Outdoor Life Prepare for Anything Survival Manual (47 page)

Whatever bow you’re using, you should definitely learn to shoot your arrows correctly. Here are the basic steps.

STEP 1
Stand with your body perpendicular to

the target, turning your chin over your shoulder toward it.

STEP 2
Nock your arrow with one fletching facing outward from the bow, holding one finger above and two (or three) below it.

STEP 3
Draw the string, holding it at the first knuckle of your fingers. Keep your elbow up as you pull the string to the corner of your mouth, and hold your bow arm out stiff, but don’t squeeze the bow.

STEP 4
Aim down the length of the shaft and set its point on your target.

STEP 5
Loose the arrow by relaxing your fingers and letting the string slip free. Hold still until the arrow hits its mark.

If you need to readjust, stop and start over. You can protect your fingers and forearms with gloves or guards. Keep practicing and you’ll consistently hit your target.

If there ever was a miracle product, it’s duct tape. In existence for more than 70 years, this staple product of fix-it-yourselfers has been used by everyone and for everything. Here are some of the things duct tape can do in a pinch.

REPAIR CRACKS

Repairing a cracked water bottle or a pierced hydration bladder? A strip of DT is the next best thing for an ailing water vessel. Just dry the surface before you try to tape your patch in place, as most forms of duct tape won’t stick to moisture.

MAKE CORDAGE

Twist one or several lengths of duct tape into a cord or rope.

CRAFT A SPEAR

Cut a branch about 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 m) long, and tape your knife to it firmly. Presto! You have a spear for hunting, fishing, or defense.

CUFF ’EM

If someone is acting up during a survival emergency, you can duct tape his hands together around a tree to prevent him from becoming a danger to himself or others.

CATCH INSECTS

Who needs flypaper when you have duct tape? Tear off a few strips and hang them around your bed and eating area to catch those annoying bugs.

REINFORCE KNOTS

If you’re worried about your knots slipping, wrapping them in duct tape will help keep them fast. You’ll need to cut the tape away with a knife or scissors to untie the knot.

INSULATE CLOTHING

Layer the inside of your shoes and clothing to keep water out and seal body heat in.

AFFIX BANDAGES

Place a sterile dressing over your wound, and strap it in place with DT. Hopefully you’re not too hairy where you got injured.

MAKE A HAT

If you’re in danger of getting sunstroke and all you have is duct tape, you can fashion a makeshift hat to reflect away the sun’s rays. So much more stylish than tinfoil.

CRAFT A SLING