How is Les Stroud able to survive in climates as diverse as the arctic and jungle? Why does he do it? Where did he learn how to make a prison match? [We're interested in finding this out as well, to be honest.] Here's your chance to find out.
We'll collect your wilderness survival questions and choose the best for Les to answer. We'll post his responses here, so check back often. Please put "question" in the subject line of your message.
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Please note: Les will not respond privately. All Q and A will be posted here.
Q: What is the easiest and/or hardest environment you have ever had to survive in?
A: Surviving in the Arctic was a rough go. I asked the Inuit elder, Sam Omik, when the toughest time to survive up there was and he said, "right now." I was too early for the return of birds and other easily caught game, and it was too late in the season to make a good igloo because the snow had experienced some melting.
The wide-open expanse in the Arctic was helpful; I have always felt that one of the toughest places to survive is the boreal forest — it's thick, there aren't many wild edibles, and what does grow only lasts for six weeks. Also, the bugs can be ferocious and the cold can quickly kill you.
I think survival gets easier as you get closer to the equator simply because there is an abundance of wild, edible plants.
Q: Have you ever contacted any unfriendly people during filming of any of the shows?
A: I have never run into anyone unfriendly while out there. It's funny though, I think I would be more worried about running into unfriendly people in certain mountain ranges than I would about bears or cougars. I've heard that there are a lot of escaped convicts living up in the mountains — but maybe that's just urban legend!
Q: Have you ever really injured yourself when filming?
A: Injuries while filming Survivorman are a regular occurrence for me, but nothing too serious. The worst was when I contracted a parasite. It wreaked havoc with my insides — in particular my mouth — for the better part of a year. I tried to cure it homeopathically, but in the end I had to give in and use the "kill-everything-in-your-system" kind of drug. This would make the second time I've been hit hard by a nasty parasite from the wilds.
Q: I've watched several episodes of your show and I've noticed that you always carry the same "multi-tool." What type is it? Which items do you use that a good-sized, fold-up knife does not have? Which feature, besides the blade, is the most useful to you and why?
A: My favorite multi-tool is the Leatherman Wave. Other than the multi-tool, an ax is an amazing item to have. Don't forget to keep a sharpening file with it and learn how to sharpen — it makes a big difference. A bandana is always useful and, of course, a fool-proof way to start a fire is essential.
There is no question that having a multi-tool or fold-up knife with a saw blade is a fantastic advantage. That little saw blade makes fashioning tools and traps a lot easier.
Q: I'm a Boy Scout leader and we do a lot of wilderness survival activities. Are there any videos available to buy and use at Scout meetings? We've used some, but none would be as good as what I've seen on your show.
A: Check out my two Web sites: www.survivorman.ca, and especially www.lesstroudonline.com for available videos and books.
Q: I was wondering how long a break you take between shows? I would think that after a week of being out in the open and surviving on next to nothing that you would need some time to regain weight and strength.
A: I usually take about five weeks to edit one show and prepare for another, but honestly, that pace is hard on me. New installments of Survivorman will have to go a little easier on my schedule if I'm going to live through it!!
Q: What texts or references do you consider to be absolutely indispensable to prepare a person for survival in austere conditions such as those in Survivorman? Additionally, what items should one have on hand at all times?
A: The Psychology of Wilderness Survival, Gino F. Ferri
Wilderness Living and Primitive Skills, John and Geri McPherson
Bushcraft, Mors Kochanski
Outdoor Survival Skills, Larry Dean Olsen
The Art of Survival, Cord Christian, Troebst (out of print)
Any of the Peterson Field Guides (wild edibles, etc.)
I would always keep with me a surefire way to make a fire (so to speak).
Q: What did you do with rabbit snares? Did you take them apart or leave them there?
A: In all cases at all times and in all locations, I take great care to remove any and all evidence of my presence there. I operate on a "leave-no-trace" philosophy as much as possible at all times. The bike in Utah, the snowmobile in the Arctic, the dirt bike in Arizona — all were cleared out and removed at the end of my week.
Q: Where did you study or learn your survival skills? And do you have a survival course that you teach to the public?
A: I first started by taking every and any survival course I could find, including at Humber College in Ontario and Prairie Wolf in Kansas. Then I went out as often as I could for practice, either on my own or with friends.
I'm not teaching courses any longer (I did for years), but I will likely open up a few again in the future when my schedule allows.
Q: Just admiring Les' harmonica skills, wondering what harmonica he uses. Wouldn't mind having one of those myself while I'm in the midst of the wilderness on my camping adventures.
A: I always use a Hohner Special 20.
