Dear Captain Rawles,
Thank you for your fascinating web site!
I found the article entitled, “Observations on Bugging Out By Foot, by J. Smith” to be generally interesting and useful with his shared experiences. Three items within the article bothered me somewhat and you had an editor’s note on at least one of them.
I think that using a plastic fake gun and some M-80s to simulate firing will get you killed or at least arrested. If you are stealthy enough in your travels, you shouldn’t need to brandish a weapon. Perhaps carrying a take down .22 rifle in your pack would be a better idea. At least you can hunt some with it.
That takes me to my second point. Scrounging in some farmer’s field could get you shot or arrested for trespassing. I feel it would be better to try to speak with the property owner first and get permission. Heck, who knows, he might give you temporary housing and job that pays money of some kind, plus feed you too!
Having a fishing/hunting license for the state your in will save you some questions from a game warden. Here in Texas, both a fishing license and hunting license combo is fairly inexpensive. You’ll need the hunting license to gig frogs along with snaring rabbits (no seasonal limits) and squirrels (sporadic seasonal limits). Fishing with a pole and line is just about legal anywhere and using trot lines and bank lines is generally acceptable but not everywhere. Fishing gear can double as snare gear too! Also, a book on your state’s edible plants would be a good addition to your kit.
Lastly, drinking wild water could be a major health issue. I’m glad J. Smith didn’t get sick from doing that and also glad that he recommends against that.
However, all in all, I did enjoy the article. I found it useful with my thinking process on the subject.
Cordially, – Steve H.