Surviving Winter's Icy Grip
BugOut MAG!|Winter 2016

I remember it all too well: the season that didn’t want to end.

Mark Kaz
Surviving Winter's Icy Grip

It all started in November of 2013, and finished in late April of 2014. It was a grueling six month period, and for most of us, we wondered if it was ever going to end. From the first snowfall to the last and everything in between, the winter of 2014 was a season that we’d really like to forget.

When there is snow in November in southern Michigan, it can be a sign of what’s to come. It sure did come: in the form of snowstorm after snowstorm and with the wind and cold, as well. However, there I was, in my deer stand, watching the majestic snowflakes falling from the white cotton-like clouds. The view was breathtaking, watching nature in its moment of beauty. As the season went on, we were also challenged by a polar vortex that swept through in January of 2014.

I’m a hunter and a fisherman; these sports are my passions and with my career choice, I spend up to 75% of my time outdoors. I truly can appreciate and understand what it takes to get and stay warm. The seasonal challenges I face as an employee and outdoorsman remind me how difficult it is to bug out and survive the wrath of nature. Winter is the season one should prepare for most, and there are critical areas of survival that one should focus on to survive an extreme climate. Here in Michigan, we set a new snowfall record with 94.8 inches of snow in the winter season of 2014.

As an active bush crafter and survivalist, I am always challenged by nature. Even at my Kaz vs Wild survival camp that I head up every autumn, the challenges presented by nature are different from year to year. Rain was abundant this year as it fell from the sky four of the eight days we were practicing our survival skill sets. Dealing with the elements creates challenges in everything we do. Basic campfire making, eating dinner, staying dry and warm and keeping the fire burning throughout the night all seem easier when you have survival experience to rely on.

This story is from the Winter 2016 edition of BugOut MAG!.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Winter 2016 edition of BugOut MAG!.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUGOUT MAG!View All
Snakebit!
BugOut MAG!

Snakebit!

North America has its fair share of venomous snakes, including rattlesnakes, coral snakes and copperheads. According to a The U.S. Food and Drug Administration report, an estimated 8000 people are bitten by venomous snakes each year. Roughly .2% of these people will die from these bites. The rest have to deal with the unpleasant effects the snakebites, which may include infections and amputations.

time-read
5 mins  |
Fall 2016
Hygiene in Emergencies
BugOut MAG!

Hygiene in Emergencies

Whether a storm hits your home, a vacation goes awry, or you fall on hard financial times, there are some items you absolutely cannot do without. It is important to consider personal hygiene as much as good nutrition and first aid care. 

time-read
4 mins  |
Fall 2016
Finding Clean Water Sources
BugOut MAG!

Finding Clean Water Sources

Spring is in the air, and after a long, cold winter, there’s nothing like seeing the snow melting away. The warmth of the sun and rising temperatures are sure signs of better days to come. The birds are singing and all is right with the world, at least for the moment.

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2017
How Smart Are Smart Guns?
BugOut MAG!

How Smart Are Smart Guns?

An Answer to a Question No One Should have Asked.

time-read
9 mins  |
Winter 2016
Survival Items
BugOut MAG!

Survival Items

You Can Scavenge from Vehicles.

time-read
4 mins  |
Winter 2016
Preparedness: An Overview
BugOut MAG!

Preparedness: An Overview

If you are reading this, you have probably already become concerned about future events and have begun to take responsibility for your and your family’s survival. You may be alarmed at the increasing number, variety and severity of disasters throughout the world, particularly in the United States. This is not your imagination. Things are getting more dangerous, and the infrastructure and emergency services are starting to break down. One disaster often contributes to another. Who can doubt that the immense costs of the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina contributed to the economic collapse? The shrinking economy reduces funds for infrastructure improvements, safety, emergency services and police; this then sets us up for further attacks and disaster. The eventual result of these combined and multiplying manmade and natural disasters could trigger a general world collapse sometime in the next twenty to one hundred years.

time-read
6 mins  |
Spring 2017
A Prepper's First Year
BugOut MAG!

A Prepper's First Year

Tips for the Beginning Prepper.

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2017
Survive an Active Shooter
BugOut MAG!

Survive an Active Shooter

Active shooter situations are becoming more frequent. An “active shooter” is someone who initiates a shooting, and either remains at the scene or in motion shooting multiple rounds at multiple victims.

time-read
5 mins  |
Fall 2016
Take Control of Your Power
BugOut MAG!

Take Control of Your Power

Are you one of the many people with a desire to cut the utility cord and go off grid? If you have ever dreamed about the possibility of using electricity that you generate on your own and telling your power company to take a hike, it is easier than ever. This article will outline the steps you can take to get closer to achieving that dream.

time-read
5 mins  |
Fall 2016
What Does It Mean To Be A Prepper?
BugOut MAG!

What Does It Mean To Be A Prepper?

If you are new to “prepping” or are trying to figure out what exactly it means to be a “prepper,” then this article is for you. Interestingly enough, there are differing views of what constitutes a prepper.

time-read
3 mins  |
Spring 2017