Hunter Gathering in 2005: Could You Survive?

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of living off the land through hunter-gathering, with participants sharing personal experiences and thoughts on the feasibility of such a lifestyle. One member recounts a three-day attempt at self-sufficiency, successfully building shelter and sourcing food, while expressing a desire to explore this lifestyle further, particularly in Scotland. Others contribute their survival skills, discussing the challenges of foraging, fishing, and hunting in the UK, and the importance of having basic tools and knowledge about local wildlife. The conversation shifts to humorous exchanges about survival scenarios and the dynamics between men and women in survival situations, with some expressing admiration for those who can thrive in the wilderness while others acknowledge their limitations. Overall, the thread highlights a mix of practical survival skills, personal anecdotes, and light-hearted banter about the challenges and joys of living off the land.
  • #31
Danger said:
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.
:eek: What kind of woman do you think I am? I've never considered that work. :smile:
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. :!)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
honestrosewater said:
:eek: What kind of woman do you think I am? I've never considered that work. :smile:
Sounds fair to me. Sorry Lisa!, I've always had a weakness for dangerous gorilla men. :!)
So you finally find your kind of man! :wink:
 
  • #33
Lisa! said:
So you finally find your kind of man! :wink:
Yes, now we need to find your kind of man. It's Clausius, right? I'll put in a good word for you.
 
  • #34
honestrosewater said:
Yes, now we need to find your kind of man. It's Clausius, right? I'll put in a good word for you.
:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: No, I prefer to find him by myself. He doen't have a lot in common with my kind of man.
 
  • #35
honestrosewater said:
:eek: What kind of woman do you think I am? I've never considered that work. :smile:
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.

honestrosewater said:
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.
 
  • #36
Danger said:
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. :blushing:

Say, you're a pilot, right? There's this club I've been wanting to join...
 
  • #37
honestrosewater said:
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. :biggrin: )

honestrosewater said:
Aw, how romantic. No one's ever capped and disassembled a bear for me. :blushing:
Well, I wouldn't do it for just anyone...

honestrosewater said:
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.
 
  • #38
honestrosewater said:
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.
 
  • #39
Smurf said:
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. :-p
 
  • #40
Danger said:
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. :biggrin: )
:smile: 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. :wink:
 
  • #41
Danger said:
Just because her name has 'Rose' in it doesn't mean that she likes thorns. :-p
Why, I'm completely thornless. Not to mention small and cuddly. :rolleyes:
 
  • #42
Smurf said:
Why, I'm completely thornless. Not to mention small and cuddly. :rolleyes:
But only half-gorilla. :frown:
 
  • #43
Smurf said:
Why, I'm completely thornless. Not to mention small and cuddly. :rolleyes:
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. :eek:
 
  • #44
honestrosewater said:
But only half-gorilla. :frown:
Believe you me baby, that half is more than enough to go around. :devil:
Just ask my future wife Evo.
 
  • #45
Danger said:
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. :eek:
Then what chance do you think you have?
 
  • #46
Smurf said:
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.)
 
  • #47
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.

Danger said:
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. :biggrin:
 
  • #48
Danger said:
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.
 
Last edited:
  • #49
hypatia said:
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 :cry:

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

Danger, no
 
  • #50
wolram said:
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?
 
  • #51
honestrosewater said:
Well, fortunately, that's all I need for my one survival skill. :wink:

HRWWB
 
  • #52
brewnog said:
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?

Nothing as yet, though i think i could, catching game around here would be
easy, and some revision on edible plants would set me up.
I would need a good knife and a few bits and bobs to start with.
 
  • #53
honestrosewater said:
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.

Well, okay, I need a private word with Danger first. :biggrin:
Sorry Rose but I have to come along as a chaperone! o:) But of course if someone else does it instead ogf me, I'll be grateful!
 
  • #54
wolram said:
Nothing as yet, though i think i could, catching game around here would be
easy, and some revision on edible plants would set me up.
I would need a good knife and a few bits and bobs to start with.


When I was 15 or so, I used to practice survival skills in local woods. I can make a damn good shelter in woodland (including a proper bed), and even dug a snowhole once (although I didn't dare spend the night in it!). I know how to trap and skin animals (even deer!), and can make a damn good bow and arrows. After years of trying, I finally managed to start a fire with no matches (or, before Danger asks, a lighter) using a bow, although this is much harder than it looks, and I had blisters on my hands for days! I stick to matches now. Not much good at fishing by traditional means, but can catch enough to feed myself using an improvised net.

As for "bits and bobs", a good knife is critical, although these days you have to be careful with the law and all, since in the UK you're never far away from civilisation. A good axe is a useful tool too, if you've got woodland nearby. Other than that, I probably wouldn't go on my own without a decent sleeping bag, plenty of waterproofed matches, and a full first aid kit. I could probably forego most other things, clothing aside.
 
  • #55
brewnog said:
When I was 15 or so, I used to practice survival skills in local woods. I can make a damn good shelter in woodland (including a proper bed), and even dug a snowhole once (although I didn't dare spend the night in it!). I know how to trap and skin animals (even deer!), and can make a damn good bow and arrows. After years of trying, I finally managed to start a fire with no matches (or, before Danger asks, a lighter) using a bow, although this is much harder than it looks, and I had blisters on my hands for days! I stick to matches now. Not much good at fishing by traditional means, but can catch enough to feed myself using an improvised net.

As for "bits and bobs", a good knife is critical, although these days you have to be careful with the law and all, since in the UK you're never far away from civilisation. A good axe is a useful tool too, if you've got woodland nearby. Other than that, I probably wouldn't go on my own without a decent sleeping bag, plenty of waterproofed matches, and a full first aid kit. I could probably forego most other things, clothing aside.

Hi Brewy, I can make fire with a bow, "well i could when i was a kid", skinning
animals is some thing i would have to learn, i think woodland is vital, i made
a nifty wattle and daub, "tent", that was mostly dry, probably not the best
shelter, but it did stay up for nearly a year. in the local woods.
 
  • #56
Lisa! said:
Sorry Rose but I have to come along as a chaperone! o:) But of course if someone else does it instead ogf me, I'll be grateful!
:blushing: It's okay. I'm very well-behaved during the day. It's only when the moon comes that I need to be watched.

My biggest worry about being out in the 'wilderness' is predators and such. Have you guys ever run into any? I don't know what large animals you'd find in the UK - wild boar? big cats? The animals that come to mind first are adders.
 
  • #57
honestrosewater said:
:blushing: It's okay. I'm very well-behaved during the day. It's only when the moon comes that I need to be watched.

My biggest worry about being out in the 'wilderness' is predators and such. Have you guys ever run into any? I don't know what large animals you'd find in the UK - wild boar? big cats? The animals that come to mind first are adders.
I don't think you would be able to be well-behaved when you're with Danger even during the day! :wink:
 
  • #58
honestrosewater said:
My biggest worry about being out in the 'wilderness' is predators and such. Have you guys ever run into any? I don't know what large animals you'd find in the UK - wild boar? big cats? The animals that come to mind first are adders.

I've come across a few adders. They'll only bite you if you try and play with them, otherwise their priority is to 'run' away from you. Just try not to tread on one. Very few people are killed by them; more are killed from sheep stampedes.

Very few scary animals here. Angry horny bulls can be pretty scary, best to steer clear of them. Flocks of sheep have killed quite a few farmers over the years, but if you're in true wilderness then they'll not be a bother.

I'm more scared of the Black Shuck, and the Beast of Bodmin Moor, although I'm sure Ivan will snap at the chance to debunk these! :smile:

In truth, you're more at risk from being attacked by a gang of local chavs than by any wildlife in the UK.
 
  • #59
Lisa! said:
I don't think you would be able to be well-behaved when you're with Danger even during the day! :wink:
Okay, so first on the list: Find water. Second: Make chastity belt. :biggrin:
 
  • #60
brewnog said:
I'm more scared of the Black Shuck, and the Beast of Bodmin Moor, although I'm sure Ivan will snap at the chance to debunk these! :smile:
I was just thinking of those stories (or ones like them). They remind me of that movie Brotherhood of the Wolf. Have you seen it? It's French but... :wink:
 

Similar threads

Mixing between Neolithic Farmers and Mesolithic Hunter-Gatherers
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Kinetic energy of the Monster Hunter cannon
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Hunter-Gatherer Culture 20,000 Years Older Than Previously Thought
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Is Treating 100 Classmates to a Lunar New Year Party Worth the Cost?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
987
Did hunter gatherers work less or more than modern humans?
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
10K
Fortune Cookies (in STEM fields)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
978
Witnessing a Levitating Table: A Ghost Hunter's Story
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Explaining your Physics degree to relatives
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Help with the protocol for accurately recording an orbit for the IAU
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
418
Who Else is a Wild Game Hunter on PF.com?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K