Greetings from Northwest Arkansas
Hey everybody. I realize I might have started off on the wrong foot with my first post so I thought I'd try to make amends by formally introducing myself to everyone. Let's see here, I'm 27 years old, am an Eagle Scout and have not even been camping or really done any sort of survival training, even hunting, since my Boyscout days. So it's been about ten years, maybe a little more, and I've been meaning to get back into it for quite some time now. It's a shame to live in the country, in the "Natural State" and not take advantage of it (aside from going hiking on trails from time to time).
I'm on the fence as far as SHTF situations. I don't know if I really believe survival training will be "necessary" for everyone some day, but I do like to consider doomsday possibilities. Regardless, I think we can all agree it's important to learn basic stuff, for nobody knows what situation they may find themselves in. As I talked about in my first post, I stack precious metals for financial security, but it's dawned on me that I'm doing it backwards. I need to be focusing on myself, wilderness training, stocking up on supplies, etc. before worrying about future finances. So here I am, eager to learn. I'll probably be lurking more than anything for awhile, since I don't know if I really have much to add to survival discussions at the moment, I'm rather green and can't even remember my Scout knots. I don't even have any camping gear anymore. But I'm going to start purchasing some gear to at least go solo camping (something I've never done), and try my hand at traps (never done that before either) and might occasionally ask some noob questions :)
So howdy everyone, I look forward to having some good discussions and learning things from all the more experienced ones here. I may be an Eagle Scout but I don't kid myself into believing I currently have what it takes to really survive on my own in the wilderness, at least not for prolonged periods, even with my trusty SAS book and knife. But hey, a start is a start, right?
EDIT: I realize I carry on a bit at times. Sorry, that's just how I am when I sit down in front of a keyboard. I'll just keep typing. Reminds me of this one story, lol just kidding
Don't rag on simple folk from AR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Iskander
The only downside is a lot of the people are kind of trashy. There are a lot of tweakers and the like, many of the areas are poverty stricken. But the land doesn't get much better than this! I suppose I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Arkansas.
Hey Hey Hey! don't talk about my friends and family like that! LOL
A good friend since 3rd grade now works for a TV station in Fayetteville, most of her family still lives in Lavaca, AR, then I have first cousins in Mountain Home and Pocahontas out east, AR. Also my wife's grandparents were from Crossett, south AR, very nice people. Fairly sure none of my friends or relatives from AR are "tweakers", but I never ask about personal issues. One cousin's sons I am concerned about. I might consider living in/near the National Forest along the Mulberry River or one of rivers and forest areas near the Buffalo River if something terrible ever happened to my family and I suddenly became independent. Hopefully that never happens.
BTW I thought the Persians called him "Iskander the terrible" "Iskander the destroyer" or something like that… LOL
Oh and don't take anything most of us say to seriously. If some old coot argues with your opinion it is probably best to just ignore him. I would like to think I am man enough to admit when I am wrong, but if I am having a bad day and behaving foolishly just ignore my foolishness PLEASE! Others I best not speak for. You may have a vague idea of whom I may be referring to. LOL
BYW one of my daughter's cats came from a local animal shelter but I suspect it originated from the SE corner of OK, SW AR and NE corner of TX where there are also a lot of Tweakers, because this crazy cat is WAY tweaked out. LOL Come to think of it most cats are never mind… But it just ran across the room and attacked the other daughter's Pedigree Maine Coon cat that was sleeping peacefully for no apparent reason. Now I like and somewhat understand Maine coons and Ragdoll cats, not as cool as a dog but better than most crazy tweaked out cat. LOL Dang it I should not try to work from home with cats running around attacking each other…
More seriously don't worry to much about people doing illegal behavior in the wilderness areas while you are out hiking and camping. Just take reasonable precautions ask the local LEO about areas to avoid and watch out for. Don't confront anyone. Report the activities and locations of what you see that looks suspicious to the sheriff (LEO) when you have a opportunity (probably not wise to speak loudly on a mobile phone while observing people.) I occasionally stealth camp and don't use a campfire or even a camp stove if I am passing through an area that has a lot of contraband activity (TX border with old Mexico major crossing areas or a few places in SE OK.) But there are many complicated aspects of concealment from humans than most civilians are clueless about. I have read many discussions about this on outdoor forums most are blah blah BS nonsense.
