In our minds eye, we
all write a script of how we would like to live our lives It gives us an escape
from a, sometimes, harsh reality. We play the game of, “what if I had done this
instead” and so on. These are the dreams, and yes, fantasies for many. Some
feel they were born in the wrong century and even the wrong country. Sometimes
that is relieved by acting out like the mountain man and long hunter
reenactment groups. That is healthy for some, however it is a brief respite and
reality kicks you in the face when you are back at work in the modern complex
of your life. Then you begin to dream some more of the what ifs that haunt many
folks. Those folks spend a great amount of time researching and reading
historical accounts, so they will be in period correct dress and making sure
tools and weaponry are all in order. A great hobby that many advocate is also a
way to go as a a survivalist and it does hold some merit. Taking it one step
further, lurking in the wings, is the Feral Woodsman, who is not really very
far from those mountain men and especially the long hunter lifestyle. Much of
the gear is almost the same and spot on, if you wanted to go black powder that
could work also. In an earlier article, I pointed out using Mark Baker as a
source. His books, and videos have a lot of sound advice that could help move
you along the path.
In our script, we
leave this drudge of work for the so called man. I mentioned in past articles
that no matter how much you like(d) your boss they still are an SOB in the long
run. So, our fantasy is telling them off and to take this job and shove it, as
the song goes. A great fantasy that most will never do but to dream is okay.
Stops us from blowing our head off, hopefully.
Some scripts are a
little murky on executing the great escape. What happens after you have told
off said boss—words cutting edge and very well articulated. You got it all off
of your chest… Now what? This is where the murky fog in the minds eye stumbles.
Your pen ran out of ink and your keyboard wont work, it froze up in fear. It
will work out as the script goes, but the devil is in the details as the old
saying goes. For any venture takes planning and in detail.
Write your script as
as a Feral Woodsman. Bring it to the dreamer side and past the fantasy, and put
it into practice.You have hours of time at work to day dream… shhhh, I wont
tell anyone. Planning is a huge key to success. My suggestions have included to
start on weekends and learn the outdoor skills involved, by reading, taking
classes and watching informative videos. When taking classes, please be an
active participant… get your hands on. Dont sit back and just observe, be
involved. You’ll learn much more. Take advantage of those instructors by asking
questions in the class and out of the class. Most are always happy to help you.
Even if you feel you have a skill down pat, keep pushing your self with
classes… every little nuance is a learning curve.
Becoming successful
as a Feral Woodsman, some detractors have said, is not possible. Then we have
the other side who see it clearly. I believe some do not have the life
experience to get it, and really have no foundation other than the industrial
complex. They have no perspective and are not only trapped in a box but they
cant even get out of the envelope…no letter opener box cutter to speak of.
Would it be easy? I have stated over and over it wont be. Do the detractors
have some good points? Of course they do, up to a point. I expected plenty of
naysayers because this is a new life concept and upsets plenty of conventional
thought carts… hehe, all the while knowing several, who are already living like
this, and dozens who could do it if they should chose to.
If you choose to
never be a full time Feral Woodsman, at the least you have learned many skills,
and that is a real achievement. You own the skills and it will boost your self
esteem. No one can take it away from you.
By Dude McLean
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