List of Lists - Hunting, Fishing & Trapping

It's been a long time since my last posting on the list of lists. I've made many of those major life changes I've been alluding to and now it's time to get back to the list.

The entry today will be based around finding food. Hunting, fishing and trapping is a great way to supplement your food stores. Think of it this way; Every time you hunt, fish or trap a day's worth of food, that's another day your stores will last you.


Compound bow w/arrows & hunting arrowheads
Fishing poles & tackle
Cast net
Gill nets
Fish spear
Snare wire
Fishing yoyo
Trot lines
Body grip traps
Crab baskets
Commercial traps and snares up to deer size


One good tip is to try to make the work on your part as easy as possible. If you can set some snares or yoyos and come back a few hours or even a day later, that's minimal work. Less energy used means more energy for other critical tasks.

One excellent technique for fishing in a small stream or creek is to get a net and set it across the body of water. It will start to collect any fish that come through and as long as you're careful, you could end up with a nice haul of fish. Fish are easy to clean and cook, just watch out for the bones.

If you live near an area where you can crab fish, use a bit of meat (raw chicken works well) in a crab basket to attract them.

Major changes.

Some major life changes have taken place (still are taking place) and I have relocated myself and my family to the Southeastern US. Adjusting to the new life will take a bit of time but I'm excited to finally get into a more permanent setting. This isn't the homestead we plan to have in the future, but it's a good base from which to plan and work toward that goal. We hope to get started on obtaining acreage and building a house on it within the next 3-5 years.

Until then, it's time to really get the prepping into high gear. The world is on fire and it doesn't seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel yet.

Russia has officially moved Russian troops (instead of just funding and arming "separatists") and equipment in Eastern Ukraine and Ukrainian leaders have sought assistance from NATO, claiming that they are unable to fend off the Russian military.

A new threat calling itself the "Islamic State" (IS) claims to have set up a "caliphate" in Syria and most of Iraq. This terrorist army has been killing and destroying everything in it's path. IS is the most destructive terrorist force on earth today and probably of modern times as well. Al Qaeda is a picnic compared to this army. Experts estimate it's numbers to be anywhere from 10,000 fighters to 80,000 fighters. The army has income flowing in daily from the sale of oil on the black market to the tune of $3M per day. The group has threatened the US, Great Britian and now Russia directly. The intelligence community believes IS members are operating in or around Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and are looking to infiltrate the US at the porous Southern border.

President 0bama seems to be asleep at the wheel. He has recently publicly stated that his administration does not have a strategy for dealing with the imminent threat from IS.

Recently, an 18 year old, unarmed black man was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. The small town near St. Louis erupted in riots despite the fact that the details of what really happened had not come out. Those details are still not fully known. The New Black Panther Party (NBBP), Malik Zulu Shabazz, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton went to Ferguson and stirred emotions in the crowds. Attorney General Eric Holder and President 0bama both made statements that did nothing to calm the situation. Stores were looted and burned to the ground and riot police were brought in. The National Guard was called in as well, but they didn't stand on the line nor did they participate in crowd control. Events like this can happen in any town in America.

I look forward to making more frequent posts as things around here start to settle down.

Major developments in Ukraine and Israel.

As most of you will already know, a civilian airliner was shot down several days ago over Ukraine by Russian supported Ukrainian separatists using a Russian made "Buk" anti-aircraft system firing the powerful SA-11 missile. All 298 people on board were killed, including at least one American citizen. It's my professional opinion that the separatists using this system were trained by Russian GRU agents. Vladimir Putin is fighting a proxy war, very similar to the small proxy wars fought during the Cold War. The difference between what's happening now and what happened during the Cold War is that the US now has a President that has no idea what he is doing when it comes to foreign policy.

The conflict in Ukraine continues to deepen while the US and the UN sit back and ask for a cease-fire. Former SECSTATE Clinton says it's time for "tough rhetoric". Current SECSTATE Kerry says he is "warning" Putin for the last time. President Obama is saying very little. He is obviously reluctant to place the blame for what's happening squarely on Vladimir Putin.

The destruction of a civilian airliner is probably one of the worst things that could happen to Putin's cause, but only if the leaders of the US can be aggressive in their actions against Putin. As of right now, nothing significant has been done by anyone against Russia, and the conflict rages on.


In the Middle East, the conflict between Hamas and Israel has kicked off again. Several weeks ago, Hamas began firing Iranian made rockets into Israel from Gaza. These rockets have become more advanced and are now capable of reaching Tel Aviv. Israel responded with artillery and airstrikes on Hamas targets, resulting in some Palestinian "civilians" being killed. This is not surprising, since Hamas stores it's weapons and houses it's fighters in civilian homes and neighborhoods. Israel has been broadcasting in advance the locations they plan to strike in order to allow civilians time to evacuate. Strategically speaking, that is insane, but Israel is attempting to minimize the success of Hamas efforts to make Israelis appear to be targeting civilians. Unfortunately, many in the mainstream media are all too happy to fall for the tricks of Hamas.

A few days ago, Israel launched a large ground invasion of Gaza. After at least one cease-fire attempt by Israel was ignored by Hamas, and after many attempts at invasion of Israel by Hamas via amphibious landings and underground tunnels, Israeli infantry, armored personnel carriers and tanks rolled into Gaza. Dozens of Israeli soldiers and dozens more Hamas terrorists have been killed in the fighting.

What is the response of the White House? Ambivalence. They continue to make statements calling for a cease-fire and restraint by Israel. Every statement condemning Hamas attacks is tempered by an immediately caveat implying that Israel should exercise restraint. What they should be doing is throwing their full support behind Israel in destroying the Hamas terrorist organization. Unfortunately, firm foreign policy stances are not something that the administration is capable of.

For now, the conflict moves forward with Israel seeking out and destroying Hamas strongpoints. Meanwhile, Obama continues with his fundraising parties.

List of Lists - Home

It's been a month or so since I last posted, so I think I'm long overdue for another addition to the list of lists postings. Today I'll go over the general home based items. These items can easily get overlooked because they're often taken for granted in our everyday lives. Either that, or they can be forgotten when they're not commonly used. Since I;ve delayed enough as it is with my posting, I'll get right to it.


Gasoline powered generator
Duct tape
Rubber bands
Clothespins
Safety pins
Matches
Lighters
Magnesium fire starter
Black garbage bags
Plastic bags
Blankets & space blankets
Towels
Twine
Wire in various gauges
Scissors
Mirrors
Steel wool
Hand sewing supplies
Crochet & knitting supplies
Yarns & threads
Galvanized steel washtub
Washboard
Clean rags
Zip ties
Oil lamps
Bleach
Ammonia
Lye
Clean bathroom plunger
Paraffin
Lamp wicks
Ziploc bags
Propane or white gas lanterns w/ canisters
Flashlights
Petroleum jelly
Candles
Super glue
Batteries & extras for each item
5 gallon buckets & lids
Solar yard lights
Halogen spotlight
Bees wax
Wrist watches
Playing cards, books, toys & games


Obviously there are many items associated with cleanliness on this list. Keeping clothing, items and areas clean is key to improving morale in a post-SHTF situation and can increase the functionality and life of equipment. The hygiene list will go more in depth with, well, hygiene items.

Wisdom from the Founders.

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

James Madison

Photos of my current bug out bag setup.

These are photos of my 85% completed bug out bag. It's been another long pause in my posting. For anyone who does read this new work-in-progress of mine, my family and I have been continuing our major life transitions that will eventually lead to self-sufficiency and more of a survival-oriented mindset. I will try to make more regular postings. There certainly isn't any lack of material! Please continue to bear with me while we make our transitions. Thank you to those who are reading!

Top: Sandpiper of California "Bug Out Bag" model. Benchmade seat belt cutter with case. Leatherman multi-tool with case. One small carabiner and on larger carabiner with screw lock.

Second from Top: Ziplock bags inside a ziplock bag. Coast TX10 4-color LED flashlight. Protractor. Buck folding knife. Bug spray. Wire saw (plastic "D" ring holding ends together). Kashi trail mix bars. Toothbrushes. Coleman water purification and neutralization tablets. Weatherproof notepad. Pencil.

Third from Top: Chem-lights in varying colors. Weatherproof document folder. Ink pen. Small plastic case containing fishing lures, firesteel, P-38 can openers, weather-resistant matches, nail clippers and an eyeglass repair kit. 10 pound test fishing line. Duct tape. Walther P22 pistol with two 10 round magazines filled with .22LR HP ammo. Whistle. 550 paracord. Compass. Combat tourniquet. Becker BK-2 survival knife and sheath made by Ka-Bar.

Bottom: Nalgene one liter water bottle with one liter of water. Toilet paper in ziplock bag. Socks and underwear in ziplock bag. Leather gloves. Soft inserts for leather gloves. Survival blanket. First-Aid kit. SAM splint. NOAA AM/FM weather radio with power cord. Towel. Two MREs.

On the continued events in Ukraine.

They say that weakness invites aggression. If you'd like a recent example, please observe the recent situation taking place in Ukraine. I posted about this once before, shortly after the start of the invasion. I firmly believe that the Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine is a result of the weakness that has been shown by the Obama Administration since 2008.

The Obama Administration stated years ago that their goal was to "reset" relations with Russia. As a sign of goodwill, the US shutdown the strategic missile defense sites positioned throughout Eastern Europe. The purpose of those sites was to deter the use of strategic missiles by Russia. The act of goodwill by the Americans went completely unreturned.

Vladimir Putin had been fighting against the deployment of the missile defense sites for years. I believe he saw this first act as a sign of things to come. Since then, there have been repeated signs of weakness out of the White House.

Obama first went head to head with the Russians over Syria. Obama made his now infamous "red line" statement against the Syrian regime that was supported by the Russians. Obama stated that Assad must turn over his chemical weapons, end the civil war and step down. After he failed to follow through on that statement, the door was left open for Putin to step in and "save the day". He "convinced" Syrian president Assad to turn over his chemical weapons stockpile. To anyone who knows anything about Russia, this basically guaranteed that Assad would keep most of his stockpile, the war in Syria would continue and Assad would remain firmly in power.

The Olympic Games in Sochi were a major victory for Russia and Vladimir Putin on the world's stage. Despite discrimination against gays, mass signal intelligence collection against anyone near the Olympic's location, footage of whip wielding Cossacks beating "troublemakers" and myriad problems with the hotels and other accommodations, the games went off without any majorly visible problems to the rest of the world. Putin's image was greatly enhance by this.

All of this now brings us to where we are. Putin has effectively used intelligence agents in Ukraine to sow instability, giving him the opportunity to swoop in and protect Russian-speaking Ukrainian citizens. After using paramilitary units in unmarked uniforms (a violation of the Geneva Conventions) to invade Crimea, Putin's security services continued to operate in the area, leading to a 97% vote in Crimea to secede and join the Russian Federation. While many, if not most, Crimeans wished to join Russia, the armed Russian soldiers and more whip wielding Cossacks standing at every street corner and polling station likely had an effect on those numbers.

The only reaction from the Obama Administraition has been lukewarm rhetoric citing the violation of "international norms" and displays of "19th century" behavior on the part of Russia. Sanctions against certain Russian officials have been put in place, but it's believed that as few as a dozen individuals are actually being affected.

Russia has since expanded the operations of intelligence officers and paramilitary units in Eastern Ukraine. Over 40,000 Russian troops are stationed along the Russia-Ukraine border and stand prepared to invade in order to "protect" more Russian-speaking Ukrainian citizens. Intelligence agents have continued to encourage a rising insurgency and Russian paramilitary units have steadily been seizing, by force, Ukrainian government buildings. The events are playing out the same as they did in Crimea.

NATO and the US have done little besides make statements condemning Russian actions, but Vladimir Putin has been unaffected by them. Europe must tread lightly or risk losing their source of the natural gas they are now so dependent on Russia for.

Weak actions and words from the Obama Administration have Putin the green light he has been waiting years for. The events we see unfolding are what happens when a Chicago community organizer goes head-to-head with a former Cold War KGB agent. The only thing that Putin respects is the threat of brute force. One of the first things Obama did in regards to the Russian actions in Ukraine was to take US military action off the table. That is all Putin needed to hear.

Anyone who believes this situation is none of our business possesses a dangerous lack of understanding and foresight. Vladimir Putin's behavior is similar to Adolf Hitler's and Obama's weakness is similar to that of Neville Chamberlain. Pray that these events do not continue to mimic the past.

Wisdom from the Founders.

"Rights are not gifts from one man to another, nor from one class of men to another. It is impossible to discover any origin of rights otherwise than in the origin of man; it consequently follows that rights appertain to man in right of his existence, and must therefore be equal to every man."

Thomas Paine

Busy life.

It has been way too long since I've made a post, and I do regret that. Life for me, as it happens to us all sometimes, has gotten busy as of late. Preparing to make a positive major life transition geared toward increasing the independence of me and my family is the cause. The eventual goal is near total self-sufficiency and we are preparing to take a significant step toward that goal. Once we move close enough to that goal that it will be of interest to readers, I'll post a lot about it on here.

Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to getting back on it!

Russian invasion of Ukraine after unrest.

Victor Yanukovich, the former president of the Ukraine, is in exile in Moscow after being ousted by the Ukrainian citizenry. In one of the bloodier revolts we have seen in recent years, the Ukrainian people rose up in rage after Yanukovich turned down an economic deal with the European Union in favor of a large financial bailout by Russia. The Ukrainian people never supported siding with Moscow, instead favoring closer ties with the European Union. The people revolted when faced with the possibility of coming under the sphere of Russian influence.

Thus far, President Obama has done nothing and said little, reluctant to use tough rhetoric against an opponent that has already made him look like an incompetent fool in the last couple of years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking this opportunity to flex his muscle in the Ukrainian unrest while he knows the US government is too weak and timid to stand up to him. He is using this as an example to the world that the American super-power status is no more. He is attempting to rebuild a semblance of the Soviet Union in the absence of strong American leadership.

Obama's statements on this development remind me of his "red line" he drew against the Syrian government's attacks on the Syrian people. We all saw as Putin took control of the Syrian conflict away from Obama and managed it to his own satisfaction while the US President was unable to achieve a single objective of his own. The conflict in Syria rages on, Assad is still firmly in power and he still possesses most of his chemical weapons stockpile despite the passing of early disposal deadlines.

We now see an obvious military provocation by Putin. Russian military transport aircraft have begun bringing troops and equipment into the Ukrainian region of Crimea. Russian Mi-24 "Hind" attack helicopters have been conducting flights over Crimea. The troops have seized several airports in the region and have waved off customs officials, stating they have no need of their services. A day prior to this larger invasion, a dozen or so armed men seized control of local government offices in Crimea and raised the Russian flag over them. The men wore no uniforms, but it is my professional opinion that these men are either Spetznaz or GRU operatives. There are also approximately 150,000 Russian soldiers that have been quickly mobilized near the Ukrainian border for what Russia has referred to as "military exercises". These so called "exercises" also involved hundreds of tanks and aircraft and at least 80 naval vessels.

As Russia invades sovereign, industrialized nations the US leadership has announced that we are cutting the size of our military to it's smallest numbers since WWII. Recently, US Secretary of State John Kerry stated that "climate change" is one of the largest threats to global stability. President Obama has shifted his focus this year to climate change, minimum wage changes and "equality".

This invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces may very well lead to a major rearmament by major European Union powers who believe that they can no longer depend on the ability of the US to stand up to aggression from Russia. We have already observed a major military buildup in the most influential of the EU nations, Germany.