ABOUT US

WHAT DOES OWSS TEACH?

Primitive survival skills of all kinds, such as:

Fire Building-learning the importance of fire for warmth, cooking, water, etc.; finding material to build a fire in all weather conditions (dry tinder, etc.); using flint and steel; bow drill; proper location for a fire (outside or in a shelter); maintaining a fire; warm bedding using covered coals.

Shelter Building-finding material in nature to build various types of shelters; using leaves, pine boughs, logs.

Tipi Basics-setting up and taking down a tipi; history of Indian tipi living; facing tipi in correct direction; building fire inside tipi; etc.

Water-locating water; methods to obtain water; purifying; rationing water in emergency situations.

Trapping-trapping animals for clothing and food; using dead falls and snares; proper preparation of traps; understanding their use and safety.

Horse Packing-packing supplies and gear on a horse; using a sawbuck, panniards; learning double diamond, single diamond; appropriate ropes.

Wilderness Confidence-learning to be confident in the wilds; understanding animals and their behavior; weather patterns; basic navigating; general wilderness knowledge.

Tracking-identifying animal tracks; understanding process of tracking.

Navigation-basic compass, map, landmarks; preparation for traveling outdoors; reading nature signs, stars, and sun to navigate through wilderness; knowing the best routes and time to travel.

Primitive Archery-making bow and arrows; learning to use accurately; how to survive with bow and arrows.

Horseback Riding-basic riding instruction; learning to feel confident on a horse; saddling horse; general care for your horse.

Primitive Guns-learning to load, shoot, and care for black powder muzzle loading rifle. Feel free to ask questions regarding other types of firearms.

Primitive Tools-learning to flint knap to make knife blades, arrow points, spear points, and scraping tools; making a wahinke (hide scraper).

Brain Tanning Leather-learning the process of skinning a deer, fleshing, stretching, drying, scraping, soaking, brain tanning, then smoking the hide to waterproof; discussion regarding uses of tanned hide such as making a shirt, pants, coat, bags, etc.

Caches-learning to bury items secretly in the ground for safe storage and survival to retrieve when needed later; disguising caches; instruction regarding purpose and uses of caches.

Rationing-rationing food, water, etc. in emergencies; identifying potential situations.

Edible Plants-basic identification and uses of plants for food and medicine; learning plant types particular to their region and climate.

Crafts-making primitive leather pouches, leather medicine bags, old style necklaces from 200 year old beads, gourd canteens and containers, making Indian style moccasins.

Safety and Awareness-Nature, snakes, weather, and more.

History-Plains Indians, mountain men, explorers, frontiersmen, scouts, American West, etc.

Entertainment-Sing a longs, mountain songs, story telling (American West and Indian tales), mountain lore, poems, roasting marshmallows.

WHY PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL?

Learning primitive survival skills are useful and interesting for many reasons. There have been numerous instances where people are caught in dire circumstances beyond their control, unprepared, and without the knowledge to survive. Possibly being lost with no cell phone signal; maybe bad weather and a broke down vehicle; perhaps out for a hike or camping trip. Primitive survival skills are similar to self-defense as it teaches you self-reliance, confidence in your surroundings, certainty in your knowledge and ability. Join us and gain practical, useful knowledge and skills that you may need one day.

Also, many individuals are concerned regarding the economy and instability of events in the world today, yet do not have the knowledge to make preparations as they would like or the ability to tackle such a project and may not have the time to plan. Join us and achieve independence, valued experiences, and be prepared.

Finally, the old ways of days gone by and history are fascinating and fun to learn. Stepping back in time to the wild west, vast frontier, pioneers, mountain men, settlers, and old traditions are enthralling. How did Daniel Boone live? What were the Lewis & Clark expeditions like? Imagine Joseph R. Walker stepping foot on the untouched land of Yosemite. Join us as a part of living history!

WHO SHOULD TAKE THESE CLASSES?

Classes are designed for all ages and various levels of difficulty. Safety and awareness of our surroundings are valuable to children as well as adults. Water, food, shelter and warmth are essential for all of us. History of our roots are fun and important.

HISTORY OF OWSS

The founder, Rik "Hawk" Hurst, has been involved in nature, old ways, and primitive skills since he was a little boy running around in the deserts and hills of Arizona and Texas. Imitating Davy Crockett in the woods as a child, he has been a student of history all of his life. Exploring, camping, horseback riding, and hunting as a kid; even claiming a bounty at the age of 10 as his mom tells the story! As he grew, Hawk spent more time researching and reading books about Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Jim Bridger, Geronimo, Chief Joseph, and many more frontiersmen, Indians, and explorers of more than 200 years ago. The confidence of these historical figures in nature, the elements, and among wild animals was impressive. He has engaged in countless adventures and experiences...being dropped by plane alone in uninhabited Alaska wilderness for an extended period of time. He has logged over 10,000 primitive miles on horseback across the West of America; all accomplished in pre-1840s style, buckskin clothes tanned the old Indian way, flint and steel fires, meals obtained along the way using skills as the Plains Indians did of long ago. He has had the privilege of exploring places that some people have not seen in 100 years. This is his life and his way.

OWSS was merely a thought conceived on a primitive outing in 1997 and he decided then to share this lifestyle of understanding nature to give people enjoyment in their skills and assurance to be familiar and one with nature, instead of an outsider. Many people see nature shows on the Discovery channel, but are unfamiliar with the very real dangers or how to become comfortable and relaxed in these surroundings. You may notice tracks and wonder what wild animal made them. These are a few reasons why OWSS was established; to guide you in survival and courage while enjoying God's incredible creation. You can sit in a Plains Indian type tipi listening to stories of mountain men, explorers, and Indians of the old West. Learn not to be intimidated in nature. This is the place to begin gaining confidence and boosting your existent knowledge. Have lots of fun while learning about the Old West and the skills to survive in all sorts of situations.

Through many years of experience, Hawk has attained the confidence, skills, and ways of the wild. His passion, as well as the OWSS team, is heartfelt to share these skills and knowledge with you. OWSS is dedicated to provide every individual with the finest experience and instruction. Take a quick look into what we have available. These are living history adventures that all people and all ages love and are intrigued by. Come join our living history team and gain confidence you never knew you had.

~OWSS TEAM