Hunter Gathering in 2005: Could You Survive?

[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?

 

[wolram]

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

HRWWB

 

[wolram]

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.

 

[Lisa!]

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.

Sorry Rose but I have to come along as a chaperone! But of course if someone else does it instead ogf me, I'll be grateful!

 

[brewnog]

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.

 

[wolram]

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.

 

[honestrosewater]

Sorry Rose but I have to come along as a chaperone! But of course if someone else does it instead ogf me, I'll be grateful!

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.

 

[Lisa!]

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!

 

[brewnog]

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!

In truth, you're more at risk from being attacked by a gang of local chavs than by any wildlife in the UK.

 

[honestrosewater]

I don't think you would be able to be well-behaved when you're with Danger even during the day!

Okay, so first on the list: Find water. Second: Make chastity belt.

 

[honestrosewater]

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!

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...

 

[wolram]

Okay, so first on the list: Find water. Second: Make chastity belt.

Now come on guys, we have to resist these sirens, and keep this thread pure,
survival is the game, and we all know that it takes energy ,so resist the lure
of the fem fatale, ignore the call of nookie, and survive on your tod with knife
and bits and bobs.

 

[brewnog]

I can make a lovely pot-holder out of some sturdy branches. It's counterbalanced so that it can hold a pot of water (or beans!) over a fire, and you can swing it off the heat at the pull of a stick. Clever little thing.

Also, my favourite fires are the long sort which are fed mainly by one giant log. As the log burns, you just feed more and more of it in. You can even use wet wood; the heat from the fire heats and dries the bit of the log which is about to be burnt. Also, being long, you can put a reflector behind it and use it to heat a body-length sleeping platform. Genius!

 

[honestrosewater]

Also, my favourite fires are the long sort which are fed mainly by one giant log. As the log burns, you just feed more and more of it in. You can even use wet wood; the heat from the fire heats and dries the bit of the log which is about to be burnt. Also, being long, you can put a reflector behind it and use it to heat a body-length sleeping platform. Genius!

Didn't wolram just say to keep it clean?! Don't worry, wolram, I'll stay on him. If he doesn't behave, I'll grab his bits and bobs.

 

[wolram]

I can make a lovely pot-holder out of some sturdy branches. It's counterbalanced so that it can hold a pot of water (or beans!) over a fire, and you can swing it off the heat at the pull of a stick. Clever little thing.

Also, my favourite fires are the long sort which are fed mainly by one giant log. As the log burns, you just feed more and more of it in. You can even use wet wood; the heat from the fire heats and dries the bit of the log which is about to be burnt. Also, being long, you can put a reflector behind it and use it to heat a body-length sleeping platform. Genius!

Nice one Brewy, i intend to catalogue all the ideas that this thread inspires, what would you use as a reflector?

 

[Math Is Hard]

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...

Oui. C'est triste quand la bête est détruite à la fin du film.

 

[wolram]

Didn't wolram just say to keep it clean?! Don't worry, wolram, I'll stay on him. If he doesn't behave, I'll grab his bits and bobs.

You is a naughty lady, and resistance is not futile, but the shields are weakening, so engineering divert all power, we must finish this mission
to survive.

 

[honestrosewater]

Oui. C'est triste quand la bête est détruite à la fin du film.

Watch out, I have translation tools, and I sort of know how to use them! (Don't tell me yet.)

Just to earn some brownie points, I'll make my small contribution: use water as a reflector. Especially if you want hot water for something.

 

[honestrosewater]

Oui. C'est triste quand la bête est détruite à la fin du film.

Yes, but sadder when Mani (the gorgeous, half-naked Indian) dies. :!)

 

[brewnog]

Nice one Brewy, i intend to catalogue all the ideas that this thread inspires, what would you use as a reflector?

You just build a wall of sticks and foliage behind the fire. If you've got an aluminium survival sheet you can use that, but sticks work just fine. It's obviously not terribly efficient, but still reflects a good deal more heat back towards your bed.

Also, large rocks placed around the fire (being careful that they're not explody rocks, like flint) can be useful to take to bed with you, they hold their heat for ages. Good tip for anywhere you're forced to sleep in the open when it's really cold!

 

[hypatia]

When its really cold, yet not frozen, you can bury the hot rocks under your sleeping area. Heat rising as it does, will keep you warm all night.
Both the bark of the Birch and Alder tree will light even when wet, its best to keep some in hand.
I'd love to see your pot holder, I make one of lashings that's more of a teepee shape with joints in the legs to raise and lower the pot.