How To Unleash Your Inner Primitive Man (5 Tips)
In today’s modern world, it’s easy to lose touch with our primitive instincts. But deep down, there’s a part of us that longs to reconnect with our ancient heritage.
If you’re ready to step back in time and embrace your primal nature, this guide is for you.
Here are 5 essential tips to help you unleash your inner primitive man you were always meant to be!
1. Practice Primitive Hunting Techniques
Close your eyes and envision a time when technology didn’t dominate the world. A time when our ancestors relied on their wit, skill, and primitive weaponry to survive.
Now, open your eyes and step into their shoes.
Bowhunting
It’s no mystery that bowhunting connects us to our roots. It is one of the most primitive hunting techniques available today.
Unlike modern firearms, which offer long-range precision, bowhunting requires a closer approach to the prey. This aspect requires you to understand the habits and behavior of the target animals intimately. Studying their movements, learning their routines, and mastering the art of stealth are essential components of becoming a successful bowhunter.
Modern advancements in technology and equipment have undoubtedly impacted bowhunting, offering archers innovative tools to enhance accuracy and performance. However, many bowhunters still value the traditional aspects of the sport.
Some choose to engage in primitive bowmaking, crafting arrows from natural materials, and practicing ancient shooting techniques as a way to connect more intimately with the history of bowhunting.
That is exactly what I’m encouraging you to do: build your own arsenal of traditional weaponry (whether bows or traps) and I promise that you will feel a deep connection to your primitive self.
Primitive Trapping
Primitive trapping, an ancient method of capturing animals for food and survival, is a skill that reflects human ingenuity and resourcefulness. It involves crafting and setting up traps using natural materials found in the environment, rather than relying on modern technology.
Learning primitive trapping techniques allows you to embrace the ways of our ancestors and deepen your connection with the wilderness.
To begin with primitive trapping, it is crucial to study the habits and behaviors of the animals you wish to trap. Understanding their movements, feeding patterns, and preferred habitats will help you choose the right location and design an effective trap.
Different traps serve specific purposes, from catching small game like rabbits and squirrels to larger animals like beavers or wild pigs.
Simple and effective primitive traps include snares, deadfalls, and pit traps.
Snares are constructed using cordage or flexible branches to create a loop that tightens around the animal when triggered.
Deadfalls consist of a heavy object that falls on the animal once it disturbs the trigger mechanism.
Pit traps involve digging a hole and camouflaging it to entice the animal to fall in.
The Trapper’s Bible
➵ Learn How to Trap Every Animal Imaginable
➵ Recognize Animal Tracks and Signs
➵ Master a Variety of Wood and Steel Traps, Snares, Deadfalls, and Pens
➵ Skin, Stretch, Cure, and Tan Hides
$13.46*
*Price may change over time
2. Develop Survival Skills
In the spirit of the primal man, honing your survival skills is essential. Prepare yourself to face the challenges of the wilderness.
Also, books incoming.
Learn essential bushcraft
Familiarize yourself with the fundamental bushcraft skills that were vital to our ancestors. Master the art of fire-making using traditional methods like friction or flint and steel. Practice building a sturdy shelter using natural materials found in your surroundings.
I know, it’s a lot. More than I can cover in a single post. I suggest you consider buying the books I listed below.
I cannot stress enough how important buschcraft knowledge is if you want to unleash your inner primitive man. I highly reccommend the Bushcraft book series. The books are beginner-friendly and offer a ton of professional knowledge.
The Bushcraft Boxed Set
➵ Bushcraft 101
➵ Advanced Bushcraft
➵ The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering & Cooking in the Wild
➵ Bushcraft First Aid
$38.49*
*Price may change over time
Study edible plants and mushrooms
I can’t really imagine living with nature without knowing the abundance of bounties it offers. In a way, nature is your perfect garden, providing you with the essential things to keep you going. You just need to know where to look.
That’s where the books come in!
Expand your knowledge of the natural world by learning to identify edible plants and mushrooms. Discover which plants offer sustenance and which have healing properties. Familiarize yourself with their seasons, habitats, and distinguishing features.
This knowledge can be a lifesaver in the wild, providing sustenance and remedies when resources are scarce.
Learn navigation techniques
In modern times, people have their lives dependant on their phones. When you give this some thought, it’s kinda messed up. Imagine being stranded in the middle of nowhere without your phone in your pocket. Without basic navigation knowledge, chances of survival drop drastically.
Navigating through the wilderness becomes a skill of utmost importance. Learn to read the stars, use a compass, and interpret natural signs such as moss growth or the position of the sun. Enhance your sense of direction and develop the ability to find your way in unfamiliar terrain.
Again this is a huge topic. I reccommend reading the following book:
Essential Wilderness Navigation
➵ Navigate the wilderness with or without a map and a compass
➵ Learn crucial skills, such as reading the sky, flora and terrain, and utilize a GPS only as a backup
➵ Explore nature and become a master wilderness navigator
$16.74*
*Price may change over time
3. Cultivate Physical Fitness and Endurance
To truly capture the true essence of a primitive man, it’s crucial to cultivate physical fitness and endurance. Your body should be able to withstand whatever the wilderness throws at you.
Engage in functional training
Shift your focus from the confines of the gym to functional training that mimics the demands of the wilderness. While the gym is a popular choice for many people, I prefer to work out in the open.
Incorporate exercises that enhance your strength, agility, and balance. Practice bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges to build functional muscle, not just muscle that looks good. Focus on your whole body rather than specific muscle groups.
And, if the gym is your only option, be sure to incorporate free weights while staying away from machines that isolate the movements. Incorporate exercises such as the barbell back squat, dumbbell walking lunges, barbell bench press, or even do some weighted calisthenics.
You’ll get plenty strong, plus you won’t look too shabby!
Build cardiovascular endurance
Strengthen your cardiovascular system through activities that elevate your heart rate. Engage in activities like running, hiking, or cycling to improve your endurance. Push your limits and gradually increase your distance and intensity. Get used to the feeling of your heart pounding.
Incorporate activities like running, swimming, climbing, or even crawling to develop agility and adaptability. Challenge your body to navigate different terrains and overcome obstacles.
Here’s a fun workout idea:
If you are finding it difficult to work out, consider approaching it more like a primitive man would: go outside and make it your mission to locate at least five different kinds of animal traces. This way, you won’t be focused on the sporty part of your trip but rather on discovering exciting things in nature while also getting your workout in!
If you can run, then run. If you can’t, walking is fine for now. However, you should always try to find the tracks as fast as possible. Time your sessions, write the results in your journal, and try to get better with each session.
Prioritize functional nutrition
Say goodbye to sweets and junk food. Fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods that support your physical endeavors. Embrace a diet rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stay hydrated to maintain optimal performance.
Pay attention to the quality and quantity of your food, ensuring it nourishes and sustains your active lifestyle.
4. Develop Stealth and Awareness
To truly unleash your inner primitive man, honing your stealth and awareness is essential. In ancient times, survival often depended on one’s ability to move silently and remain acutely aware of their surroundings.
Embracing the outdoors and spending time in nature can be transformative for your senses and connection with the natural world.
Practice moving quietly through natural environments, like a shadow in the woods, or a ghost of the savannah. As you immerse yourself in nature, adopt a hunter’s mindset – attune your senses to the slightest changes in the environment, and become one with the landscape.
A crucial aspect of developing stealth and awareness is honing your ability to listen attentively. Pay attention to the subtle sounds of the wilderness, the rustling of leaves, and the calls of wildlife. When you listen deeply, you’ll learn the language of nature, gaining insights into the movements of animals, weather patterns, and even potential dangers.
5. Connect with Nature
Step away from the chaos of modern life and rediscover the serenity and beauty of the untamed outdoors. This is probably one of the most essential steps to unleash your inner primitive man.
Here’s how you can deepen your connection with nature:
Venture into the wilderness
Leave behind the concrete jungles and seek solace in the untamed wilderness. Explore national parks, forests, or secluded hunting grounds. Allow the air to fill your lungs and the imagery of the landscape to captivate your senses.
This is essential from a physical point of view of keeping yourself fit and healthy, but also (maybe even more important) from a mental perspective. When you’re out in the wilderness, I don’t want you to stress, think about work, or work out your problems.
I want you to listen. Just close your eyes and listen.
If you are interested in the more spiritual aspects of nature, I highly recommend a book written by Ted Andrews called Animal Speak.
Animal Speak
➵ Identify, meet, and attune to your spirit animals
➵ Discover the power and spiritual significance of more than 100 different animals, birds, insects, and reptiles
➵ Call upon the protective powers of your animal totem
$20.45*
*Price may change over time
Practice mindfulness
Most likely, you weren’t looking for advice on how to meditate when you visited our page. But back then, people lived more in the present, not just because it was the way they felt but also because they had to be aware of potential threats. Since most of us lead excessively comfortable lives these days, we must relearn this ability.
In essence, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.
Here’s a simple mindfulness exercise that anyone can do:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale. You can focus on the rise and fall of your chest or the sensation of air passing through your nostrils. As you breathe, your mind may start to wander. When you notice this happening, gently and without judgment, bring your focus back to your breath.
If it helps, you can count your breaths. Inhale, then exhale, counting “one.” Inhale again, then exhale, counting “two.” Continue until you reach ten, then start again from one.
If your mind continues to wander, that’s okay. The key is to observe your thoughts without attaching to them or judging yourself. Bring your attention back to your breath with kindness. After a few minutes, open your eyes and take a moment to notice how you feel. Be present with any sensations, thoughts, or emotions that may arise.
This simple mindfulness exercise can be practiced for just a few minutes each day and can help cultivate a greater sense of calm and awareness in your daily life
Leave no trace
As you venture into the wilderness, prioritize leaving no trace behind. Respect and preserve the balance of nature by practicing responsible outdoor ethics. Pack out what you pack in, minimize campfire impact, and adhere to regulations to ensure the preservation of wild spaces for generations to come.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can embark on a journey of rediscovery and tap into the primal instincts that lie dormant within you. Embrace your primitive nature, reconnect with your hunting roots, and become the real, authentic man you were meant to be.
Remember, the path of the primitive man is one of respect, skill, and harmony with nature.
Are you ready to answer the call of the wild?
Image source: Vitacost