Nature Survival/Appreciation Trip

[Holt59]

Hello, new to the forum, but I am a college student about to graduate and leave for further Marine training in the fall of 2015. Before I leave I would like to go on a 1-week survival trip this next summer to gain a better appreciation for nature and learn a few things along the way, all while using basic tools for hunting and trapping small game and fish. I would like to go somewhere scenic (maybe the rockies) but I am not sure where exactly to look where I can get off the grid and do those things(legally). If anyone has any ideas to toss my way I would greatly appreciate it.

[hunter63]

Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome.
There is an intro section at
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?14-Introductions

That would be make it easier for a location .

Truthfully, if it was me....in your situation.....I would opt for a professional outing as an option.
Example....but I would look in your area, what ever it is.

http://www.codylundin.com/

[finallyME]

hunter's suggestion is a good one. Another one would be to just go backpacking. No, you wouldn't be trapping food. But you would be able to do more exploring and have more fun.

[hunter63]

hunter's suggestion is a good one. Another one would be to just go backpacking. No, you wouldn't be trapping food. But you would be able to do more exploring and have more fun.

Good idea...though of that as well.
But there is no indentation of experience, gear, or knowledge of camping, hunting, trapping, fishing ...or area laws.....what ever the area may be.

[Holt59]

hunter's suggestion is a good one. Another one would be to just go backpacking. No, you wouldn't be trapping food. But you would be able to do more exploring and have more fun.

I have done a little bit of backpacking and lots of camping, but I am trying to do something more along the lines of self sustaining(of course with backup plans in the event of an emergency). At the same time I would like to go somewhere scenic if its at all possible. I am trying to find an area now so that I can do all my research on the area well in advance.

[Holt59]

Also to add to that I do have some experience with snares and as far as equipment I have the following so far: 100feet parachute chord, oudoors first aid kit, Stansport scout backpack tent, water purifying tablets/iodine drops, aluminum frame waterproof pack w/bladder,emergency e-tool kit including ax, shovel, hammer, saw, Rothco deluxe adventure survival kit knife gps in case of emergency and still adding more.

[Rick]

A survival trip is something you do to stay alive and never anything you want to put yourself in voluntarily. Everything else is either backpacking, hiking or camping. You will need licenses for fishing and hunting where ever you decide to go and for out of state folks that gets a bit expensive.

Have you spent any time in that tent or used that knife? Neither are quality items. I suggest you use them locally and see if you like them and make certain they work for you before you try something more remote.

You haven't told us where you are located so we might offer some place in your back yard or so far away you can't get there. A state would help.

[TXyakr]

Like Rick, Hunter and finallyME, I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm but even on private ranch land with owner's permission there is not much trapping, hunting and fishing person can do to actually sustain you legally in most states without a fairly expensive out-of-state license.

Personally I see beauty in high desert out west or second growth forest in East, and appreciate great landscapes but don't need them to have fun in "wilderness". Ticks me off when people with me say "this is ugly" and don't see beauty in all of nature, but that is their choice. Also many don't notice even a fraction of the wildlife that I do. But my Neurologist says I have a hyper sensitive nervous system (genetics) that is why when I spend much time in big cities I get migraines. This was once an asset for hunter/gatherers and warriors in more primitive times now it is a curse.

One possibility that you have probably already tried is to join a local wilderness adventure club via "meet up dot com" or some other online site, I have learned a lot from other outdoors people I have camped/backpacked/paddled/hunted/fished with. Understandably you may now have done plenty of this and be ready to go out on your own. Leave details of your plan/trip with someone (at home/work/ranger/outfitter) and take reasonable precautions is my advise.

As many others have mentioned there is far more small game in most suburban neighborhoods than in typical wilderness areas. Take that info for what it is worth. I dare not say more or it could tick off some sensitive people.

[TXyakr]

Where to go for fun and adventure? Your personal preference, where you live, your budget, gear you already own.
Personally this time of year if I could choose anywhere in N.A. it might be Florida's Everglades NPS Wilderness, but many people might consider this a terrible choice.

http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/NLCS/Trails.html

Here is a fun website with many trip reports to read but there are others. Also go to US government NPS and BLM sites on National Trails and Wildlife Preserve, National Forest areas etc.

http://www.trailjournals.com
This site is AT heavy because much of US population lives near this trail, other trails are actually longer and not as crowded. Some people may think they are more scenic but that is personal opinion, it all looks great to me. AT not crowded in winter or on most weekdays typically.

another site not as good IMO:
http://hikingblogs.thesocksite.com/location/non-state-specific/

[finallyME]

Most scenic places are protected.....so that they remain scenic.
Most small game require a license, and the seasons start after September.
http://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2014_pdfs/2014-15_furbearer.pdf
According to this, muskrat, red fox and striped skunk can be hunted year round.
Here is upland game. There are a lot of restrictions. Make sure you are aware of them all.
http://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2014_pdfs/2014-15_upland-turkey.pdf

Obviously, this is just for Utah. If you go somewhere else, you will have to look up the information. Utah is one of the least restrictive states.....so.....