>>230728Like this guy said there isn't on that covers all the bases adequately. The BSA handbook and BSA Survival guide are fantastic and easy to read. They however lack info on making taps and weapons. The Army's 21-76 picks up the slack in that category by offering a range of advice on making weapons, traps, and other hunting/personal defense techniques.
The BSA "Wilderness Survival" merit badge handbook is very very very through and costs about $5. Give it a whirl if you're looking for a cheap start.
In my personal opinion, a true master of the outdoors needs to be able to do 3 things at a true level of excellence in order to claim that title.
1.) start a fire without a lighter or matches.
2.) catch fish/trap game/have enough knowledge of flora to eat
3.) have the ability to build and adequate shelter without the aid of tools
A compilation of all the tricks and styles offered by those 4 pieces of literature I mentioned will get you there. You just need to practice.
