Learn to Rely on Yourself

Wilderness survival, tracking, and self-reliance skills from decades of experience teaching.
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10,000+ students trained since 2006

 
40+ YEARS TEACHING
10,000+ STUDENTS
AS SEEN ON: HISTORY CHANNEL • NATIONAL NEWS • DISCOVERY
CHOOSE YOUR PATH

Your Path Forward

Whether in the field or from home, we have a way for you to build real-world skills.

TRAIN IN PERSON

Primarily Kentucky, but also other states.

Learn Online

Stream 200+ lessons on demand

Shop Gear

Curated tools and field essentials

The Store

Field-Tested Gear

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MEET YOUR LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Craig Caudill

Craig is a lifelong outdoorsman who has spent over four decades teaching wilderness survival, tracking, and self-reliance. He is the founder of Nature Reliance School and has trained thousands of students ranging from civilians to military and law enforcement professionals.

An eight-time published author and regular contributor to outdoor media, Craig has served as a consultant or been featured on the History Channel, CNN, Fox News and Discovery Channel. His teaching philosophy centers on practical, field-tested skills that anyone can learn.

40+
YEARS TEACHING
8
PUBLISHED BOOKS
10K+
STUDENTS TRAINED
Extreme Wilderness Survival Book Ultimate Wilderness Gear: Everything You Need to Know to Choose and Use the Best Outdoor Equipment Essential Wilderness Navigation Book. Author Signed Copy. Secret Signs of Nature: How to Uncover Hidden Clues in the Sky, Water, Plants, Animals, and Weather Introduction to Animal Tracking Pocket Field Guide The Survival Notebook – Your Field-Ready Guide to Real-World Skills Tiny Survival Guide | Pocket Survival Tips & Tactics
TRAINING CALENDAR

Upcoming Classes

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APR 12 - 13, 2026

Wilderness Survival Fundamentals

Georgetown, KY · $249
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Apr 26, 2026

Tracking and Awareness

Georgetown, KY · $149
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May 5 - 9, 2026

Week-Long Survival Intensive

Georgetown, KY · $895
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What Students Say

"Craig's teaching changed my entire relationship with the outdoors. I went from feeling anxious in the woods to feeling completely at home. The skills are real, tested, and life-changing."

Jason M.
Wilderness Survival Fundamentals Graduate

"Best outdoor training I have ever attended. Period. Craig makes complex skills feel accessible."

Rebecca T.
Tracking Student

"My son and I took the weekend class together. It was the most meaningful experience we have shared."

David K.
Father & Son Class

"As a first responder, the skills Craig teaches have directly improved how I operate in the field."

Lt. Mark S.
Law Enforcement

Journal

From the Field

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Library

Published Works

Tiny Survival Guide | Pocket Survival Tips & Tactics

Tiny Survival Guide | Pocket Survival Tips & Tactics

Craig Caudill

Essential Wilderness Navigation: A Real-World Guide to Finding Your Way Safely in the Woods With or Without A Map, Compass or GPS

Essential Wilderness Navigation: A Real-World Guide to Finding Your Way Safely in the Woods With or Without A Map, Compass or GPS

Craig Caudill

Secret Signs of Nature: How to Uncover Hidden Clues in the Sky, Water, Plants, Animals, and Weather

Secret Signs of Nature: How to Uncover Hidden Clues in the Sky, Water, Plants, Animals, and Weather

Craig Caudill

Extreme Wilderness Survival: Essential Knowledge to Survive Any Outdoor Situation Short-Term or Long-Term, With or Without Gear and Alone or With Others

Extreme Wilderness Survival: Essential Knowledge to Survive Any Outdoor Situation Short-Term or Long-Term, With or Without Gear and Alone or With Others

Craig Caudill

Wild Woodcraft

Wild Woodcraft

Craig Caudill

The Survival Notebook – Your Field-Ready Guide to Real-World Skills

The Survival Notebook – Your Field-Ready Guide to Real-World Skills

Craig Caudill