Kev Newton interviews Les Hiddins aka The Bush Tucker Man
Many people have argued over who the ‘greatest’ bushcrafter is. Over the last ten years or so, the debate has often been whether it’s Ray Mears or Bear Grylls. Social media and satellite television has had a massive impact in popularising survival and bushcraft more than ever before. There have been so many television programmes devoted to survival. So who is it? Ray Mears, Bear Grylls, Cody Lundin, Les Stroud, Mors Kochanski? The list goes on!
However, there’s one name that keeps popping up and that’s Les Hiddins. You may know him better as The Bush Tucker Man. Many slightly older bushcrafters, such as myself, were introduced to the adventure and lifestyle through Les’ iconic television series back in the ’80 and ’90s. Furthermore, he’s one person that emanates respect. There are no ‘ifs and buts’ with the Bush Tucker Man. Les is a living legend.
Survival and Bushcrafts therefore arranged for Kev Newton of Australian Survival Instructors to meet up with Les. The interview can be viewed in two parts:
Part 1: Research, Fellowship, Report and Resources
In part 1, Les discusses his original report, following his Defence Fellowship in 1980, and how he’s updated it for the web. He gives a brief explanation of this education tool and how the drop down menus combine to provide detailed and specific survival resources. Les also explains how he first became interested in bush tucker. This takes us back to his time as an infantry soldier in the Vietnam war and later in Army Aviation as he looked down on incredibly remote and hostile parts of Northern Australia. Thinking about how one could survive became a hobby and talking to local aboriginals helped provide detail for this.
Watch Part 1 of the interview:
Part 2: Water Sourcing, Wilderness Retreat, Modern Technology and Regrets
In part 2, Les and Kev talk about water sourcing in the desert. There’s also a little more about Les’ time in Vietnam. He tells us about the Pandanus Park Wilderness Retreat for war veterans that he was instrumental in setting up. When it comes to modern technology, Les gives some pointers on what can be easily used out in the bush. He also looks back over his life, including those very difficult moments, and tells us if he has regrets about his life choices.
Watch Part 2 of the interview:
Find out more about Les’ recent work on www.bushtuckerman.co.aus
