Age: 57

Hometown: Kannapolis, NC

Profession: Primitive Technology Instructor

Doug’s journey began in New Albany, Indiana, where he spent his early years before moving to Concord, North Carolina, at the age of 15. Alongside his brothers, Robbie and Ronnie, he cherished weekends at their cabin on Rough River Lake in Kentucky, where they immersed themselves in outdoor adventures, sparking Doug’s lifelong passion for nature and primitive skills.

Following his high school years, Doug enlisted in the army as a Combat Engineer before pursuing his academic interests at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he delved into history and anthropology. It was during an anthropology field trip to the Schiele Museum that he encountered Steve Watts, a master of primitive skills, whose demonstrations ignited Doug’s fascination with ancient crafts.

Under the mentorship of luminaries like Steve Watts, Errett Callahan, and Charles Worsham, Doug honed his skills in survival, tracking, and craftsmanship. He dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of primitive living, drawing inspiration from cultures around the world. Doug’s passion for preserving ancient traditions led him to share his expertise with audiences worldwide, conducting demonstrations and workshops, and contributing to the preservation of
indigenous knowledge. He authored books on Native American Blowguns and Stone Age Survival, enriching the understanding of primitive technologies and their cultural significance. Today, Doug resides in Kannapolis, North Carolina, with his wife of over three decades, Jana, and their beloved Shih Tzus, Sassy, and Sadie. Together, they continue to embrace a life filled with gratitude, honoring the timeless wisdom of their ancestors and inspiring future generations to connect with nature and traditional skills.

Here are the ten items Douglas selected to bring on his survival journey:

1. Blanket

2. Bivy Bag

3. Pot

4. Water Bottle

5. Ferro Rod

6. Leatherman

7. Machete

8. Fishing Gear

9. Bow and Arrows

10. Pemmican