Matthew McFarland

Matthew McFarland "Alaska Matt"

Colorado Survival Instructor


Matthew McFarland was born in Anchorage, and raised in a rather remote part of Alaska only reachable by plane or boat, so it's no wonder that he's always loved being out in nature. Growing up in “The Bush”, Matt started fishing with his parents at the age of 2, and was hunting caribou with his father by the age of 4. As he got older, he continued keeping himself entertained with hunting, fishing, lots of books, and many outdoor (mis)adventures, but he didn't begin his formal outdoor education until after his time in the Air Force as a Civil Engineering Structural Craftsman. Luckily, his experience with construction, passion for working with his hands, and general sense of curiosity have translated well as he's begun his journey to become a Survival Instructor. In addition to being the first graduate of TSU's 50 Day Advanced Woodsman and Instructor Training Program, Matt has an eclectic mix of education and training under his belt. This mix includes things like Wilderness First Responder certification, whitewater rafting guide training, blacksmithing, fur sewing and leather working, aquaponic gardening, man-tracking, and has been lucky enough to attend events such as the Global Bushcraft Symposium and primitive skills gatherings such as Rabbitstick. A Jack-of-all-trades and a lifelong learner intent on continually improving his knowledge and skills base, Matt looks forward to teaching every class, and learning from his students along the way.