hi all,
I plan on moving to the woods but i am not 18 years of age, yet. I was wondering i'm not gonna take a gun, because when i run out of ammo, then i cant buy more and it will be just a chunk of metal. So can you survive in the wilderness without a gun, i plan on fishing, doing trapping(deadfalls), and i also plan on gardening, can it be done.
Thanks,
Shawn Nelson

Shawn, Yes, you can. What you cannot survive without is knowledge.I am quessing you've just read THE LAST REAL MAN, about someone who did just what you are contemplating. I could list SEVERAL books for this one success story about young people who went out ill prepared physically, or mentally. Make your goal a reallity by taking small steps first; read,practise, attend some schools,learn from other's mistakes.

thanks,
for replying, actually i have been interested in doing this in the last 2 or 3 years, i have learned varoius survival skills and i plan on learning alot more, could you post a couple names of books that would be helpfull, also should i take along some of my survival guides, i plan on taking my plants cards for forgaging.
Thanks,
Shawn Nelson

Are you saying your going to go in the wilderness for good never to return to civilization again? Is that even possible anymore? First thing that comes to mind is are there any places where there is still wilderness like that? Second thing to think about: Are there any people who would miss you? No family, friends? If you do disappear into the wilderness is someone going to say "hey he's missing send in a search party". Third question: why not a gun. Even way back in the 1800's where you built your own cabin by yourself, they carries guns. They reloaded them by themselves and traded furs and meats for more ammo. Why not do the same? Invest in some reloading tools and trade some of your game for bulk supplies to reload your gun.

Shawn, first and foremost, please understand the foundation's legal and ethical position. You are legally a minor. We must exercise a great deal of caution handing out advise or encouraging personal actions on your part. Much of the information you seek is in the articles and forum. Please take the time to read them. You will be better 'equipped' to ask questions. Welcome to our forum. <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Shawn,

I think it's important the stress that this is not the sort of decision that you should make before you reach adulthood. No responsible adult would either encourage you or enable you to do so. Seeking knowledge is one thing; using it irresponsibly is another thing altogether that we will not condone or enable.

Chris, would you happen to know the author's name who wrote "The Last Real Man", andwere one might obtain a copy?

I believe that Chris was talking about the book "Last American Man" and misquoted the title. You can purchase it at:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0670030864/ref=nosim/equippedtosur-20

and a portion of the purchase cost goes to support the Equipped To Survive Foundation and this Web site.

Doug, thanks for the correction. Anybody wanting compass bearings take heed <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

You may also want to read the book: Into The Wild. I found it to offer a balancing perspective...