Michel Tremblay, forest survival specialist and enthusiast of the great outdoors, shares here the story of one of his memorable experiences. His passion for nature took root at a young age, when he had his first winter camping experience at just 12 years old. In the following years, he crossed Lake Saint-Jean on snowshoes with a toboggan, long before it became a trend. Site author Boreal Survival For 10 years, he has made it his mission to pass on his knowledge of survival techniques and raise awareness among adventurers of the realities of life in the great outdoors. Long before launching his blog, he was already testing numerous survival techniques by exposing himself to the elements, a practice he still continues today.
In addition to his adventures in the forest, Michel has completed numerous canoe and sea kayak expeditions, including tours of Anticosti Island, the large reservoirs of Quebec and the descent of numerous rivers. Through his stories, he highlights the challenges, mistakes and valuable lessons that only total immersion in the wilderness can provide. Explore the world of this enthusiast who took on the challenge of living like a woodsman for 5 to 10 days. Discover the challenges of an authentic survival experience.
An immersive adventure in woodsman mode
For this expedition, Michel had a clear objective: to live between 5 and 10 days in woodsman mode, a period where autonomy and ingenuity are put to the test. He chose this time of year for several reasons: the big hunt being over, there were no disgruntled hunters or risk of disputes over a hunting territory. In addition, he could still hunt small game, fish for pike until the end of November, and test his endurance while his body was not yet fully acclimated to the increasing cold.
What distinguishes a forest survival experience from a woodsman experience is the amount of equipment available to make everyday life easier. Michel therefore took the liberty of bringing a little more equipment to maximize his efficiency. However, true to the spirit of the woodsman, he did not have any food with him, unlike what they would have carried at the time, such as flour, salt, sugar and fat.
Armed with a rifle, a fishing rod and snares, Michel embarked on this adventure without food supplies, confronting raw nature like the woodsman. However, despite his expertise, an unexpected detail disrupted his plans, transforming this expedition into a real lesson in survival.
Safety first
Michel ensured that this adventure took place in compliance with the rules and with all the necessary security measures:
- All licenses required for hunting, snaring and fishing were in his possession.
- When handling his rifle, he always wore a hunting bib, in accordance with regulations.
- This expedition being a voluntary survival and not an emergency situation, Michel made sure not to exceed anything by respecting all the rules.
- It was equipped with a Strigo mobile satellite antenna and an InReach distress beacon to remain reachable if necessary.
Story of an adventure in three days
Day 1: Departure on the lake
“The morning of the first day, I set out without food supplies, with my only allies being my canoe, a rifle, a fishing rod and a few snares,” explains Michel Tremblay. “After about two hours of navigation, I spotted a promising river where I decided to set up camp. The location was perfect: sheltered from the wind, on the edge of a lake, and with plenty of driftwood to keep a fire going. »
The afternoon was devoted to fishing, but despite his efforts, Michel was left empty-handed. “It was frustrating not to catch anything, but I decided not to be discouraged and try my luck hunting before dark. » This is where he harvests a grouse. What a relief to think that he will be able to put something in his mouth: “When I shot this bird, I knew that I would finally have a meal worthy of the name. »
He then prepares a simple but nourishing meal: sautéed breast fillets and a broth made with the leftovers for the next day. “With temperatures predicted to be -7°C for the night, I was happy to be able to count on a good fire and broth to keep me going. » However, the wind changed during the night, putting his basic shelter made of a 3 by 3 meter tarpaulin to the test. “It wasn't perfect, but I still had a restful night,” concludes -he.
Day 2: First signs of weakness
“At daybreak, I made the decision to move my camp about fifty meters to better protect myself from the wind,” says Michel Tremblay. After lighting a fire and enjoying a comforting broth prepared the day before, he devotes his morning to fishing. “I was motivated to grab something to vary my diet, but once again, nothing was biting. Frustration was mounting. »
Faced with these repeated failures, he chose to turn to hunting again. “At the beginning of the afternoon, I shot a second grouse. It was a victory, but I was already starting to sense that something was wrong. » Shortly after lunch, the first symptoms appear. “I felt a persistent headache, followed by severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea. It was a real blow to my morale and my strength. »
Despite everything, Michel strives to continue. He prepares a dinner similar to that of the day before, namely breast fillets and broth. “I hoped this meal would help me regain my strength, but my condition was only getting worse. I went to bed early, completely weakened, hoping that the night would bring me some respite. » Unfortunately, the night will be marked by increasing weakness which calls into question the continuation of the expedition.
Day 3: Premature end
“When I woke up, I immediately understood that my condition would not allow me to continue,” confides Michel Tremblay. “I was too weakened and dehydration was becoming a serious risk. I had to make the difficult decision to abort the expedition, even though it was not at all what I had planned. »
After packing up his camp and gathering his belongings, Michel begins his return journey. “Each step of the journey was a challenge in itself: an hour to pick up my gear, two hours in a canoe on a snowy lake, and another two hours in a vehicle to finally get home. » The conditions did not make anything easier. “The heavy snow, around 10 centimeters, and the accumulated fatigue made the journey even more trying. »
Despite this hasty stop, Michel keeps a lucid view of this experience. “It wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for, but it’s in moments like these that you realize how nature leaves no room for error. Every detail counts, and every decision can make a difference. »
An adventure rich in learning
This expedition, although shorter than expected, will remain engraved in Michel Tremblay's mind as a powerful lesson on the challenges of survival in the wilderness. Through this story, he reminds us that experience, even vast, never protects us from unforeseen circumstances and errors. Careful management of resources, attention to detail and listening to your body are all crucial elements in dealing with the unexpected.
The return home was not without consequences. It took Michel six days for his digestive system to fully recover from the experience. During this period, he had only eaten grouse, and he had drank water from the house. He also learned an essential lesson: the importance of hot water for washing his hands and cleaning his accessories in order to minimize the risk of poisoning. These simple but crucial details can make all the difference in the great outdoors.
“Every adventure is an opportunity to learn, no matter the outcome”, says Michel. This testimony, marked by sincerity, illustrates not only the harsh reality of life in the forest, but also the humility necessary to respect nature and its rules.
For those who dream of putting themselves in the shoes of a woodsman, this story is a precious reminder: preparation, vigilance and adaptability are the best weapons to transform a wild immersion into a memorable and enriching experience .
Questions and answers: the woodsman experience in Quebec
Who can participate in a woodsman experience?
- This activity is aimed at nature enthusiasts, with good physical and mental preparation, as well as basic survival knowledge.
What equipment is essential for such an expedition?
- A rifle, a fishing rod, snares, a tarpaulin for shelter, and basic tools like a knife or fire starter are essential.
What precautions should be taken to avoid cross-intoxication?
- Always wash food preparation tools thoroughly, cook meats to medium-rare and monitor hygiene management in camp.
Where in Quebec can you experience a woodsman experience?
- Remote areas rich in biodiversity, such as the Laurentians or Mauricie, offer ideal conditions for immersion in nature.
Ready to take on the challenge and follow in the footsteps of the real woodsman? 🌲
