Do you count dogs and cats as "game" ?

Without them my area is pretty much limited to squirrels and birds.

Unimogbert

About 15 miles for wild game.



I won't rely on it at all, but I certaintly would attempt to augment my stored rations with it. Lots of people hunt and fish here.

Lots of people own dogs too--I'd have to be desperate before I shot one for food. Somebody might take it personally.

Yes, that is the plan.

In less than a mile I have access to a stream filled with fish, turtles, crayfish and alligators. The surrounding woods are filled with deer, feral hogs, squirrels, beaver, raccoons, coyotes, etc... There is also a deer-breeding operation 1/2 mile away. I also plan on trapping birds and other small game/fish to suppliment our food.

The main problem will be the competition for these resources. My neighborhood is filled with sportsmen so I think the best bet would to organize them into hunting parties that would bring back food for community meals. Fish soup or raccoon stew will give nutrition to more people than fried fish or roasted raccoon.

-Blast

If forced to bug in, it's reasonable to make use of edible animals when the opportunity presents; but IMHO to rely on hunting means that your preparations have been grossly inadequate. In any kind of extended situation, the bulk of your calories will not come from meat; they will come from the beans/rice/lentils/oils/grains you have stored.

People who live well out into the country will of course have better luck (more game and less competition). But people in or around urban areas better not rely on this.

Urban game will vanish in no time. And if you have enough mobility to go farther afield, that means you have gas to spare and the roads are open. You're not really "bugged in" at that point. You don't need to go hunting wild game, you need ready cash and/or tradeable goods; you need to draw on your rural contacts to buy stored wheat/barley/corn or take a share of a beef or pig.

You might also consider putting some rodents to work for you, converting plant material you can't eat in to stew that you can. Rabbits? Meadow voles? These breed rapidly and can reliably supplement a survival diet, even in a suburban back yard. Agriculture beats hunting every time; that's why humans switched.

My plan is to (depending on the situation) supplement my food stores with wild game. The longer I can make my supplies last the better things will be. If it is a bug out situation our primary rally point is some property where we hunt, and is far back into the boonies. We have only run into other hunters in the area 4 or 5 times in the last 7 years. The majority of people hunt within shouting distance of roads. However most of the people who would turn to hunting for survival, would probably stay fairly close to home for two reasons
1. If things are to the point where people who do not normally hunt are hunting to survive, then gas will probably be in short supply to.
2. If things are to the point where people who do not normally hunt are hunting to survive, then people will stay close for security reasons; in emergencies they can respond home or send help for help.

Dougwalkabout,

Don't worry, we have that covered. This thread was specifically about hunting so I didn't see a need to talk about our stocks of rice/beans/oats/nuts, canned goods, our vegetable garden (both backyard and guerilla), or the numerous wild edible plants in the area. Rest assured, we are well prepared.

-Blast

It's illegal to kill or trap squirrels here. You don't think the animal rights activists wouldn't be all over you for snaring squirrels after a quake? :->

You're right, though. There are squirrels and racoons along with dogs.

Lots of practical survival methods are illegal. Trapping is simply much more discreet and you are less likely to get caught doing it than you would be shooting at the wee beasties.

In a survival situation, I really couldn't care less what any animal rights activist thinks, so long as they stay the heck outta my business. If they should attempt to interfere with me, I will treat them like any other hostile competitor, and respond accordingly. I believe in that aspect, I am much better equipped than they are to determine the outcome.

Sounds like a good way to make enemies to me. Fighting with the tree huggers because they don't like the fact you're poaching is a good way to get arrested...or worse.

If it's to the point where you HAVE to hunt who cares. At this point and time they will be your enemy anyway anyone thats unprepared will be because you have equipment and knowlege to trap with and they dont. When you get to the point where HAVE to hunt and your kids are hungry who cares wht the tree huggers think. If and when you get caught pay the fine and be happy.