October 15, 2024 8 min read

EDC

Sometimes, life takes us back to the things we loved as kids—those simple activities that filled our days with wonder and adventure. For Bourbon Bill, also known as @sparrow_bushcraft, bushcraft was one of those passions. What started as building forts and shelters in the woods as a child became something much deeper later in life.

Though the term "bushcraft" wasn’t even on their radar until adulthood, the love for being outdoors, crafting from nature, and honing survival skills had always been there. Now, with the help of social media and a bit of re-inspiration, Bill has reconnected with this childhood passion, and it’s been a journey full of learning, growth, and rediscovery.

 

What inspired you to focus on and get into bushcraft?

I’ve always been into camping and survival to some degree while growing up. Born in '74, times were still a bit slower than they are now. We still had summer camps and knowledge being passed down. So from family members to friends, I was taught basic skills at a young age.

But I never knew the term bushcraft till about 6 years ago [and] it was through a friend on social media I met in a totally unrelated group. I wasn’t yet much on social media other then Facebook for photography and rock balancing groups. [After seeing] his posts, I questioned what the deal was and he explained it’s blowing up on Instagram. I responded with, "Man, you're just taking pictures of stuff I grew up doing."

So ultimately I was re-inspired. And already loved photography. So I created my Instagram and started diving into the niche and kept getting more and more inspired of the things I let go of for many years.

 

From building forts as a kid to constructing more complex shelters as an adult, this passion for construction has remained a consistent thread throughout Bill’s life, further deepening their connection with the natural world.

 

What did your first setup look like?

That depend. Do you mean as a kid? I’ve built many debris shelters and forts as we called them. From lean-to's to tree forts, I always loved building things from the landscape over anything.

If you're asking about since being on Instagram, that was a huge 15x20 lean-to shelter meant for five. It was supposed to be a place on the mountain for my family and a friend and his son to camp out and practice skills but it ended up just being for myself and my wife and son. It stood for about 4 years before the main beam cordage finally gave way as it was natural cordage.

 

  

What was your favorite accessory and why?

I don’t really have a single favorite in anything. I have a few faves of multiple thing. But let me think. Ok, one thing I can really appreciate is a hat. One of my faves is a leather foldable crushable hat for cooler temps but a ball cap is just fine as well. From shading my eyes to fanning coals or taking a nap and covering your face to collecting blueberries, a hat is a great accessory. I don’t really consider much as accessories as most other things are tools to me. Can I [also] pick a hatchet or knife? Always faves for me.

 

Often, the simplest tools become the most valuable. Whether it’s providing protection from the elements or serving a practical purpose in unexpected situations, items like a well-worn hat speak to the resourcefulness that bushcraft needs.

It’s about finding multifunctionality in every tool, from the obvious to the overlooked.

 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life?

Nope. As stated before, it always was a part of life so it was more a re-inspiration and, in reality, for the sake of photography. I’m not really pursuing anything other then continuing to learn things just for the sake of practicing what I already knew just because I enjoy it. I make videos to share this more as a visual storyteller than to be a teacher. And I suppose it also came around the same time I started to embrace my age.

 

 

Do you have another day job, and if so, what is it?

I’m a landscaper by trade. Thirty years now as a laborer to foreman [and] I've been through a few companies doing different aspects. I went to school to learn pond installation and even had to diagnose koi illness. Ever draw blood from a fish? Pretty interesting. You can sedate them with clove oil in the water.

But yeah, from ponds to hardscape and lawn maintenance, I’m always outside. Mostly basic ground maintenance for me now. But I get to both enjoy as well as suffer with the change of the seasons.

 

How has your journey related to bushcraft evolved over time?

If anything evolved for me, it was more about how I presented things on social media. I came along while shifts were happening away from flatlays and photos in general. And then the changes happened as everything switched to short form videos. A lot of guys struggled with it at first but for me it was a new inspiration to be creative in a new way. I appreciate challenges like that.

As far as skill set? I’ve learned so much more from so many great people in the niche. From primitive to urban and tactical. But I’m kinda weird: I see something I think is cool then I try it. If I fail, I try to figure out why and learn from my failures. It’s only when I really get stuck or want to learn to be better at some point that I may reach out or look things up. I'd rather just have fun trying things first based on what I seen and using my own ideas.

 

  

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

Above and beyond the friendships and relationships I’ve built over the few years. Connection with both great small businesses as well as creators and just everyday people who just enjoy watching the content.

Simply the fact that I can show my son, "Look what your old man can do." From the skills to the growth on social media to the blessing of companies I get to work with and test gear for.

 

How has being part of the bushcraft/outdoor community you’re in influenced you?

I suppose just by keeping me inspired to be part of it. From seeing things I never knew or thought of to just the support from most that have been in it far longer then me.

 

At its core, bushcraft is about community and connection. For Bill, sharing their journey has been about more than just building skills; it’s about fostering relationships with like-minded people, whether they are fellow creators or simply fans. It’s a reminder that passions, when shared, become a source of inspiration for others. Perhaps and also most importantly, it can also be a way to pass on valuable lessons to the next generation.

 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

Heck, I’ve been an open book from my start. Suppose it depends on if they are a newer follower or not. But let’s see... I’m a fully trained tattooist but that wasn’t making me enough money at the time and that’s when I got into a steady income job of landscaping. Up until about 6 years ago, I was an old school goth from my late teens on. Always in black and trench coats and roaming cemeteries. I’ve done a lot of urbex and abandoned exploring as well.

 

Do you have someone in the bushcraft/outdoor community that you look up to? Why do you look up to them?

Oof that’s like asking me who’s my fave. I have many I respect and look up to and couldn’t name just one. They are all inspiration in one way or another. And if I started naming people, I’d feel bad for leaving someone out. 

 

 

Can you share a memorable story or experience related to your journey?

I think some of the most memorable times I’ve had in this journey were my trips to the Georgia bushcraft gatherings. I managed to pull off 4 of those spring and fall camps. The first time I didn’t know what to expect and was just absorbing it all. Got to meet so many people I only knew from social media and then fans of my own. When ya get to throw atlatl with a fan of yours but learn from him, it was just amazing. These are the moments I cherish. It keeps you grounded. It makes people real.

 

What has your experience been with your Lochby gear?

So far very pleasant. I only have the Tool Roll as as it made the most sense for me but the product is well built, well-stitched and designed, and I feel will last a very long time. 

 

How does Lochby help you with your day to day activities?

Organization no matter what you do is important. The Tool Roll fits both my woods lifestyle as well as my urban work. I like to keep small kits in my work bag especially. From multitools to awls, or even a marker and a spare knife, the Tool Roll was a perfect size for this application.

My other rolls hold a lot and typically I use them for my carving kit or extra knife storage. This roll is small enough to build out a decent every day system without taking to much extra space at the same time. And realistically, it could be just about any kit. From a fire kit to a tool kit, even an artist's kit.

 

Gear that stands the test of time is essential for any outdoor enthusiast and we're glad Bill finds the Tool Roll helpful during their bushcraft adventures! 

 

 

Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you to keep going everyday?

There are a few but the one I practice in just about every aspect of my life since my teens would be: 

"You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend." - Bruce Lee

 

The philosophy of being adaptable—like water—perfectly mirrors the ever-evolving nature of Bill's journey. Whether in learning new skills, navigating the unpredictable algorithms of social media, or simply finding joy in the small moments, this flexibility has been key to his continued passion and success. 

 

What are your future plans or goals related to bushcraft and your account?

As far as bushcraft goes, my plans are to just keep expanding my knowledge and just staying inspired. And practice the things I enjoy most. As for [my Instagram], well, I’m not sure. I just keep doing what I do. Things change fast either in how people consume content or in how the algorithms change.

Right now it’s been really bad for our niche as knives are flagged and you can’t be suggested in explore. This affects a lot of small businesses as well seeing as knives are a major part of our tools used. So it’s been challenging at times. I basically gave up trying to comply as my bio was even flagged and even after me trying to change it my account is just flagged. So I just keep doing what I want and don’t overthink it. I started putting a little effort into YouTube and Tiktok but they are different monsters themselves and I have a day job and only so much time for all this stuff.

But I try to stay creative and think outside the box. I try to be crafty and come up with other ways to make people think about how an item can be used or repurpose things to work for survival. So we shall see.

I'm just going to flow and be water 😉

 

 

Sometimes, we don’t need to search for new passions but simply rekindle the ones that have been with us all along. In a world that often feels fast paced and overwhelming, there’s something incredibly grounding about going back to basics.

So slow down and relax, and don't forget to join Bill in his bushcraft adventures through his Instagram and Youtube channel. 

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