Winter Wilderness Survival (circa 1750) Part 1 | Primitive Shelter | Bush Craft | Foraging | Pioneer

Peter decides to challenge himself to surviving alone in the winter wilderness for one week, without taking any provisions. Portraying a settler from the 18'th century, he employs only what they would have had available. He selects a site and proceeds to build a primitive shelter with the materials at hand and his two oil cloth tarps. He constructs a dry laid stone fireplace, lighting his fire using flint and steel, and catching the spark with char cloth. He forages for wild edibles, but this proves much more challenging in the winter than in the spring, summer or fall. He is successful in finding wild grapes and ghost apples and he does manage to harvest the occasional squirrel with his flintlock, .62 calliper, smooth bore musket. His shelter is cosy as he listens to the coyotes howl in the night.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Shane Kelly
SOCIAL MEDIA
KZbin - / @thewoodlandescape
Instagram - / the.woodland.escape
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by Richard Fortier
#bushcraft #18thcenturypioneerlife #winterwilderness #selfreliance #northamericanhistory #longhunter #muzzleloader #flintlockhunting #shelterbuilding #foraging #primitiveshelter

[@thehonesthobo]

Of all the survival shows I have ever watched. I have never seen anyone, just make a fire place. That is like genius.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

No sense getting old and stupid to. Thanks for your interest.

[@johnhelms5971]

At 67 years of age, I have done a bit of the type of camping you did in this episode and I can tell you make me envious that I am not still doing it. I have watched all of your episodes and this is my favorite so far. I love them all, but this one made me long for a few cold weather nights in the woods.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I agree John, nothing beats a cold winter night and a crackling warm fire!

[@slocumb1270]

You are a great statesman and ambassador for the history of North America. And by the way, your camera work is spot-on. Keep up the great work!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are flattered, thank you.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 Danke fürs Hochladen!

[@hiluxmad]

Top class content , the camera work was fine most people dont expect Hollywood productions this was better then Irish TV programmes. Could watch and listen for hours,👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@radioactivepotato2068]

I could have listened to the tea history for days in all honesty. You're a fantastic orator, I got lost there.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. Perhaps sometimes a wee bit too much of an orator!

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Peter, this is where I found you this video 7 months or so ago. Have been hooked ever since LOL I have going back and catching the ones I haven't seen yet. See you on the next one!

[@Blrtech77]

Peter I Thank You and You're the Best!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You flatter me, thank you so much.

[@gwendolynnowlan2427]

this dude is awesome. this is a real survivalist. no toys just real skills

[@tthomp57]

I love how you bring us into this world. You are like an 18th century Mr. Rogers. It's so peaceful to watch. Almost feels like being there. Like living there/then. Living history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Never been compared to Mr. Rogers and I’ll take that as a compliment.Thanks for your interest.

[@wanderlustjake]

After reading books about the longhunters and frontiersmen, this video helps bring their living conditions to life. Thank you for doing this video and all of your videos, they are interesting and inspiring. Looking forward to more.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We appreciate your kind compliment, sir.

[@iamsiant]

You’re an inspiration Sir. I’m 24 years old and I’m seeking a life of homesteading and living as self sufficiently as possible. Trying to figure out the first steps towards a hard working but peaceful lifestyle. Thanks for all your wisdom. I’ll be studying as much of it as I can 👍🏻

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I wish you luck in your endeavors!

[@tWoforgamenot1]

i am 76 still learning :) good for you !

[@linusyootasteisking]

this is my exact situation as well. cool

[@jhosk]

Happy to read this,

[@kevinthorrington2131]

Don't be afraid to share history, it's what I look forward to. I love history!!!

[@dickdavidson3616]

That old pioneer fence line sure came in handy for materials. At 17:30 you can hear how strong the draw was, another great video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It deed indeed Dick and that simple fireplace worked amazingly well.

[@nhmountains5683]

Another five video as usual Peter. The bed in the new location looks much better and more comfortable.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It wa indeed sir!

[@craigwitte2943]

Peter, I did a no provision primitive trek in November of 1979. I figured to eat well on squirrel. Did not, but I did learn that coyote aint bad eats!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I can seriously say I have never had that opportunity,lol.

[@jantrewitt4058]

Great video, I enjoyed it very much! Glad you got the squirrel and those apples to get your body back in shape!

[@denisdegamon8224]

This brought to mind of a float trip down the Chattahoochee river when I was in the Army one late fall. We just brought very basic gear (although modern except for my black powder double shotgun... Before my buckskinning days). We hunted during the day bringing only a few vegetables, onions and potatoes with us from home. I got a rabbit and a duck. Cooked the rabbit on a spit and baked the duck in the ground. Our Sgt Major got a buck deer and we had smoked backstrap, duck and rabbit feast enough for our entire six man party. It was a memorable trip. Thanks for the memory.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That sounds like an amazing trip … my kinda holiday! Thanks for sharing the story.

[@unpredictable913]

7:55 Amazing! I love it!

[@stunnedatsunset7649]

I just love this channel! In this episode, Peter gives us all a valuable lesson in constructing a cozy, comfortable shelter using ancient bush craft techniques. I thought the use of common source materials to build the shelter fascinating and that fireplace was just plain amazing! Thank you Peter!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you for your interest.

[@dragonslayer7587]

Wow! What a great channel! So glad I found this! I have wondered how to build a hearth in a Bushcraft shelter! Great!

[@JungleJargon]

Yes, do it like they had to do or at least see what we would have to do to keep out of the elements. Everything is manual labor. Getting water food and making a shelter with heat. Lots of tinder to get a fire going. Dutch oven, if you are wealthy. Food will last for weeks. Making the shelter air tight is not so easy, maybe with a lot of time and some mud. I have found that wood catches fire easily with some tinder and used candle wax.

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother and everyone else and thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Earl.

[@josephinegibbs3902]

Went for a walk in the falling snow this afternoon, gathering Douglas-fir tips as I passed through my neighbors' woods. Came home and brewed a pot of Douglas-fir tea, sat down at the computer and found this video recommended (first of yours I've seen.) I was delighted when you brewed cedar tea and started talking about the history. I'll have to gather some cedar on a hike soon!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

How strange is that … all in the timing. In part 2, I cover a variety of wild edible teas.

[@MrTastyZombie]

I just found your channel. I am hooked! I love the concept and the glimpse of the old world. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you’re enjoying.

[@metroplexchl]

Coyotes calling is one of my all time favorite sounds in the wild. Exciting episode! Look forward to the rest.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Mine as well … haunting yet soothing!

[@AsstVillageIdiot]

My grandfather was from the Pubnicos in NS and used to tell my father about extended hunting trips, which I heard about secondhand. Sometimes he went with his brothers, sometimes with a MiqMaq or a Frenchman. I heard that worked better because each group had a different take on what to do and how to do it.

[@HallnoutMhall]

Good evening Peter. Fantastic job self recording. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and cooking recipes. It's always a pleasure and we eagerly await the next one. Thanks again and hope all are well in neck of the woods.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

As long as I am in the woods my friend, than all is well!

[@johnclarke6647]

I went deer hunting in North Georgia about 50 years ago. I cooked supper in a pouring down rainstorm within my big tent, I woke up the next morning with a foot of snow on the ground and freezing to death. It was 24 degrees F. With a strong NW wind. I loaded everything in the truck and headed home. No self respecting deer would be out moving around in that cold weather and neither would I. 😢🎉

[@greywindLOSP]

You sir live a life I truly admire and was to busy before to try it! Now we try to adjust ourselves to that period, thank you for what you do and most grateful for what you teach! My best to you and yours....ATB

[@patriciavanlouwe6636]

"Good enough for company, if I had any." Good one Peter! I so admire you and what you are doing with these videos... not just saying that because you are my little brother.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is funny when I have no script, what pops into and out of my head. Don’t realize it sometimes until the final editing is done and while watching it before release, say to my self, who the heck is that guy, lol.

[@pinoamenta9942]

What a lovely charismatic man. Good stuff

[@firstwavepuresoul]

Love this! ..and the Voyager' clothes of the period.. Hudson's Bay blanket jacket etc,. What an excellent visual lesson in winter survival. Looking forward to more. Thank You!

[@billm9709]

Absolutely some of the very videos on KZbin today. I'll bet I try a few of those apples tomorrow.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You will not be disappointed, Bill.

[@billm9709]

Had 4 off an old tree behind my house this afternoon. Wonderful by themselves but just a touch of cinnamon and Oh! My! Thanks for this video!!

[@vincentrogister5006]

I like your garb the capote (i think i spelled that right) blanket jacket is neat and that fur vest is very cool not a lot of clothes with fur anymore I think we lost our way with synthetic stuff and dont appreciate natures bounty as much as our forefathers that open hearth is awesome, Ive slept in a wool blanket with an oilskin tarp next to the fire in autumn and found that I was a bit chilly with just one blanket but I survived and managed to get about 4 hrs of sleep. Had to boil my canteen and put it by my feet and wear all my layers I gained alot of respect for the pioneers who had to endure canadian winter must have been some of the toughest people on earth

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for sharing your story, Vincent. Nothing like first hand experience to appreciate things!

[@scarlethenderson6510]

Always love your exciting adventures thank you so much for sharing I'm a little late this week I've been busy but I'm catching up I'm going to watch the next one after I get through with this one I'm so excited

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We’re flattered Scarlet and a Merry Christmas to you and your clan.

[@marcusaetius9309]

Excellent fire starting technique! 👍🏻

[@martinmeltzer2696]

That was very enjoyable to watch! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@allenharris1069]

Outstanding. Looking forward to the next one.

[@paulsimmons390]

I have watched quite a few wilderness camp outs and most would freeze . I have camped in Colorado when it was 60 below o. Your camp makes sense Great job.

[@bobmiller4383]

Thank you for this superb episode Peter. Your " wee bits of history" are especially welcome. I remember back to a 18th C period camp when friend Mike and I spent the night on the shore of the Ottawa river. , thinking about the possibility that Champlain may have camped on the same spot some 400 years ago !

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Bob. I’m looking forward to sharing a fire with you, perhaps in your new shelter … I’ll pass on huddling at the base of a tree wrapped in a blanket though. Cathy and I canoed the Ottawa for 6 days. Camping sites are few and far between and every one is slopped to the point one always ended up in the bottom of the tent come morning.

[@Nerdperior]

Love the going out into the woods without provisions. Super good idea and it makes the video 100x more intresting than otherwise

[@kellycarver2500]

It may not be a good idea for someone who has never done it before, unless they take all they need to survive..don't need any getting lost, freezing or starving.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Intro, amazing. Facing difficulties, you say: “ bring it on”. But, you know, if you wouldn’t put yourself out so far, you wouldn’t have 600,000 viewers! And growing. You amazing

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Nobody ever said it was going to be easy, lol. Thanks for the kind words.

[@flintlockDave]

I've said it before and I'll say it again your channel is one of my absolute favorite channels every video you share is amazing!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are flattered sir, thank you.

[@ethancox2992]

Thanks for the great video i truly enjoy watching your adventures

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Ethan.

[@Cetok01]

I'm pushing 70, but still love camping and new to this channel. I found it relaxing, refreshing and informative; many lessons without preaching them. This reminded me of one of my favorite books, Allan Eckert's historical narrative 'Wilderness Empire.' Thank you, Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m almost on the Eve of 70 as well. Thank you for your interest. Eckert is one of my favorite authors…you should try The Frontiersman.

[@patrickpirelli7897]

Your voice as a flow to delight all thank you for sharing

[@timsheridan3987]

Great job! Looking forward to the next chapter. I really enjoy how you always throw a brief history lesson in keep up the good work

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@harrymills2770]

Some of that history, especially things like cedar tea, could save your life.

[@timrobinson6573]

I do multi day hiking/camping trips. Whatever I can carry is what I take and one thing you learn quickly is how heavy water is.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is indeed Tom. I use an extra wide strap on most of my trekking canteens.

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Outstanding

[@kurtbaier6122]

Every vid you got me hooked for more.

[@LunaReign]

Love it !!! Please talk more history too x

[@mikafoxx2717]

Absolutely love it. You're a tough fellow to go without any food. I always loved how apples seem to look out for us in the late season when everything else is gone.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Good way to lose weight. Usually lose about 6 to 7 pounds on a week long outing.

[@mikafoxx2717]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Wow, makes up for all the fatback, eh? There seems to be pretty good proof that periods of scarcity make our body adapt to be better, and healthier. You seem to be doing quite well, yourself!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do believe in the theory you suggest… what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

[@MrOldzimm]

Good video, one my favorite teas is a hand full of White Pine needles with a couple Spruce Boughs, bring them to a rolling boil for five minutes and then let it seep for five minutes, add a spoon full of honey to a mug and you got some mighty fine tea.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I will definitely try that!

[@kendallsteckel711]

great video! always so good! many thanks!

[@scottperry2290]

Great job, your camera work is outstanding. Content is very interesting. Look forward to your weekly program. Thank you for all your work. Glad you stayed dry

[@David_Avidmind]

Beautiful video and stories. Thank you for sharing what you know.

[@kingrafa3938]

Your camera work is fine and not bad. Looking forward to part 2 👍🇵🇭

[@thomashartman7983]

I quite enjoyed your the tea lesson. So don't feel bad about how long it was.

[@Ronmanster]

Outstanding, having been in the situation, a time or two. 30-40 below and nothing but your will to survive. Kudos!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for taking us along on your adventure!

[@JamesSchenck]

Excellent content sir! Can't wait for part 2!

[@marieleopold1625]

I find this FASCINATING! Thank you Peter for your sharing with us SUCH a UNIQUE insight into the past. Talk about DETERMINATION and love of yesteryear! I say it's better to go back than to live in our mess of today. Eventually, we will 'all' have to go back to the land. We have pert near ruined everything and poisoned ourselves to the max with 'innovations' = Yikes! My beloved hub left early in '14 and so I had to decide where I was going to continue the rest of my life. QC called, as I had relatives and friends established there/here. My youngest son went on a vacation with me to; I'lle D'Orleans, in 2018. We were at; Holy Family Presbytery, getting a history rundown of the island. On a walkabout in the nearby cemetery, my son called me to 'Come and see.' What I saw was a memorial stone to the founding families of the island. On it was clearly marked the name of my Great, Great, Great...(I mean he was GREAT) Grandfather, who is noted to have landed in 1636. It sent a chill down my spine. I felt very connected to 'my choice' of settling in QC. Perhaps we are not as 'independent' as we think...perhaps we are being influenced by many from our past. I watch you and think; Perhaps he (grandfather) would have done the same thing. It inspires me. God Bless you n' yours! :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Love your compassion for history, particularly that of your own clan. I thank you for sharing your story.

[@OverOnTheWildSide]

This is excellent, I look forward to part 2.

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Great video and history lesson what a gift Merry Christmas ☃️🎄

[@PeggyDeKay]

What a wonderful video. I am amazed and impressed by your resourcefulness and self-reliance. Thank you for posting such an inspirational video. Well done!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Peggy.

[@lewisvillalta2492]

Excellent advice and content 👌 you are one of the kind sir 👍 God bless you always

[@billhatcher2984]

Deer like those winter apples you might get lucky

[@rogerclyde2720]

Awesome most people would be to afraid of animals and staying over in the wilderness, we definitely have lost touch with our native wilds. You are producing living history please keep it going forward.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much,Roger.

[@johnhempsall4644]

Well I’ve got to say. I thoroughly enjoy your films. Thank you my friend.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you John.

[@markivany5253]

Love these videos. Keep them coming.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Mark.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Fine historical reenactment/historical archaeology. You found a spot with good natural resources for basic, short-term survival, even in winter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks James, it is passion of mine to get out there and actually live history. We appreciate your interest in our Woodland Escape.

[@billm9709]

...very best videos...

[@RM-bl4td]

Truly splendid! Thank you for your videos

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@taranscott155]

Thank you for sharing - my late uncle took me to two Rendezvous meetings when I was a young man and the lasting impression they left turned into a lifelong interest. Much respect from the UK. Best wishes to you and yours for a healthy and prosperous New Year !

[@sandydaviswhytelewis5387]

Peter ,you must know by now the activity around you the protection you have around you ,the extremely large amount of ancestors making themselves seen in this video Ahhh you know now O M G what in the world Extremely Active What was on your Land?!! Many spirits Peter Having fun with your film.

[@shoot2win506]

Mr. Pete....what a great episode. I certainly didn't want it to end!!!! Thank you for all you do. You are living history like no other!!!! Be safe out there!!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you. I’ll try!

[@dannyburrell4014]

That fireplace/chimney is first class

[@ProfoundConfusion]

I'm loving your videos. Thank You.

[@palonghunter3608]

Our flintlock season starts after Christmas. This makes me want to trek my way through the first few days.

[@ka2pbo]

I too am a Pa flintlock hunter. The problem is PA doesn’t allow overnight camping and fires on game lands . Only fires for cooking and and warming. . It’s in the hunting regs . You can make fires on forest land but starting in May. .

[@jaybird2593]

i love this man he knows how to servive

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@mangle40]

I love every bit of your channel. Huge inspiration with every episode. Makes me homesick. Canadian in Texas.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Such a long way from home. I’ve never been but, heard Texas is nice. Glad you’re enjoying our channel.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I really enjoyed this video, I felt as I was right there with you, I really enjoyed the story, I could listen to them all day. Thank you for sharing. JJ

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You don’t want to get me started on storytelling, JJ, as I’ll talk all day, lol.

[@OKBushcraft]

Not sure how I've not come across your channel before but I'm an instant sub! Hello from warm and sunny Oklahoma USA

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And a cold snowy hello from Canada. Thanks for your interest.

[@joeveasey954]

Thanks for sharing and educating us with your endeavors. I have had the pleasure of spending time in Quebec, Ontario, BC and a day in the Yukon. The Canadian perspective of North American history is very much appreciated. Be safe and thanks again for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you Joe. If it were not family living in Ontario, my wife and I would move to the Yukon … we love it up there.

[@handsomedan1997]

Yet another awesome great episode. Hats off for going out there with no food! That takes guts. So cool to see all the hands on, know how stuff too. This is like the Epic PBS show we never had… Thanks so much for these awesome vids, can’t wait for the next one and be careful out there.Ps- I wonder if you got a deer yet?.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We got two deer in the opening season but, only saw does and fawns in the muzzleloader season. Thanks for your interest.

[@dragonslayer7587]

This was great trip to go on with you! I've learned so much! Thank You, have a Blessed Christmas.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you and your clan.

[@glorialange6446]

Enjoyed this video a great deal, and the history lesson too.

[@Patrick-uu5xg]

I really like the wat you can laugh at yourself. you seem to have a very pleasant personality. Great history lesson as well. I'm a fan!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Patrick.

[@tacticaltonto3777]

That's the stuff dreams are made of..!!!!!! I live vicariously through you...... Well done.

[@judyjenson2918]

Loved it

[@gregoryhare8795]

I like how you made your shelter really cool and about some history on tea I like that and as I know that has been around for a long time and I do like how you pot together the stove

[@daviddowd3764]

Very well done my friend!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks David.

[@bpfirehunt0192]

You sir have 1 of the best channels of varied content i have seen in quite a while. I love it!! This trek ur doing is fine education and entertainment and i thoroughly enjoy it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is a lovely compliment, thank you.

[@TheLadymoonstone]

I'm ever so impressed by your moxie. I showed my brothers, the campers this video and asked if they could do that. (there going to try next camping trip) Also, the sounds in the forest at night would really freak me out. But i am sure you know what they are. Such a great video. Cheers from the pacific northwest, Canada side.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Historic trekking is a wonderful way to experience nature, I’m sure your brothers will forge some memories. Thanks for watching.

[@yukonajimae9144]

This is incredible 👏

[@donbethune383]

Always informative. Love the practical demonstration and the historical information. Sleep warm Hold Fast and GOD Bless.

[@denisdegamon8224]

This was a truely enjoyable video. Loved the shelter build and hearth construction. It is late evenning and now I can go to bed and think on this adventure and dream. Outstanding sir. You have definately earned my subscription as a fellow buckskinner.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Flattered Denis, thanks for your support.

[@markaugustus621]

Enjoy every bit of history you cover. Your shelter is practical and shows the effort needed to make it. I have watched some people making an elaborate shelter and think too many calories being burned for the return. Yours was well thought out and put together. And now to go to my apple tree and pick some old apples. Thanks again.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Your in for a treat with the frozen apples. One week out there you find out how important conserving one’s energy is.

[@bobesselstyn461]

going to be a good series Pete,thanks I will enjoy

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Bob … working on putting together part two.