To be feral is to be
wild and untamed. In this context, however, we are looking at the possibility
of being a hunter/gatherer, so I m using the word loosely.
Being a feral
pioneer has a nice ring and feels right. Takes us beyond being a man of the
woods, desert and swamp. Knowing your bushcraft or woodcraft is part of the
deal before you can move into the wildwood as a feral pioneer.
One thing you have
to learn is how to walk again, this will take baby steps. In the bush, Modern
man walks like he is on a cement sidewalk, kicking his feet forward and locking
the knee, and swinging the next step… Not the way in the deep woods with not
much of a path. Lift the knee, and put your foot down slowly ball of the foot
first, while your rear leg is still supporting your weight. Feel the earth for
anything that may make a sound. Once the foot is firmly planted, continue with
the other leg. It will seem odd at first, but as you practice, you will gain
some speed, but the trick is not to move fast. Try to make not a sound as you
motivate along,. You have to have eye and foot in sync. You learn not to move
blindly and if you see a twig that will snap you move your foot further or
closer or to the side. leaves can make a lot of noise, but if you land on the
ball of your foot and ease your weight down, the leaves will hardly make a
noise, or none at all. Again, this takes practice and concentration. You also
will not be tripping through the bush as so many do. You will be able to avoid
those roots or fallen branches in your chosen path. You will be breaking life
long habits and will take considerable time.
We all have some
skills as practicing woodscrafters, but this is another wilder level, and, if
you will, a step backwards, and forwards being a man of the woods and more at
one with the wild. Part of the deal might be politically incorrect, because
being a hunter gatherer is not the norm. Being a feral pioneer is unheard of
and will be met with “you are doing what? ” and might be breaking some man made
laws as opposed to the laws of nature and being a true man of the wild. Just
knowing you can live as a hunter gatherer is a huge plus, but it will take
work.
As with any critter
you must have a secure and well hidden refuge, where you can rest and sleep
without fear of an intruder of the two legged breed.
My suggestion here
is to have more than one hideout or spydy hole. Why? Because, you are an outlaw
and I don’t mean a crook. You are out of the norm, not compiling with what is
the normal accepted way in the woods. You might even be a poacher in some eyes,
but I would have a hunting and trapping license just for the safety of not
going to jail.. Your home should be water tight and wind proof and blend in to
the point that one could walk right by it and not be detected. I would try for
a secure location that would not be visited even by accident. As you truly
learn your area, within your own set boundaries, you will know the section so
well you will find the ideal spots. Might be smart to never cook near your
shelter though that would depend on where you are. Of course water has to be
close enough for you transport to your new woods home, so it does not become a
chore.
I once found a place
in the desert that would have been a perfect location with a year round seep
tucked back in the rocks under a shelf overhang, situated in such a manner that
I could see over a great area. By just moving over a few feet into a crevice, I
was hidden by deep shadows and the rock formations. I have visited this location
many times over the years… You will find yours as well.
Does this mean you
have to be a recluse? No, of course not. We can practice being a feral
wooodsman part time, as time in the modern world allows.
Your age wont matter
either. You are taking your time. No need to rush. That would be counter to
what you are trying to accomplish. We have covered the art of patience and that
is key. Discipline and concentration and the willingness to be a feral pioneer
will not be easy at first. But, like a conversation with the wild hidden deep
in our DNA, it is just waiting to be turned loose. Talking with the young and
talented, Jeff Martin, the other day (every body is young to me), as we were
involved in some dirttime, I mentioned as you progress with bush craft you
really are suddenly aware how the skills are piling up and you say to yourself,
“wow not only do I know how to do this—name a skill— but I really understand it
and the deeper meaning as well. You are part of an ancient set of crafts and
skills not known to many people in the world.
In today’s world,
they are trying to take away our many freedoms. This is one way to stand up and
not let it happen to you, a Feral man.
This is a
simplification of trying to be one with the wilderness. You may be able to find
places that might only offer several acres, but that will do to begin your
feral observations. The cool part is it costs nothing, to speak of. Most of you
already have gear that you soon will shed anyway. Keep it fun.
By Dude McLean
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