About Us

Through our own experience, collectively and individually we have arrived at a few conclusions.

Research and study takes a lot of time and dedication. From the field, in the bush skills, years of trial and error, gaining the experience, learning from others, throw in the academic study,from  books to film,and  DVDs, is time consuming to say the least. In todays world most just do not have that kind if time. Many are not armed with the right questions because they do not even know what to ask.

We have done the research, the testing in the real world. Experience piles up over the years,  and when you can combine the individuals together it becomes a powerful force of a deep understanding and knowledge, we feel the need to pass it on. Our presentations bring you survival knowledge you can practice and own.

Are we experts? No, not really, however, we do own skills that have been hard earned and span many decades. We are always learning. What we do not know, we ask, we seek out ,  and bring in others that do have that expertise. We have been around way too long to think we have all answers, we leave that kind of thinking to others.

We are Dirttime, and we hope to never stop learning. We will always pass on to you what we know.  Our goal is that we all “own the skills”, that allow us to thrive in the city, the wilderness, and the country.

The Team

Christopher Nyerges

Internationally known and recognized as a premiere survival skills instructor and has been teaching “the skills” since 1974 and has taught over thirty thousand students. He is the editor and a writer for “Wilderness Way” magazine and is enjoying the release of his 9th book, “How To Survive Anywhere”. Christopher has had over 2500 articles, all related to the survival skills, published in his career.

Dude McLean

Former United States Marine and his depth of knowledge of modern and primitive survival skills spans over 50 years. Dude is a field editor, writer and photographer for “Wilderness Way” magazine, A Los Angeles City CERT Member, and Survival Instructor.

Alan Halcon

Field editor, writer and photographer for “Wilderness Way” magazine. Alan is the author of the informative booklet, “The Hand Drill,” a member of the City of Los Angeles’s CERT Team, FEMA certified in incident command, a Survival Instructor, and a certified instructor/provider for The American Red Cross in Wilderness First-Aid, CPR and Basic First-Aid. Alan is also the record holder at getting a coal with the handdrill… 2 Seconds.

John D. McCann

Author of “Build the Perfect Survival Kit”, he is the owner of Survival Resources, a firm specializing in survival kits, components, and outdoor skills courses. He is a former Marine Corps Drill Instructor and has written various survival related articles for magazines to include Field & Stream & Wilderness Way. He has been featured in the NY Times, and has appeared on the Martha Stewart Show.