Survival Quest Camping Help - Multiple Month Survival in National Forest (CA)

Hello everyone, thank you for your interest! :red_indian:

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

Good luck with that!

Advice is something asked for when someone already knows the answer, but wishes they didn't.

"for personal reasons......" Turn yourself in, the Law will find you eventually!

Oh no no, you've got the wrong idea. I am definitely not a felon or criminal, that's a long shot from "personal reasons."

If you'd like to know, it is a combination of health and personal fulfillment. I am allergic to perfumes and many man-made chemicals, and always feel my best when I'm out in the fresh air. My rifle is legal, as is my hunting license.

I'm basically asking for advice on the amount of rivers and animals compared between coastal southern Los Padres forest, and the much more (I'm guessing) Sierra National Forest.

Hunting out of season and in National Forests/Parks is not! If you were not a criminal before setting out you will be if using your present plan.

Good luck with that.

Number one start in your back yard with building fires with a fire steel, lens or a bow drill ditch the 50 or so lighters on your list. I wouldn't hunt animals unless you have a license and they are in season with a rifle. Where is your first aid kit? Nice slip of the axe or knife and your in a spot to loose your life. Caves are not a good idea either animals like them also big ones bears. No offense but your food selection is super light on fats beans and rice are nice but you need fat. Eat the rabbits you like and your still gona die. There was guy found in the desert last week after a month lost 50 pounds if your a trail runner you don't have 50 pounds to lose. Why are you taking a gas mask????? Ditch the hammer use a rock. Ditch the cotton stick with wool still has insulating property when wet. What kind of knowledge of edible plants do you have? A mistake ingesting alkoloids found in some plants can lead to a long and very painful wait for death. Where is your hygene kit? You need clean hands if your gona mess with a wound or food your gona end up with more problems a wheres the tooth brush your mouth is gona scare away cougars after a month guess thats good. your gona need more than a canteen for water if your gona drink it cook with it pain to keep boiling water all day I assume thats how your gona treat it. Practice and be super proficent in bush skills before you go somewhere for a month. No way in hell I would want to haul 75 pounds around. Im not trying to be a jerk and I am no expert but I think that you got a lot of stuff to think on. Good luck whatever you decide. Being gone for a month and giving a return date that far off leaves a lot of time for bad things to happen where your not able to get help. Carrying a 75 pound pack and loosing your balance and sliding down a hill hitting trees along the way. Good luck CP

Who said I wouldn't wait for season?

Bro' ... You're taking all you need to survive anywhere... If ya got the know how..... Though--- 1 compass isn't enough.... (take 3... You'll thank me later) I am not too familiar with the So. Cal. Area , so all I'm gonna say is.... " Good luck with that! "

Ditching hammer, I find that warm water and a rag is good enough to clean hands, it's proven that fricton kills germs. Gas mask somehow made it through copy paste from my other survival list. My hygiene bag is just small mirror and t-brush. I also don't plan on constantly carrying 75 pounds, but making two trips to drop off my equipment, and only traveling/hunting/gathering with minimal gear. My first aid only consits of the needle/thread and gauze.

Thanks though, I've been practicing fires with my my firesteel, and don't think it would be smart to ditch my lighters. and plan to get fat from animals. Coming across a bear in a cave? I do have spray and a high enough caliber..

A few questions: are you Male, Female, or Not sure.........????

Are you over 11 years old..........?????

Have you been taking you medications as instructed........???

Please describe your "High Caliber" Bear Gun.

And good luck with your folly.

Thanks. And though I definitely don't think I'm bear proof, superhuman, and invincible, some situations are not avoidable. I wouldn't take a bear unless I had to, and I'm not the type to provoke one.

I'm not talking about entering a cave with a known bear, I was talking about being approached by a bear whilst in a cave with no escape. I wouldn't run from a bear anyways, I would ignore it and walk perpindicular and then slightly away. That's what the spray is for, and the caliber I have is all I have, jackass. It's .30-06. I'd only be comfortable taking a bear if I was starving, and at height and distance, such as steep slope, cliff, or used a rope to climb a tree. And yes, I can climb ropes with a gun slung over my back. Tie rock, throw rope, tie, climb. Yes I know bears can climb trees, but probably not very well when being hit with multiple .30-06 caliber rounds from a distance.

Thanks for your positve input and wonderful attitude, I'm sure you're a great person.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by protogalaxy

Thanks. And though I definitely don't think I'm bear proof, superhuman, and invincible, some situations are not avoidable. I wouldn't take a bear unless I had to, and I'm not the type to provoke one.

I'm not talking about entering a cave with a known bear, I was talking about being approached by a bear whilst in a cave with no escape. I wouldn't run from a bear anyways, I would ignore it and walk perpindicular and then slightly away. That's what the spray is for, and the caliber I have is all I have, jackass. It's .30-06. I'd only be comfortable taking a bear if I was starving, and at height and distance, such as steep slope, cliff, or used a rope to climb a tree. And yes, I can climb ropes with a gun slung over my back. Tie rock, throw rope, tie, climb. Yes I know bears can climb trees, but probably not very well when being hit with multiple .30-06 caliber rounds from a distance.

Thanks for your positve input and wonderful attitude, I'm sure you're a great person.

---

A.) 30-06 is a cartridge and NOT a Caliber.

B.) I am NOT a Great Person.

C.) As I said good luck with your fantasy/folly.

Youre the one being a jackass. You came here for advice, they ask questions so they can give you the right advice, even if they have a sarcastic *** humor. So yah, stop being such a hard *** and have some fun, your on the internet. Sincerely, A Drunk Kamel.

Sounds like he has some sort of superiority complex over being able to shoot a bear.

I'm open to any advice about bears though, seeing as they're the most dangerous animal out there.

My guess is hide better, higher, and only shoot if you have a good vital shot. Use bait, and be extremely patient.

I didnt say he was joking, i said he PROBABLY has a sarcastic sense of humor. Im new here to, and I get **** all the time, its all in good fun and im always drunk when I post cause thats when I have the most questions. So what! take it with a grain of salt and laugh and answer back sarcastically. Everyone here, that has replied to my threads, has helped in someway. and ive seen some useful stuff by sourdough. seriously, go check my threads, im a dumbass when it comes to this stuff but ive learned alot in the last 4 days

Sourdough, what distance and bullet weight do you recommend for bear?
for deer?

I so far only am thinking the 30 cal expanding soft tip.

And should I get flat or boat?

I understand different distances provide different types of expansion/penetration, what do you recommend?

I'm a beginner when it comes to bullets, but I don't have the luxury of choosing any rifle I want

I lived 36 years in Los Angeles, 1 1/2 years in Santa Barbara. I owned a vacation home in a tiny community at 6,000 feet on the western slope of the Sierra, from 1969 until 2000. That community was surrounded by the Sequoia Nat'l. Forest. I've hunted, hiked, camped, explored, etc., all over the Sierra in the Sequoia areas, both western and eastern slopes, and also in the Los Padres Nat'l Forest. Water can be scarce in both areas and especially so in the Summer and Fall.

In my opinion, I believe you'd have a hard time trying to find a place where no one would be around, as there is quite a bit of foot, horse, and motorized traffic in both those Nat'l Forests. There are a few caves up there but if you don't know where they are, you'll not find them ... unless by pure luck. The three of which I know and have seen over many years, would not be my choice of "Home Sweet Home."

I've hunted in the Sierra Nat'l. Forest, but not enough to give advice on it.

There are not many small game animals up there which would sustain a person over a long period of time, and you will be allowed only one deer, if you're lucky enough to kill one legally. Even if you kill one, unless you are very, very, very adept when it comes to smoking and jerking venison, you'll only get two or three days eating until the venison spoils. Most Calif. deer seasons are in the warmer weather of mid-Fall, so meat spoils quickly unless you get it to a cold locker. I don't know of any of those up there.

Also, there is very little fat on a deer. A bit, but if you want some untasty food, just start eating what little fat there is on a deer.

If you're going to be in the mountains in late Fall and Winter, your cotton clothes can kill you. That one wool blanket won't even begin to keep you warm at night when the mountain temperatures drop, as they always do once Summer ends. I can not even imagine why you'd need 50 BIC lighters but if you want to hump 'em, your choice. I'd dump most of them and add more to my First Aid kit if I were you.

If you try this venture, make certain you adhere to the Calif. Fish & Game rules and regs. Game Wardens look more than slightly askance at people who do not follow the law.

Without knowing what your outdoor skills are and how experienced you are in the boonies, I think you are not just asking for trouble, but are sitting up and begging for it. If you just want to "escape" the civilized world (kinda hard in California), I suggest you do some research and find a small cabin for sale somewhere up in the mountains and buy if you can afford it, or rent. Then practice living in that remote location. You'll be far better off than trying to follow your outlined plan.

Just my opinion. It's worth exactly what you paid for it. :w00t:

S.M.

I do understand it can be very cold in the upper mountains, I plan to stay a bit more south around the foothills if I choose the Sierra path, or possibly warmer areas of the Padres..

I see lots of animals on my treks, but I plan on finding a good river stream etc, and making use of fishing

I started to go through your list and suggest improvements, but as I went through it I decided you seriously need to go on some weekend minimalist camping trips and figure out what you use and don't use. Take a notepad with you and if you see something that you don't use make a note and don't bring it next time and if you think of something that you would like to have while you are out in the bush make a note to bring it next time.

Safety is number one and I think you should put together a good first aid kit, there are some good threads on here about first aid kits.

You listed "1 body grip trap", to have a producing trap line you will need way more than 1 trap. I would recommend waiting for season to come in and learn to use snare traps (If they are legal in your area, check local laws). But rabbits will not keep you alive by themselves as their meat is too lean.

What kind of wool blanket are you planning on using, be aware military surplus wool blankets are not 100% wool. It will keep you warm on a cool fall night but not a cold winter night and a good wool blanket will run well above $100.

You can't expect to go out stay in the woods for a prolonged period of time without first learning the skills required to do so and even then it would be tough. It's kind of like deciding your going to kill your first animal and chose to hunt an elephant with a slingshot... your more likely to die than to kill the elephant...

With what you have listed in 4 days tops you will be absolutely miserable... good luck with that...

I do have financial limitations, and my current living situation is causing major health problems.
I can make snares, and fish.
I will be taking all of this advice, and instead of diving right into a situation I might regret, will do some test camping first, possibly with some friends, buy some more traps. It is a good wool blanket, I've ordered some more that are 100%, not military surplus. I also have some other nice thick blankts and a good sleeping bag, but am limited in what I can carry when I decide to go out deeper. Thanks to all, will rep.

Two questions for you. How old are you? What is your current occupation, or if unemployed what is your field of expertise in the job market arena?

Read through this:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ve-in-the-Wild

You get two weeks in one spot in most state parks and all national parks/forests. They do actively look for squatters.

If SD tells you something about bears you might want to listen to him. He's got 35 years as a big game guide under his belt. If SD tells you something about anything outdoors you might want to listen to him.

I want to know which moderator is registering under multiple names and repeating this same post over and over and over... knowing that they will get countless pages of this uniform reply, counter reply.

Is the forum being paid per page of circular discussion?

If it is real I must conclude that protogalexy did not come here to ask advice but to make a statement of what he had already decided to do and what he had decided to take. This is what happens when one lives a cut and paste life, one starts believing they can live the fantacy. The fantacy becomes a real creation and opposition to it becomes a personal attack.

The escapism of the mind attempting to take actual form. Do we not have enough instances of these things to keep us occupied?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...nthlong-ordeal

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...made-a-shelter

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...going-to-be-ok

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...the-wilderness

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...(for-3-months)

And that was just last week!!!

And only in the General discussion section!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by protogalaxy

I'm open to any advice about bears though, seeing as they're the most dangerous animal out there.

My guess is hide better, higher, and only shoot if you have a good vital shot. Use bait, and be extremely patient.

---

The best advice on what to do when attacked by a bear is to immediately hunker down, place your head between your legs, and kiss your as* goodbye. Good luck with that! :creepy:

Remember that coming on here and asking for advice does NOT insure that you're going to like what you hear. We get several of these a month.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kyratshooter

I want to know which moderator is registering under multiple names and repeating this same post over and over and over... knowing that they will get countless pages of this uniform reply, counter reply.

Is the forum being paid per page of circular discussion?

If it is real I must conclude that protogalexy did not come here to ask advice but to make a statement of what he had already decided to do and what he had decided to take. This is what happens when one lives a cut and paste life, one starts believing they can live the fantacy. The fantacy becomes a real creation and opposition to it becomes a personal attack.

The escapism of the mind attempting to take actual form. Do we not have enough instances of these things to keep us occupied?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...nthlong-ordeal

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...made-a-shelter

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...going-to-be-ok

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...the-wilderness

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...(for-3-months)

And that was just last week!!!

And only in the General discussion section!!!

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Kyrat, I believe, most of the time, that it's probably a former member who got themselves banned now playing us. In all other cases they're just immature, unrealistic,people who are going to get their arse in a sling! I believe that this member dosen't know what he's talking about. Note this line from the OP, I've emphasized the key word: "Which National Forest of California do you think would be the best for beginner survival?"
That's the "give-away" as it were! :whistling:

here's a good book on the subject

Still Wandering Aimlessly By Richard "Yogi" Bair

Product Description
"Still Wandering Aimlessly is a novel about a summer spent backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Richard “Yogi” Bair writes an autobiographical tale of friendship and adventure away from the money driven priorities of society.

“Birds and deer and bears are well worth knowing??? the wildflowers in spring and berries in the fall. These are my society.”

With Katie as a companion, he wanders in the mountains for three months climbing peaks, crossing dangerous rivers and surviving happily in an environment very different from our own. Eagles flying across enormous canyon walls and Bear encounters in both Alaska and Sequoia National Park are a normal part of daily life. Through many adventures he shows that the simple pleasures are the key to happiness in a complicated world.

“I have danced naked on top of peaks and swam naked in countless rivers and lakes??? These are not your everyday endeavors. But they're mine.”"

I don't know why everyone keeps asking my age, it's on my profile. I'm 22.
Yes I'm unemployed. My area of expertise? Unfortunately I wouldn't call myself an expert at anything.
I'm a workaholic when I am working, rarely like to take breaks, and a quick learner.

I have knowledge in roofing, gardening, health science, photography, journalism, and basic bushcraft.

@Rick I had read that post already.

I understand there are an abundance of "I'm living in the woods" posts, but it is a skill I need to advance, and I will begin with camping.

I can recognize when I'm in trouble, and begin to head back towards civilization, which is why I have plenty of lighters and extra food.

If I'm eating all my prep food first, not catching or foraging anything, or having problems with water and shelter, I wouldn't just sit around and cry and die.

I also understand the 2 week rule, which I plan to follow, because a big part of this is exploration, adventure, and personal satisfaction and photography. (with my extremely crappy camera.) I do hope one day to make some money and spend longer treks in nature, taking beatuiful photographs.

I appreciate the call to reality, but I think I can make it a reality, and once again will be testing on more desolate campsites for maybe week long stays first.

And as for the advice to just hunker down and die when a bear charges you, I would rather fight than die, and will be shooting the bastard in the chest, and head as much as possible. And if he's still on me, switch to spray and try to climb a tree, giving me time for more shots and spray.

I know there's a chance I would just be overrun and killed, but sometimes risks in life are worth taking, when your current life has used up all it's novelty, and become sitting around jogging the same trail over and over.

I also think that other humans are just as big of a threat, if not more, than a bear, a big part of it is making it to my locatioin without being robbed by the amassing groups of homeless/gangs watching over popular campsites.

I you are serious, about this trip, and plan to forage, start with your fish and game book, check season and reg....Lots of parks don't allow hunting, some fishing.
Seems you have this in your head, not as a question but as a statement.
Game laws don't care if you are surviving or not,.......There is no free lunch.

I will offer you a "Good luck with that"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by protogalaxy

I don't know why everyone keeps asking my age, it's on my profile. I'm 22.
Yes I'm unemployed. My area of expertise? Unfortunately I wouldn't call myself an expert at anything.
I'm a workaholic when I am working, rarely like to take breaks, and a quick learner.

I have knowledge in roofing, gardening, health science, photography, journalism, and basic bushcraft.

@Rick I had read that post already.

I understand there are an abundance of "I'm living in the woods" posts, but it is a skill I need to advance, and I will begin with camping.

I can recognize when I'm in trouble, and begin to head back towards civilization, which is why I have plenty of lighters and extra food.

If I'm eating all my prep food first, not catching or foraging anything, or having problems with water and shelter, I wouldn't just sit around and cry and die.

I also understand the 2 week rule, which I plan to follow, because a big part of this is exploration, adventure, and personal satisfaction and photography. (with my extremely crappy camera.) I do hope one day to make some money and spend longer treks in nature, taking beatuiful photographs.

I appreciate the call to reality, but I think I can make it a reality, and once again will be testing on more desolate campsites for maybe week long stays first.

And as for the advice to just hunker down and die when a bear charges you, I would rather fight than die, and will be shooting the bastard in the chest, and head as much as possible. And if he's still on me, switch to spray and try to climb a tree, giving me time for more shots and spray.

I know there's a chance I would just be overrun and killed, but sometimes risks in life are worth taking, when your current life has used up all it's novelty, and become sitting around jogging the same trail over and over.

I also think that other humans are just as big of a threat, if not more, than a bear, a big part of it is making it to my locatioin without being robbed by the amassing groups of homeless/gangs watching over popular campsites.

---

Did you read the whole line on the bear defense? I didn't really expect you to do it, and it seems like you already knew the answers anyway. Are you really planning on carrying a firearm in a National Forest? Do they allow that? If you really shoot a bear you won't have to worry about where you're going to sleep for awhile as I believe that, unless it's Bear season and you have the proper permit it's illegal! Also, shooting the bear and only wounding it will probably solve that little threat for you as it will, in all likelihood, just piss him off! However, here's one piece of serious advice, unless you REALLY want to try your hand at TRUE survival, don't go solo! :smartass:

"It's comin' right for us!"

I'm pretty sure that the rangers value human life over a bears life. If I'm being attacked by a bear, there is something called self defense.

Hunting a bear is illegal. Protecting my life isn't. I only have deer tags, but will probably get bear.

I have no one to bring with me, but maybe if I start smaller camping trips I will meet people.

I will be checking and updating this thread less frequently, probably in a week or so,

and updating when I begin my first camping/treks.

I'm still open to all posts/questions, and will be back to check them.

As a final question to previous posters..

Have any of you survived in the wilderness for more than 2 weeks, off campground, finding your own source of water?

Or are you all just weekend hunters with plenty of money who fish at popular campsites?
And haul big game back in trucks?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by protogalaxy

"It's comin' right for us!"

I'm pretty sure that the rangers value human life over a bears life. If I'm being attacked by a bear, there is something called self defense.

Hunting a bear is illegal. Protecting my life isn't. I only have deer tags, but will probably get bear.

I have no one to bring with me, but maybe if I start smaller camping trips I will meet people.

---

Seems like you've already made up your mind despite any advice we can give you. Well, all's I can say is "Good luck with that!" :whistling:

My problem with this issue is the way in which it is approached. I appears to me that people now come from "Survival", ie "Survival Camping", etc..

In my day (starting in mid 1950's, I was born 1947) we wanted to be "Outdoorsmen" or "Woodsmen". We respected and revered men and women who were "Comfortable" in the wilderness. They never thought about survival because the wilderness was NOT trying to kill them. I would strongly encourage youth (Anyone under 30 y/o) to forget about survival stuff as their first filter, and aspire to become comfortable living in the wilderness. The secret is Time spent with "Your Boots in the Field". Forget all the TV survival camping crap.

Of course I've already made up my mind.

The question isn't, "should I give up and sit around a house my entire life?" - but

"Where are good areas to begin"

You guys should change the name of this forum to "Good luck with that."

My main concern is where can I find affordable wool clothing. I have wool socks, hat, and blanket, but no wool shirts.

If anyone has any good links, I'd appreciate it, and I will be looking around the forum for wool clothing info.

I'm extremely limited in my money, so I'l like not to pay more than 50$ for a wool longsleeve.

If any of you have any spare wool clothing they'd sell, I'd appreciate it, you'd be helping someone who can't find employment.

I am sure most of your health problems and financial problems will be solved by simply leaving So Cal. It is a desert environment with a whole heck of a lot of people. Anywhere that has water will have people. I say move out of state. Go to college.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by protogalaxy

"
As a final question to previous posters..

Have any of you survived in the wilderness for more than 2 weeks, off campground, finding your own source of water?

---

Up to 6 months with no human contact, including no phone, or Hi-Freak radio.

8 weeks to 12 weeks often. You might read some of my blog posts, they might be helpful.

Ps. What is a campground.........?

So if some one show up here and says, I gonna rob a bank.....do you suggest a full auto AK or just use select fire?....what do you suppose the answer would be.?
Ranger (and the state) value bears more than people....just part of Darwin's Theory.

I am done discussing illegal scenarios with you.........

Quote:

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Originally Posted by protogalaxy

Of course I've already made up my mind.

The question isn't, "should I give up and sit around a house my entire life?" - but

"Where are good areas to begin"

You guys should change the name of this forum to "Good luck with that."

My main concern is where can I find affordable wool clothing. I have wool socks, hat, and blanket, but no wool shirts.

If anyone has any good links, I'd appreciate it, and I will be looking around the forum for wool clothing info.

I'm extremely limited in my money, so I'l like not to pay more than 50$ for a wool longsleeve.

If any of you have any spare wool clothing they'd sell, I'd appreciate it, you'd be helping someone who can't find employment.

---

Yep! Good luck with that!
:creepy:

You do realize this website is called "Wilderness Survival".

I understand it's annoying to hear idiots proclaiming "I'm just like Survior-Man weee" but I've never even watched that show.

And for many beginners it's not comfortable, it is a matter of survival. I don't even watch TV, it's propaganda and crap.

If I had a family who was even close to wilderness minded, I would enjoy nature a little more comfortably, but I have no money, no support, no vehicle, and no home that I'm allowed to store hunted game. Not even a fireplace. Electric pans, and apathetic parents whose idea of wilderness is the park for 2 hours. They are willing to give me a ride to drop me off though. Sob story aside,

Realistically, "simply leaving So-Cal" is not so simple. Nor is going to college. To me college is just a business where they take your money, and then you still have the same chance of getting a job. The best chance at finding a job is just knowing people and connections, which I don't have.
Every successful job endeavor I've heard of was just, "My buddy got it for me." "My parents set me up." "My friend's Dad hired me."

You don't know how many times people have gotten out of college and then said "Now what, I still can't find a job."

I plan on living minimal, and trying to get into photography and journalism until I make some connections.

I know a lot of things are illegal, I'm taking every move I can to not be an idiot.

Hunting License, fishing, Deer Tags, Moving site every two weeks, listening to what rangers tell me.

Whatever, if they value a bears life over mine, that's a problem.

Will update.

That is extremely respectable Sourdough, especially for the much harsher environment than CA.

Some of this thinking is twisted, wanting to venture into wilderness life is not akin to robbing a bank.

The forest laws have seriously made people into conformist fear-mongerers.

Like I said, will update, I envy you luckier people who have money to just camp legally with plenty of supplies,

but I wll try.

Let you guys know when I'm setting off on a shorter test run.

If it's an absoulte failure, I will admit, and you can all point and laugh and say

"I told you good luck with that."

Id use select fire myself.

Quote:

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PHOTOGALAXY - "... As a final question to previous posters..

Have any of you survived in the wilderness for more than 2 weeks, off campground, finding your own source of water?

Or are you all just weekend hunters with plenty of money who fish at popular campsites?
And haul big game back in trucks? "

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That high school sarcastic attitude will take you far. :ohmy:

If your finances are bleak, as for wool clothes, you should start haunting the Salvation Army, Goodwill, St. Vincent's Society, etc., in Santa Barbara. If you are persistent, you'll find wool clothes that have been donated.

EDIT: Do you have any hands on First Aid training? American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Military, etc.? If you really intend to go out into the "wilderness" alone, eventually you'll probably really need it, and I don't mean just putting a Band Aid on a scrapped finger.

S.M.

Salvation Army... Yes sir!

I had only planned Goodwill,

will look into Vincents Society.

Appreciations on the local recommendations..

Photogalaxy.. I like that..