Eating wild mushrooms is one of the most dangerous things a person can do if unsure of the exact nature of the mushroom. When you are traveling in the wilderness, bring a field guide that clearly identifies different types of mushrooms. Many are edible and delicious, but others are poisonous and deadly. Never eat a mushroom if you cannot identify it; it is safer to be hungry for a while longer, rather than experiment with mushrooms that have not been positively identified as safe.
Plants are found in most locations where people are likely to encounter survival situations, and many are edible. Certain characteristics indicate a high probability of poison in a plant. Milky parts of a plant are a bad sign, and an almond odor indicates a potential cyanide concentration. Some common plants are edible and found in many regions. Cattails, clover, dandelions and white mustard are common and edible.
If you can find nuts and berries, you are in good stead. Many of these are both edible but palatable as survival foods. In certain regions in which you travel, you may find wild nuts such as chestnuts or hazelnuts, which are excellent sources of sustenance. Wild blueberries and raspberries are also excellent survival food. A good survivor's trick in the northern woods is to look for old forest-fire burn areas; wild blueberries often grow in abundance in these areas.
Meat is often hard to come by in the wild. Learn to make snares before going on any wilderness expeditions. Snares, made from wire, cord or vines, help you to catch rabbits or squirrels. Carrying fishing line and hooks with you is a very good idea, as fish may be the easiest meat source to catch in a survival situation. Cook all wild meat or fish thoroughly, to destroy any parasites that may be present in the meat.
