What is Behind the Appeal of a Feral Woodsman Lifestyle, Chapter 18 of 18

Besides being a fantasy, the Feral Woodsman life has a strong appeal that is the very essence of man. We go back to the DNA trapped within us, always lurking just below the surface. I feel it is the knife that draws us, tugging at a place from the distant past of being armed in order to eat or for defense. That’s why big blades are so popular, a primal call if you will. From the first stone blades, to the steels, this is an ancient weapon that all of our ancestors were at one with. From there, it was a simple step to an armed spear head, beyond just a sharp point.

If, by chance, you have ever carried a spear in the wild, it seems to conjure up deep memories and gives one a feeling unlike any other weapon. Couple that with a large blade hanging on your belt and you are complete in a way you have never felt before. Freedom from modern trappings play with your mind. An understanding of our ancestors forms a bond of a reality that is new and fresh. Hunting with a spear is common in some cultures to this day. I know folks who have hunted wild pig in this manner. It’s the same with a bow and arrow, atlatl, hawk or hatchet, all are from our ancient past. They stir a memory from our hand to our mind. It is very different from carrying a gun. It is very primal and that alone is a win win for you.

In my research, freedom has cropped up in the most unusual places, as it pertains to the appeal of the Feral Woodsman. In true case after true case the message was the same. In North America, many whites, taken captive by Indians, were taken in as full members of a tribe or band and refused to go home again. Not just kids but adults also. The early French trappers lost many to the indians, as they found the lifestyle better than what white society offered. One case that most are familiar with is Cynthia Ann Parker, who refused all attempts to go home to her family. She never voluntarily returned to white society. She married well into the tribe and was the mother of the magnificent Quanah Parker, who became a full on war chief. Case after case, from the woodland Indians to the Apache, white captives did not want to rejoin white society. They cried when recaptured and did not want leave the lifestyle. Of course there are some exceptions, but they were not as numbered as the ones who did not wish to go back. In the 1600s to the 1700s, it was against the law to stay with any tribe. The white settlements lost many young men to the various tribes, as they much preferred to run in the woods. I think they were experiencing a true freedom that beckons every man. Discontent is nothing new, from society to unfair laws to being in debt. The escape for most is impossible to attain. So the Feral or primitive life seems to be an answer for many.

Freedom is an elusive critter. And most today are wage slaves captured in a life style where they had no say but were indoctrinated into, much like born into a religion and you have no choice. Are we really free? Freedom in different terms has uncovered many who have made a choice that lends itself to a more primitive side of us, bordering on a Feral Woodsman lifestyle. Since I no longer need to work and not bound by any set of restrictions, it has enabled me to have more freedom than any other time in my life. Dont get me wrong, I had a wonderful career that offered more latitude than most jobs but being where I am now is a whole new ballgame, a feeling that is more free than ever before.

Where I live, on the edge of back of beyond, I have met several folks who are on the fringe of society by choice, the desert rat is alive and well. They are closer to the feral life than most ever achieve. In my talks with many of them, they are happy and feel freedom was an ambush of awe that few ever get to experience. Since I began this series of a Feral Woodsman life, I have had a lot of detractors and a lot of support. Out of the woodwork came many who are living on the fringes and living well. As more of them popped up, it supported the whole idea/theory of this kind of living. Breaking the bonds or chains is hard to do. However, I see many have done so from all walks of life. The appeal of being a modern day Daniel Boone type is a strong incentive and once tasted becomes the drug of choice.

Having true skill sets is key which puts you closer to your goal. One cannot just go willy nilly into the wild. A plan is needed.

I think the appeal is not lost for most and tugs at our heart and mind in very subtle ways, uncovering a deep longing and general discontent with how we have been controlled and bounced around in life, add to the feeling of no or little control. Discontent is a powerful force, and one drifts to seeking a better answer. Those who are outdoorsmen feel it first, the appeal hits them between the eyes. It is so different that most dismiss it but it is still lurking in your mind. It can be done. Perhaps not full on but in increments. In truth it is about freedom and how you can live with it.

So what is behind the appeal of the Feral Woodsman life style? I feel it is the pull of the wild, coupled with the normal growth of any man in life. Seeking the freedom and richness of life and what they have to offer. Is this all there is? No. It doesn’t have to be all there is. You can be your own man with the freedom of a life that has a meaning of being your own man. The appeal is rock solid embedded in our DNA. Living everyday as new beginning, fresh as the rain and sun. Is this for everyone? I think not. It takes a special mind and heart to see it through. A like minded partner would be a huge help and can make the difference. An appreciation of life and the wilderness is a must. Just under the surface beats the heart of a feral person. The tug of war between society and what you want is an on going conflict, but the appeal remains. A nice cabin is all one needs or you can go deeper if the mindset and skills are in place. Im not speaking of living like a wild animal but just on the fringe, in a milder sort of way that opens you up to the wild and allows one to accept what being one with freedom is.

By Dude McLean

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