in a tent in grizzly country I sleep with a sharp knife, the purpose is so that I can cut my way out of the tent if a bear collapses the tent or is coming in the door. Back in 1991 a grizzly tried to come into a tent up by Pink Mountain.We were camped near these people and they had a dirty camp. In the middle of the night we heard three shots go off. The bear ran away.For decades I camped and hiked without protection without an issue, however today I normally carry bear spray and when in grizzly country a firearm in campThe reality is I am more at risk driving to and from the hiking area then I am while biking

[@TacticoolCraig]

Nice rant

[@jeffwells4364]

Cool story with the bull I’d rather face a black bear than a bull!!!

[@billreid2066]

Craig MacFayden not a rant just a counterpoint from someone that lives in the same area and is familiar with firearms

[@TacticoolCraig]

Bill Reid I'm in Ontario and bears Cougars aren't my threat. I like your input

[@patrickgermond2750]

Bill Reid lol yeah it's dangerous driving and biking. I carry a gun for both of those too.

[@jackm4700]

I worked and lived in Yellowstone National Park. Bears are attracted to just about anything that has an aroma, even shampoo. Don't leave anything out and near you over night. We had large metal Bear boxes for the campers to put their food and other things inside. They will even break into your car. We put signs everywhere, even on picnic tables yet visitors still wouldn't follow the rules. We had to shoot a bear who wouldn't leave a campground. It was very sad and not the bears fault but humans were in danger. Trapping and relocation was not an option.

[@theprophetez1357]

I generally just say a prayer, and put my safety in God's hands. Then I sleep quite well.

[@KnowingTheLedge]

That's beautiful. Amen

[@KnowingTheLedge]

Reminds me of life. How faith works

[@KnowingTheLedge]

And your soul is in his hands through faith .

[@2ndkombat]

I heard children's laughter while camping deep in a jungle. I checked around camp and there was nobody else there. I did not sleep that night. It went on for hours & it was very terrifying.

[@kenshi3vers]

Wtf why no one replyed to this?🤣🤣

[@danish_shahab]

bro, tell the whole story :O

[@chriswarburton5921]

Yeah we need details

[@gmoore6406]

Lost houndogs make an eerie sound at night and some owls do to

[@gmoore6406]

Probable small monkeys

[@patrickgermond2750]

I had a friend go missing in the woods 4 years ago. We were camping on the same mountain at the same time. They never found any trace of him. The next year, we went back to the same spot as last year. And something, I don't know what, chased us off the mountain. I do not recommend camping alone. At least take a dog and some fire arms. At last when camping on Black Mt. in Northwest Colorado, high in the Rockies.

[@smcc5785]

What do you think chased you off the mountain?

[@mvoutdoors]

@@smcc5785 definitely a bigfoot !! Lol come oooonn ppl

[@marcalan1198]

@@mvoutdoors hmmm 🤔or maybe a black bear.. possibly!

[@marcalan1198]

@@mvoutdoors how would he go missing on a mountain camping with others?????

[@Madmaxxxx1984]

Was he ever found ???

[@bobkull]

Nice video. Thanks. I've been camping alone for 40 years and have seen a bear only once out there. I'm still fearful, though. I've accepted that it just comes with the territory. Your advice about staying in the present is good and not panicking is even better. It's our imagination of things that might happen that messes us up. It can be helpful to just hang with the fear as an actual experience and notice what the physical sensations are, rather than projecting our fear out onto imaginary animals. I think of it as the bear in my mind. Usually when we feel afraid our breathing speeds up. A good way to work with the fear to to consciously slow your breathing. In these past years I've taken to not building campfires. They do give a sense of comfort and safety, but they also blind us to what's going on around. I've come to enjoy sitting in the dark. I've started carrying bear spray in the past 7 or 8 years and also a bear banger and an air horn. A cap gun is a fun idea. Since I usually get flown in for a month, stay in the same place, don't make much noise, and catch and eat a lot of fish, I'm a fairly tempting target. Still I've only seen a bear once. A couple years ago I put up an electric fence around my camp. That gave me a greater sense of safety. I have no idea whether it would actually stop a cougar or bear, but at least it would give me warning. When hanging food, etc, be sure it's hanging at least 4 feet from the nearest tree and at least 10 feet up. Another thing to do when sleeping is to stuff all your clothes in a sealed plastic bag and then put that in another sealed plastic bag. Anything to cut down on odors. Most importantly, keep a clean camp: wash dishes, burn garbage, bury shit.

[@gmoore6406]

I've encountered a few bears too close for comfort, one approxiamently ten feet and one 30 feet, wolves that snuck up close (40 yards) to check me out one night, coyotes 300 yards away at night,one mountain lion or cougar just on the other side of my tent at 4am, along with red foxes and the like. All I ever had was tent and gun. Now bear fence 25'x25' with 10,000 volt 2 joules 6 strand poly rope. 12 Gauge 00 buck shot 1st round followed by 4-slugs. 2 cans of bear spray, a large air-horn, a large hunting knife. A trail camera set back far enough to capture my whole tent set-up. A motion sensor alarm good up to 300 feet let's me know somethings out there. Best advice clean camp no odors. I even use non-fragrant soaps for clothing before my trips and non-fragrant bar soap during. Keeping calm during encounters goes a long way.

[@anncluckey5401]

This was a good video. I have wanted to go camping by myself,but am scared.

[@TheDaveDryden]

Ann Cluckey glad it helped!

[@rogerkomula8057]

Be so tired you don't hear the noises.

[@mr.fisher3973]

To add a little peace of mind I use the Robocop Alarm with some fishing line. I set up a perimeter around my camp about 10-15 yards away from my camp. I make sure to keep it high enough where it doesn't get set off by smaller critters of the night. Nice video.

[@riverrat1149]

I do the same thing on certain trips where the bear population is high.I am not afraid of being attacked but do not want to get woke up by one that has had little interaction with people.They tend to not be as afraid.

[@TheDaveDryden]

Good idea thanks

[@mickytwoknives]

i do the same thing but with shotgun cartridges in tubes.....every one knows so every one stays well away ....i take out the shot and fill them with rock salt but i dont tell....lol

[@mobilegaming633]

@@mickytwoknives you should make a video on that cause I'm a super heavy sleeper and not a lot wakes me up

[@gmoore6406]

You can add bells used for fishing too just attach to line

[@zeberdee1972]

I live in the UK , the wild life isn't very wild . No bears or wolfs etc , I would fear humans more . Drunk campers or illegal hunters . And the fact that most land is private owned so a upset land owner is more a problem .

[@KingKatRider]

Choose your campsite wisely, not next to food and water sources for the animals ie not next to the berry patch!

[@scarn3241]

I lived in the woods on Vancouver island ..i was looking out my sliding doors ... at that moment a cougar went flying by my house chasing down a deer... I opened my door and startled the cougar that took off .. I saved that deer that night .. it appeared a couple days later with an injured hind end .. she hung around my house all winter and come out in the late spring with a fawn .. she still limped abit but was good

[@JohnnyUtah13]

So you let a cougar go hungry? What if she had cubs? ....

[@linoosprey3906]

Potamkin Motorsports yeah. I don’t think it was for her to “save”

[@alex09696]

Excellent video! Most people think bear bags are for food only. I appreciate you letting everyone know that it's for anything with a scent!

[@defdac]

Alex09 same for me!

[@TheDaveDryden]

✌

[@CalloftheWildOfficial]

I appreciated that too, glad it was pointed out.

[@gmoore6406]

Especially toothpaste

[@joshd6876]

I never bring a gun to a bear fight. I bring a bear to a bear fight. Thanks for the the tips. I plan on setting sale in the next few months.

[@TheDaveDryden]

bringing a brown bear to a black bear fight seems like legit advice to me. good luck on the trip!

[@victorvasquez2788]

Oh don't forget Bigfoot..

[@petermckenney200]

Just last month I was camping in NJ cooking a steak and a coyote with no warning charges me while I was eating. I got up yelled and my head lamp blinded him.. he did not get my steak but he sure got my attention.

[@O6i]

I always make fishing line trip wire perimeters. Tie cans to the to line and if anything trips it you will be alarmed.

[@sandywieringa5614]

You mentioned your discomfort when hammock camping. Most of the time I'm in a hammock, and I sleep with bear spray and an air horn suspended over my head and have a knife or two on my person.

[@taylorbraiden8088]

you were making me feel comfortable until 1:48 *looks over shoulder to confirm suspicion of bears and/or cougars"

[@rockybalboa4394]

It's not mental when it starts attacking, it's real!!!

[@ColtSSR]

Im affraid of aliens comming to getting me in the woods.

[@TheDaveDryden]

Sausage Skeleton maybe they already have and you just don't remember...

[@moistoregon9049]

Valid fear

[@rogerkomula8057]

That ain't a probe the aliens are sticking up there. Luckily, people rarely get pregnant.

[@Kyavata]

This is my only real fear, having seen a few light in the sky walking as a security guard over the years.

[@2keeperv]

They are closer to the border not in the woods..

[@SirMonkknight]

The best thing about camping alone is you can hear nature the noises in the forest listening to nature alive is way more exciting then listening to ppl chattering and music. I love to hear the cracks breaks creaks of the forest especially when their is no rain and you can hear things far away. The best is darkness. If you hear something you are worried about step into the darkness toward the noise and you will find you can see with the fire behind you and you will be fine and in control of yourself. I find bears deers moose are easily shoed away and naturally keep away. Skunks birds mice will come in close. Cougar is the only thing you may need to fight if you are to scared to stand your ground, they are the size of a lion but follow strict rules for them to attack they only will attack from behind so running is what they wait for you to give them incentive. That's my experience any how.

[@gmoore6406]

I have this mindset "what's out there during the day is the same at night". I've had a skunk rub my leg like a cat without spraying me while night fishing. A tip for mountain lions is at night use two headlamps one facing forward and one facing backwards. Both on of course. Got that one from a jungle guide.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Wasn't solo camping. But we were at Taylor campground(Garibaldi Park) in mid November. Sometime after we retired for the night. I would say midnight to 1:00 am. We heard a nasty kind of growl and scream. Woke us both up, we stayed still and quiet. But nothing after a few minutes. Went back to sleep with one eye open.

[@lacplesis484]

It was a fox, probably

[@danoesq2]

I've backpacked alone a lot (in non-grizzly areas and mostly in the Sierras) and have heard some weird shit at night. Nowadays I keep an all night fire going and carry my .357 with 180 gr. loads (also bear spray) and sleep like a baby.

[@maja2393]

What have you heard?

[@danoesq2]

@@maja2393 A constant howl for 20-30 seconds at three in the morning near Yosemite. Also something walking at night, two steps at a time every ten seconds or so.

[@jonnyh1917]

@@danoesq2 holy shit that sounds freaky as heck...

[@danoesq2]

@@jonnyh1917 It was, the one in Yosemite was more like a high-pitch scream.

[@michaelpaul9236]

Local backpacker here sitting by campfire was approached by coyotes. Chased two away with a flaming stick, but third kept coming. Used pepper spray, which had no effect. He got bitten. He packed out and drive to hospital and got rabies shots. Massachusetts has a big coyote problem. Rabies makes wild animals irrational...

[@MOTOMINING]

Never had a truck to climb into. I'm not usually scared till I find footprints around my camp in the morning!

[@baroneb5043]

I sleep like a kitten ....45 Magnum

[@hudsonnickersonify]

45 magnum isn't even a real caliber..

[@AblationMusic]

Do you mean a .44 Magnum? 🤣

[@gcruishank9663]

I'm 60 now LOVE camping alone in BC, especially in the colder months, but I do have protection when I go. My dog (good early warning system) bear spray, bear flare on the end of a long walking stick, and I do keep a 12 gauge or my 30-06 in my tent. I also use a portable electric bear fence which helps me sleep at night. I think I'm more scared of the 2 leg psychos than the 4 legged kind.

[@sunroy1]

I was 18, but had backpacked and camped with friends and family since I was probably 5-7 years old. Never alone though! Backpacked to very familiar place with my dog. That first night was awful. The whole night my dog was jumpy. She was probably was just as uneasy as I was. I knew her hearing was so much better than mine. The worst was when she wouldn’t start growling very softly. By our 3rd night we had both settled down. I did enjoy her company!

[@cynthiamgentles6781]

Prevent, but deter as well with a portable electric bear fence around your campsite. 2.4 lbs of kit (the best fence) that brings huge peace of mind

[@SteveAubrey1762]

I have found myself essentially "homeless," at least for the next couple of months. I'm not particularly concerned about lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my. Rattlesnakes are more common. Feral dogs abound. And feral humans as well. I'm no Rambo, but I am much more dangerous than anything else I may encounter in the woods.

[@livelife4471]

I used to be afraid of being in the woods at night but I confronted my fear. I would go out at midnight in the woods and broke my fear. Your imagination running wild is the biggest thing to overcome. I now find being in the woods at night quite relaxing. I've gotten used to hearing animals in the woods (bears, moose, deer, coyotes etc.) and not being afraid.

[@gmoore6406]

For night hiking wear eye protection ,trust me on this one.

[@dustygilmore294]

I’ve spent a lot of hours outdoors, miles from my truck, in the heart of bear country during elk season when all the berries are gone, overnighters under a tarp...and I’ll tell you right now bear spray and a cap gun won’t do shit when you run into that one rogue bear with a bad attitude, it might work once but chances are you’ll blast off all your pepper spray and be stuck in the dark anyways.. Get yourself a 12 gauge and learn how to use it, your fear of camping alone will be cut in half.

[@davidcaskie6680]

Not what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would say. above.nasa.gov/safety/documents/Bear/bearspray_vs_bullets.pdf

[@ericmeans9070]

Are you a Democrate?😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂!!!

[@clickharder]

Camped in Canada, US and Europe and have had large creatures sniff my tent at night. Had wild boars in France check my tent out after chasing game in the middle of the night. Always have a knife to make a "new" door to get out. Never opened my tent to check what's out there. Best Tip: tell yourself your nylon tent is made of the thickest steel and nothing can get in. Worst problem I every had was with drunks in Hawaii. They just were having "fun" but it was scary for my wife. Simply told them they were messing with the wrong tent and they left. PS: the "animal police" in Canada are Conservation Officers and work for Fish & Wildlife.

[@Mantreaus]

Great Advice. Most of my Best Times in the Bush has been when I have been alone. I have met a few critters in my time while doing so, The funniest time is when a Doe actually charged me whoofing, snorting and stamping. I actually started laughing at Her and talking to Her as I moved forward She gave up and ran off. Though within a few steps I found out why She was so Courageous. Her Fawn was curled up beside a fallen Log. I went to higher ground and sat a few moments to keep guard upon the Fawn in hopes the Doe would return, which She did in just a couple of minutes, She had circled the trail keeping a eye on me. But I also have met some that the ending could have been Much worse, Fate has been kind. LOL. Another Idea is the compressed Air Horns for Boating, You can buy them even at General Stores. A Surprising Loud Noise as in Humans Reactions does the same to Animals, and all they want to do is get away from that racket. Cheaper, easily found, and do not have to worry about wind directions. Worse time to meet a Bear or Cougar is when the wind is in your Face and They are Surprised by Your Presence. New subscriber. 🤠

[@johnobrien8542]

Animals aren't my biggest fears in the woods at night , an encounter with another human is.

[@robertsmith5323]

I sharpen up one BIG spear, for me to hold/keep,...and then i sharpen up about 6-8 barbed javelins,.. and stick 'em into the ground right by the tent,.. ready to throw. I also get about a dozen baseball-sized rocks to wing at anything that makes noises that I find threatening. spear, javelins, baseball-sized rocks. that combination makes me feel fairly safe anywhere i may camp. a barbed javelin is a devastating, debilitating weapon. ask the romans. it goes in,.. and it wont come out,.. making the enemy have to fumble/stumble with it while trying to fight you at the same time. while you're hammering away on him with your spear and/or machete, hatchet, camp axe, knife, tent peg, spork,.... etc, ---you're probably going to win. hey--its better than trying to run thru the woods in the dark...…….ask the girl from friday the 13th.

[@stelthy100]

THE PROBLEM WITH BEAR SPRAY IS HIS EYES DONT START TO WATER UNTIL HES DONE EATING YOU.

[@rolandoperez8054]

Bear bells are dinner bells

[@reggierico]

I carry bear spray, but I also carry a sidearm while in the wilderness. I've woken up several times hearing large animals inspecting my tent, sniffing as they walk around the tent in the middle of the night. I've also had several wolf encounters, once where an entire pack came into my camp area at night and commenced howling. The interesting thing about that encounter was not only did it concern me safety wise, but how loud they were really impressed me! They were so loud that if I had had a companion w/me, we would not have been able to hear each other talk....

[@gmoore6406]

Everthing you said same here.Wolves are extremely smart. I heard a pack of wolves howling maybe two miles away, then one mile away. Then a single wolf howl about an 1/8 of a mile away and while I focused my attention in that direction for about 10 minutes with a very bright flashlight one snuck up off to my right along a creek bed just 40 yards away. I just had turned to walk back to my tent when my light lit up his eyes. There was a pack of them but I did not see the others. I figured the where close. Only a gun for protection that time. Made fire larger and don't remember sleeping at all that night. Loved the experience afterwards ... when they finally left.

[@wisequeens]

Cougars are everywhere in NYC too!

[@jalenjose3905]

I got my lord, ar15

[@garrettlee4549]

Weird people in the woods are a way bigger issue than animals.

[@whiteboy2600]

I need to find some camping friends I want to build a bug out camp & learn survival skills out in the bush hit me up Vancouver

[@sandywieringa5614]

Same here. I'm in Abbotsford

[@whiteboy2600]

Sandy Wieringa not to far from me I'm in mission bc and well I need to learn survival skills big time hope you all have a great night hit me up if you want teach me some skills

[@rent2242]

Same. All of my friends are lame. It’s hard to round them up for a camping trip. Been thinking about a solo backpack trip for a weekend but I would like to go with a group as well. Plus it’s just more fun to be with a good group and share some beers

[@MK-zs5nd]

Same boat here, located near white rock. Not even sure how to send a message on here but would be cool to chill with others interested in bushcraft.

[@mobilegaming633]

Vancouver Canada I'm assuming?

[@eagleteam6]

Many people with many comments...the best defense is to stay alert. If you can carry a weapon, good. I do. Bear spray is good (I've used it); however, don't be down wind. That said, good video. First time alone can be unnerving. Camp on everybody. ✌😨

[@brycecream007]

I always smell like food when im camping because I wear the same jacket every-time I cook and eat. I have my clothes with me in the tent and they have food scent on them. I really don't know what to do about that. Last year I did a solo in wolf and bear country for 17 days so far in the backwoods that there would be no chance any other humans bumping into me. After the first week I got woken up a few times in the night and did hear howling. It is clear when you are alone u are not totally safe. I didn't have any protection at the time and it was scary to go to the bathroom at night. In the future for long solos I will try and get a gun because I don't trust bear spray to help against an aggressive animal. P.S. I have had several incidents where a wild animal has come into camp one time it came back 3 times so I hiked back to my car and slept in the car. Next day there was mountain lion tracks all around my tent. Never had issue with bears I've come across them several times but they never seemed interested.

[@randyrc58]

I live in northwestern ontario. I spend a lot of time in the woods. I have encountered several blacks bears, wolves, coyotes, moose and deer. I never felt threatened at anytime . They want nothing to do with us. I mostly see them running away from my me. They all know the minute I step into their world. Enjoyed your video very much. I know the feeling in the woods in the pitch black alone. Terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

[@johnemerick5860]

Go spend some time with the homeless, fear is self reliance...

[@josha3891]

I can't even sleep overnight in my truck bed, with the cover 2/3 closed. My fear of mountain lions & bears is overwhelming...

[@richardjohnson84]

Good information. I really enjoy your videos, keep them up.

[@TheDaveDryden]

Richard Johnson cheers

[@twiggyunderfoot1329]

Excellent video! A lot of great information here and you're a fantastic speaker :) The forest behind you looks beautiful, cheers!

[@robertsmith5323]

just the phrase "practice being alone in the woods" makes me laugh. yeah--I get it. "hey!! what are you doing back there!?" ---"im practicing being alone in the woods!"---lol

[@ald.5147]

When I go, I play wounded animal recordings to see what I can bring in. Its exciting, and I get an adrenaline rush. Most of the time you can get Coyotes and fox to check you out. Thats my entrainment then I crash. I always bring a canned horn. It scares the crap out of bears and most anything.

[@freshmememydude9236]

Are you out of your mind? But at the same time, I kinda wanna try that hahaha

[@Orbit_Revolver]

I agree. For me personally I was coming off of mushrooms and just had a backpack, hammock and sleeping bag. water and some snacks. Anyways I always get paranoia/ fear at night all caccooned up and I have to take a benzo just so I am relaxed enough to actually sleep. Tryning to overcome my night time fear just being so vulnerable but this video did help mentally and gave me some good tips. Thanks man!

[@jeremyfoss505]

Plot twist: This man was attacked by a bear while filming this video. This is the footage found on his camera........jk

[@TheDaveDryden]

Jeremy Foss haha

[@jeremyfoss505]

BC Bushcraft 😝

[@sosteve9113]

Jeremy Foss 😁lol

[@tru3b0y]

😂😂😂

[@GeorgeD1975]

Thank you so much for the video :) im definitely in cougar country where im at.... Havent done an overnighter yet but imlooking forward to it.

[@sunrise1580]

What about wolf safety?

[@brianspencer4220]

In my area we have a store called the dollar tree. In it I purchased an air horn for $1.25 Canadian. It is a rechargeable horn supposedly for use at sporting events. Using it before a portage or at sleep time. makes me less fearful. Thanks for your suggestions Brian 77

[@pheonixdown3944]

I went on a solo camp last week. All was well until i went to use the outdoor john (ash tree) before bed. I heard something, looked at it with my headlamp it was 11pm and i saw a black bear. I was close to me about 15 yards and it scaled a ravine within a second after i spooked it. It was big and fast that scared me. Black bears are timid but are opportunistic and if they attack they like to eat you. I tried to calm down and go to bed but i kept hearing rocks fall from the ravine top. I got the hell out of there then i got lost in the pitch black woods lol it sucked. My compass saved me and i was carrying a single shot 12 gauge with buck so i wasnt fully naked out there but fear was high.

[@criscross6591]

Make sure your not in your tent and standing up wind before you use your bear spray! I think Canadians can own shotguns. Ham Radio works in the backcountry, great comms solution! Here in the states it’s not very hard to get your Technicians license!

[@TheDaveDryden]

Chris Cross great ideas ✌

[@JoshDogMoto]

Man this Video is SO NEEDED I'm surprised I've never seen any other bush folks post about this topic Great job Sir

[@regbillings4955]

bears are my favorite animal and i also fear them. i always bring bear spray camping. fireing off a cherry bomb firework clears all the wildlife out, joking about the fireworks. i found something that does work before dark. have a few shots of alcohol and you won't care about bears around camp. :)

[@larrykstanley]

I’ve camped alone in bear and wolf country and the one thought that helped me is that Jim Bridger and Daniel Boone at best could not compare to the modern protection I was able to carry.

[@jaymclean2604]

I grew up in the bush in north west Ontario and let me tell you the woods can be the scariest place once your mind starts to wander. Now at 50 years old, let me share a coiple things. Make a proper fire pit. This way you can rest assured with your fire burning all night. Try and set up your tent/tarp or whstever where your back and sides have some protection. And always have situational awareness. It all takes practice. I was fortunate enough to do this all with my grandfather as i grew up.

[@robbabcock_]

Humans are social animals so I imagine there's something primal about fear of the dark and of being alone. Personally I like to be alone in the woods. I like the solitude plus the ability to be on my own timetable, not speeding up or slowing down to accommodate others. My camping trips have been in several states from Idaho and Montana to the Dakotas and Minnesota. Some of those areas have dangerous wildlife but I've never encountered anything in camp bigger than a racoon. Still, where I live and recreate I will always have at least one firearm, often more than one. Also I usually have spray. To be honest though the most dangerous animal you will probably encounter is another human. I sleep better with my 12 ga and a sidearm or two, and in areas where the only dangerous animals are the two-legged kind I like having my CZ Scorpion with a couple 30 round mags. Psychologically it's nice to have a couple of good lights. If you hear a noise hit it with a strong light. That will ease your mind that there's nothing there but what's in your mind.

[@addictedonrust4928]

Here in my country we have boars. Like big angry boars everywhere in nearby woods. I'm kind of scared to sleep there, I never actually did. I've prepared everything, had food, shelter prepared and everything you could imagine you needed but wasn't confident enough to sleep there. I'm 16 at the moment so i cannot just take gun with me to be safe. Any sugestions to make it safe for sleepover?

[@mobilegaming633]

Get your license for hunting then yes you can have a gun

[@johnnorris1024]

Best to have a gun with you. I can kind of tell you are a "non" gun person. No offense, the bear spray thing gave it away. All non gun people think that bear spray is the best answer. Best gun for a non shooter is a one of the Mossberg Self defense shotguns. Point men in the military still carry them because you point and shoot. You do not have to be a 10 ringer. I like the semiautomatic model (890), 5 to 8 rounds of double 00 can definitely give you a big dose of confidence and the semi auto action reduces the recoil fairly well. It will kill most things and will make a black bear or a brown bear highly regret the decision they made when the decided to go after you. I follow the clean camp rules, but, I also bring a 9mm semi auto handgun and a .45-70 Gov lever action. Both with Buffalo Bore hard cast lead solids in them. With that, I know I am good around any North American predator.

[@geezerdude4873]

You are crunchy and good with ketchup! LOL! Camp cleanliness is probably the best idea--a hungry racoon can make a mess of your camp while you are off sight seeing or fishing. A mouse can put a hole in a pack sitting on the ground getting at food inside or just out of curiosity. I've never had a disaster like that , but I know those who have had such incidents.

[@TheDaveDryden]

geezerdude definitely, I always watch out for stuff like that

[@triuneicthus3524]

It helps to have a night vision or flir camera to check around every once in awhile.

[@marcalan1198]

15:55 funny as hell lol lmao 😄 yeah if you hear grunting and huffing then it'll be time for panic! Lol

[@deliajones9541]

Yea, that part!

[@johnlord8337]

Always want such preppers and bushies to do such an event, ... whether from critters or 2-legged clothed critters .... To be prepared for disaster, ... are you going to decide what SHTF event you get to encounter? No. So, being accustomed to the potential of having a SHTF (and you are alone) at least you are experienced with the event ... versus being thrown into a true SHTF and not being mentally prepared ... I mention for someone to have a FRI lunch then no food, and being dropped off in an unknown site, and stay there until picked up MON AM. Bring whatever gear you want, but no food, no telecomms, no electronics, no hunting, no fishing, no foraging etc. You are alone, and will be alone, and can do what you want there, but no civilization technology, ... and become accustomed to the "real outdoors" versus driving in your 34 foot mobile home and "roughing it" with the TV ... !!!!!

[@GreenPowerFarm]

Yes bear spray is good but in USA we prefer AR-15's..it's just family tradition.

[@saxman7131]

In the states we aren’t allowed to carry around automatic rifles either. Enjoying the channel.

[@johnnorris1024]

You are incorrect, AR15's are totally allowed, they are SEMI AUTOMATIC. You are apparently not a gun guy and have no clue what you are talking about. Even in California, you are always allowed to have any kind of rifle or shotgun out in the wilderness. They may regulate how many rounds you can carry, But, if you can legally buy it, you can carry it. Handguns though, some states do regulate handguns highly. But note, a full 1/3 of states have free carry laws now, that number is growing rapidly too, so in many places you can literally carry any kind of gun (except during some hunting seasons). A general rule of thumb, long guns are allowed handguns can be limited. Best self defense for a non shooter is a shotgun with double 00 buckshot. It will kill most things and it will hurt a black or brown bear badly. Plus, you don't have to be a good shot. just point in the general direction.

[@johnnorris1024]

@Ivan Duka he also said AR15 which is specifically a semi automatic weapon. The Automatic version is either an M4 or M16.

[@johnnorris1024]

@@moistoregon9049 I am an American. Would never be a Democrat or a Republican. Part of being an American is understanding your Constitutional rights and enjoying them. You on the other hand are obviously a Soy Boy pacifict. Enjoy the channel tender man.

[@guitarcleveland]

I don't own a gun and I am afraid of people messing with me with solo camping. I'm not sure a knife and mace are good enough.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great pointers on camping alone. Thank you so much for sharing my friend. Be safe out there and have fun. 🤗

[@Masterhughesproductions]

hell i go to sleep with Big foot standing in the camp, your safer than walking downtown at night.

[@hikewithmike4673]

I love camping alone in the woods my favorite place to be...the wilderness is wonderful much safer then cities!

[@gordaro2828]

HEY BEAR!...we've all yelled that (or should) black bears are more scavenger than predator, especially on the Island. In my years of bushwacking, I've only encountered two (2) blacke bear. They both cheesed it quick. Great advice, by the way. Keeping a reasonable fire at night and noise by day will usually promise you zero encounters of anything. Mosquitoes and spiders notwithstanding. Bear bells have BEEN PROVEN to gain a bears interest. Cougars...and, as you know, we got the largest population of 'em...know you're there. THEY are predators...but we are usually unwanted prey. Keep making V.I. Proud...Cheers from victoria

[@farmerspud1270]

Easy, after a long day hiking, I smash one out.Exhausted I sleep great.