Montana Joe's

Time Flies! Shoulder Rebuilt! New House!

2011-07-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, so much has been going on! Moved and downsized into a much smaller house! Four bedroom and full basement to one bedroom and very tiny basement is a lot of getting rid of stuff you simple collect over the years. It wasn't always easy or fun, but the new house is so much better built and it was move in ready, just couldn't have asked for more except a bow/gun range!

Finally had my shoulder operation. After not being able to use my bow for over a year, I will be out with it this fall. I was lucky as they had to do a lot of work on ligaments and tendons but no sewing of anything and my rotator cuff was perfect. So I am doing all the things I am supposed to and working had to get everything back into prime hunting condition!

I also have got a few hunters to help out this fall with hunting. One youngin has a elk tag and I so cant wait to take that adventure! I am in desperate search of a four wheeler to get these guys to the locales back in the river bottoms as long walks aint gonna happen. So if you have one, or can swing the donation, it will be put to a great use and cause.

I had not had a chance to get my hunting and fishing stuff in order since the move so I spent most of my day doing that Saturday. Went through around 8 36 gallon totes of just hunting equipment and that still is not all of it but it is all protected, cleaned and in order, ready to be put to use!

I also joined Twitter, @JWinNEMT So come by and follow along!

Twitter

2011-05-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

Follow me on Twitter (@JWinNEMT ) if you like, also, new post later today!

Still alive

2011-05-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

After a winter with over 9feet of snow, still dealing with flooding, and trying to get some food planted today. Have had feet operated on, and got a really messed up shoulder. Will let you all know more over the weekend.

Summer in Full Swing

2010-08-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well August is here already, fall hunting season is getting started in many places, and I cant wait to go hunt dove come September!

The garden has produced and so I am thinking I have growing this far North almost figured out. My sweet corn simply did not do well, that had more to do with dogs and soil more than anything! I have a big compost heap I cant wait to work into my raised beds and add some peat moss as well. I am used to having my taters in (Yukon golds did well) by St Patty's day, cant do that this far North!

Canning has been good, did some deer meat, jams, jellies, and everything you can imagine. Green beans are doing great and I have more zucchini vines and flowers than I will know what to do with!

How is your summer going?

Playing Catch Up

2010-04-29T19:13:00.002-07:00

So kiddo's, how is life? Like yours, mine has been up and down. I have been busy trying to get the garden going but here in NE Montana the weather and freezing temps have kept me from getting to dirty. If I had half a cell in the empty space between my ears, I would have a cold frame built by now, or at least read up on how to protect my starting veggies from the frost we have had of late. Feel free to give me some good free advice on that end. I want to protect my seeds.

I also highly encourage you to click every link on the page. Every link here generates a small portion of cash. When I say small, I mean it is a near nothing. But as we know, those pennies can add up, so here is my shameless plug folks.

Please help! Help with what you ask?

Well, here is what I will put all those pennies to use on. First, it will go towards immediate needs for my daughter. She is thirteen and any parent knows kids aint cheap. I of course have other problems, as far as cash flow, but seeing that she is safe, happy and well educated comes first. To that end her education in being self sufficient is ital. As she is interested in that kind of stuff, most of it will go towards that end. Books, various projects and the such.

I am working on putting a wish list of supplies and books together. I am always open for a trade or something so don’t be bashful. OK- I have to go continue to try and find the one tiny brake in a wire that controls the left brake light on my old ford truck. I am just waiting for the wiring diagrams for the truck to show up in the mail box cause right now I cant even fake thinking I have it figured out!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Joe

E Book Post on water in a survival situation

2010-03-11T14:00:00.009-07:00

E Book Post-Water in a survival situation. PLEASE Provide feedback on what you think about these as I post them, I want to do the best I can to help others! Thanks, and keep it pointed in a safe direction!

WATER

Requirements

• Normal activity requires 2-3 quarts per day.

• If extreme hot or cold or doing hard physical activity will need at least 4-6 quarts per day.

Salt

• Food would normally supply enough.

• Supplement may be needed with excessive exertion and/or perspiration and very important if you are prone to heat cramps.

• As a general rule, 2 grams of salt per 1 quart of water is adequate.

Dehydration

• The seriousness of dehydration CANNOT be understated!

• The most common symptoms are weakness, decreased mental capacity, dizziness, decreased coordination, and dark yellow urine.

Surface Water

• Rivers and streams are predominantly found in drainages.

• Lakes and ponds are common in low lying areas.

• Streams are a great source, and generally less polluted.

• Collect from swift moving water. Avoid -unless no other options- areas with oily film, slicks, or significant algae over growth.

Precipitation

• Set out all available containers; improvise gutters that empty into them.

• After rain fall, look in rock crevasses and fissures for water accumulation.

Subsurface Water

• Dry river beds sometimes means digging for underground source.

• Select a site that has the greatest potential for water. Such as a bend or where lush vegetation is present.

• Dig a hole about three feet deep. If no water is seen by this depth, select another site. Once water begins seeping into the hole, dig one more foot and line the hole with rocks or wood to prevent dirt from falling back in.

• Allow water to sit overnight so dirt settles to the bottom.

Solar Stills

• Construction of a vegetation bag. You need a plastic bag, an ample supply of healthy non-poisonous vegetation.

• Find a sunny slope to place the bag.

• Fill the bag with air.

• Fill the bag half to three quarters full, don’t puncture bag.

• Place small rock in the bag.

• If you have surgical tubing, slide one end inside and toward the bottom of the bag. Tie the other end in a overhand knot.

• Close bag and tie off as close as possible to the opening.

• Put it on the sunny slope so the opening is on the downhill side and slightly higher than the bags lowest point.

• Position both the rock and the surgical tubing the lowest point in the bag.

• If using surgical tubing, simply untie the knot to drink any collected water. If no tubing is used, loosen the tie and drain off available liquid. Be sure to drain liquid before sunset or it may be reabsorbed into the vegetation.

• For best results, change vegetation every two days.

Transpiration Bag

• The advantage of a transpiration bag versus a vegetation bag is that the same vegetation can be reused, allowing time for it to rejuvenate.

• To construct, it is necessary to have a plastic bag and an accessible, nonpoisonous shrub or tree. A 4 to 6 foot section of surgical tubing is also desirable.

• For best results move every 2 to 3 days.

Below ground Still

• When water and vegetation are scarce, a below ground solar still is a workable option. To construct you'll need a sheet of plastic and a container to catch water. A 4 to 6 ft. section of surgical tubing is also desirable. Move the location every couple of days.

• Select a site likely to contain moisture, at a bend in a dry stream, any location with lush vegetation, or a low lying area where water may have collected.

• Dig a hole approximately three feet across and two to three feet deep.

• At the bottom of the hole, dig a flat bottom sump that is large enough for the bottom third of your container to fit in.

• After placing container, lay one end of the surgical tubing in it and the other end up out of the hole. To anchor the tubing to the bottom of the container, tie a LOOSE over hand knot at the extreme end before placing it inside. If tied loosely, the knots weight will hold the tubing in place without impeding the flow of water.

• Cover the hole with the plastic sheet and place a small rock onto its center, allowing it to drop 18 to 24 inches into the hole so that the lowest point is directly above the container. Secure the plastic into place with rocks or dirt. Try to get the best seal possible. Be careful that it does not come into contact with the dirt in the hole, if contact is made the condensation will likely be absorbed into the ground.

• Tie a knot in the top part of the surgical tubing so nothing is lost via evaporation.

• If using surgical tubing, untie the knot to drink any water collected. If it is not available, you will need to open your still to get the water.

• Production can be increased by adding nonpoisonous plants to the side of the hole, for best results change vegetation every two days.

• Recycle your urine by urinating on the ground inside the still. As the moisture from the urine evaporates clean water is produced.

• Pour polluted or salt water onto the ground in the still, it is the same principal as for the urine.

Water Preparation

To make water safe and more palatable, you must filter and purify it before drinking. Unpurified water means the risk is high of getting a parasitic infection. These infections are often accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration; it greatly reduces your ability to meet your needs.

Filtering

Filtering water DOES NOT purify it. It is done to reduce sediment and make water taste better.

• Seepage basin system is used for stagnant or swamp water. For best results, dig a hole approximately three feet from the swamp and to a depth that allows water to begin seeping in. Line the sides with rocks or wood to prevent dirt or sand from falling back in. Allow the water to sit overnight so that all the sediment can settle to the bottom.

• Three Tiered tripod filter is used to filter sediment from the water. To construct it, you need three 7 to 8 foot long, wrist diameter poles, line, three sections of porous cloth, grass, sand, and charcoal. Build a tripod with the poles and line by laying the poles down, side by side, and lashing them together six inches to a foot from the top. With the lashed end up, spread the legs of the poles out to form a stable tripod. Tie the three sections of the cloth to the tripod in a tiered fashion, with six inches to a foot between each section.

• Place grass in the top cloth, sand in the middle, and charcoal in the bottom.

• To use, simply pour water into the top section and collect it as it filters through the bottom.

Cloth Filter

To porous material can be used to filter out sediment by simply pouring your liquid through it in a container.

Purification

To avoid parasitic infection, purify your water. (In a survival situation, if you are unable to treat your water, collect it from a clear, clean, fast running creek.) There are several different methods for purifying water. I think it is vital to mention you FILTER out sediment, and your PURIFY to kill micro-organisms.

• Iodine tablets; follow the bottle's directions

• Bleach; 2 drops per quart of water. Stir and let stand thirty minutes.

• Boil the water; rapid boil for minimum of ten minutes.

• Commercial devices.

Water Storage

An ideal water storage will hold a minimum of one quart. It should also have a wide mouth, so it is easier to fill. The best storage container of course is YOU!

Improvised Containers

It is sometimes required to improvise a container to store water. Items such as plastic bags, cooking pots and pans, hollowed out piece of wood, ponchos, and unlubricated condoms. Don’t limit yourself! Anything that doesn’t leak can hold water!

Night Storage in Cold Environments

• Store water in a sealed container between the layers of your bedding.

• Construct a snow refrigerator

1. Dig a 2 foot square section 3 feet into the side of a snow bank.

2. Loosen the water container cap, and place in hole in upright position.

3. Cover the outside opening with a one foot wide piece of snow.

Water Conservation

If water is in short supply, ration your sweat, not water!

• Don't eat unless you have water.

• Limit your physical activity. Try to get your work or travel done in the early and late hours of the days.

• To avoid sweating, always work and walk at a easy pace.

Liquids to AVOID

Avoid liquids like sea water and urine. Although both can satisfy thirst temporarily, they cause the body to LOSE additional water, ultimately meaning further dehydration.

American Traitor

2010-03-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

This may seem like something that is a isolated incident, but I promise you others out there are doing it too. Because this one was caught, the others will now change tactics and may be harder to identify and find. So, what do you think? Should they be charged as traitors?! I think so.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100311/ap_on_re_us/us_american_terror_plot;_ylt=At1qe5Ndk0i.YKEVhEl4dhNvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTJvbmRobTZzBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwMzExL3VzX2FtZXJpY2FuX3RlcnJvcl9wbG90BGNwb3MDMQRwb3MDMgRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3J5BHNsawNwYXN1c3BlY3RjYXI-

This is wrong, and should NEVER happen to ANYONE!

2010-03-10T17:05:00.001-07:00

PLEASE follow this link and read the article, it should not happen to anyone in the United States. We have to start to take care of our own!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100310/ap_on_re_us/us_forgotten_lawmaker

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!
JW

The E-book starts Here!

2010-03-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Guidelines on Surviving,

Natural, and Man Made Disasters

This E-book was written with the common person in mind, and taken from a variety of sources. I first want to say that I will be posting as possible each part on this blog and when it is finished, wrap it all up in an easy one stop document. I will also be posting other things as I go, but I do hope it will get you thinking and get you doing something on simply being ready for a natural or man made disaster. To me it is not enough to survive the disaster, but be able to live and enjoy it. I am not saying it would be easy, nor all of it really enjoyable. However something is to be said about looking at the possibilities in the face, and doing what you can to provide for you and your family.

Update on what I have been doing-

OK, so what did you do this week to get ready for a disaster? My wife re-organized all the food stuff's and got it set up the way she wanted it as she deals with that more than I do. I double checked the water we have stored. I also sealed up some flour and sugar in five gallon buckets. I also am putting together a master list of items that I want to track and ensure I have on hand, not just for me, but for each member of the family. I am also working on the training list. To many times training and practice fall to the wayside. Without it you will never know what will work, and what will not. It all looks good on paper! I recall a quote, and do not remember who said it, but I do know it was on Murphy's Laws of Combat, It says that the plan will not survive the first contact intact. That means don’t expect your plans to work out, be flexible, like the Marines alternate motto, Semper Gumby, always flexible.

Until next time, keep it pointed in a safe direction!

More getting done

2010-02-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I have managed to stay busy, and get more done. I like it, but hanging upside down in my 65 ford truck had my back hurting, but the heater is working again! I have also found a few other prepper minded folk here not to far from me. Will see how it pans out!

I have also been talking with a friend I have known since WAY BACK! All my talk of hunting gave her the bug! So her and her Dad will make the trip to NE Montana for a week later this fall and I get to take her out hunting, and I have found I am pretty dang excited about it!
I really love to teach, and this is right up my alley. I am teaching hunters safety and Bow Hunters Safety again this year, and love it. Nothing get's me going like seeing the light bulb go on!

So far I have been able to get a lot of errands ran, get the plug wires changed on my truck, and getting my stuff back in order, and I like that. I like things in order. By the looks of my desk though, you cant tell I have done anything. I have never had a real clean desk, nor desk area for that matter, but it really has gone a bit overboard today!

I have been doing a lot of on line test practice for my HAM license, and really hope it pays off.

So let us hope that this staying busy becomes a habit!

Being Comfortable

2010-01-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have always thought of being comfortable as being safe. As in, nothing will get me in my sleep, I am warm, my belly is not empty (it may not be full either). More and more as I age I find it takes a little more though. My mind says that sucks, but my back loves my comfy mattress, and warm house. I like not being thirsty, and waiting for the water to filter and get pure. I like I do not always have to have a super alert level of awareness. Being at a constant state of reddiness will tire you out fast.
I like having easy made coffee, food ready to eat via the wife, and being in my chair in front of a fire.

I got soft. At some point in the middle, I stopped, and forgot to start. I need to get off my butt more and get some things done. I do Not have all my crap togther should it go south in the next hour, and no good reason not to have it all together! Pure lazy I would have to say.

This hit me as I was looking for something. I do not recall what it is now, but it is not important. What is importanat what how much I was in disarray. So this week, I will work hard to get things back in order. I was always good at doing the things that needed to be done, and know I can do it all in a week. What I dont have are the humans to over see. I mean, I got a thirteen year old daughter, but she dont know where he schoolbooks are most of the time so I am thinking that her finding how to properly maintain a Mossberg 500 riot gun a little less than exciting. But I think if I text her prepping tips (Once she finds the lost phone she just got), then MAYBE, something will sink in and stick.

OK, so I have made my addmission, I got fat and lazy, trust me it hurts me more than it soes you. But, I have yet to see a service that would text you reminders to prep. Is it a good idea?

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Guest writer, Why Prepare?

2010-01-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all, today I have a guest writer who has her stuff together. When I saw this post on Why Prepare, I had to get permission to repost it. If you want to check out her blog, and I hope you do, it can be found at http://onechristianmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-prepare.html
Her reasons for being prepared are ones we can all relate to! Until next time, keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Why Prepare?

I am only getting started in "preparedness", "preps", "being prepared", whatever you want to call it, however I am feeling the need to help others get started as well. I am finding it so important to be prepared for things that may happen, and also I feel the Lord calling me to not only prepare, but share with others what I am doing. It's almost like He's putting me in situations where I can understand why it is necessary, and others are asking me about it without any prompting from me. So here goes! (Now you all know I am wordy, so I will try to form this post so you can skip from here to there and not read all of my anecdotes if you wish, that way you will still get the info!) :)

Why prepare? Some common reasons are:

1. Loss of water or power. When we first moved to the house we are in now, there was an ice storm. We lost power for about a week (maybe 8 days). In that time, we had no power or water. Remember, I am on a mountain and there are no gas lines. So no heat, no stove, no nothing! We were NOT prepared for that. We actually had to go to my in-law's house to live during that time. I was thankful not only for the fact that our family is great and took us in, but also that we were able to get there. Given worse conditions, we would not have been able to.

2. Loss of income. We are facing this now. My husband is being cut back to 4 days a week, which puts us at below budget. We can cut back further (although at this point it becomes a difficult endeavor). Had we prepared better, we could live off of food stores until he is able to resume 5 days or find other work. Also, if we were prepared, we could think of how to better budget while living off of the "preps".

3. Natural disasters. Think about this. I don't know where you live (obviously, I don't even know who is reading this!) however, I do know that disasters happen everywhere. Whether it be earthquakes in California, blizzards in the northeast, tornadoes in the Midwest, etc. they happen everywhere. Now think of this - you're caught in an unexpected weather situation 50 miles from home. What do you do? Check into a hotel? They're all full. You don't have your debit card (or there's no money in the account!) If you were prepared, you could hunker down in your car with your stored blankets, food and entertainment.

4. General windfalls. Did your neighbor recently loose a loved one or job? Is the local food pantry extremely low? Is your friend in need of a few dinners? You now have the ability to help them with no impact to your own situation. I am sure there are others I am not thinking of right now, but you get the gist of the idea here.

I am going to be doing a series of preparedness posts, along with my usual ones. Basically I will keep you adrift of what I am doing to prepare. You can choose to go along with me, tailoring it to your immediate needs and situation. I have very little budget, and am just getting started, so it will be a slow endeavor, however a worthwhile one.

Just so you know where I am starting from, I have a small food pantry, a coal burning stove that can also burn wood, along with about a winter's supply of coal. We have a propane grill with 2 tanks (one full one half full). We used to be of the mindset that if you need something, go to the store for it, however all that changes now. I don't want to be caught in a situation where my children aren't able to eat because I failed to prepare for something that happens commonly! I know we get storms here, however commonly I will not have enough milk for the day in the fridge. Why? Not anymore. I started "prepping" this week, and plan to have a fully stocked food pantry within a year. Other preps, such as lanterns, tents etc will come as we have the money and as I find them at sales, etc.

How well are you prepared? Are you with me on "stocking up"? Drop me a note and let me know! :)

God Bless!

One Christian Mom

Political Correctness

2010-01-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

I hate it. It seems today, in our schools, our government, and everyplace in between we see it. It started with words. Thus far it seems to have progressed to the point it most likely takes three months to produce a roll of government toilet paper as they fight over what it should be called.

Over the years we have become trained, like a dog is, to consider who we will offend should we say, write, or do something. We are all winners, right? Not only that, but arguments break out if the PC term has changed or updated and you didn’t get the memo! Now, I am not talking about the mutual respect we show people when we meet them (until we get to know them and they are ok, or just sucking up oxygen and filling space). Many people are old enough to remember segregation. We are not that far removed from it. Those folks are likely to use terms the younger generation would find offensive. I can guarantee that many men and service women have a less than flattering and at times colorful name for those people whose freedom they are fighting and dying for.

In my humble opinion-people are people. They are good, bad, and ugly. They come in all shapes, sizes, and with different motivations. I have never cared if the person protecting my back was politically correct, I want them tactically proficient! I don’t care how the auto mechanic talks or thinks, I want the truck fixed! Political correctness is simply one more way to get us to take our eye off the ball. Somebody raised a big enough stink frankly, that being PC is its own industry now. No matter what gets spouted, the only thing we really care about is results and how does this affect me.

OK, I feel better. Nothing really set this off except the talking heads screwing up my morning coffee time arguing about it! I would have rather heard about the loss of farmed acres here in the US, how oil imports are down, demand is up, but we can’t find replacements for what we use. Hell, maybe one day they will get off this and fix the tax code!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Nature Skills

2010-01-15T17:05:00.001-07:00

For city folk out there, here is a good way to learn about the outdoors. One of the big things I have noticed over the years, is the huge difference inbetween the city/country folk in the back country. When I say back country, I mean a minimum of 20-35 miles from the truck even.

The first thing I notice is that city people will over pack, and bring to much stuff. They overload and find it hard to carry all that stuff and accomplish the goal they set out to. I also have noticed that they have a tendency to to be a bit more jumpy in the woods when they hear a noise in the night!

Country folks may actually underpack. They may not think they will need that bivy sack, or really think the weather wont change. Maybe they dont put in the time to really learn land navigation with a map and a compass. I love my GPS, but have a military compass and the best most recent map I can get my hands on. I know how to use it, and working on learning a lot about star navigation for the new area I call home here in Montana. I will say the first winter here, it was odd to be this far north, as the sun dont really get overhead at noon. Had to re adjust my whole telling time by the sun method.

So first, visit this site. It is very basic and has some good info. If you just learning it is great, and if your an old salt, it dont hurt to review the information!
http://www.natureskills.com/index.html
Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Expedient power

2010-01-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

I found this site, and really like it. If you follow this link, with minimal skill and resource, you can make a small power generator. I think this is something best used for temp purposes. Lets face it, it will make noise, and not be safe to use indoors! Not to mention with the oil bust that no one in the Gov wants to talk about, gasoline is not gonna be around forever!

http://theepicenter.com/tow082099.html

I also think that with a little research you could expand this, maybe have it pre positioned, and use it to charge batteries while enroute someplace. Dunno, but it looks like a pretty darn handy thing to have around!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Outside thoughts and Idea's

2010-01-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

If it is one thing I value it is learning. I think the exchange of thoughts and ideas can be of great value. I often will ask for outside ideas and thoughts, and this is one of those times. What are you doing to be ready for those things life throws at you?

Currently I am studying for a HAM radio license. I am learning by reading, and then doing. I am on various boards posting daily and reading. I am saving my pennies and buying those items that I know will be needed for my family and I to survive and thrive no matter the disaster. My wife, while not totally on board with my thoughts and beliefs (that is good, as I need a safety now and then!) , helps out and in more than one occasion surprised me and excelled at things. Her idea and mine of being able to survive are two very different things. No power and no water are really bad things to her. To me it is a called a camping trip. My wife thinks camping is a three star hotel without room service. I think it is being able to survive and thrive in your environment with what you brought with ya.

So what are you idea's? What are you doing to help those in your family that see no sense in "prepping"? What are you doing to tell them that having faith in an over thinking federal government, as in they will not be here in time to save your butt! I mean, look at Katrina, forward deployed military gets to other places faster than we could help our own. So fire it up, what are you doing!?

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Doom & Gloom

2010-01-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

I was told today I am a Doom and Gloom person. I thought about it, and yes, yes I am. My entire life I have had to expect the worst and hope for the best. From Security work, to Law enforcement, Disaster planning seemed to fall at my feet. I became one with the idea that crap out of my control was going to happen, and I have to think on my feet, make the best choices at the time, and hope based on knowledge, and experience it was the right one.

I have had many different bad things happen to my body and property so that I could help and serve others. Funny thing is I would get right back on that horse today if allowed to. So know, I take that knowledge experience and skill set and turn it towards seeing me and mine are safe.

I gotta story, it will illustrate the issue. I love to camp, and be outdoors. My wife, never could understand why once a month I would get all of my "gi Joe" gear out and make sure it was in good shape. Well, a while later when we lived in SE Kansas a tornado decided to come visit and play that fall. No Power in August, in Kansas, sucks. You make the best of it. 110 degree's out and now wind, with the humidity of a swamp, life can be hard. So, Out cam the gear, the house was electric, so I cooked over propane. The kids loved it. Now, bear in mind, storm damaage and have Hurricane Force winds hit your house, will flat get some people rattled.

The neighbors house was much worse off than ours. We lost a two car garage, and one side of the house look like it had been sandblasted. Oh, I forgot to mention that we had no place to go, except a crawl space. When the thing hit, It tried to suck the porch off too. I was having a cigar, and reading a book. Best I could do as me going outdoors wasnt going to happen. The wife was something like a chicken with it's head cut off. Not good with stress. The grain building accross the street where gone, and debris was every place.

So I had most of what I needed, but sent to the wife to the store, and really glad I sent my daughter along as she was as I later determined was in shock from it all.

The morale of the story is this, you may be prepared, but you family may act like a bunch of chickens with fox in the hen house.

Have your stuff together. Prepare for the worst, hope for the Best. Expect to take care of those in your family that dont have your ability to stay calm in the face of overwhelming odds.

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Why you should Prep for anything

2010-01-07T20:33:00.000-07:00

As I have stated before, I think it is the responsibility for each family to be prepard for about any type of nightmare scenario life may throw at them. This is natural and man made disasters. Let's face it, they will happen, and it will happen at the worst possible time for you and your loved ones. Just some of the things off the top of my head include, chemical exposure from train or tractor trailer accident, extreme weather, power outage, loss of employment, flooding, fire, and a ton of other things.

It can be overwhelming when you start to think about all the risk involved in simply living life. I think it also keeps a lot of folks from doing anything to prepare as they simply have NO clue as to where to start, should you start with food, guns, money/cash on hand, I mean just where do you get started at. Well, I hope to shed some light on the basics.

One of the first things you need to do is to identify the risks you are most likely to face. Weather, job loss, chemical exposure from wreks, flooding and fire are a few of the things that seem to always have my attention. Once you you identify the risks, what do you need to get through those events? Do you need a gas mask and something to cover your skin because of the chemical threat? What about food stores and a way to heat your home in case you have poower loss in the middle of the winter? It was -30 this morning when I got up, and took forever for my jeep to warm up just to get kids to school! Do you have a indoor rated propane heater with propane in reserve so that you can last at least a week or more? What about a stockpile of routine meds? Do you have extra food stored because you cannot get out due to weather or emergency that requires you to stay indoors?

After identification of risks and needs, you need to start gathering them. I will tell you now, DO NOT TRY AND BUY IT ALL AT ONCE! Pace yourself! Each trip to the store, buy a few extra of easy store and easy to prepare food items. Dont buy crap, buy stuff that you and your family eat. No one will want to dig into that wonderful can of spam unless it is something your used to. Frankly, I have ate a lot of it, and hate it! Identify what you can cook or prepare over a open camp fire in the back yard, and make sure you have water stores on hand to do it! While I lived in Kansas, more than once when a tornado did a number on the power grid, boil orders went out, along with a notice that the water tower reserve was low. That means you need your own water, or a way to purify it. Wells are great, if you can get outside to them and they are not contaminated. Do you have a small pack ready to go in case you and your family have to leave your home? Copies of importanat documents? Again, this is just a few of the things you will need.

In a worst case scenario, such as Katrina, do you have the ability to defend your home from looters and those who would do you harm? Maybe you do, but have you resolved yourself to the fact you may have to take a human life? A lot of baggage goes along with the pull of a trigger at another human. Make sure your ducks are in a row, and know what your doing! What about pets? Seeing an animal starve to death is not pretty. What will you do should you have to evacuate? Do you have any regular meds they take, a first aid kit for them, a Merck Vet manual?

This is not a be all end all list, rather something to get you thinking. It is up to each individual and family to be able to support themselves. Frankly, the scarriest things I have heard is "I am from the government and I am here to help!". I know I can count on me, I will not count on the national guard to save me, or the coast guard. It simply is not a realistic belief in the face of a mass casuality or disaster.

I do hope this helps get the juices flowing and gets you to thinking. Please feel free to email any questions. Until next time, Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Outstanding Network!

2010-01-04T19:03:00.003-07:00

As I am a avid believer in being prepared for whatever life throws at you, and love to trade idea's with like minded people, I have to tell you that if you have any interest in being prepared, you have to check out americanpreppersnetwork.net! Not only can you talk to others from around the country, but you can post in state specific boards and address they issues that really effect your area.

If your not a prepper, then you can learn about it, how to get started and not break the bank, and no matter what others think, (friends, spouse,) you will always find like minded folks here.

I look forward to hearing what you think of the site! Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Joe

Cold Weather Survival

2009-12-26T17:22:00.003-07:00

As I sit here in a comfortable chair, and a warm house, I cannot help but think of those who do not have this. I am not talking about homeless, but those who are in a loaded car with friends and family, out in bad weather, trying to make it. Maybe packed with so much stuff you decided you didnt need the winter survival kit. What you dont have one? Oh, then read on, and survive being stuck in the cold. Every year many die because they make the wrong choice, and are simply not prepared to face the possibility that the car ride will turn out with you and your family freezing to death.

This is a good place to start. It is the State of Montana site, and covers the basics.
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/brochures/winter_maint/winter_survival.pdf

Please post your favorite cold weather survival story!
Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

New Posts

2009-12-17T16:25:00.003-07:00

Hello all, I will be posting again soon, I have had a lot of things going on and will be posting again soon. Sorry for the delay, life happens, keep it pointed in a safe direction!

2009 Deer Season

2009-11-30T11:58:00.005-07:00

Well, here in Montana the big game season is over. I was stuck eating a black bear, mule deer doe, and cow elk tag. Simply ran out of money! I was able to feed a couple hungry families, and my freezer is full enough it was a stacking job to get it done! I did manage to get one of the biggest bucks I have ever taken, he must have been around 200lbs, LOTS of backstrap!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction! Will be posting more and on varied topics in the next week.

Hunting so Far

2009-11-08T19:22:00.002-07:00

What can I say. so far so good this year. I have meat in the freezer, and more to come. Because of money and logistics, I may miss out on elk and bear, but I can handle that if I have to. I do know that the rut is really picking up here in Montana, the big bucks are wise to this season, and got that big by learning. I have past on a few, maybe a shouldn't have, but we will see yet.

One thing many do not take into account is that hunting is a lot more than point and shoot, it is a lot more than a kill. Even more so if you have any physical problems.

Having my share of those I like many others learn to adapt, and push boundaries. So much so, I learned what I had inside me, and at times, know all to well the feeling of defeat. I don't like to let anything else win. So I keep pushing. Maybe it is the extra time pushing myself on a walk with the dogs in a field, maybe I do not take the easy someplace today, knowing full well, it wont be any easier going back, and twice as hard if I did kill. I had a friend take a disabled person hunting, his first turkey hunt. They forgot his gun rest. T my pal's surprise, he took his fake leg off at the knee, and used it for a gun rest! He was not going to be denied that turkey or the hunt. It is being resourceful, observant, and pushing yourself that will often get you out of the mess you make by forgetting or having lost gear!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Opening Deer Day in Montana

2009-10-27T17:23:00.002-07:00

Well, I knew it would be rough whitetail opening day, here in Northeast Montana. They have sold a lot of whitetail tags, and they went to all sorts of people, and in all different stages in the hunting phases we as hunters seem to go through.

I have to say, it sounded like a free fire zone in much of the area, so much so I wish I would have had a blaze orange truck, and lot's of kevlar, and a secure bunker to hunt from. Even as dark seemed to close in, the sound of rifle fire was still being carried hot and heavy on the wind.

Here I find myself on Tuesday, and while many of the out of state and out of county folks seem to have packed up and moved on, some still havent. Not to mention bird hunters having run ins with deer hunters, and land owners having problems with people sho dont know what a map is and how to make sure they know where they can really hunt.

What do you do to make sure you are in the right place? Granted a lease or private property of your own is always great. But I really like to hunt public land, it here in the west is pretty wide open if you have the skills to take it on. Stats show most hunters dont get to far off the beaten path anyways.

Well, need to get ready to try and go get my deer now!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Man and Mechanical Failure

2009-10-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

I hate most mechanical stuff, mostly as I did not have anyone to show me how to work on stuff, no car mentor, no electronics mentor, nothing. It was not until I did a year of maintenance work at a hospital that I gained any type of experience. I feel comfortable doing light plumbing and electrical, and actually found that generally speaking, the bigger the project, the easier it really can be.

My current issue is my truck. I knew it would have a few problems, but of them all, the damn heater core has to be replaced! I have never done one of those, and you always get horror stories, never, the "oh yeah, easy on those!" So I will be getting this started after the doctor's appointment. Just glad it is not well below zero, and I have a garage to work in.

Scott and I are both going to stay in from hunting today. He has a cold, and when I went for a drive earlier, I damn near got stuck and decided to call it a day. So the birds are safe, for now. I also want to go get my 270 and my 308 sighted in. So getting the truck running well, is a priority!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Pheasant Opener

2009-10-11T10:01:00.002-07:00

This year the pheasant opener was just outstanding for me! I took my weimaraner Sammie Girl, just her and I, and simply hunted birds.

I wanted to be able to get the longest tail feather, and enter it in the contest the local chamber and D&G Sports was putting on. I was selective in what I shot, and while only getting two pheasant, I won the contest! I got a new Remington hat and folding chair, and twenty bucks from the chamber. Not bad for doing something I like!

I of course took my pal Scott later in the day. I took him to a field I know would hold birds. Giving the ariel maps of it, and the way most folks hunt it and the surrounding area, Scott hit his bag limit in like twenty minutes. Plus he still was shooting grouse, and as jumpy as they were, I was glad to see him get a few!

Sammie Girl is pretty tired after a long cold day of field work, so I am going to take one of the younger ones out, most likely Ruby, and work her this afternoon in the field on a cord some. She loves to go after birds, it is built into the breed, and I cant wait to get them all up to speed so I can rotate them and have them all ready to hunt. I also cannot wait to get my ecollar in! Drove me nuts it did not get here this week, so I hope it is here by next thursday so I can enforce the off leash commands and get them to not chase deer.

So, how is all your hunting going?

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Bird Hunting So Far

2009-10-05T12:48:00.002-07:00

Bird hunting so far has been great! Dove have gone, and I have been looking for grouse and huns. This birds fly fast, but not as fast as dove!

My pal Scott has really taken to bird hunting, got him a shotgun, and all kinds of stuff to get it done. His shooting ability has improved way to much and I have to much competition!

My dog Sammie Girl has been doing well. She wants to chase deer and rabbits, so a ecollar is on it's way to put a stop to that. I simply cannot risk her getting hurt, nor the other weimers I am trying hard to train! I really cant wait for pheasant season to open Saturday, it looks to be a good one and I dont see anything keeping me from getting up and hitting it early!

We have a slight chance of snow this week, and really hope it does, nothing like good cold weather to hold the birds!

Montana Dove Update

2009-09-17T07:29:00.002-07:00

Looks like summer temps are going to hang around, so the dove are still out. Seems that this is the longest I can recall them hanging around since moving here a few years ago. It is fine with me, but I do hope that come October it is acting a little more like winter so the ducks, geese, and phesants will hold tight and let the dogs work them!

Speaking of dogs, my Sammie Girl is the only dog doing really well with dove, I think they all will get there, but she will be the dove dog as long as she can. I think that the other three will shine when it comes to other upland game birds, and most likely waterfowl if I can keep them under control with out a shock collar, as they get excited about birds on or in the water and will run into the middle of the water to get them!

Have been hunting dove with a guy new to hunting, Scott. He has been doing well, and I am very glad he got a shotgun yesterday! I was letting him use my 12ga, and shooting my old .410. So while I have been downing birds, I hate to pay fifteen dollars for a box of shells! So at some point today he and I will head out ans see how he does with the new gun, I know I am looking forward to it!
Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Montana Bird Opener

2009-09-02T06:50:00.003-07:00

Wow- It was a bit of a slow start for me. I have not done anything close to serious shotgun hunting for two years at, so I did manage to fire off my share of shells!

The morning hours I ran into my pal Ron, and Chris. Chris was heading back to a corner to sit, little did I know that I should have paid more attention to what he was doing, but I will get to that. So Ron and I walked a few fields and some wooded edges. I finally got one, but it wasn't pretty! Around noon, we called it a day. Hot, tired, and a little more than upset at how bad my skills had got, I decided to head home for lunch.

I got out earlier, drove around and seeing Chris we stopped and talked a few and decided it was a bit too hot and we would be out later. Well, later came and I was parking and saw my pal Andrew, so I partnered up with him, and his two boys. First Andrew is a professional writer for a huge hunting magazine, and to say this man can shoot well is a understatement. I am fairly confident given a rubber band and paperclip he could demonstrate the proper way to handle a charging water buffalo! OK, then his two boys, not old enough to hunt, but old enough to take to the field, and I will say it right now, they can make birds like nothing I have seen! I cannot wait till they get old enough to take to the field, as I look forward to seeing them develop into some great hunting buddies.

So with friends spread out in the field, Eric, Andrew, Chris, Storm, Steve, and I, it was on in full gear.
I learned how to hunt the dove of Montana. Because the area is so big, it is important to have several guys in different area's and you basically push the birds to each other. A lot different than what I was use to! But I adapted fast and soon had dove falling from the sky! I didn't get my limit, but held my own. I was also very thankful to Andrew for allowing me to have a couple of his birds! So I was pretty happy all the way around!

I think it important to mention at this point that this was also my fifth wedding anniversary! Now before you get all upset ladies, I had this cleared way ahead of time! You see, I am a good guy year round, so when the date rolls around to fall on a opening day, I get a pass and sent out the door. Of course it doesn't hurt she would rather eat dove than just about anything!

Keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Hunting Season

2009-08-23T19:09:00.002-07:00

Well, it is almost September 1st, and for me that means hunting season is about to start. The first means birds open up, and then the 5th starts season starts and I just cannot wait. I have scouted a lot and going to try to get a elk cow, and mule deer doe out in a forest area of SW Montana. I paid attention to the bear reports and got a black bear tag, they have been very active in the area and I cant help but think I may run into one doing some glassing.

I also relish the chance to be out in the wild, alone, just me, and to use my wits. I dont make a base camp, I carry it all in my pack. It kills me to practice shooting with it on, and all the climbing, but practice makes perfect, and I know one day the body just wont do it anymore, so as long as I can, I will be outdoors, and putting my skills to work, and trying to hone them.

Nothing would make me happier than to haul out a cow elk I took, alone, and be sore as hell about it!

Till next time folks, keep it pointed in a safe direction!

Scouting

2009-08-19T08:54:00.002-07:00

Went back to the west side of Montana, crashed at friends and did some fly fishing, and scout for elk and big deer I may stumble accross in the process.
Elk were hard to find, but when I did, I saw the the biggest 6x7 I have ever seen and I hear my but trying to get him with my bow before the general season, guess I am glad I have the time, lol.
The fly fishing, being new, was a eye opener. I didnt hook up, but had plenty of strikes at the flies. I was confident in my ability to find, and close the deal, alas, hook sets with a fly rod are a bit different! I would give anything to design a baitcasting fly rod!
I love the mountains out west of the state, really like the SW corner of the state, would love to have a nice cabin there!

Learning to Fly Fish

2009-08-06T07:31:00.001-07:00

Learning to fly fish has not been as hard as I thought. Picking what to throw, learning the different names, and getting the casting down seems to be the biggest issue for me! I will be in the Mountains and YNP to give it another go, still have yet to catch one, but very optimistic this go around!
Any ideas, help or advice would be great!

Thoughts and idea's

2009-07-30T14:30:00.002-07:00

As I spent the last several days in the mountains, and showing my daughter part of Yellowstone Park, I had a thought. I know, they are dangerous, but here goes anyway!

I could not help but think post collapse that many of the free range cattle in the western states would live on, breed and survive. Many would die off I am sure, not only from natural causes, but from people stealing or doing whatever is needed to feed themselves and their families. I have seen bison, and I cant help but think shooting a cow at the start of things would be like shooting one of them. Given time though, it will get harder.

I also couldnt help but think that much wild game would get taken out, and competition will be tough. So, my thought is either stock pile food so you dont have to risk death and injury, or be ready to fight it out with everyone else who had the same idea as you, and take your chances hunting on the open plains.

I like traps, deadfall, snare, it is not big game, but if you run enough, you will do fine. This is something you have to educate yourself on and practice. I can sit sown and make a figure four dead fall trigger or snare trigger out of wood in nothing flat, and enjoy doing it. What do you think?

UPS and Federal charges

2009-06-17T18:03:00.003-07:00

ok, so a pal of mine, who is also a gun owner and avid shooter needed some 380 ammo. I got a few hundred rounds together and put them in a old box I had here. It just happened to have a UPS label on it. I thought nothing of it, and set it out on the porch, sent a text and told him where to find it. Fast forward many hours. I am on the porch, the small box I placed out for my pal is gone, but a new one has appeared, from UPS!

Words do not do justice to how fast I tried to reach my pal to make sure he was the one who had grabbed the box! While I wait for a call back, I open the box that came, it is full of stuff I asked the ATF to mail me, can you smell the irony in that?

So I get a call, and sure enough, he was able to pick up the ammo.

All I could think about was getting a visit from the local ATF or FBI office because a package full of ammo was shipped accross multiple state lines and I was under arrest because for once a UPS driver took the initiative, and picked up an unscheduled package! It was all reloaded ammo, I didnt want to shoot it, and told my pal have fun, save me the brass.

This proves the saying that the road to hell was paved with good intentions!

Until next time, corrupt your friends and family into subscribing, and clicking on the future advitisers links so that I may get a small stipend for this!

Check out a person who walks the walk of Prepping

2009-06-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

http://bisonsurvivalblog.blogspot.com/

English-FINALLY

2009-06-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

Well, I enabled the translation button, thinking it would allow others to tranlate my blog-oops! Fixed that and will repost on Wed. Sorry for the problem!

सोलर एंड विंड Power

2009-06-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

थे मोरे इ लीर्ण अबाउट होम सोलर एंड विंड पॉवर, थे मोरे इ वांट तो बिल्ड अ विंड जनरेटर, अदद सोलर पनेल्स एंड अ १२ वोल्ट सिस्टम फॉर बेक उप। वहत अरे यौर विएव्स?