Kevin Estela, a survival skills expert and contributor to RECOIL Magazine, shares his insights on the 'Predator Pack' concept for living off the land. He discusses the ethical differences between sport and emergency survival tactics. Listeners learn innovative fishing strategies, including baiting techniques and food preservation methods. Estela emphasizes the importance of quality tools for hunting and fishing, along with preparation and practice, to enhance survival skills in real-world scenarios.
The predator pack concept emphasizes equipping oneself with essential hunting, fishing, and trapping items for effective survival in emergency scenarios.
Kevin Estela highlights the crucial mindset shift necessary for survival, acknowledging that legality often blurs in life-threatening situations requiring food procurement.
The podcast underscores the importance of ongoing education in survival skills, encouraging practical experience in hunting, fishing, and trapping to enhance preparedness.
Deep dives
Sponsorship and Product Overview
A division of Oakley, Oakley Standard Issue caters to government, military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel by offering them exclusive access to new products and service-related discounts. They provide a range of products including eyewear known for ballistic ratings and industrial certification, making them ideal for on-duty functionality. A versatile product line extends to footwear that meets uniform regulations, in addition to durable gloves and backpacks. To access these offerings, it's recommended to register online and apply a discount code for additional savings on the first order.
Introduction to Survival Skills
Survival education is framed through various courses that focus on essential skills for emergency scenarios, such as spending a night outdoors, managing injuries, or surviving the initial 72 hours after an incident. The discussion transitions from classes that used to be labeled 'Modern Predator' to a broader curriculum encompassing 'Modern Survival Skills' and 'Wilderness Survival Overnight'. This curriculum adaptation incorporates hunting, trapping, and fishing skills integral to survival preparation. The host aims to address frequent inquiries from students regarding techniques in hunting, fishing, and trapping in outdoor survival contexts.
The Predator Mindset and Emergency Provisions
The predator mindset is highlighted as a mental shift essential for survival, focusing on obtaining food through various means, even acknowledging the potential legality of such methods in ordinary situations. Emergencies often blur the lines between legality and necessity, positing that what is illegal in normal circumstances may become imperative in survival situations. A key takeaway is that preparedness includes having the right gear readily available, which significantly increases capability during survival encounters. Besides just homing in on physical tasks, this mindset also encompasses strategic thinking about food procurement options.
Fishing Techniques and Equipment
Various fishing techniques are discussed, emphasizing that fishing provides not only sustenance but also mental diversion during emergencies. The advantages of using multiple hooks, gill nets, and automatic fishermen are highlighted, showcasing their effectiveness in maximizing catch. Notably, discipline around legal limits and preservation methods is emphasized, encouraging the capture and maintenance of resources rather than merely filling quotas. Effective methods such as trapping turtles using jugs illustrate creative solutions that utilize readily available materials for food procurement.
Hunting Strategies and Gear Recommendations
The podcast concludes with a deep dive into hunting strategies, underscoring the balance between practicality and efficiency in choosing hunting gear, particularly small game options like the .22 caliber pistol. A thorough evaluation of different weapons emphasizes the importance of adaptability and light carrying styles to maintain mobility. Above all, the episode promotes harnessing experiences from recreational activities to develop proficient survival skills, ensuring that individuals are better equipped mentally and physically for real-world applications. The overarching message encourages ongoing learning and preparation to enhance effectiveness in survival situations.
The predator pack is a concept that helps the survivor live off the land. In this week's podcast, Kevin Estela presents ideas about the predator pack based on his experience teaching survival skills as well as an article he wrote for RECOIL Magazine in 2017. The pack includes hunting, fishing, and trapping items and in this podcast, Estela explains how what is effective is often illegal in non-emergency scenarios. He makes the distinction between "sport" and real-world use in emergencies and offers guidance as to what should be carried and practiced with.