Solo Bushcraft & Winter Hare Hunting - Snow Camp, Wild Bog Tea, Chilcotin Backcountry
I head out on a cold and snowy hare hunting trip, and end up doing some bushcraft on a cliff-face.
In this video, I get back out into the local backcountry to do some snowshoe hare hunting in the fresh snow. Follow along with me as I cut tracks, search burrows, and explore the muskeg and lowlands in falling snow, and eventually settle down on a cliff-face to do some warming up the bushcraft way. Tea foraging, hare hunting, day-camp building, tree felling and bucking, backcountry exploration, unique fire-starting, and more - all in the snowy, cold, Chilcotin backcountry.
Enjoy the video!
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Social Media:
/ wituikbws
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#wituikbws #hunting #selfreliance
I see nearly all comments on my channel, so feel free to leave a comment with some feedback, questions, or anything else you can think of!
*READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT:* To address the comments - the barrel on my rifle and shotgun are both covered with a few layers of tape to keep snow/debris out as well as to protect the crown and finish from damage. To the few people that think I would let my rifle barrel fill with snow or put it in a place where it's capable of being damaged to the point of being rude, maybe firearms aren't for you, because your *common sense* is falling short. Thanks for your concern. I hope you like the new video! This one was filmed last year, two or three days before we got 3 feet of snow. Don't forget to give the video a like if you enjoyed, share it with your friends, check out my other social media accounts (links in description), and leave some feedback and what you liked and disliked. It's greatly appreciated. Happy hunting!
Good to know. I would still point it up in case I hit a rock hard and damaged the crown. I love snowshoe hare hunting. We have lots of them here in Kodiak. I should make a video on it.
Unquestionably, this is one of the the channels on KZhead today. The story telling and cinematography is top notch. Bravo!
I like your vids because you actually do - not just talk about what you do so many of these guys never leave their backyard
I was a Wituik B&W virgin until today .Thank you for not adding music , thank you for the peacefullness and simplicity of your video. We first found the Chilcotins on holiday from our home in Ireland with our three children ( all under 8 yo ) in 2004. My wife was offered a job transfer to Seattle in 2012 and we jumped at it. We now make it up to the the Gold bridge / Tyaughton area three or four times a year. An absolute year round paradise.
I think BC guys like us have a special relationship with the cold. BC humid cold gets to your bones like no other and if you aren't prepared or have the necessary skills to survive you wont last long as almost nothing you wear can keep it out. I've spent a bit of time in the Chilcotin region myself during the winter so I certainly commend you for being out there all the time. I'm new to your channel but this is some great content, awesome to see bushcraft videos from BC. keep up the good work man, be safe out there!
Glad you're enjoying it! Really cool that you have a first hand idea what the country is like. Still gets below -50 out here occasionally!
Very nice, warm fire and hot tea 👍
Hare hunting and not a single thing about hares or hunting them haha priceless bro, love your video's
I tried my best to substitute the lack of hunting luck with making my day camp. Probably would’ve been best to not put the hare hunting in the title though. Sorry about that! Next time I’ll keep at it until I actually shoot one 👊
I watched three times back to back, just to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions :)
Beautiful country, clean, light powdery snow, tea and a warm fire. Your videos keep getting better! Be well, stay safe and take good care.
Thank you! I will have lots more coming once the snow melts!
I love seeing the firearms. I used to tape my guns with electrical tape to keep the barrels from getting plugged. Keep up the great work!
What a great area for bushcraft activities! Winter is my favorite time for bushcraft trips !
It's nice, but can be very unforgiving. I love it here!
Beautiful place Nicholas. Beautiful sunset. Great video
Good to see you again. Good movie as always. Best regards. :-))
Good to see you again as well! I look forward to your comments. Thanks for watching!
Good to see ya again. Loved the video...
There are more to come (once the damn snow melts). Thanks for watching!
Nice little day hike Nicholas. You seem like you are always relaxed when out in nature! Thanks for the video.
Thank you for watching!
A forest full of snow, I love what you share. Greetings from Vietnam
Do you not get snow where your from?
@@danstatsun1595 Yes. I live in a tropical climate so it doesn't snow
@@Bushcraftvn not even in the mountains?
@@Bushcraftvn Snow is great, but I got damn cold on this trip 😆
This video is now one of my favorite videos on youtube.
A new one just got released!!
@@wituikbws Watched it during class when I was finished during all my work. Pls keep on posting vids like that where u cook make a fire etc etc.
Very soothing video, especially the sounds. I watch this before sleeping and it helps me calm down.
There's actually quite a bit of editing that goes into the sound behind the scenes. I intentional simulator the sounds of a whitenoise machine using background wind throughout all my new videos. It helps keep people engaged as it fills the silent gaps in the video, but that's likely why it helps you sleep too!
amazing views wow, i wanna go backpacking in the snow now
Excellent day hike out in some beautiful country Nicholas. Thanks for bringing us along. Nate
Prime time production as always sir. Thank you for taking the world with you on your journey and we have a lot of snow in Sweden also. Looking forward to the next one. Safe travels to you
Enjoyed your video. Well done..!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
WE LOVE the looks of your coat/jacket. Could you please tell us what kind it is, name brand or whatever so we may find one too? Another great video. We always enjoy your videos and learn something from them too.
I'm not sure about the brand or model since it has no tag, but I do know it's a standard "Mackinaw Jacket" style which has been around as early as 1811. Filson is the only company I know of that still makes them today, but they're awfully expensive. I have another one made by Woolrich, it's the same quality and warmth as the modern Filson ones, but much much cheaper. You can find tons of them on Ebay by searching "Woolrich Mackinaw" or just "Mackinaw" if you want to see other brand's jackets. The one in this video would be considered "hunter green" colour. Hope that helps!
@@wituikbws Thank YOU, you have been very helpful. I am shocked that you actually answered my question so quickly. Thanks again, I am going now to Ebay, to check them out. Thanks!!!!!!!!!
It just so happened that I'm at my computer editing two other videos, so I was keeping an eye on my comments at the same time 😁 Thanks for the question and always watching and supporting! I hope you find a nice jacket!
@@wituikbws I love your bushcraft videos I just got an esee-6 rowen
Love the video. my kind of adventure.
That hand saw blew my mind
Great video, scenery and your caption of it fantastic
Thanks for watching!!
Nice One bro
Thanks 👊👊
Great Day ! I enjoyed the quality & the length. The unadorned straight fore ward approach made the viewing easy Stay safe & thanks Brian 80
i really love this video. so chill and traditional and interesting
Another great video. I have one of those folding saws and love it. Thanks again.
I like your style, bro...
what a beautiful view !!!
It was!
This channel has productions at it's finest. Thank for letting us enjoy it
Yeah, that was nice. Thanks for the video, brother.
Amazing content!
Thank you!
Nica man
First time seeing one of your videos. The aesthetic appeal is off the charts! What a beautiful short film.
Welcome to the channel! Thanks a ton 🤠
Man look like form RDR. Beautiful sir
Thank you!
new Red Dead Redemption 2 expansion looking good
This is absolutely beautiful
Every Man dream right here love your vids man keep it up👑
Beautifully done. Thank you.
Thanks for watching 🤠
Thanks for watching 🤠
Great video as always keep enjoying the outdoors hope to see a new video soon👍
Thanks! This will likely be the last video I post for the next few months. We are totaling near 6 feet of snowfall (compacted now), and it's made filming impossible. I can't move around to set up shots without sinking! 😆
@@wituikbws I understand filmon is hard enough in good conditions let alone six feet of snow LOL stay safe and God bless
This a beautiful video, the scenery and the quietness. The audio sounded like I was there as opposed to the ASMR type in which every sound is hot-miccd and obtrusive.
I know what you mean with the ASMR audio in similar videos. I've put lots of work to not be like that 😆
Well done.
Thanks!
Hi....I love your videos...stunning locations and always beautifully filmed...I enjoy the silence as I find I really focus on the images...I fail to see how anyone could dislike any part of this film..Best wishes
Very cool! Only thing missing was those rascally rabbits 🤠
Once I went beyond where I turned around in this video, I ended up shooting one along with a ruffed grouse. Just my luck while filming I guess 🤠
@@wituikbws That's awesome my friend! Not being on film will keep the haters away a bit.😎
awesome video!
Glad you enjoyed!
Greeting from Malaysia!! I always love the way you prep yourself.. As usual safety first from any elements! Great adventure ✌️👌
Greetings from Canada! Good eye on catching that. If I were to go into the bush out here and get caught in a cold snap like the one we’re currently in (-41°C this morning), it wouldn’t end well. The extra gear I carry and wear at least would give me a chance if something were to happen 👍
Not just some of the best bushcraft videos... the best outdoor videos on KZhead. I've been camping more than 30 years and I can't remember last time I didn't learn a better way to do something. Thanks! Question: Is the lever action a 30-30 Marlin? Are you not concerned about snow/ice fouling the barrel from carrying it face down?
Such good content.
Thank you!
პიტალო ! რას ვუყურე ამდენი ხანი ))
Hey Nicholas! How ya been? Great video as always. Evidently our getting a good snow in this part of Colorado just isn't in the cards. Headed to the mountains in the morning for the day, but I hear there's isn't much there either. Just wait. I say that, and we will get hammered. 🤣 I keep replaying the video here, trying to determine what shotgun you're using. At first I thought Savage, but don't think so. Take it easy. Catch ya next time out. Roger Edit----now I don't even think it's a shotgun. I give up!🤠🤔
Hey Roger! I've been great, how about you? I hope you aren't getting snowed on - I figure while I'm writing this, you're probably out there right now. I have no idea what the make of shotgun I'm carrying is. I know it's from brazil, but that's about it. It's in .410g and it's a nice little gun to carry with the sling on it. Too bad I didn't see any hare this time around! Thanks for the comment! 🤠👍
May I ask you Nicholas the name/word Wituik has a similarity to maybe Indigenous to your area, has a nice ring to some of the vowels, example the Tui is an Indigenous bird to NZ my homeland, I currently reside in Australia. Chilcotin is a massive & beautiful Country side with numerous Mountain Ranges - a rather foreboding too, what is the name of the plant you use for your herbal tea. plse as always enjoy the views you see in your walk abouts.
My last name comes from Romanian/Ukrainian decent, and was originally pronounced something similar to "Vituuk", but was changed when my ancestors immigrated to Canada. It is interesting that you'd mention the indigenous roots however. Although the name has none, my heritage from my mother's side dates all the way back to the early French colonization of North America. I am specifically related to the "coureur des bois". Aboriginal blood found it's way into my family at some point, and is even rumoured that I might be a relative to the well known Hunkpapa Lakota leader "Sitting Bull", or at the very least related to someone of who rode with him back in his Little Bighorn days. Although not officially, I would be considered a "Métis" in Canada - someone of European and Aboriginal decent. It may not mean much, but I can definitely say my love for the wilderness, hunting, trapping and especially the early pioneers and the types of equipment, gear, and techniques they used is all something that's literally in my blood! The tea featured in this video goes by the name of "Bog Labrador Tea", or scientifically "Rhododendron groenlandicum". It's definitely my favourite tea, and it grows as common as grass up in the high country around here. When I finally get a chance to film that high up, you'll be able to see it everywhere throughout the video. Thank you for the comment, and I hope all is well in Australia!
I always enjoy your vids . Great outdoor view of your surroundings. Thanks for sharing your adventure . Tell us about your Lever gun , and why you chose it over a Large bore revolver. (Some may not know . )
In Canada, the only pistols I can "legally" carry in the bush are antiques made before 1898 in certain cartridges like .44 Russian. It's quite limiting on what I can carry, and the usefulness of one against an angry grizzly is debatable. I go the simple route and carry a Marlin 1895 in .45-70 Govt. with some HSM bear loads instead. If the laws here allowed me, I'd carry a .44 Magnum or something similar. Thanks for watching!
Another nice video, I wish the font size was larger so I could read it. And maybe not white with a snow background.
Noted! I'll change it up in the next video. Thanks for the feedback!
NEVER HAD " BOG TEA " ............ WHATS IT LIKE ? DO U WAX UR OWN PANTS?? LOVE THE CLOSING SCENE !!
It's the best tea I've had in the bush. It's full name is "Bog Labrador Tea" if you want to look it up. I waxed these pants myself last year. There will be a video on doing it this spring!
@@wituikbws HEY AMIGO, I'M LOOKING 4WARD 2 THE WAXING VIDEO !!!! IN THAT VIDEO WILL U B TALKING ABOUT BREAK IN, HOW THEY FEEL WHILE WEARING THEM, CHAFING IF ANY. NOISY ?? FEEL RESTRICTIVE IN ' ANY ' MOVEMENT ? THE WHOLE BALL OF WAX MY FRIEND !!! PRO'S N CON'S !! ADDED WARMTH ? SWEAT IN THEM EASILY ? WHAT PANTS DID U START OUT WITH ??? ALSO, NOT REALLY A PART OF UR UP COMING VIDEO, BUT, IF I WANTED TO MAKE MY OWN GAITERS ( CANVAS OR OLD PAIR OF LARGER LEVI'S ) BASED ON UR EXPERIENCE AND ANY OPINION U MITE HAVE ,,,,,, WOULD IT MAKE A GOOD PAIR ??? ANY OPINION U HAVE TO SHARE I'D B THANKFUL. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY EXP W/ WAXED PANTS OR MATERIALS BUT I KNOW THE MNT MEN OF OLD SET STORE BY E'M !!! AS SEEN IN THIS VID U R STITTING RITE ON THE SNOW SO H2O PENETRATION ISN'T A BIG CONCERN. DID IT ( WAXING ) ADD ALOT OF WEIGHT TO UR PANTS ???? YEAH I'M FULL OF ??? BUT HOPE U DON'T MIND. MAYBE GIVE U SUM THOT 4 UR VIDEO IF NUT'N ELSE . TAKE CARE AMIGO N STAY SAFE OUT THERE..... IT'S NOT ALWAYS 4 LEGGED CRITTERS THAT YA GOTTA WATCH 4 !!
I love the composition and story telling of the hole video, it comes together well. Great editing.
Thank you! 🤠👍
What model is the break open? Looks really nice. Looking forward to the next adventure.
I have no idea. It has no markings on it aside from "Brazil". It's in .410g, hope that helps!
Hello ! hovaryou ??? Its longt taim I bopso you are oky 🤠👌
Great video man! Which firearms are you carrying in the video ?
Great video.. interesting tea.. I've never had it myself. Any luck on the hunt? Thanks for the video
Is that the mackinaw cruiser coat ? Do find the wind breaks through it much ?
It is a mackinaw coat but I have no idea what brand it is. It breaks the wind great as far as I've used it 👍
First time seeing one of your videos. I’d like to ask what back pack is that and if it came with the gun holster
I believe it's an old Gander Mountain pack
Fantastic video,fantastic place!!! What plant did you make tea with?
Thank you! I made it with a plant called “bog labrador tea”
High quality filming! Only thing - I would worry carrying the leveraction with the barrel facing down. Everytime you put the backpack down snow or mud might get caught in the barrel.
The barrel was taped closed with electrical tape, so no issue there 👍
What I wanna know, is what knife is that?
It’s been awhile
It sure has!
@Wituik Good shots!.. What is your camera
Which camera gear do you use? Great vid btw!
I keep that a secret now 😉👍 Thanks for watching!
@@wituikbws awe c'mon. I'll tell you what I use.
Hello, Nice video, what knife are you using, where can i get it?
Custom design I came up with, had it built by Mike Jones Knife & Tool. It's a one of a kind, but he has lots of other great knives. Check him out
@@wituikbws thanks!
Where did you get your shovel from
После такой остановки стволы у гладкоствола забиты снегом....
Я обматываю изолентой стволы своих винтовок и дробовиков, чтобы не допустить попадания снега и мусора. Дайте ему время попробовать! Прекрасно работает.
From Spain. Dice vídeo. My question is what backpack are you using, Nelson pack maybe?. Greetings.
I use a Trapper Nelson in some other videos, but in this one I use an old Camp Trails frame pack and bag. They're fairly hard to come by unfortunately
Whats that canteen setup consist of? Is it the Kleen canteen or some other brand?
It’s a bottle, nesting cup, and lid. All are from Self Reliance Outfitters
So is it a 30-06 and a 30-30 or 22
Hello Iam love you movien Cd dokumentar this veri interesante
I thought your backpack was an LK70, I would have been impressed if it was.
I actually have no idea what kind of bag this is, but whatever it is, it works great! Thanks for watching!
👍🙋♀️
Living life! Where’d you get that hat from? It’s badass.
It was an originally a Smithbilt "Bullrider" in 6x felt, but it's been beaten up and re-shaped 5 or 6 times now into what it is now
@@wituikbws very cool story and history with the hat. It looks great.
do you walk back to a base camp or home in the dark or do you carry a head torch?
For most trips I am dropped off and picked up, but I am always prepared to stay the night if something were to happen. I have various old camps around the area I could stay at if needed as well 👍
What were you hunting with a 45.70?
I'm not sure why I had it in this video, nothing to hunt out there that time of year 🤣
Rugged one bra
Is this just on public hunting land?
Oh boy, he's fully armed.
The rifle on my back was for the off chance I ran into a pissed of grizzly or moose. Looking back, I really didn’t need it. Could’ve just carried a few slugs for the .410 🤷♂️
@wendigoon is that you •○•
Hey dude come to Nagaland India hornbill festival
That will be a long walk
Did you stab the barrel of that rifle into the snow immediately?
It had a cover over it, but yes
That was not hunting at all! You were enjoying being alone in that beautiful place...
Γιατί κοιτάς συνεχώς τα όπλα ρε φίλε???
What is the brand and model of the pack?
As far as I can tell, it's a "Camp Trails" frame and pack. That's all I've got on it unfortunately. Most of my gear is very old and without any markings or brands
Hello everyone from Belarus. Great video, keep up the good work. I do it a little differently in my context, if you are interested you can take a look.
Nice video, but i was hoping to see some of that hunting you put in the description. ...and you kind of dipped the Marlin muzzle down in the snow, twice. So maybe it was a good thing you did'nt come across any game huh ;-)
Unfortunately the hunting wasn’t productive, so I didn’t include all the footage I took of it. I put electrical tape over the muzzle of my rifles and shotguns to keep the snow out 👍
@@wituikbws Good to keep the muzzel covered, but on a rifle, a friend used tape on his rifle muzzel as well many years ago. When he had a shot at a moose, the rifle blew up in his hands as condensation in the barrel frozen down at he muzzel and although he peeled the tape of that bit of ice stayed darned near wrecked him. Sure enough wrecked that gun. Good video and thanks for posting
I’m not sure if you will see this comment, but you’re obviously an experiencing outdoorsman, and I’m curious if you’ve ever encountered a Sasquatch or if you believe in them? If so, I want to hear the story!
Koca ayak sadece efsaneden ibarettir kardeşim böyle saçmalıklara inanamamanızı tavsiye ederim
lol
Man you are making me nervous sticking the barrel of that 45-70 in the snow when you set your pack down. Great video!
Read the other comments about it. Thanks!
Dam those loud commercial.
Sorry!
I hope you check your barrel on the leaver action because every time you put your pack down you stuff the barrel into the ground and snow. I hope you don’t have the gun blow up in your face one of these days. On a different note I do really enjoy your video’s.
I cover the barrels on my rifles and shotguns with electrical tape so nothing can get into it them. It’s a good trick if you’re in a lot of snow and want to avoid that happening. Thanks for watching! 👍
@@wituikbws Repeatedly dropping it into the ground will make short work of your tape. Not to mention the damage to your front sight. just my 2C...
I love how you stuck the barrel of your rifle in the snow right at the beginning...
Read the other comments if you want an answer on why it didn’t matter.
Imagine carrying your gun upside down so snow gets in it LOL
Barrell was taped heavily to keep snow out and the crown finish safe. Definitely wouldn’t hang it that way again though. Not very efficient
Didn't actually see the fire start?
Look closely at the match sitting on top of the pitch pile. It wicks the pitch up creating a kind of candle, I used that to start the fire with the stick bundle