John Barklow

Anyone who spends time in the backcountry knows the best-laid plans can go awry. In Survival for the Modern Hunter, John Barklow shares his wealth of knowledge, ideas and training tips to help you become a more capable and safer backcountry hunter.

There are three things to remember if you get stuck in the wilderness. In general, you can go three hours without shelter, three days without water and three weeks without food. In this chapter, John shares his advice on what to prioritize if you find yourself in an unexpected survival situation.

Exposure to the elements is the primary reason why people require rescue in the backcountry. In this chapter, John explains the ways your body loses heat, how to manage it and how to adapt to stay comfortable outdoors.

Seeking shelter should be your first survival priority. John explains why in this chapter, plus he discusses the modern gear he recommends and shows you how to build several types of shelters with the resources you pack or find in the wilderness.

What exactly is a possibles pouch? Why should you always hunt with one? John answers these questions in this chapter and takes you through the items he recommends so you’ll be able to personalize your own kit based on your hunting style and experience.

Food and water are vital for survival in the outdoors. John shares his recommendations on how to plan ahead to make sure you stay fed and hydrated for any unplanned situations in the backcountry.

Making a fire shouldn’t be your first survival priority, but it is a skill all hunters should possess. In this chapter, John shares the three critical elements required to build and sustain a fire and the gear you should carry in your kit to do so.

You can’t always rely on modern technology in the backcountry. It’s important to have a solid communication plan and backup ways to signal for help in an emergency. John shares the three pieces of gear he packs for signaling and the important information that should be part of your communication plan.

A medical kit is critical for your health and safety in the mountains. In this chapter, John shares the factors to consider when assembling your kit, where to carry it and how and when to use it.

In stressful situations, most people don’t rise to their expectations but rather fall to the level of their training. In this final chapter, John shares how focused preparation and training can make the difference in survival for the modern hunter.

Meet your instructor, U.S. Navy veteran John Barklow. John lays out his course for effective backcountry hunt planning.

A true hunter is never satisfied, and is a student - continually learning and always honing their craft.

When your hunt goes sideways in the backcountry, we don’t rise to our expectations, but rather fall to the level of our training.

John details the importance of forging strong partnerships to achieve safe, fulfilling & consistent success in the backcountry.

Going into the backcountry is inherently risky. Risk can change based on the team, their collective experience and skills.

Knowing your rate of movement on-off trail over various terrains, with weight on your back, is critical for hunt planning.

Altitude is the great equalizer and can hurt, or shut down, your hunt quickly. No matter how tough you are, you cannot gut-out the crushing effects of altitude impairments.

Weather can make or break your hunt if you’re ill prepared with poor clothing or shelter selections.

Water is more essential than food. John details water sources, filtration and storage for maximum performance & survival.

Fueling the body with food to maintain reasonable performance is essential to backcountry success - even when nauseous.

Stoves can bring your hunt back to life with warm food, a heat source, and water purification.

A solid technical clothing system for most conditions and hunts only require eight pieces of clothing.

Not all shelters are created equal. John breaks down the options based on experience level, terrain, and weather.

John considers your sleep system an extension of your clothing system. It is your last line of defense from the cold.

The backcountry is harsh to the unprepared. Document the highs and lows, equipment, food and clothing issues throughout your season.

John lays out ten important tips to make you a better Student of the Game.