Hunter Gathering in 2005: Could You Survive?

[wolram]

No, not farming, but hunter gathering in 2005, could you do it for a month, 2,4,
6, a year ?

 

[Berislav]

I did, but then some men in blue clothing came and stopped me. They then took me to some people in white clothing who would stick some strange objects with needles in my arm when I got hungry. After which I would get sleepy, sleepy...

 

[brewnog]

Without other commitments, and with the help of a few others (including the support of landowners, the authorities etc) there are few things which I'd like to do more.

I've done it for about 3 days, I hardly cheated at all. Built my own shelter, found (and purified) my own water, caught my own fish and fruit, and generally had a really nice time. I did use a sleeping bag, and had some essentials which I didn't use, but could have needed (general survival kit stuff, and some emergency food).

 

[matthyaouw]

I have wondered what it would be like to go and live alone in the wild glens of Scotland, being completely self reliant, but I don't think I could really do it.

 

[wolram]

Without other commitments, and with the help of a few others (including the support of landowners, the authorities etc) there are few things which I'd like to do more.

I've done it for about 3 days, I hardly cheated at all. Built my own shelter, found (and purified) my own water, caught my own fish and fruit, and generally had a really nice time. I did use a sleeping bag, and had some essentials which I didn't use, but could have needed (general survival kit stuff, and some emergency food).

Did you do this in summer or winter Brewy? There are plenty of munk jacks,
rabbits, pigeons, pheasant etc, round here, just got to catch
the beggars.

 

[wolram]

I have wondered what it would be like to go and live alone in the wild glens of Scotland, being completely self reliant, but I don't think I could really do it.

You could become a legend, tourists would come and try to get a photo
of the, "wild man of the glens", have a go ,they might even make a film.

 

[honestrosewater]

I think it would be fun for a few weeks or months, just as a learning experience. I wouldn't want to revert back to being a caveman though.

 

[Math Is Hard]

I like to go camping at really nice hotels.

 

[Artman]

Did you do this in summer or winter Brewy?

It must of been those few days he didn't post.

My idea of roughing it is a motel without color TV. I do admire those who can live off the land. Just no interest in it myself.

 

[loseyourname]

It can be done. Several of my elder paternal kin have lived off the land for periods of time out in the Mojave. There seems to be a decent account in Into the Wild. Even if Chris McCandless wasn't too successful himself and died when he finally got out into the wilderness, Krakauer alludes to many others, whose adventures I'm sure are chronicled somewhere.

 

[hypatia]

I could do it for as long as I had to. With a few basic tools I could be very comfortable. With just my bare hands, I would still survive using sharp rocks and making fire with sticks.
There is still enough forrest here for a person to vanish very easily. But darn, I'd sure miss my pillow top bed

 

[russ_watters]

No, not farming, but hunter gathering in 2005, could you do it for a month, 2,4,
6, a year ?

I could do it for a month, but when I got back, I'd weigh 65 pounds...

 

[SamuelGreen800]

I'm a camping nut, but I'm not sure if I'm that good as of now. I'm sure with a few months of reading and practice I could get to where I could, but I'd be Coyote food if you dropped me out there with nothing right now.

True self sufficiency is hard though. Give me clothes (1 pair of Jeans, a shirt, under clothes, boots, and a jacket), a knife, a hatchet, a roll of high strength twine, two butane lighters, and an emergency MRE just in case I have to hike my butt back to civilization, and I'm set for at least a few days, probably a week. But without those. . .

 

[Danger]

Is this a revisitation of the 'Survival' thread, Wooley? I was really enjoying that until it veered off into some fictional chain-story. If you can get that sucker back on track, I'd like to see it revived.
As much as I loathe the concept of dwelling any place where the bugs outnumber the bathrooms, I'm pretty sure that I could survive in any reasonable climate without external aid. It would probably be an ugly, stinky, completely undignified existence, but if the alternative was death I'd make it work.

 

[yourdadonapogostick]

No, not farming, but hunter gathering in 2005, could you do it for a month, 2,4,
6, a year ?

i could do it for an extended period of time. i used to be big inot camping. i have 1337 survival skillz

 

[Danger]

i have 1337 survival skillz

I didn't realize that they're catalogued. I probably only have a few dozen, but it's enough to stay alive.

 

[Lisa!]

i could do it for an extended period of time. i used to be big inot camping. i have 1337 survival skillz

 

[Danger]

i could do it for an extended period of time. i used to be big inot camping. i have 1337 survival skillz

If swimming isn't one of his 1337 skills, you just might have done him in.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I was into primitive camping and backpacking from about age 12 on. As a Boy Scout I learned plenty of survival skills. Back in the those days the scouts were all about survival in the wilderness, and we applied those skills frequently, so I probably could have done alright. But now, primitive camping means that I don't have an internet connection.

 

[honestrosewater]

What kind of situation are we talking about here? I was imagining having the necessary supplies and being in a relatively safe location, not being dumped naked in the Serengeti.

 

[Danger]

I was imagining having the necessary supplies and being in a relatively safe location, not being dumped naked in the Serengeti.

Hmmm...
I was thinking in the context of having nothing to start with. On the other hand, if the scenario involves you being dumped naked in my vicinity...

 

[honestrosewater]

Hmmm...
I was thinking in the context of having nothing to start with. On the other hand, if the scenario involves you being dumped naked in my vicinity...

Well, fortunately, that's all I need for my one survival skill.

 

[Lisa!]

Well, fortunately, that's all I need for my one survival skill.

I think women need to know 1 more survival skills than men. I mean women need to know how to protect themselves against men!

 

[honestrosewater]

I think women need to know 1 more survival skills than men. I mean women need to know how to protect themselves against men!

Yes, my one survival skill is getting the man to do all of the work. Wasn't that obvious?

 

[Smurf]

Yes, my one survival skill is getting the man to do all of the work. Wasn't that obvious?

And you're still single... WHY?

 

[Lisa!]

Yes, my one survival skill is getting the man to do all of the work. Wasn't that obvious?

Yeah, and for sure he shouldn't expect any prize for that!

 

[honestrosewater]

And you're still single... WHY?

Men are incompetent. Yeah, it's not the best survival skill...

 

[honestrosewater]

Yeah, and for sure he shouldn't expect any prize for that!

I'm sure you know what all men want... beer and to keep their socks on.

 

[Danger]

Yes, my one survival skill is getting the man to do all of the work. Wasn't that obvious?

Not all of the work. Cooking and cleaning are up to you, and at my advanced age the requisite meaningless recreational sex is physically your arena whilst I lie back and enjoy. In return, I shall gladly supply you with whatever food, warmth and protection you might desire.
(I see this rapidly going the way of the 'Survival' thread.)

 

[Lisa!]

Men are incompetent. Yeah, it's not the best survival skill...

Totally agree with you. But we'd better not blame them for their incompetences. You know they've fallen from their high tower which they used to be on top of it for thousands of years. And they need some time to get used to their new position!

 

[honestrosewater]

Not all of the work. Cooking and cleaning are up to you, and at my advanced age the requisite meaningless recreational sex is physically your arena whilst I lie back and enjoy.

What kind of woman do you think I am? I've never considered that work.

In return, I shall gladly supply you with whatever food, warmth and protection you might disire.
(I see this rapidly going the way of the 'Survival' thread.)

Sounds fair to me. Sorry Lisa!, I've always had a weakness for dangerous gorilla men. :!)

 

[Lisa!]

What kind of woman do you think I am? I've never considered that work.
Sounds fair to me. Sorry Lisa!, I've always had a weakness for dangerous gorilla men. :!)

So you finally find your kind of man!

 

[honestrosewater]

So you finally find your kind of man!

Yes, now we need to find your kind of man. It's Clausius, right? I'll put in a good word for you.

 

[Lisa!]

Yes, now we need to find your kind of man. It's Clausius, right? I'll put in a good word for you.

No, I prefer to find him by myself. He doen't have a lot in common with my kind of man.

 

[Danger]

What kind of woman do you think I am? I've never considered that work.

Neither did I, until the emphysema took hold. I still don't mind providing the motive power, as long as occassional rest breaks are permitted.

I've always had a weakness for dangerous gorilla men. :!)

I fear that I would have to borrow some of Astronuc's hair in order to qualify as a gorilla man. There's still lots on my head, but the rest of me is pretty devoid. On the other hand, if I can cap a bear about my size and make buttons out of its vertebrae, I can be as hirsute as you require.

 

[honestrosewater]

Neither did I, until the emphysema took hold. I still don't mind providing the motive power, as long as occassional rest breaks are permitted.

The minimum is one 30 minute break every 4 hours in the US. Perhaps it's better in Canada?

I fear that I would have to borrow some of Astronuc's hair in order to qualify as a gorilla man. There's still lots on my head, but the rest of me is pretty devoid. On the other hand, if I can cap a bear about my size and make buttons out of its vertebrae, I can be as hirsute as you require.

Aw, how romantic. No one's ever capped and disassembled a bear for me.

Say, you're a pilot, right? There's this club I've been wanting to join...

 

[Danger]

The minimum is one 30 minute break every 4 hours in the US. Perhaps it's better in Canada?

Is that for normal guys, or ones with respiratory problems? Used to be a 30-second break in 4 hours (and that's just because I needed a smoke). Now it's about 1 minute per half-hour, unless you're really energetic. If your require a lot of strenuous activity, give me 1 minute per 15 to catch my breath. (But I paid that yogi a fortune to teach me how to breathe through my ears, so you won't get bored. )

Aw, how romantic. No one's ever capped and disassembled a bear for me.

Well, I wouldn't do it for just anyone...

Say, you're a pilot, right? There's this club I've been wanting to join...

Ah, yes... that came up in a previous thread as well. In this case, I can't just turn it over to George, because I'm not licensed. One of my friends would have to supply the transportation, but the one that I have in mind is guaranteed not to lean over the seat and take pictures. If worst came to worst, I could probably borrow his bird off the record and leave him on the ground.

 

[Smurf]

Say, you're a pilot, right? There's this club I've been wanting to join...

Great Idea! Danger you pilot, me and rose will be in the back.

 

[Danger]

Great Idea! Danger you pilot, me and rose will be in the back.

Just because her name has 'Rose' in it doesn't mean that she likes thorns.

 

[honestrosewater]

Is that for normal guys, or ones with respiratory problems? Used to be a 30-second break in 4 hours (and that's just because I needed a smoke). Now it's about 1 minute per half-hour, unless you're really energetic. If your require a lot of strenuous activity, give me 1 minute per 15 to catch my breath. (But I paid that yogi a fortune to teach me how to breathe through my ears, so you won't get bored. )

So the maple leaf is just a cover. You're really a country of vigorous, sex-crazed rabbits. I hope you're at least flexible, so I can get some cooking and cleaning done.

Ah, yes... that came up in a previous thread as well. In this case, I can't just turn it over to George, because I'm not licensed. One of my friends would have to supply the transportation, but the one that I have in mind is guaranteed not to lean over the seat and take pictures. If worst came to worst, I could probably borrow his bird off the record and leave him on the ground.

Yeah, because it's obvious from this conversation that I'm very shy.

 

[Smurf]

Just because her name has 'Rose' in it doesn't mean that she likes thorns.

Why, I'm completely thornless. Not to mention small and cuddly.

 

[honestrosewater]

Why, I'm completely thornless. Not to mention small and cuddly.

But only half-gorilla.

 

[Danger]

Why, I'm completely thornless. Not to mention small and cuddly.

Well if you're completely thornless, what the hell do you think you'd be doing back there? Good grief, man... even a tiny prick is better than none.

 

[Smurf]

But only half-gorilla.

Believe you me baby, that half is more than enough to go around.
Just ask my future wife Evo.

 

[Smurf]

Well if you're completely thornless, what the hell do you think you'd be doing back there? Good grief, man... even a tiny prick is better than none.

Then what chance do you think you have?

 

[Danger]

Then what chance do you think you have?

Let's not forget the 'breathing through the ears' bit. (And mind you don't trip on that on the way out.)

 

[honestrosewater]

Now, now, fellas, don't waste all of your energy arguing - you'll need it later. I'm a one ape kinda gal, but there's plenty of other fish in the sea. And if you guys go catch some, I'll clean them for breakfast.

Let's not forget the 'breathing through the ears' bit. (And mind you don't trip on that on the way out.)

Well, okay, I need a private word with Danger first.

 

[wolram]

Is this a revisitation of the 'Survival' thread, Wooley? I was really enjoying that until it veered off into some fictional chain-story. If you can get that sucker back on track, I'd like to see it revived.
As much as I loathe the concept of dwelling any place where the bugs outnumber the bathrooms, I'm pretty sure that I could survive in any reasonable climate without external aid. It would probably be an ugly, stinky, completely undignified existence, but if the alternative was death I'd make it work.

Hey up Danger, it is an alternative survival, One man/woman living on his/her
witts.
I imagine the first months would be very hard, finding game, water and other
edibles, keeping dry, healthy etc, etc.

Oops, sorry i missed a lot of the thread, it seems you and Rose will be to tired
to under take survival 101,mumble, mumble, momble.

 

[wolram]

I could do it for as long as I had to. With a few basic tools I could be very comfortable. With just my bare hands, I would still survive using sharp rocks and making fire with sticks.
There is still enough forrest here for a person to vanish very easily. But darn, I'd sure miss my pillow top bed

Sorry about the bed Hypatia, now what about teaching some tricks?

Danger, no

 

[brewnog]

Did you do this in summer or winter Brewy? There are plenty of munk jacks,
rabbits, pigeons, pheasant etc, round here, just got to catch
the beggars.

Done it a few times in summer and early spring, in remote parts of the Peak District. I'd be happy to give it a go in anything up to Scottish Winter kinda harshness too, but I did primarily for enjoyment, the personal challenge was only part of it. I took first aid stuff, some chocolate and fresh water and some other bits and bobs just in case, but didn't use any of them. I did use a sleeping bag though, like my creature comforts. Sleeping out in anything colder than about 15 degrees below zero just starts to get painful, and isn't much fun. My sleeping bag is only a 4 season affair, and I've frozen my ass off in it in the Alps once or twice, it's just not pleasant when it's that cold.

I have occasionally made traps for rabbits and squirrels, caught a few too, but I think in the UK, fishing is the best way to live off the land (assuming you're being good and not stealing sheep or anything!). There's no really good land-based wildlife that is worth the effort, unless you're in an emergency. And hunting deer is a good way to end up in prison.

How about you, anyway, wolf man?