Wild Surroundings was founded as means to support, encourage, and educate individuals who are interested in an adventurous, wilderness-oriented lifestyle, and, in turn, to transform that interest into a lifelong passion for the great outdoors.
A significant portion of Wild Surroundings is focused on informational media: articles, blog posts, podcasts, and videos. Within these mediums you will find methodologies, philosophies, stories of interest and humor, plant and wildlife identification, foraging insights, self-sustaining recipes, and sustainable preservation tactics.
Wild Surroundings’ in-person learning is based at Peaceable Hill Farm in Shoreham, Vermont, an enchanting preserve in the heart of the Champlain Valley.
"Lars is the best of the best, whether his expertise as an instructor, fitting your gun, improving your sporting skills, history and discussion of the great outdoors as well as being so pleasant to spend time with! I have known him nearing 15 years and he is the " turn to person" on any technical issue from new, classic or old firearms to fishing rods, ammunition, fish, wing, or fur questions including native habitat. Never hesitate to reach out to him, as you will be marveled by his joyous knowledge on any matter! It doesn't get better!"
Heide Mason, President of Juliana’s Anglers Sporting Club
"Lars Jacob is a true Renaissance Man! He will not care for this review because it is overlong and too complimentary, and Lars is humble. I was introduced to Lars several years ago by a friend at Ten Mile River Preserve in New York who insisted I meet Lars and take a wing-shooting lesson from him during a Tower shoot. I did and the rest (as they say) is history. There are many talented shotgunners out there as well as many lifetime sportsmen and women. But there are few true lifetime students of the sport; and that’s where Lars is different. It takes a true understanding of an area to translate that knowledge into teaching.
Lars’ approach to instruction is calm and understated, skill full as well. Lars is an astute observer. If the shooting sportsman is a beginner, Lars will give that student a solid and comfortable base to advance by covering the basics of gun mount, gun fit, gun selection, and of course ... shell selection. However, for the more experienced sport; the subtle suggestions: the lift of a heel, body rotation, tracking and timing will simply elevate that hunter to the next level. I can honestly say that Lars has gotten me to a place where very few birds pass my peg in a line of guns. And candidly, as the only woman in the line on most occasions ... I kinda love it!!
Wild Surroundings is the logical and elegant combination of Lars’ skills and joys. Lars has created a place to learn about gun dog training, shotgun instruction, bespoke gun fitting and sourcing, deer hunting, fly fishing, foraging, cooking, spirits, wine, and of course ... sharing a fine table! Lars understands that the harvesting of game creates a responsibility. We honor and appreciate those gifts by simply recovering that game (the joy of well-trained gun dogs) supplementing, preparing, and sharing our meals."
