Terrain Training Tuesday: The Jungle Part 4

Apparently hunting techniques like stalking and spearing, using a sling or a homemade blow gun are passed down for generations in native tribes and are very difficult to master (unless you are a minion of HiiRagi, I say), leading to wasted energy and no food. However, you can't keep meat fresh for very long either so if you go around killing big game, you will have to gorge yourself on it too, which while appealing, will reduce your chances of out running your enemies should you have to.. All in all your energy is better spent fishing than hunting.

So we’re going to go fishing in the Jungle! Wait. Is not the Jungle home to the vicious and predatory Piranha? Why yes it is, but do not fear minions, they're edible and as a minion of HiiRagi you will show no fear! However they don't really have much meat on them, so unfortunately to catch them is more of a challenge than a survival skill. Despite their reputation, piranhas don't really bother humans, but avoid getting into the water if you have an open wound -- they're attracted to the scent of blood and girls in white bikinis...

You have a survival kit with some fishing gear, but in the occasion that you don’t (I’m thinking you have had your arm ripped off that was holding it) spear fishing is probably your best bet. Bamboo (the multi-purpose timber) is plentiful in the jungle and makes a great spear. After you find a 2 metre piece of bamboo:

• make two intersecting crosscuts at one end about 15 cm deep, creating four prongs.

• separate the prongs by wedging vine into the crevices (how survival god is this?!).

• sharpen the prongs with a knife, sharp rock or that huge machete you just happen to include in your survival kit.

Just like that, you have a four-pronged fishing spear. Now comes the tricky part -- spearing the fish. Once you're at the river or stream, find a rock to stand on or wade into knee-deep water. Move slowly and deliberately to avoid scaring away the fish. Hold the spear with both hands, with the sharp end a couple of feet from the surface. This allows you to strike fast when you see your prey. Once you spot a fish, stand still and wait for it to swim close to you. Once it's within range, jab quickly and forcefully and try to pin the fish either on a rock or the bed of the stream. Just remember that practice makes perfect. You may not land one on your first go-round, but keep at it and you'll eventually get the hang of it.

So spear little minions! Spear your little hearts out and feast upon the little fishies!