About Dug North

My Background

I grew up playing in the woods of Vermont and New Hampshire, reading wilderness survival books, and hunting and fishing with my father. I was good at taking things apart, but not at getting them back together.

Because of my fascination with the ways humans have lived in different times and places, I studied anthropology at the University of Vermont, earning a Bachelor’s degree. After that, I studied the History of Technology at Rennselaer Polytechnic Institue, eventually earning a Master’s degree.

Being the curious sort, I have had several different careers and interests including mechanical art, fabrication, visual design, archeology, antique clock restoration, and others.

In recent years, I have focused on learning wilderness skills such as making friction fires, pitch glue, bark baskets, stone tools, bow hunting, cordage, edible plants, shelters, traps, and more. It was the dream of a lifetime to be selected for Season 12 of History Channel’s hit show ALONE.

One of my side-hustles is a product called Lighter·Knife — a small, sturdy pocket knife that integrates with a standard Bic lighter. I believe this little device can help make people better prepared for a wilderness survival situation, and maybe even save a few lives.

My mission is to use my curiosity and creativity to learn about things from past and share what I’ve learned to help empower others.

My Teaching Philosophy

I teach wilderness skills through the lens of science, critical thinking, and hands-on experience. The curriculum is rooted in evidence-based practices while respecting the history and traditions that have shaped our broad understanding of the natural world. This is always a work-in-progress.

My educational background is in anthropology and archeology. As such, you will hear about other cultures, the vast stretch of time over which human evolution has taken place, how our world has change and continues to change, and the other hominins to whom we are closely related.

The outdoors belongs to everyone. The skills I teach are human skills. My goal is to foster a welcoming learning environment where people of all backgrounds, identities, experience levels, and abilities are treated with respect and encouraged to grow. I hope to create a culture of curiosity, stewardship, and mutual respect, where every student has the opportunity to build confidence, competence, and a meaningful connection with the natural world.