Hello everyone, thank you for your interest!
This is both a question for advice, and a call for criticism.
For personal reasons, I have a need to pursue an alternative lifestyle for some months.
My entire life I've been nature minded, a hiker and a trail runner, and researched basic survival.
Due to financial limitations I have not been able to study firsthand much of the National and State forest regions in my area of Southern California, (other than online research) and so:
Which National Forest of California do you think would be the best for beginner survival? Some forests I had in mind are the Los Padres National Forest, The Seqouia National Forest, and The Sierra National Forest.
What I'm looking for, listed by order of importance:
Most abundance of running water, rivers, streams, etc.
Most abundance of animals to hunt with a rifle
Warm temperatures rather than cold, I can handle the heat much better than the cold. ie. 100 degree weather days> freezing nights.
Abundance of plant life
Abundance of mountaneous region/cave region.
The cave region is also of utmost importance for me, it is definitely my preferable shelter.
Here is a list of my survival gear and equipment:
Shelter:
2 Tarps
Plenty of rope
Wool Blanket
Clothing:
3 Underwear
3 pair Cotton Socks
1 pair Wool Socks
3 Longsleeve Thermal Shirts
2 Cotton Shirts
2 Thermal Leggings
2 Pants
1 Cotton Jacket
1 Rain/Wind Jacket w/ hood
1 Wool buff
1 Beanie
2 pairs cotton gloves
2 pairs leather gloves
1 Hiking boots
1 Rain/Fishing Boots
Tools:
1 Axe
1 Knife
1 Machete
1 Hunting Rifle w/ ammo and rope strap
1 Small gun cleaning kit
1 tool sharpener
1 Walking Stick
1 Fire starter Rod
1 Binoculars
1 Spring Body Trap
1 Flashlight w/ extra batteries
1 pocket watch
1 compass
1 small net
1 Mini-Shovel
1 mini-Hammer
2 Trash bags
1 Folding Saw *
1 Small notepad w/ pen
1 Baggie of Needle, thread, and medical guaze bandage.
2 baggies w/ 50+ BIC lighters
1 Nailclippers
1 set baggies
1 Pillow case w/ draw string
Cooking:
1 Metal pot
1 Baby fork
1 Baby spoon
1 Metal wire
1 small camp stove
1 set Fishing hooks
1 roll Fishing line
1 Canteen
6 Bags Beans
6 Bags Rice
10 Bags Noodles
6 packs F&E Bullion Cubes
1 Baggie Cooking spices
1 Glass Mason jar
1 Baggie Seeds
And lastly, a map of the area, which I have not chosen yet!
Approximate Weight: 75 pounds (over-estimate)
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I realize that is a heavy amount of equipment, and was planning on making two trips to drop equipment off at my location, since I plan on staying in one spot for a good amount of time, before moving to another spot, since I would again have to make two trips.
What area would you recommend, and what criticisms of equipment and two-trip equipment movement?
Thanks you!
-Mike
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