Three Principles We Live By Outdoors

As a family who lives for time outdoors, foraging and taking small game aren’t just hobbies—they’re opportunities to slow down, learn together, and stay connected to the land. Over the years, we’ve found that keeping things simple helps us stay grounded and respectful. Everything we do outside is guided by three core principles: take only what you need, leave the land better than you found it, and put safety first—for everyone.

1. Take Only What You Need

Foraging teaches patience and restraint. Just because something is abundant doesn’t mean it should all come home with you. We harvest with intention—enough for a meal, a lesson, or a small preservation project. This approach ensures plants and wildlife can continue to thrive and that others can enjoy the same resources in the future. It also helps children learn gratitude and respect, rather than a mindset of taking more “just because.”

2. Leave the Land Better Than You Found It

Our time outdoors always includes stewardship. That might mean packing out extra trash, gently replacing disturbed soil, or teaching little hands how to tread lightly. Even small acts—like sticking to established paths or cutting plants cleanly—add up. We want the land to look as good (or better) when we leave as it did when we arrived, so it can keep giving for generations.

3. Put Safety First, Always

Safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation. From proper identification of plants to safe handling of tools and clear communication during hunts, we prioritize protecting each other and the environment. We dress for the weather, follow local regulations, and make sure everyone understands the plan before we begin. Feeling safe allows curiosity and confidence to grow.

Why These Principles Matter

These practices keep wild places healthy and protect loved ones while you learn and explore. More than that, they shape how our family shows up in the world—with care, responsibility, and humility. The outdoors gives us so much; living by these principles is our way of giving back.