The Flame in the Flood

This isn't a guide but an exploit I found by chance that helps a ton.

First, craft a torch. Now when you're on foot (not on the raft) use the left trigger and press right to see the quick use menu with the torch in it. Use the torch and you will see the circle above your head that gives you an idea of how much is left before the torch is used up.

With the torch equipped and burning, use the left trigger to bring up the menu again and highlight the torch, but don't press anything yet. Now when the circle empties the torch is extinguished and you lose it from your inventory. At least, that's what usually happens. However, at the moment the percentage on the torch reaches 0, shown by the circle being empty and even more helpful when you HEAR the sound of the torch going out, press A immediately to unequip it.

You should now be able to use the left trigger and once again look in your inventory and you should have the same torch at 0%. This torch will now last forever, no matter how long or how many times you use it. It won't appear lit but it will still have all the effects of a torch.

You're now free to explore any area without fear of attack from wolves or boars and can even use it to move snakes around to where you can use them to help you kill other animals for skins and meat.

Enjoy, and hopefully this helps someone as much as it did for me!