North American Outdoorsman
    What's Hot

    Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

    September 26, 2023

    Some ‘Roosies’ for the Ladies

    August 23, 2023

    Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman: Jesika Lucarelli, Great Mountain Guide Service

    August 23, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    North American OutdoorsmanNorth American Outdoorsman
    • Current Issue
    • Publications
      • North American Outdoorsman
      • North American Deer Hunter
      • North American Bowhunter
      • Crossbow Magazine
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Newsletter
    Facebook Instagram YouTube
    SUBSCRIBE
    • Hunting
      1. Whitetail
      2. Bowhunting
      3. Big Game
      4. Stories
      5. How to Hunt
      6. Podcasts
      7. View All

      15 Best Late-Season Deer Food Plots

      February 13, 2023

      Offseason Wintertime Whitetail Prep

      December 30, 2022

      Process your own deer

      October 21, 2022

      Spot-and-Stalk Whitetail Hunt with my Dad

      October 14, 2022

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Process your own deer

      October 21, 2022

      Hunting Woodland Caribou: A Newfound Passion

      August 7, 2022

      Bow Birds

      April 1, 2022

      Getting High on Alberta Bighorn Sheep

      August 23, 2023

      Playing the Wind: The Adventures of Abby and Shaundi         

      August 23, 2023

      The Complete Hunter

      August 23, 2023

      Aim Big, Hit Small

      June 21, 2023

      Playing the Wind: The Adventures of Abby and Shaundi         

      August 23, 2023

      Mom’s First Moose: A Family Hunting Adventure

      August 23, 2023

      Where Memories Are Made

      June 3, 2023

      A Boy’s First Goose

      May 12, 2023

      Find a Mentor and Dive Right In

      August 23, 2023

      Traveling With Your Gun Dog

      August 20, 2023

      21 Rookie Coyote Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

      April 9, 2023

      Where to Shoot a Black Bear

      April 8, 2023

      Campfire Stories Podcast | Ep 188 with Montey DeBoer of Hornady

      July 10, 2023

      Some ‘Roosies’ for the Ladies

      August 23, 2023

      Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman: Jesika Lucarelli, Great Mountain Guide Service

      August 23, 2023

      Getting High on Alberta Bighorn Sheep

      August 23, 2023

      Playing the Wind: The Adventures of Abby and Shaundi         

      August 23, 2023
    • Fishing
      1. All Fishing
      2. Fly Fishing
      3. How to Fish
      4. View All

      Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

      September 26, 2023

      Fishing for Dinosaurs: Our Chase for White Sturgeon

      August 13, 2023

      How to Find Summer Steelhead

      June 22, 2023

      Targeting Walleye Throughout the Open-Water Season

      June 20, 2023

      Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

      September 26, 2023

      How to Pick a Fly Box

      March 3, 2023

      Essential Equipment for Fly Fisherman

      December 20, 2022

      Fly Fishing: Backing, Leaders And Tippets – All You Need to Know

      August 9, 2022

      Lake Texoma: Queen of Inland Striper Fisheries

      March 6, 2023

      How to Pick a Fly Box

      March 3, 2023

      How to Make Winter Walleye Bite

      February 15, 2023

      Hooked! My Love of Ice Fishing for Lake Trout

      February 2, 2023

      Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

      September 26, 2023

      Fishing for Dinosaurs: Our Chase for White Sturgeon

      August 13, 2023

      How to Find Summer Steelhead

      June 22, 2023

      Targeting Walleye Throughout the Open-Water Season

      June 20, 2023
    • Gear
      1. Gear Reviews
      2. New Outdoor Gear
      3. View All

      Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

      September 26, 2023

      The Best Hunting Boots for Men and Women

      August 22, 2023

      Our Rundown of The Best Guns For Women

      August 13, 2023

      Sightmark Wraith Mini 2 Thermal Riflescope

      July 14, 2023

      The Best Hunting Boots for Men and Women

      August 22, 2023

      Garmin’s New Lineup of Outdoor Navigation Devices

      March 15, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      TRUE KNIVES SWIFT EDGE HUNT PROCESSING KIT

      December 27, 2022

      Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

      September 26, 2023

      The Best Hunting Boots for Men and Women

      August 22, 2023

      Our Rundown of The Best Guns For Women

      August 13, 2023

      Armed and Responsible: Gun Myths Regarding Women

      August 13, 2023
    • Field to Table
      1. #eatwhatyoukill
      2. Recipes
      3. View All

      Venison Tacos on a Pellet Grill

      February 21, 2023

      Goose Recipes: Bacon Benedict with Duck Fat Hollandaise

      February 3, 2023

      Fish Stock – Jeff Benda

      May 26, 2022

      Salisbury Steak – Ky Loop

      May 24, 2022

      Snow Goose Ravioli

      August 13, 2023

      Snow Goose Lasagna

      June 18, 2023

      Goose Recipe: Szechuan Style

      April 16, 2023

      Wild Game Jambalaya Recipe

      April 6, 2023

      Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

      September 26, 2023

      Some ‘Roosies’ for the Ladies

      August 23, 2023

      Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman: Jesika Lucarelli, Great Mountain Guide Service

      August 23, 2023

      Getting High on Alberta Bighorn Sheep

      August 23, 2023
    • News
      1. Conservation
      2. Editorial
      3. Press Releases
      4. View All

      The NWTF & USDA Sign $50M Agreement to Fight Wildfire Crisis

      October 28, 2022

      Help the Yelp

      March 25, 2022

      Conservation Hunts For Spring Snow Geese

      February 6, 2022

      Tools and Equipment For Whitetail Habitat Management

      February 3, 2022

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      Newly Approved IGFA World Records

      April 19, 2022

      USCCA Congratulates Georgia Governor for Signing Constitutional Carry Bill

      April 15, 2022

      The RCMP’s Secret Long-Gun Registry

      January 31, 2022

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      Exclusive Women’s Issue

      October 4, 2022

      Kimber Releases New 1911 RAPIDE, R7 Mako, and Limited-Edition Micro 9

      August 19, 2022

      Armed and Responsible: Sweetheart Grips, Significant Others and Self-Defense

      February 19, 2023

      2023 SHOT Show Hunting Gear

      January 17, 2023

      Hooyman Joins Best Outdoor Discounts

      December 6, 2022

      The NWTF & USDA Sign $50M Agreement to Fight Wildfire Crisis

      October 28, 2022
    • Book a Trip
      • Hunting Trips
      • Fishing Trips
    • Login
    North American Outdoorsman
    Home » All Articles » Alone, But Not Lonely
    Featured

    Alone, But Not Lonely

    Lisa RoperBy Lisa RoperAugust 13, 2023Updated:August 14, 20239 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram Tumblr Email
    wind
    The wind is picking up and the sounds of the forest are beautiful.
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    One Woman’s Battle to Conquer the Elements

    As outdoor men and women, we embrace what nature has to offer: lush wilderness, fast-moving rivers, sky-piercing mountains, still waters and an abundance of wildlife. Spending our days hunting, fishing and being present in nature is where we find our best time for solitary reflection. It’s where we go to elevate our well-being and allow pre-existing stressors and pressures in our lives to dissipate, making room for our inner grounded soul to feel alive.

    Whether I’m in a hunting camp with friends or family, embarking on a do-it-yourself fly-in fishing trip, sleeping on the ground or venturing out on solo hunting and fishing expeditions, I find that four fundamental requirements are crucial. They are shelter, water, fire and food.

    However, have you ever considered what might happen if these essential needs were absent? Would you be able to survive? Would you possess the necessary knowledge to handle such a situation?

    To me, survival encompasses not only the courage to venture into the great outdoors and embrace the adventures I cherish (hunting, fishing or camping)—but also the confidence to handle any unforeseen challenges that may arise. Survival means being equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to take care of myself so that even in the face of harsh conditions, I can emerge unscathed and continue to thrive.

    bed
    The boughs to make my bed.

    An ’Alone’ Test

    I decided to test myself on an “alone” experience in the boreal forest of Northern Alberta. I went there having no food, water, fire or shelter; however, I took along a dozen essential items. These were an axe, knife, tarp, rope, snare wire, metal pot, Ferro rod, recurve bow, arrows, sleeping bag, fishing line and fishing hooks.

    As a passionate advocate for the great outdoors, I firmly believe in honoring the immense power of Nature. It is our responsibility to be well-informed and adequately prepared for any situation, such as when the weather changes from a delightful, sunny afternoon to a powerful atmospheric disturbance. I believe we also must be ready for emergencies where we might find ourselves without essential needs and facing the forces of nature. It is during these challenging days that our survival skills and outdoor capabilities are genuinely challenged.

    I was dropped off in the forest with my items in my backpack and my bow in hand. The first half of the day was spent walking until I found an area with a good mixture of aspen, birch and spruce trees. These would help build my shelter and provide both a good windbreak and wood for my fire. To the west was a water source and a thick grove of spruce trees. It was a suitable habitat for rabbits, squirrels, and grouse, allowing me opportunities to find much-needed protein for the next five days.

    Building my tripod teepee tent.

    First, Shelter

    The weather was not stable, so I spent the remainder of the day building my shelter before the wind picked up and the rain set in. I decided to construct a tripod teepee from aspens I chopped down and tied together with the paracord rope. Then I leaned more aspen trees on each side of the tripod and wove spruce boughs between them to close the sides before adding the tarp. Using my knife, I crafted wooden stakes that I could drive into the ground to secure my tarp in its position. The final touch was creating a door-like structure on the teepee from a large spruce tree that had numerous branches. I felt like a child again, when I built forts in the woods with my brothers.

    The wind was whipping through the trees. Although I couldn’t see the wind, it caused the entire forest to sway and dance. It allowed me to hear each tree differently, like instruments in an orchestra. The rustling leaves whispered melodies, branches creaked in musical harmony and the gentle swaying of the trees provided a beautiful backdrop. It was a captivating performance, a symphony created by nature itself, that filled the air with magic and made me feel connected to everything around me.

    How I feel about my “alone” adventure.

    Logs and Kindling

    Before the rain came, I gathered wood and kindling and piled these in my teepee. Then I collected birch logs, longer than me and twice as wide, to make the base of my bed. I filled the spaces between the logs with grasses and smaller boughs. I built a soft mattress of spruce boughs piled relatively high to keep me off the cold ground. The delightful scent of the freshly cut spruce filled the interior of my teepee, bringing back memories of cherished family moments during the Christmas season.

    At the end of Day 1, I was exhausted, I had no food, but I was dry and warm. Earlier in the day, I had collected water and boiled it in my metal pot to stay hydrated for the day’s work. That night, as I watched the flames of the fire dance and listened to raindrops fall on my tarp, I nestled into my sleeping bag and drifted off into one of the most beautiful and rejuvenating nights of sleep I had experienced in many years.

    My “bladder” water holder.

    Making Snares

    I spent the next few days building and setting snares for squirrels and rabbits, trying to find any protein to provide some subsistence. With the lack of food, I needed to increase my water intake. Since I had only one steel pot, I tied a knot in the legs of my rain pants and used them to make a “bladder” to hold more drinking water.

    Each day my snares came up empty. However, on one of my morning walks, I spotted two ruffed grouse shuffling among the dead leaves on the ground. I was excited and instantly imagined fresh game birds fried over the open fire. The grouse scuttled under some thick brush. I walked west of them, taking time to place each step quietly on the ground. With my recurve bow in hand, I just needed another glimpse of the grouse. Each of us was silent, yet I could hear my breathing. I decided to take one more step. As I did, the two grouse made a break for a large spruce tree about 50 yards away.

    With my heart pounding and my stomach growling, I assessed the situation. There was still a chance; the grouse hadn’t gone far. Determined to secure a meal, I cautiously made my way through the dense forest, scanning the surroundings. As I navigated the undergrowth, my instincts kicked in to guide my steps. I carefully climbed over a fallen tree; its decaying bark promptly crumbled beneath my weight.

    That’s when I caught a glimpse of it—a black object to my right. Instantly, my body froze, and my breath caught in my throat. Slowly, I crouched down on my knees to try to blend into the wilderness. There, only a few yards away, was a majestic black bear roaming gracefully among the towering spruce and quivering aspen trees. Its presence commanded respect. I knew this was his area and that I was a visitor. I turned my gaze to the left, where the grouse had taken refuge on a sturdy branch. Though my stomach was empty, I acknowledged that the risk of confronting the bear outweighed the reward of a simple meal. Feeling a sense of defeat, I silently withdrew from the bear’s territory, carefully retracing my steps back to the safety of my teepee.

    That night, as I settled into the cozy embrace of my tent, a mix of exhaustion and disappointment washed over me. The absence of protein in my stomach served as a constant reminder of the missed opportunity to secure a meal and deepened my respect for the untamed wilderness and its unpredictability. However, a sense of accomplishment resonated within me, too. I had managed to fulfill the other three essential needs: shelter, water, and fire. The sturdy teepee surrounded me like a guardian, shielding me from the elements. Nearby, a steady stream provided me with the life-sustaining water I required. And through diligent effort, I had ignited a crackling fire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on the tree walls. Despite the emptiness in my belly, a sense of pride welled up within me, knowing that I had embraced the challenges of the wilderness and had emerged successful in many respects.

    A firestarter tip.

    Taking Comfort

    As I lay there, gazing into the darkness, preparing for my final night of sleep in the wilderness, I took comfort in the fact that although I was alone, I never felt lonely. Instead, I experienced a connection to nature and a deep sense of belonging.

    The following day it was time for my “alone” journey to end. A part of me did not want to leave my custom home, spruce-bough bed and the quest to find new areas to set snares or hunt with my bow to try to find daily food. However, the smell of the dew on the grass, the security of the tall trees, the howl of the coyotes, the morning songbirds and moose-laid tracks are memories I will forever cherish.

    Here’s what survival means to me.

    As I bid farewell to the Alberta boreal forest, a profound sense of pride accompanied my departure. I know that if something happens on one of my outdoor adventures, I possess the necessary skills to address the four essential needs: shelter, water, fire, and sustenance. The experience instilled a deep sense of honor in my accomplishments, and it kindled newfound courage, strength and heightened self-awareness.

    If you have yet to embark on an extended outdoor adventure, I encourage you to seize the chance to immerse yourself in the remarkable tranquility and establish a deep bond with nature. Allow yourself to experience the awe-inspiring solitude that exists within, because it has the power to awaken a profound connection that is truly extraordinary.

    “It’s only in the sound of the wild winds that you can hear yourself breathe, and that is magical.”

    sleep
    First night’s sleep.
    August 2023
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleFishing for Dinosaurs: Our Chase for White Sturgeon
    Next Article A Portrait in Grit and Grace in the Hunting and Outdoor Community
    Avatar photo
    Lisa Roper
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

    Lisa Roper is enthusiastic about all things outdoors. Enjoying her time in the woods and on the waters in Western Canada, she doesn’t just spend some of her free time pursuing her passion, she has been creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join Lisa Roper Outdoors on Sportsman Channel Canada and World Fishing Network on an authentic outdoor journey. Lisa engages the viewer’s emotions in an exciting and wildly inspiring fishing experience. Between the beautiful scenery, delicious shore lunches, fishing tales shared among friends, and phenomenal trophy fish on the line, Lisa will surely have you hooked! Lisa is a strong advocate for conservation and ethically sustainable hunting and angling. Her greatest joy comes from introducing people, particularly women and youth, to the amazing opportunities and adventures that accompany hunting, angling, and the outdoors! Through her journeys, outdoor writing, engagements, and workshops she strives to educate and inspire others to find joy and confidence in an outdoor lifestyle.

    Related Posts

    Some ‘Roosies’ for the Ladies

    August 23, 2023

    Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman: Jesika Lucarelli, Great Mountain Guide Service

    August 23, 2023

    Getting High on Alberta Bighorn Sheep

    August 23, 2023

    Playing the Wind: The Adventures of Abby and Shaundi         

    August 23, 2023

    Find a Mentor and Dive Right In

    August 23, 2023

    The Complete Hunter

    August 23, 2023
    Don't Miss
    Fishing

    Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests

    September 26, 2023By Zach Raynsford13 Mins Read

    Owning a fly vest is a personal choice. You don’t really have to have one to fly-fish. You can still go fly-fishing with a rod, reel, line and a few flies and in truth that is all you really need. As we mature into the sport though we tend to collect “stuff”. This “stuff” consists of everything from lengths of once-used monofilament leader and torn up old flies on still-good hooks, to extra spools of specialty fly lines that we only actually use once a decade but still insist on carrying with us at all times. Packing all this paraphernalia around in the pockets of our fishing jacket just doesn’t work after a while and that’s when we finally decide that we should invest in a fly vest; after all, what good is all this great stuff if we can’t find what we need when we need it?

    Some ‘Roosies’ for the Ladies

    August 23, 2023

    Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman: Jesika Lucarelli, Great Mountain Guide Service

    August 23, 2023

    Getting High on Alberta Bighorn Sheep

    August 23, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Be the first to know about new issues, premium industry gear discounts, access to exclusive content, & more!

    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    about
    NAO is the window into the outside environment for readers pursuing their passions in hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and all pursuits in the outdoors on the North American continent. We will present stories, tips and techniques to be a better outdoorsman, and be completely at home in the outdoor environment for a day, week, or a lifetime.
    Recent Articles
    • Our Picks: Best Fly Fishing Vests
    • Some ‘Roosies’ for the Ladies
    • Year-Round Maine Outdoorswoman: Jesika Lucarelli, Great Mountain Guide Service
    • Getting High on Alberta Bighorn Sheep
    • Playing the Wind: The Adventures of Abby and Shaundi         
    Quick Links
    • Current Issue
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Advertise With Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    Useful Tools
    • Join Our Newsletter
    • Save On Gear
    • Hunting Resources
    • Where to Hunt
    • Where to Shoot
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    © 2023 Outdoor Specialty Media. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • North American Outdoorsman
    • North American Deer Hunter
    • North American Bowhunter
    • Crossbow Magazine

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.