Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today - an On going Thread #2]

May 05th,2008

[nw_arizona_granny]

Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training

I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood

[teenyelliott]

I am a cancer survivor, largely due to an herbal/organic approach.

Wow, congratulations!! I'm sure you know more than I do, then.

If you would like, take a look at post 3713. I spouted info there about herbal medicine and the magnesium fire starter.

[teenyelliott]

Okay, in an effort to slim down my research, I wonder if I might pick the brains of the experienced folks around here.

If you could only have one gun, which one would it be?

If you could only have one book about living off the land, which would you choose?

One knife?

One tool?

I know several of you can offer solid opinions on these topics. Your answers can help me narrow down all of my information, and help weed out the unnecessary bits.

Thank you for this thread!!!!!! I have already learned so much from all of you.

[upcountry miss]

I subscribe to that theory entirely. Have always had a pantry. It is an integral part of my life. Have helped build and lived in four homes during my long lifetime and each home has had a larger pantry than the previous home. My present home (and might I say my LAST) has one bedroom fashioned as a pantry instead of a third bedroom. It has floor to ceiling shelves on three walls with washer, dryer and freezer on the fourth wall. I buy in great quantity any item that we consume a lot of when it is “on sale.” I know I save hundreds of dollars every year by purchasing very little at the going price. The secret, I think, is buying only what you know your family will eat. Buying “on sale” items that no one will eat is just a waste of money. My family still looks in my pantry and declares I will never eat it all up, but when I am eating staples that I purchased 25-30% cheaper than the present price, I feel very smug. I remember a few years back when mayo was priced ridiculously cheap as a “leader” item, I went through the checkout with 20 jars and the gent behind me asked if I was starting a deli. I replied,”no, I just hope I have enough to last until it’s on sale again.”

[DelaWhere]

>>>Okay, in an effort to slim down my research, I wonder if I might pick the brains of the experienced folks around here.

If you could only have one gun, which one would it be?

If you could only have one book about living off the land, which would you choose?

One knife?

One tool?<<<

Ahhh, my friend - you ask impossible questions...

If I will be marooned at sea, on a tropical islet, lush jungle, open desert, barren mountain, woods, plains, seashore, all would call for different answers...

If just surviving is the goal, forget the gun, forget the book - knife - a sturdy Swiss multi-tool(not like the ones made today)- and either a pot or a bowsaw... You could live comfortably with that.

But then, I was trained by Don Kepler back in the 50’s - even those would not be needed in an area with the right resources. Your brain, hands and fingers are all the tools you really need to survive.

[Eagle50AE]

Bless You for the wealth of information , just have to make time to read all of it..

I hope we can get a download soon of the last few thousand.. my dialup stinks

setting onions today and pickling more okra !

Thank you again...

[Marmolade]

When I get stressed, I pass out more and breathing is almost impossible, so if it keeps on, I will have to give up.

I thought it was over in the last thread and came back.

One of the moderators does not think this thread is of value.

---

Granny, we think this thread and you are extremely valuable. Please don’t give up trying to post things. (((hugs))) to you.

[nw_arizona_granny]

A
LITTLE GUN HISTORY

In
1929, the
Soviet
Union established
gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable
to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

---

In
1911, Turkey established
gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable
to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

---

Germany established
gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million
Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up
and
exterminated.

---

China established
gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political
dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated

---

Guatemala established
gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians,
unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.
—— -——————

---

Uganda established
gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable
to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

---

Cambodia established
gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people,
unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

---

Defenseless
people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of
gun control: 56
million.

---

It
has now been 12 months since gun owners in
Australia were
forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be
destroyed by their own Government, a program costing
Australia taxpayers
more than $500 million dollars. The first year results are now
in:

List
of 7 items:

Australia-wide,
homicides are up 3.2
percent.

Australia-wide, assaults are up
8.6 percent.

Australia-wide, armed robberies are
up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent)!

In the
state of Victoria alone,
homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent. Note that while the
law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not, and
criminals still possess their guns!

While
figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed
robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the
past 12 months, since criminals now are guaranteed that their prey
is unarmed.

There has also been a dramatic
increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY. Australian
politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has
decreased, after such monumental effort, and expense was expended in
successfully ridding Australian society of guns. The Australian
experience and the other historical facts above prove
it.

You won’t see this data on the
US evening
news, or hear politicians disseminating this
information.

Guns in the hands of honest
citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws
adversely affect only the law-abiding
citizens.

Take
note my fellow Americans, before it’s too
late!

The
next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them
of this history lesson.

With guns, we are
‘citizens’. Without them, we are
‘subjects’.

During WWII the Japanese
decided not to invade America because
they knew most Americans were ARMED!

If you
value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to
all of your friends.

The
purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in
defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is
more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else
is supplemental.

SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY
HOUSEHOLD A GUN! SWITZERLAND ‘S
GOVERNMENT TRAINS
EVERY ADULT
THEY ISSUE A RIFLE. SWITZERLAND HAS
THE LOWEST
GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE
WORLD!!!

IT’S
A NO BRAINER! DON’T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR
TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN
EASY TARGET.

[Marmolade]

I was waiting till next week’s payday to order some grains. I see there are different kinds of wheat. What kind(s) do you recommend and for what use?

I am so grateful for all the info on this thread, yet I feel so inadequately prepared. We have 6 1/2 acres w/woods, a creek, and an area for pasture and thought we could be self-sufficient if we needed to. Now, the town has built up to the back and side of us. It’s like being in the country, but 1mile back are all the stores and a main road. I’m wondering how vulnerable we will be. Western suburbs of IL. But in discussing having to leave, not sure where we would go.

[upcountry miss]

I know more than I want or need to know about your castrator-ditto about “pulling calves.” Early on in my married life, I answered the plea,”can you give me a hand” to find hubby assisting a cow that was birthing. My response was to high-tail it into the house where I stayed until that procedure was over.

[teenyelliott]

Oh, did I forget to mention that you were supposed to answer based on my personal situation????????

You're so right, of course. I'll go back to studying, and buying this and that as I go along.

I did find this really interesting link:

U.S Army Field Manual 3-05.70---Survival

It covers a ton of great information. I can't wait to read it.

[nw_arizona_granny]

It’s enough food for one person for two years. I was commenting that the numbers were
wrong on the data. I know it’s not your data Grandma, I Love ya.

HUG.. <<<

I love you too and have missed you, returning your hug and raising you 2.

LOL, you know me, I doubt if a ton of it would be enough to make me feel secure.

As for all that oatmeal, breakfast of course, in bread, choc. chip / oatmeal cookies and fried patties, with onions and spices, BBQ sauce and you have a hamburger [on your oatmeal buns of course.]

Keep us posted on the garden, spring is coming.

[Marmolade]

“YES ,in West NC jars are around $9 doz. rings lids 2.96-3.49, lids 2.99 avg. send him back for more (HA!)”

OK, good to know. I will start picking up supplies each time we go shopping. I talked to my MIL today and she is going to see how much they are in the Mennonite store up in WI. I told her we may have to make a trip up there to do some shopping.

[CottonBall]

Very interesting statistics!

That’s why I am heartened (is that a word?) by gun sales being through the roof since November. The people will be ready. (Some of us, at least)

[upcountry miss]

As long as they are neutered, I don’t mind feeding a few strays. They sure keep the mice and chipmunk population down in the barn. I really am a dog person but cats get to me too. I would like to see these cats get more friendly but they have been here since fall and we can only get them to come when called for warm milk, and then we have to go back in the house before they will come near enough to drink it. They are still very nervous and edgy for having been here so long.

[CottonBall]

Hope you don't mind my jumping in here, since wheat is one thing I finally have a little bit of experience with ;) Hard wheat is for baking bread (makes all those nice gluten thingies) Soft wheat would be for biscuits or cakes.

I bought some red and white hard wheat to compare and play with my new grain mill. I can't hardly tell the difference between the loaves I make with each. So if one is cheaper, I'd go with that.

I am so grateful for all the info on this thread, yet I feel so inadequately prepared. We have 6 1/2 acres w/woods, a creek, and an area for pasture and thought we could be self-sufficient if we needed to.

Sounds like an excellent situation to me! Better than what we have. But we're not likely to move unless it's unsafe here, so we'll deal with the cards we have. There's some books out there (like the Survivor Club or something like that) that talk about how various personality types have survived difficult situations. Perhaps if you'd read something like that and can get into the right mindset first. I'm finding it impossible to plan for everything and accumulate enough 'stuff'. So I'm hoping a flexible attitude and willingness to accept reality no matter how ugly will make up for some of the lack of preparation and perfect location.

[CottonBall]

Sounds like they are true ferals if they can’t be tamed for food! My new stray wouldn’t come near me at first, but now is very loving - and vocal! Took about 4 months. Now, he’ll come inside, sit on my lap, purr his head off, and be super sweet. Figures - because we decided we’d take care of him if he’d be an outside cat (we already have too many inside). But he turned out to be friendlier than some I’ve raised from kittens!

I’m also hoping our cats will be helpful when/if we move to the cabin and start raising other critters for food. It’s good yours are earning their keep!

[nw_arizona_granny]

With 182.625 days in 6 months (including leap year), that figures out to 14.894 ounces per day or 4.965 ounces of dry grain per meal.

Stored grain is not at zero moisture, but usually between 6 and 8% and a loaf of bread is not fully saturated, but contains about 20% moisture by weight.<<<

Interesting, I am so glad that you know how to figure these things.

LOL, for me “More is Better”.

When I had animals and poultry, they got any thing that went buggy.

If I had old flour, I made sourdough starter with it for the animals, dogs, cats, poultry and hogs love it.

You have not laughed, until you fix full length spaghetti for your ducks, complete with sauce, they think it is long worms and will grab the end of a stand, start swing their heads from side to side and the throw it as far back as possible and allow it to slide down to their craws.

Of course the white ones to look a little odd, with tomato red heads.

So goes real life on the farm.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Now only two more to go. Wish people from the local campground wouldn’t just drop off their unwanted animals when they leave in the fall.<<<

People will do even worse here, they take them out in the desert and dump them.

Here, our coyotes have bred with these dogs and we have an ugly situation, as kids will attempt to pet a dog and it turns on them instantly.

If they did to people what they do to dogs and cats, there would be less people and animals on this earth.

[Marmolade]

“If I HAD to invent a wick, I might try using a piece of an old Levi pants leg”

That I could do. We’ve got plenty of jeans that have been retired. With boys, that’s easy to do. But I think I will check at the Ace hardware and about and see if I can find some to purchase. I don’t really need another project.

[nw_arizona_granny]

The nursehealer posts are the most valuable info on these threads.<<<

Thanks, I have always prized her efforts, the new groups after Y2K are not as good as the old ones, I will find them, as they are in the Wayback machine.

It would help if she would still publish them.

Her files for the long post group are valuable, but are Word and PDF and I don’t have any luck copying those programs.

So much out there and so little time.