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Primitive Bowmaking

Unleash Your Inner Hunter-Gatherer and Secure Your Food in the Wild using primitive equipment

Join instructor Phillip Liebel for an unforgettable weekend of building wooden bows and connecting with nature!

Oct 5-6, 2024 | Graham, TX

Are you ready to take your wilderness survival skills to the next level? Do you want to master the art of primitive bowmaking, using only primitive techniques to secure your food in the wild? If so, you won't want to miss our upcoming Primitive bowmaking course!

Set in the pristine wilderness of Graham, TX, this immersive, hands-on weekend workshop will be led by highly experienced instructor– Phillip Liebel. Together, we'll practice the ins and outs of bowmaking, so you can become a true hunter-gatherer in the wild, capable of sustaining yourself in any situation.

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What You'll Learn in This Action-Packed Weekend

Wood selection

Discover what local woods will work best for making bows as well as other non-native species

Bow design

Learn how to design your bow in a way that will give you the most speed and increase your ability to take large game with it

Making Bowstrings

Learn to twist your own bowstrings! this skill is transferrable and can be used for making primitive cordage as well.

Tillering

Master the most difficult and important part of the process! tillering ensures that your bow bends evenly, minimizing breakage and maximizing power

Shooting

Learn how to use your bow effectively! we will be shooting our bows and learning proficiency

Community and Connection

Connect with like-minded individuals and share stories and experiences around the campfire

Meet Your Instructor

Phillip Liebel

Phillip Liebel founded Primitive Wilderness Survival six years ago and quickly gained recognition in the field. He is well known for his ability to create primitive weapons, and actually go out and put them to use.

Phillip has been featured on History Channel's Alone: The Beast, and has learned from and taught alongside of the best survivalists and homesteaders in the world. You can find Phillip frequently teaching at primitive skills gatherings around the country, such as Wintercount, SkyEarth, and others!

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Immerse Yourself in the Wilderness Experience

Learn and practice wilderness skills in a natural setting

In the Primitive Bowmaking Course, you'll immerse yourself in the wilderness experience and learn essential survival skills in a stunning natural setting.

Phillip will guide you every step of the way as you learn how to make bowstrings, layout your bow, build it AND shoot it!

Feel Confident

Know You can Secure Food in the Wilderness

Develop a deeper connection with nature and your ancestral roots as you learn to live off the land and secure your food in the wild, and build self-confidence and resilience by mastering essential bowmaking skills that have been used for tens of thousands of years, and maybe more.

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Make Memories and Friendships

Share the campfire with other attendees

Not only will you leave with valuable skills, but you'll also leave with memories and friendships. You'll have the opportunity to share the campfire with other attendees who share your passion for wilderness survival.

Secure Your Spot Today – Limited Spaces Available!

Don't wait, sign up for the Primitive Bowmaking course today and take the next step in your wilderness survival journey!

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Stories about us

From around the campfire... 

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"Looking forward to the next one!"

“Phillip Liebel did a great job leading the December 2022 Basic Survival course. I enjoyed the course materials and the camaraderie was top-notch. Phillip set the tone by being respectful of everyone's ability and being modest about his own experiences."  

- Eric Johnson

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“Awesome place!”

“Awesome place if you want to gain some of the skills you forgot while sitting at an office!”  





- Nicolas Nanichito Vargas

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“Vast wealth of knowledge!”

“Met Phillip Liebel at Flintlock 2: The Ozarks. Super cool dude with a vast wealth of knowledge and the ability to convey it to others who may not be so well versed in ancestral skills. Hope to study with him again soon”  



- Mike Simmons

Now

Start your survival journey now

Sign up now to get instant access to our free online essential primitive skills course, and get access to our members area where you can find our intermediate and advanced courses, as well as info and registration for our in-person primitive survival skills training and adventures.

Take our FREE Introductory Course
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Secure Your Spot In

Primitive Bowmaking

Extremely Limited spots available! Don't miss out on the opportunity to take your wilderness survival skills to the next level

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best and take your wilderness survival skills to new heights. Spaces for the Primitive Bowmaking course are limited, so secure your spot today and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of learning, adventure, and connection with nature in Graham, TX.

Sign up now and embark on an incredible journey that will transform the way you view the wilderness and your ability to provide for yourself in any situation. See you there!

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Here's what you get:

When you enroll for Primitive Bowmaking today, here's everything you'll get:

  • ​"Primitive Bowmaking" Weekend In-Person Training With Phillip Liebel ($400 Value)
  • ​Access to the online versions of Essential Primitive Wilderness Survival Online when it becomes available($197 Value)
  • ​Access to the online versions of Woods Trekker Online when it becomes available ($197 Value)
  • ​Access to the upcoming online version of the Primitive Course when it is released ($197 Value)
  • ​​Access to the upcoming online version of the Primitive Bowmaking Course when it is released, so you can review and practice what you learn ($197 Value)
  • ​Lifetime access to our members-only online community where members share stories and plan trips and campfires, and some special members-only events with Phillip! ($197 Value) 
  • ​A PWS T-Shirt, Block Printed by Phillip himself! He even prints his t-shirts as primitively as possible! ($20 Value)

Total value: $1,405

Today Just: $600

Or 4 Payments of $150

Register Now!

STILL GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT YOU!

Logistics

 Where is the school located?

Our class will be held on a private property in Graham, Texas.

Groceries, fuel, restaurants, and Walmart shopping are a short drive into the town of Graham.

 What is the terrain at the school like?

Small hills, rocky ground with plenty of juniper trees. The area is covered with light underbrush, but nothing significant or very heavy.

There are a few stock tanks located at the back of the property.

 How reliable is the cellphone service?

Cell phone service is rare, but on occasion, you might be able to pick-up a single bar or two.

In General, cell phones don’t get very good reception.

Walking up to the parking area or to the road seems to help.

 What type of road leads to the camp site?

The access road to the camp is basically a worn-down path. It is not an improved road, and it does have some rough spots, but there have been many, low clearance vehicles that have made the drive with no issues.

When it rains, the roads can become unpassable for low clearance vehicles.

 Is the camp location on public property?

No.

This camp is located on private property and as guests, everyone is reminded to be respectful of the land, the plants and the animals.

 Are there any power outlets available to students?

This is a remote camp and there is no power provided.

Some students have brought solar panels to help keep phones charged and to recharge flashlight batteries.

 How close to my vehicle is the camp area and classroom?

You will be able to park before the service road.

The walk from the parking area to the camp is roughly half a mile.

 Where will I sleep?

As an advanced course, we highly encourage students to use the shelter techniques from the course.

However, sleeping arrangements are up to each student. Most of the time, everyone finds a spot relatively close to the classroom/campfire.

We could also make a group camp.

Health & Hygiene

 Is potable water provided?

We have a small supply of water available in the case of an emergency, but in general, you should bring your own water.

Bring plenty for drinking, cooking, and general-use purposes. Some students bring a few of the 1-gallon water jugs they pick up at the store. Other students have brought a case or two of the 20 oz water bottles. No matter how you bring your water, make sure to bring plenty!

As this is an intermediate course, we encourage you leave most of that at the car, and to use the techniques from the course for preparedness for real situations.

 Are meals provided?

The campfire is provided… meals are not!

Usually, everyone comes together around the campfire during mealtimes, and it provides a great atmosphere for fellowship. Typically, people are very generous and share with each other. Sometimes, some of the students have brought enough food to cook for the entire class!

If you have a cooler, we suggest packing that up with ice, and bringing any perishable food, like meats to grill, that way.

You can drive the cooler out to the campsite if needed.

 Are restrooms available?

No, this is a primitive school in all aspects…including when nature calls.

 Is a trash can provided for the students?

No, you should plan to take care of your own debris.

We want to be good stewards of the land, so you should plan to dispose of your own trash, packages and wrappers.

We suggest bringing a trash bag that you can use and carry out upon leaving.

Materials and Supplies

 Is everything on the packing list mandatory?

Yes. To make the most of the class, you should plan to bring all of the required materials. If you are unable to acquire any of the items, contact the instructor.

These are the same as required in the intro course, Essential Primitive Wilderness Survival, as well as a compass, notebook, and a pen or pencil.

 What if I can’t get everything on the list before the class starts?

That’s OK.

There are times when there are extra materials that can be shared.

However, don’t just show up to class short-handed, be sure to reach out to the instructor so they are aware, and they can help you source alternative materials.

Can I bring anything else?

There are plenty of things you may want to bring for extra comfort, such as a camp chair for sitting around the fire, and perhaps a headlamp for seeing when the night is dark. Maybe a guitar for enjoying the downtime (we hope you do!).

Just remember, you'll have to carry it, though not a very far distance.

Please keep extra items to the minimum though so you get the full experience.

 Should I bring anything to prepare food?

You will be able to cook your meals around the community campfire. We provide the firewood and the spark; the rest is up to you!

Food

 How will I cook my meals?

You will be able to cook your meals around the community campfire. We provide the firewood and the spark; the rest is up to you!

Some students bring simple sandwiches, while others bring campfire grates and cook entire steaks.

Breaking bread with others builds a sense of community and camaraderie, so we highly encourage everyone to enjoy mealtimes together.

Mealtime is a unique experience, and usually a lot of fun, and you don’t want to miss it!

 Should I bring anything to prepare food?

If you want to grill something, you'll probably have to bring a grate to do so. Or maybe we can build something!

Some students bring cast iron pans, and other utensils, such as tongs, spatulas, and cutting boards.

The great part about the PWS BlanketPack is that it will expand to fit it all. You'll have to carry it though!

More Questions!

 What if I can’t complete one of the skills?

That’s OK, just keep trying! During the weekend, there will be plenty of time to practice and learn the skills.

If you're having trouble, our instructors will be more than happy to help you sort it out!

 What do we do in between the different class segments? Is there a lot of down-time?

This is another great part of being at this class!

While there isn’t much ‘down-time’ in between class sessions, when there is, it is filled with laughter, stories, and fellowship.

Also, some of the students like to practice their new skills during the "down-time" so they can get feedback or extra help from an instructor.

 What happens in the evening when the classes are over?

This is when the magic happens! Everyone typically gathers around the campfire for their evening meal, to enjoy a cup of hot tea and to share stories. Sharing stories around the campfire is a timeless tradition and we highly encourage everyone to enjoy the experience.

Occasionally, someone will bring out a guitar, flute or drum to play. The evening campfire is a genuinely sacred space for everyone.

 What can I do to make the most of the weekend?

Bring a can-do attitude and go all-in!

We want you to learn, enjoy and even move outside of your comfort zone so you can get to know yourself better and connect with the rugged world where we live.

There are few experiences like the one you get from being surrounded by the majesty of the great outdoors.