Dana Anderson
Wild Mountain Man Dan
Age: 68
Hometown: Matlock, WA
Profession: Bushcraft Instructor / Retired
Strengths: Stone Tools, Chipping Arrowheads, Primitive Raft Building, Primitive Cooking Skills
Experience: 62 years
Dana Anderson, also known as "Wild Mountain Man Dan," hails from the rustic town of Matlock, Washington. From an early age, Dana's heart belonged to the wilderness. He dreamt of a life without the confines of age, aspiring to be a forest-dwelling hermit.
Schooling was a challenge, as his hunger for knowledge led him down unconventional paths, focusing on arrowheads and the lore of mountain men. It's been over six decades since those early days, and Dana's spirit remains as wild as ever.
In 1995, Dana achieved recognition as the Washington State Vocational Teacher of the Year in culinary arts. He also served on the national advisory board for handicapped students in SkillsUSA. Despite these accomplishments, Dana's true passion lies in sharing ancient skills. He's a master of hunting, fishing, crafting flintlock rifles, fashioning arrowheads, tanning buckskins, and foraging for outdoor wild foods.
For over 33 years, Dana has lived off the grid in a cabin nestled by a babbling creek, surrounded by flourishing gardens. His dedication to teaching these time-honored crafts remains unwavering. Last year alone, Dana had the privilege of teaching at six ancient skill gatherings across the western United States. But beyond the skills, Dana's greatest joy in life is the bonds he forms with those he meets along the way. New acquaintances quickly become lifelong friends, united by a shared love for the great outdoors and the timeless wisdom of the wilderness.