Carolina Adventurer

“Nessmuk” was the pen name for George Washington Sears, who wrote for “Forest and Stream” magazine during the 1880’s.  Nessmuk means “wood drake” and the pen name was derived from a young Narragansett Indian who befriended Sears early in life and taught him valuable outdoor skills, such as fishing, hunting, and camping.

            In 1884 Nessmuk wrote the book “Woodcraft” that was about camping comfortably in the wilderness, and a book of poetry called Forest Runes in 1887.  Nessmuk was sort of an early pioneer in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmentalism, blazing the trail for future stewards of the earth.

            Through his articles in “Forest and Stream” he made the outdoors more accessible and created an interest and sense of value in camping, fishing, and hunting.  Nessmuk was also the first outdoor gear head.  He wrote articles on the different gear needed for camping, fishing, and hunting.  Among his contributions of gear, were ultralight canoes that he took solo trips in.  A lot of his gear was designed so the average person could construct it at home.  This was in part due to the lack of gear producers/suppliers during that era.

            Nessmuk’s guidebook, “Woodcraft”, is still in print today and contains pertinent outdoor knowledge.  His writing style is very descriptive and romanticizes the art of camping or tenting.  I believe this romanticism is what helps draw one to camping or create interest in spending time outdoors.

            Minimalist camping was encouraged by Nessmuk.  For example, he provided instruction on how to make a shelter out of a fallen tree.  He recommended and taught methods how to pack light in his book “Woodcraft”.

            Outdoor therapy was also pioneered by Nessmuk, as he himself had tuberculosis and was an asthmatic.  He held the strong conviction that his time in nature was therapeutic and provided a healthier well-being.  Even today, my doctor recommends that I get outdoors and spend more time there.

            Nessmuk should be remembered among the ranks of Theodore Roosevelt, Horace Kephart, and John Muir.  He understood the true value of what nature has to offer and made it attractive to the average man or woman.  It is likely to say that Nessmuk was one of the greatest outdoorsman ever.