Bushcraft schools

Hibrion

Hi all,

I thought this might be the best place to post this question, so sorry if it isn't.


I'm interested in attending one of the courses offered from the two bushcraft schools below. I know a fair bit about bushcraft/ survival skills and am a keen outdoor enthusiast, but I have never done any formal courses.
I'd be interested to hear first hand experiences of either, or suggestions for alternatives.

http://www.mactirebushcraft.com/
I was interested in the Greywolf course offered here.


http://bushcraft.ie/
It seems you cannot do any of the courses with this group without doing their basic bushcraft essentials course. I know their are reasons for this, but it could be about getting more money form you.
It says an axe and knife are included in the price, but I have my own custom made knives and gransfors bruks axe, so these 'extras' may be a waste of money to me.


One thing that I am not comofrtable with is that you cannot bring your own knives or cutting tools to these schools. I'd feel very uncomfortable with this purely on the grounds of not having my own equipment which I trust along with me, particularly in strange surroundings.


I look forward to hearing your views on the matter

horsemaster

Hello Hibrion. I looked at both the websites and to be honest, I don't know if they are good or bad. It is very hard to base if someone or something is good just on marketing or websites. The best information should come from previous clients. It wouldn't hurt to talk to the business owners too just to get a feel.

I think its great you are thinking about taking this course though. When I was young, I had someone teach me bushcraft and I still have not forgotten them. I was in the army too but there was no 'real' bushcraft. I understand your feelings about your knife though. I think its the Irish laws that make it hard for the instructors to encourage you to bring your own knife. Ask rhe instructors behind this reason and explains yours to them. Good luck!

Hibrion

Thanks for the reply, Horsemaster. I had a similar problem in judging them. IT skills aren't relevant to bushcraft, so it could go either way.

I'm going to contact them both and ask them about the knives, maybe they're afraid of people bringing unsuitable blades, so if I explain what I have they will allow it.

horsemaster

Thats good to hear. If that doesn't work out, try asking the Gardai. Explain to them that you will be carrying it in the woods only. Also, if you are not happy with the 2 companies above, why not try roughing it out by yourself. Take a bushcraft book/manual with you and try them. I have done it many times and its amazing what I have learned by myself. A good knife is really needed. I have a trusty parang and a kukri. They must be over 60 years old at least because I got them from folks who got it from their grandparents when they were young. I know some fellows like to have a good collection of knives. I just have very few and these two I mentioned are my mainstay. I don't have a camera or I would have put the pictures of them up here.

Hibrion

I'm not worried about the legalities of it, I know I have good enough reason to have one given the scenario.

I've also tried some DIY bushcraft from reading books etc. but thought it might be nice to do a course and see if I learn anything new.

jester`

Just a quick reply.

There is an Bushcraft Club that takes new people to it. At these types of groups you have to go with the intention of practising and progressing your own knowledge, but there is usually someone how can advise, and help if your having difficulty (within reason).
Their boards thread: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055315103
Their website: http://www.irishbushcraftclub.org/

The course I did was with Aebhric O'Kelly in his bushcraft school, now RMI Bushcraft. Great content, great instruction. I completed the basic and advanced courses. I think Aebhric would certainly be open to you bringing your own tools, for the same reasons you expressed before. Please ask to be certain.
http://remotemedicine.ie/Buschraft.html

Another school is one in Northern Ireland. I've heard good things about them, I have not personally attended this school though.
http://www.nisurvival.co.uk/bushcraft-courses.html

peter bermingham

Have done two courses at mactire the wild wolf and greywolf found them very good here is another place http://www.wild-live.org/