About
Less lecture. More dirt. Real skills.
Wilderness Wild was built on a simple belief: you learn survival by doing it — not by watching someone else do it.
Kyle Thomson
Founder & Lead Instructor
How it started
My name is Kyle Thomson, founder and lead instructor of Wilderness Wild Survival School. I've spent nearly two decades developing wilderness survival, bushcraft, and primitive living skills, with more than 15 years of experience teaching others how to become more capable and self-reliant in the outdoors.
I didn't build Wilderness Wild to run a typical survival school. I built it because I believe survival training should go beyond simply staying alive until rescue arrives. The ultimate goal is self-reliance — developing the knowledge, skills, confidence, and mindset to take care of yourself when modern conveniences are no longer available.
I've worked professionally in wilderness programs, spending extended periods living and working in remote environments while helping others develop confidence, resilience, and practical outdoor skills. Whether you're learning how to start your first fire, preparing for a backcountry adventure, or challenging yourself with primitive living and minimal gear — Wilderness Wild is a place to get your hands dirty and build skills through real experience.
Areas of expertise
- Friction fire and primitive fire methods
- Natural shelter construction
- Wilderness navigation and backcountry travel
- Wild plants and foraging
- Trapping and primitive hunting tools
- Flintknapping and cordage
- Extended wilderness living
- Wilderness medicine and first aid
What I'm here for
"To give people the skills and confidence to take care of themselves in the wild — through real experience, not just information."
How I work
What you can expect
You'll always know who's teaching you
I run every course myself. No rotating staff, no surprises. When you book with Wilderness Wild, you're booking time with me.
Hands-on, always
Wilderness Wild isn't about sitting through lectures or memorizing information you'll forget. You'll practice every skill in the field, in real conditions, until it sticks.
No experience required
I've taught people who had never spent a night outside. I've also taught seasoned backcountry travelers. The door is open regardless of where you're starting from.
The land comes first
Wilderness ethics are woven into every course I teach. How we move through the land matters as much as what we can do in it.
Collaborations
Guest instructors & collaborations
A few times a year I bring in guest instructors from other schools for specialty weekends — deep dives into topics like advanced plant medicine, traditional bow-making, or extended wilderness living. These are announced as they're scheduled. If you've taken a course with me and want to be notified, just reach out.
All standard weekend courses are taught by me. Guest instructors appear only in clearly marked specialty events.
Ready to get your hands dirty?
Browse the three courses I teach and find the right starting point for you.