learn to survive the wild
learn the basics to advanced survival and feel more confident wherever your next adventure takes you.
Location: Varies. We are based out of southwest Florida and Colorado,
but can travel for group classes or private team building events.
please Email us fOR details and scheduling availability.
Learn fire, shelter, water purification and plant identification. Master primitive weapons and hunting.You will make and bring home a variety of primitive weapons such as the rock sling, atlatl, traps, snares and tools. Students will forage for food that include unique primitive meals that will be cooked and prepared by the students in the field. Feel comfortable in the wilderness and learn to not only survive, but thrive!
Our main training location is in southwest Florida through the spring and early summer months. Our Colorado location is just outside of Denver. Due to periodic fire bans in Colorado, our locations do change to best suit the class. Each class is set up to maximize your ability and level of experience.
You will gain a lifetime of useful knowledge and appreciation for the wild. These are experiences that will change the way you walk in nature.
2025 Spring events
2nd Annual Spring Survival Adventure 2025
Location: Southwest Arcadia, Florida
When: Thursday, March 27 - Saturday March 29, 2025
Price: $600 per person
During this survival experience, we will teach you many invaluable survival skills like how to master primitive friction fire, traps, animal tracking/trapping, hunting techniques with archery and atlatl lessons. Learn how to prepare and cook wild game and also enjoy various game feasts, this and more all in one extended extra Savage weekend!
Details about our Savage Survival:
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Where: Our Private Property in Southwest Arcadia, FL
(20 min from Punta Gorda airport, 1 hour from Fort Myers, 1.15 Sarasota, 1.40 Tampa airports)
Event Description
Have you ever wanted to learn survival skills from experts Matt and Brooke Wright? This is an excellent opportunity for all ages and skill levels. Our goal is to help you learn in a primitive wilderness setting to elevate your confidence in any situation to become your own Savage Warrior. You will learn every aspect on what it takes to not only survive but thrive. At our Savage country you are likely to see resident Florida wildlife and also the opportunity to potentially forage or harvest your own food for our Friday feast. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or have years of outdoor experience, we have a spot for you to come join us at our Savage weekend in southwest Florida. You won't be naked, you might be afraid but the best adventure comes by stepping out of your comfort zone and into the wild.
Activities will include:
Outdoor safety, shelter selection/building, friction fire starting and fire building, wilderness navigation (map reading, compass use), wildlife track identification and tracking, plant identification (basic edible and medicinal plants), water sourcing and purification, knife use & safety, primitive traps, cordage and weaving (making rope, knot tying), primitive fishing, traditional archery and atlatl target practice with a fun tournament.
- Participants can make this experience as challenging or luxurious as they would like. Build your own survival shelter, forage for your own food and rough it. Or, have the option to tent or hammock camp, RV’s/campers are welcome for your creature comforts. For those feeling adventurous, who want to build and sleep in your own primitive shelter we will give you full instructions that ensure you survive in style.
- Early Bird arrivals can come the late afternoon/evening the day before and set up camp, no extra charge. *For classes that end on a Saturday, participants have the option to stay an additional night.
- Mastering Survival - this is the day to learn the basics all the way up to advanced core survival skills. We'll kick this off with morning arrival check-in, meet-and-greet, overview and safety briefing, knife use, shelter basics and campsite selection, wildlife track identification and tracking, plant identification (basic edible and medicinal plants), friction fire, cooking instruction for participant prepped game dinner. This time you day will set primitive traps and snares to hopefully add your own special meal for the Beast Feast. Try your hand at primitive fishing with expert instruction followed by a fun fishing tournament with prizes! Bonfire social to end the evening.
- Warrior Spirit - Find out what it means to embrace your inner warrior spirit. The day will begin with breakfast, followed by learning to master primitive traps, cordage and weaving (making rope, knot tying). Firsthand experience field dressing and preparing wild game. Put yourself to the test with a wilderness skills challenge with map reading and compass use. You will head into the wild with us to better display the core survival techniques you've learned. At the end of this, you will become a Warrior and there may even be some fun survival treasures along the way.
*Ultimate Beast Feast - a dinner curated in the most savory Savage way you would expect and know us best. This is no normal meal, this will be the most wild feast you'll be talking about for years. Other non-game options will also be provided for the less adventurous pallets. Followed by a bonfire, smores and storytelling.
*Special guests are always possible to join us for an epic weekend!
- Become The Savage - Put your skills to the test and unleash your Savage side. Even challenge the Savage himself! The day will begin with a hot breakfast, archery and atlatl instruction, hunting strategies, culminating with an action packed tournament/shootout on our 3D animal course with special prizes for everyone and ultimate bragging rights. Snack break and camp break down, check-out late Saturday afternoon.
Included in the Experience:
- Commemorative T-shirt and a Savage swag bag
- Meals, snacks and water (feel free to bring your own provisions if you have specific dietary needs)
- Basic outhouse with artisan shower is onsite; towels provided (or wash up in the creek or pond* please bring biodegradable soap only to protect our water's eco system)
- Safety first aid kit, bug net, rain tarps, sunscreen and bug spray will be available at all times
- Matt and Brooke will be with you throughout the experience
- Opportunity to see various wildlife
- Pictures and video will be captured and shared for all participants to enjoy
- Unforgettable memories in an amazing and unique setting!
What to bring:
We don't want you to be Naked or Afraid so please bring clothes! We recommend packing a few essentials:
- Feel free to bring your own knife, multi-tool pocket knife or hatchet for various activities. We will also have some knives available to sign out for use if you prefer to not travel with them.
- If you plan to camp - bring your gear and camp chair. Contact us if you need equipment, our supplies are first come first served.
- Suggest breathable clothing, shorts, *water appropriate clothing and shoes you don't mind getting wet*, long shirts and pants, rain/light jacket, comfortable shoes, polarized sunglasses, hat (please dress for the expected weather)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks, beverages or other food provisions you like (various light snacks will be available in between meals)
- Wet wipes and/or biodegradable soap
- Portable charging battery pack (phone or other devices)
*If you are bringing a camper or RV, please note we do not have power or water hook ups.
FAQ's
What if I'm a novice or inexperienced?
We love teaching students of all ages, skills and various backgrounds! So if it’s your first time camping or learning basic survival skills, we are happy to help you create those unforgettable moments during this experience and make you feel confidently empowered in the wild.
What if I can’t attend all 3 days, can I still sign up for one or two of those days?
Yes! We we can work you into specific days of the event. Email [email protected] or call/text 720-313-0283.
I'm flying in from out of town. What about Transportation?
The nearest airport is Punta Gorda 20 mins away, 1 hour from Fort Myers, 1.15 Sarasota and 1.40 Tampa airports. All travel is on your own. It’s recommended to either rent a car or Uber or Lyft a ride.
What if I’m flying or driving but I don’t have any camping gear?
We have some tents ands hammocks available - first come first served basis. Other gear may also be arranged.
Are there other options if I’m not comfortable camping overnight?
Yes, there are plenty of accommodations about 20 min. away in Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda.
Can you accept a partial deposit to reserve my spot?
Yes! We'll gladly accept a partial deposit to hold your spot. Contact us at [email protected] or call/text Brooke 720-313-0283.
**We honor a Military/Veteran, First Responder and Youth discount. Please contact us for discount code prior to signing up.**
20th Anniversary Survival Celebration Course
Location: Southwest Arcadia, Florida
When: Thursday, May 1 - Sunday, May 4, 2025
Attend all 4 days, or select days.
Price: $250/day/per person or discount rate $800 all 4 days
Event Description
This will be a fun survival experience like no other that you can find. If you've been looking for that special time to sign up for one of our courses, this one will only happen ONCE! In this course to celebrate our 20 years in business, each day will be set up as its own wild survival adventure. Each day will challenge you personally as well as in a team dynamic. You will be using the newly learned survival skills in real world obstacles. At the end of each day you will earn special commemorative 20th anniversary prizes "aka caches." All four days prizes will be worth over $500, along with bragging rights and the confidence and knowledge to survive any place in the world.
Background:
It all started 20 years ago.
With a lifelong passion for teaching people Matt always wanted to help others learn how to better improve their lives and survive in any environment. That’s when 20 years ago in May, Matt took the first step to start Extreme Instinct LLC. Making knives and gear was only part of his plan. Matt wanted to teach others the art of primitive survival. To be able to teach others to feel the confidence in the wild and know they can make it through was the mission objective. Why just survive when you can thrive.
This is when Matt took a wild first step. Trekking solo into a large homeless encampment on the north side of Denver might seem like a crazy first step and when you hear the stories it was not for the faint of heart. Matt had a mission to teach the homeless how to be more self resilient and in return no longer needing a handout or feeling the struggle. It was a wild one. However after some high intensity moments Matt was forced to take this education to a more receptive audience. With Brooke now at his side Extreme Instinct excelled to the next level. Now they both teach survival to all walks of life and have survived on nearly every continent.
This unique 20th anniversary survival course will be an incredible one. It’s been years in the making and lots of tough times that helped forge the skills. Now all of you who attend will learn not just the skills necessary to survive anyplace on the planet, but also be able to thrive.
This is a 4 day course that will test you as far as you’re willing to go and we promise it’s action packed fun along the way. You can build and stay in your own survival shelter and rough it or even pitch a tent or hammock along our beautiful wilderness creekside.
In the spirit of this special event each day will be filled with an array of fun skill building challenges that will put the new skills to the test. Each challenge will have rewards and items earned for each survivalist. These items will be used as you navigate to the end of each day. Each day will be capped off with a special finale.
After two decades in business, this will be an unforgettable milestone where each one of you will join in our growing survival family.
After 4 days -or- if you chose to only attend *one, two or three* days, you will emerge with the ultimate appreciation of your newly acquired skills and just what it takes to try to thrive in the wild.
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Details: GET READY FOR A WILD ADVENTURE!
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Where: Our Private Property in Southwest Arcadia, FL
(20 min from Punta Gorda airport, 1 hour from Fort Myers, 1.15 Sarasota, 1.40 Tampa airports)
Thursday:
Morning arrival. Operation shelter. Whether you choose to build a primitive shelter or set up a tent/hammock or RV, the morning will begin with setting up camp. Your first challenge will be starting with fire. Not only will you learn and execute multiple fire techniques but you will take fire to the next level. This will be individual and team effort as you traverse the obstacles ahead. Each survivalist will earn a special asset. Additionally, you will try your hand at bringing back food for your survival family. As the sun sets, gather around the fire and bring your sweet tooth for campfire treats and stories.
Friday:
Survival versatility is the name of the game. Just like everyday life, the more well-rounded we are, the better we can adapt to any situation. Learn not just the average skill, but how to use all the skills in your arsenal. After two decades teaching, learning and living survival one thing has always rung true - and that is versatility. Your challenges this day will take you outside the box and maybe even outside your comfort zone. One thing is for certain, at the end of the day you will always be ready for the unexpected. What can you expect today? .....Anything.
To cap off a tough day, you're invited to our first ever "Cocktails by the Creek." This special end to the night will include dinner, drinks (if you choose) and a special gift to celebrate your hard work and a toast to 20 wild years in the making.
Saturday:
Unleash the beast! Will you make it to the coveted BEAST FEAST? You will find out if you or your team has what it takes to this day focus is on food, find it and hunt it. You will have to truly embrace your Savage side. The only way to feast is to first get the BEAST. As you witnessed through our years of Naked and Afraid challenges, scoring that meal is anything but easy. This challenge will put you and your team through a rigorous multi-step obstacle course. You will get dirty, and if you don't give up you will feast like a Savage!
Learn how to build, navigate, process and preserve your way to thrive in the wild. All of those who make it will get a coveted item and chance to win actual Naked and Afraid mementoes from our journeys. Clean up in the creek or take a shower, and join us for the ultimate anniversary BEAST FEAST!
Sunday:
For the first time ever, this day is more than just survival, it's about celebrating a tool you can trust with your life. You will start the day with coffee and donuts at our newly built Savage Headquarters onsite. Inside our shop, you will assemble and build your very own survival knife! This knife will get the coveted 20th anniversary seal and personalized engraving on the spot. Each knife will be a one-of-a-kind only available to each survivalist who participates on this day. This ensures your knife will be a collectable for generations to come. Learn how a knife is made from start to finish, along with proper knife care and sharpening techniques. After the custom knife building and shop tour, lunch will be available then we will head back into the wilderness. This day will put your skills to the test in an archery, atlatl and primitive weapon showdown.
*Departure: campsite breakdown and wrap up will commence late afternoon*
Included in the Experience:
- Commemorative T-shirt and a Savage swag bag
- Meals, snacks and water (feel free to bring your own provisions if you have specific dietary needs)
- Basic outhouse with artisan shower is onsite; towels provided (or wash up in the creek or pond* please bring biodegradable soap only to protect our water eco system)
- Safety first aid kit, bug net, rain tarps, sunscreen and bug spray will be available at all times
- Matt and Brooke will be with you throughout the experience
- Opportunity to see various wildlife
- Pictures and video will be captured and shared for all participants to enjoy
- Unforgettable memories in an amazing and unique setting!
What to bring for your survival experience:
We don't want you to be Naked or Afraid so please bring clothes! We recommend packing a few essentials:
- Feel free to bring your own knife, multi-tool pocket knife or hatchet for various activities. We will also have some knives available to sign out for use if you prefer to not travel with them.
- If you plan to camp - bring your gear and camp chair. Contact us if you need equipment, our supplies are first come first served.
- Suggest breathable clothing, shorts, *water appropriate clothing and shoes you don't mind getting wet*, long shirts and pants, rain/light jacket, comfortable shoes, polarized sunglasses, hat (please dress for the expected weather)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks, beverages or other food provisions you like (various light snacks will be available in between meals)
- Wet wipes and/or biodegradable soap
- Portable charging battery pack (phone or other devices)
*If you are bringing a camper or RV, please note we do not have power or water hook ups.
FAQ's
What if I'm a novice or inexperienced?
We love teaching students of all ages, skills and various backgrounds! You don't need to have any significant experience for this event, other than the the willingness to embrace the outdoors and learn. So if it’s your first time in a survival setting or learning survival skills, we are happy to help you create those unforgettable moments during this experience and make you feel confidently empowered in the wild.
I'm flying in from out of town. What about Transportation?
The nearest airport is Punta Gorda 20 mins away, 1 hour from Fort Myers, 1.15 Sarasota and 1.40 Tampa airports. All travel is on your own. It’s recommended to either rent a car or Uber or Lyft a ride.
Can you accept a partial deposit to reserve my spot?
Yes! We'll gladly accept a partial deposit to hold your spot. Contact us at [email protected] or call/text Brooke 720-313-0283.
What if I can’t attend all four days, can I still sign up for one, two or three of those days?
Yes! We we can work you into specific days of the event - select the number of day(s) below and let us know which day(s) you wish to attend. Email [email protected] or call/text 720-313-0283.
*We honor a Military/Veteran, First Responder and Youth discount. Please contact us for discount code prior to signing up.*
April: Archery & Hunter Class
This will be a 1 & 2 day immersive course in Arcadia, Florida - April 5-6, 2025 for archery, primitive atlatl, bowfishing and many aspects of hunting and trapping techniques in the wild from the successful "Savage" hunters, Matt and Brooke Wright.
Whether you're a beginner wanting to learn proper form and mechanics or have experience but want to refine and hone your skills, this class will have plenty of opportunities to expand your horizon on our fun 3D animal target course.
Traditional bows, arrows and atlatl equipment will be provided, but to master your own we encourage you to bring your own equipment, if you have it.
*Water, snacks, lunch will be provided along with a fun wild game dinner on Saturday night. Feel free to bring your own food and beverage provisions if you like.
*Free overnight camping is available (please bring your own gear or limited tents and hammocks can be arranged, first come first served). Other accommodations in town are about 20 mins away.
We honor a military/veteran, first responder and youth discount. Please contact us for discount code prior to signing up.* Email: [email protected] or text 720-313-0283
Summer events to be announced soon...
The Savage experience
Guided wild boar hunts
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Master Friction Fire
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Family-built primitive shelter, fire and fresh fish
Practice fish traps and spring snares
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Try your hand with the ancient Atlatl on our 3D archery target course
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Bowfishing - black drum
Fish Florida's waters
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*Pricing: Please contact us for pricing and availability for a private one-on-one individualized training experience.
Includes all meals, wild game feasts, a Savage mystery gift and a whole lot of epic memories!
This this customized with your goals in mind. You also have the choice to combo a half day of saltwater fishing on our boat and survival training -or- a full day of survival training mixed with hunting techniques. Various activities include: fishing , 3D target archery and atlatl on our course, animal tracking techniques, navigation, plant/shelter identification, primitive fire techniques, cordage/fish traps, and more!
Guests are welcome to build their own primitive shelter, tent or hammock camp. A guest room at our main pond lodge and bathroom is also available onsite.
Add a wild hog hunt during your stay! For those wanting to become "Meat Rich" and up their Savage "game" fully guided wild hog hunts are available (no trophy fees, field dressing, basic processing and flash freeze of meat for your transport is included). Ask us for details and price.
**Availability and scheduling please email us.***
Location of your choice - we can come to you!
Make your next adventure memorable with our expertise.
*Contact us for package pricing*
Custom tailored to fit your schedule and needs. Due to the specific nature of these events, please contact us for details to set up your destination location survival experience.
Call or text 720-313-0283 or email us for availability.
Into the woods
Go day or night
with confidence we stay to fight
we adapt to survive
for the woods shall forever keep us alive
I will not falter and I will never fail
when thrown into the worst I can only prevail
Elbert, CO | Arcadia, FL USA © COPYRIGHT 2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.