Continue reading »]]> Alabama has quite a few rivers and lakes for the prepper who plans to use fishing as a source of protein.  Having spent many hours fishing in Alabama, and a large amount of time fishing in other parts of the country, I wonder how people will fish if they don’t have access to the all the modern fishing tackle.

Will they know how to find worms in the ground?  It only takes a minute to dig up a clump of dirt near the body of water to find worms.  Or how about using a flashlight with a red filter at night to spot them?  What about grasshoppers?  Will they know how to catch them and put them on the hook? Can they catch minnows for bait?

Not everything attractive to fish are alive.  The scent of anise attracts fish.  Catfish will hit corn on the hook.  They like shiny things and are attracted to light.  People used to “call up the fish” with an old fashioned crank phone.  In some places using a light, anise, or crank phone is illegal.  Mostly because they work so well.

Bait isn’t the only thing the prepper fisherman needs to know.  He needs to know how to use anything as a fishing pole in case he doesn’t have one.  Tying off a line on any structure or tree works in a pinch.  Stakes can be used to anchor lines.  A tire iron makes a great stake when pounded down into the ground.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen people use a trot line.  Do any of you still use them?  Trot lines have a large number of hooks to bait hanging from a larger rope.  The ends of the rope are tied off.  The fisherman comes back some time later to claim his catch.

If you live along the ocean, you can add crab to your fishing plans.  Those stinkers are fast.  Traps are most helpful.  What if those wonderful metal traps rust away?  Traps used to be made from wood.  They can be made at home from scrap pieces of wood.

Do they know that they need to practice?  Yes, practice fishing.  It takes time to get that wrist motion down pat.  It takes time to learn what fish are available in each region you will be fishing and what bait works best.

So take the family on a picnic by the lake or river and let all of them practice fishing.

Josh

The Daily Prepper News

Continue reading »]]> The legislators of Alabama face some serious issues.  Yet, they spend time throwing insults and accusations at the federal government and at each other.  It is reminiscent of the playground taunt, “stick and stones”.  It’s not bones they should be worried about.  Is it any wonder people feel the need to prepare for when things go bad?  In this political and economic climate, more and more people are expressing a loss of confidence in state and federal government in almost every area of concern.  Consider these comments in the DailyTimes:

The politicians Alabamians elected to go to Montgomery have neither the power nor the responsibility to influence federal policy. Their jobs are to help one of the poorest states in the nation improve itself.

Every time state politicians start complaining about Obama or federal gun laws or federal abortion rights, one thing is certain: They are trying to keep voters from noticing a failure of state government.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could count on elected officials to just sit down and do the job without allowing the distractions that prevent them from meaningful work?  While the writer of the quoted article is hurling his insults to the GOP, it is my opinion that this same insult is no respecter of political affiliation.

Josh

The Daily Prepper News

References:

“Failure to act – TimesDaily.com.” Atom. 13 Feb. 2013

Continue reading »]]> Alabama is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived.  The forests are astoundingly lush.  Rivers full of fish and fun.  We used to go picnicking along the  Alabama River.  We’d spread out the blankets and the kids would play all day.  The boys would fish, but our daughter would only fish for a few minutes and then be bored.  She would talk the boys into going exploring with her.  We watched the river roll on by without a care in the world on a Saturday afternoon.

Not only did Alabama have the finest forests and fishing, it also has a fast paced metropolitan life in Birmingham,  Montgomery and Mobile.  Everything other cities have from ballet to universities available if you look beyond the image the media wants the world to see.  The people have a strong work ethic.  While I was there I met many people who worked two and three jobs to make sure their families were cared for with the best they could afford.  Unfortunately, they had to work that many jobs because the wages were very low compared to other parts of the country for the same work.  Many people might choose welfare over work.  The people of Alabama want to be independent and they work hard to provide for their own families.

Even so, the people were not the hayseed, bib overall wearing, prepper as a slander, rednecks the media makes them out to be.  They were a kind and gentle people who treat you with respect.  That doesn’t mean they don’t have issues.  They do.  But they are the exact same issues faced in every other state.  They also face an issue not faced to the same degree north of the continental poverty line.  The fact that such a line exists speaks volumes.

So, my friends in Alabama, be proud.  You accomplish much.  And be prepared.  You know what could happen and what you face.

Josh

The Daily Prepper News

Continue reading »]]> By  TNTCrazyLady

Vinegar is a liquid substance consisting mainly of acetic acid and water. The acetic acid is produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. It is today mainly used in the kitchen, but historically, as the most easily available mild acid, it had a great variety of industrial, medical and domestic uses. Commercial vinegar today, is produced either by fast or slow fermentation processes.

In today’s perceived ‘time pressed’ world, many of its great uses have been forgotten. However, since the ‘silent economic depression’ seems to be dragging on, vinegar is again being used in place of the newer more expensive products and since vinegar has an almost limitless shelf life, it is a great, inexpensive item for long term emergency storage.

Unopened bottles of vinegar can be stored indefinitely. Producers recommend that opened bottles should be used up within 6 months to enjoy peak flavor; although many (including me) have kept vinegars much longer than that (years!). All bottles should be kept in a cool, dark place – including those gourmet bottles with sprigs of herbs inside. You need to choose if they’ll be food or decor, since daily exposure to bright light can alter the flavor over time.

Remember long term storage for most things (especially food and medical items) need cool, dry, dark places. The opposite of what is generally needed to grow them

While most people think of vinegar as something that is made from wine, it can be made from the fermented juices of virtually any plant material, including rice, grain and fruit. Thus, while European vinegar is basically an alcoholic beverage that has gone sour (the word vinegar that we use today is French for sour wine vin is wine and aigre means sour), around the world vinegars are made from a broad variety of bases.

Vinegar is a totally natural food. In a bottle of vinegar there are no harmful chemicals or preservatives, indeed vinegar is a preservative itself. There are so many ways that you can utilize its virtues. It is not just for vinaigrette dressing. There are many healing functions you can use it for. It cleans and sanitizes almost as well or better than anything on the market, it deodorizes and is a natural way to get rid of ants, other insects, and unwanted weeds. Vinegar through history has also been a good way to preserve foods. It is of course used in pickling but also when you marinate meat it kills unwanted bacteria such as ecoli.

The many uses of vinegar have been passed down through the centuries from medical, food preservation and condiment ingredient, to cleaning. White vinegar is especially popular for the treatment of rashes, bites and other minor ailments when camping.

Vinegar actually makes itself when aerobic bacteria (Acetobacter aceti or often called Mother of Vinegar) comes in contact with alcohol, while exposed to oxygen. The bacteria turn the alcohol to acetic acid and water; the acid that is found in all vinegars. Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its unique sharp sour taste. While acetic acid provides the vinegar with its primary taste component, it is the nature of the actual alcohol itself that gives the vinegar its specific character.

So, is it worth it to make your own vinegar?

It is becoming more and more popular to make your own vinegar or enhance store bought vinegar. Good homemade vinegar, when made properly, generally has a much better taste and more variety of flavors than the store bought. It is also fun just to see the process of nature at work.

Making simple cider or white vinegar can be cheaper than store bought, not always though.

Homemade vinegar does have one drawback – the acidity level will vary greatly, as us home producers do not have all the strategic testing of the acidic level to guarantee a consistent level. It can be done, however it will be way more of a time consuming thing, than an expense thing.

You can basically make vinegar from anything that has sugar in it.

First the sugars must change to alcohol. Then airborne bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid.

You can make vinegar from sugar water or molasses.

For some facts, history, uses, how-to’s and resources on the Wonderful World of Vinegar! see http://www.scribd.com/doc/78280149/Vinegar-in-All-Its-Wonder-Common-Uses

“If it is to be, it is up to me.”
William H. Johnsen
Depression-era realist/impressionist painter

TNT a 50 something urban prepper ;-}

I share Preparedness, Homesteading, Self-reliance knowledge & doc’s at: http://NMUrbanHomesteader.blogspot.com/ & http://www.scribd.com/TNTCrazyLady

Continue reading »]]> by CCCooper

“You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.”

If we have a definite need, it is to be aware that things happen without advance notice. That knowledge gives us the small advantage to be ready BEFORE danger arrives. It also necessitates the need to be brutally honest with yourself. Accepting the personal responsibility for your own happiness, health, and well-being.

But there’s a price.

A price for inaction that will far outweigh any price you may pay for preparedness or mental awareness.

So, which price are you going to pay? And will you pay with the (fiat) currency in your pocket, the sweat of your brow, time invested in knowledge, or the most precious, your life or that of your loved one’s?

Will you set aside time? Will you “invest” time rather than “spend” time? Will you commit resources that will assist you in your journey or continue down that rut towards oblivion?

Decisions must be made now while you still have the freedom to do so. Procrastination at this point may have dire consequences and impact you and those that rely on you in a verybad way.

Hope that the above snaps some people awake and gives others the determination and assurance that they are on the right track.

Continue reading »]]> by CCCooper

Well, not really 12 steps…maybe a thousand or two. But, the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.

Buy-In. A true and deep understanding of just how important this journey will be. It will mean the difference between thriving and subsistence. The difference betweem Freedom and subservience. The difference between you and your family being responsible for your own happiness rather than an out of control government dictating the happiness that you must accept…OR ELSE.

OpSec. Operational security. An acute awareness and understanding that the rest of the world does not think or feel as you do. A large majority are the unaware sheeple that have been dumbed down in our public school systems have no clue. make sure that YOU DO.

Take stock. Understand intimately exactly what you and your family need on a regular basis. Know how much you consume on a weekly and monthly basis. Ask what you would do if there were no grocery or convenience store. What if the power outages were extended. Or, perhaps, your water supply was somehow interrupted. How would you manage? Be honest with your self.

Have a plan. Have 2. maybe 3. Put it in writing and discuss with your spouse. Read and read some more. Then go back and look at your plan and come up with some contingencies. Brain storm some “what ifs” and seek guidance.

Allocation will be key. Allocation of time, energy, resources, and space. (Home storage, gardens, animals, weapons, etc).

Make the journey exciting. Make the journey fun. But never forget that the journey is a necessity.

Continue reading »]]> by GIJeff

Heya Peeps,

Well budgetary constraints are preventing me from doing too many reviews of late. On the other hand, some things I just HAD TO HAVE and bought as soon as budget allowed. One such item is the BK-2 Campanion knife. This is a full tang camping knife or survival knife with a 1/4 inch thick blade. First thing you can say about this knife is that, and I quote an unknown reviewer “it’s the perfect knife to have along if you ever have to field dress a BUICK”. Dave Canterbury, of Dual Survival fame calls it the “Becker train wrecker”. All I can say is that you won’t have to worry about breaking this knife, it’s built like a main battle tank.

The design of this knife is a drop point, which makes it less desirable for stabbing than some other designs such as spear point, but it’s still serviceable in this role. The grind is about 3/4 and that way for a reason. The knife is designed for chopping, batoning, and other camping chores, as well as food prep. For those of you not familiar with batoning, it’s the use of a knife as a sort of log splitter, in order to do so you lay the blade across the top of a vertical log, using another log to impact the blade through the log being split. Not every knife is built to take such abuse, and this one is probably OVERBUILT to take such abuse.

The knife weighs over a pound by a smidge, and is balanced around the index finger, which makes the 5.25″ blade surprisingly agile in the hand, and if you choke up a bit you get even more control. Choking DOWN on the blade and using a lanyard around your pinky to prevent the blade slipping out of your hand allows you to chop with it as one would with a camp hatchet, and it’s weight makes it as good a tool as the aforementioned hatchet. The only better tool I can think of that is as compact is a folding saw. I will be purchasing a corona 10″ saw later for review and testing.

When considering the contents of one’s BOB or GHB or even camping gear, having tools that serve more than one purpose is paramount. I love that this thing can chop onions and three inch diameter logs equally well. As a fighting knife it’s not optimal but is VERY efficient as a slashing weapon, I’ve been able to part pool noodles with it, although infrequently, and when I don’t completely slice through it I at least get 3/4 of the way through, which is fairly impressive for a 5.25 inch blade. I use the same pool noodles as targets for my swords and in my review of the Cold Steel Katana Style Machete and they are not terribly easy to cut through with a full blown sword unless proper technique is used.

I purchased my BK-2 on Amazon.com for fifty eight dollars and change, opting for the free super saver shipping. That’s a steal on an absolutely indestructible knife (within reason) that does so many things so well. The BK-2 as all BK or Becker knives has an ergonamic grip that fits the hand of most anyone well with no sharp edges or any other uncomfortable characteristics. The new kydex sheath is a one way reversible sheath that holds the knife only one way, which makes it more positively secure than the older two way sheath, while still retaining the ability to be worn left handed by removing four screws to reverse the belt loop attachment. I added some paracord through the many slots and holes around the sheath to wear it “scout style” for a day or two and then attached it to my pack strap. The “scout style” carry is very practical, keeping the knife from bouncing around, getting in the way, or catching on things even when climbing in and out of vehicles.

I did make one slight modification beyond the attachment of a lanyard I braided myself out of paracord. I took the scales (handle halves) off the knife and took some very coarse sandpaper to them to put ridges going along the handles where your fingers go and in the same direction. This adds to the grip of the knife considerably, as the original plastic or grivory grips are fairly textureless. They do sell micarta grips for this knife, but they are rather expensive, nearly the price of the knife, and I like to adapt where possible. I made the same modification to my Katana Style Machete from Cold Steel and it’s very effective, and cost me nothing but a little time to implement.

If you don’t have a good full tang knife in your kit, you really should and you could do a LOT worse than to choose this knife to rely on. The only knife of a comparable size that chops better than this one is a Tom Browne Tracker, which costs almost three hundred dollars. For those considering the “one tool” approach this is the perfect one. You won’t break this thing, and it can do most any task you might set for it.

Here is a link to the Amazon listing for this item
http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK2-Campanion-Fixed/dp/B001N1DPDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326042862&sr=8-1

Keep on Preppin’
GIJeff

Also check out my business website for emergency food supplies that actually provide nutrition, unlike most mainstream products on the market currently.
http://emergency-food-supply.com/

Continue reading »]]> Come learn survival, preparedness and sustainable living with us!

The Preppers networks are all about volunteering our knowledge and skills with each other. We share ideas, tips and basically network with each other to survive any type of disaster whether natural, man made, or economic. Information that you learn and share with others will help everyone learn how to find “Freedom Through Teaching Others Self Reliance.”

Joining the Alabama Preppers Network is simple, and most of all, it’s Free! To join, just follow these few steps.

1) Register to become a member of the American Preppers Network www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net The registration page is here: http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register

2) Once you have your account, go to the index page of the forum and do your first post by introducing yourself in the new members area. http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/index.php

3) Once you know how to do posts, visit the Alabama forum and introduce yourself. The Alabama forum can be found by scrolling to the lower section of the index page where you will find a list of states, or you can go directly by following this URL: www.AlabamaPreppersNetwork.net

4) After you’ve visited the Alabama forum, follow this link to learn how to join the Alabama Preppers Network group: http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=564&t=2738

Continue reading »]]> The following article has been generously contributed for your reading pleasure by Rourke at Modern Survival Online. We strongly urge our readers to take Rourke’s advice and download or print (or both) the following guides, which are available 100% free. Ideally, retain a paper copy if you have a survival folder, and save a copy to your reserve USB drive, which should be a component of your bug out survival bag or stored at your bug out location.

There are tons of good downloads in the Survival Database Downloadsection of this website. For this article – I have selected 10 that everyone should have either printed and put away, or placed on a USB drive – or better yet both.

So – let’s get to it:

#10. FM 4-25-11 First Aid (2002) – Military First Aid Manual.First aid information is a must – get training before you need it – use this manual for reference.

#9. Guide to Canning – Being able to preserve crops to be able to provide for yourself and your family long after the growing season is over is important. This guide will help with that.

#8. Rangers Handbook (2006) – Crammed with info on demolitions, booby traps, communications, patrolling, tactical movement, battle drills, combat intelligence and much more

#7. Where There is No Dentist – The author uses straightforward language and careful instructions to explain how to: examine patients; diagnose common dental problems; make and use dental equipment; use local anesthetics; place fillings; and remove teeth.

#6. NATO Emergency War Surgery – While this is certainly not a manual that would stand alone in most persons emergency/disaster library, it is an absolutely necessary resource if you expect to handle any type of trauma where immediate comprehensive medical care is not available.

#5. A Guide to Raised Bed Gardening – This is not an “all knowing” gardening book – however it provides a lot of information to the “urban gardener” before or after TSHTF. Best to get the experience and knowledge of gardening NOW rather than later.

#4. FM 3-06 Combined Arms Operations in Urban Terrain – Combat techniques covered in the manual which may be very valuable in a “Roadwarrior”-type world.

#3. 1881 Household Cyclopedia – A massive resource of information that much of it has been lost over the past 203 generations. From Angling to Knitting – its here.

#2. FM 21-76-1 Survival-Evasion-Recovery (1999) – Excellent manual geared towards the soldier that finds himself behind enemy lines

#1. FM 21-76 US Army Survival Manual – From Amazon.com: This manual has been written to help you acquire survival skills. It tells you how to travel, find water and food, shelter yourself from the weather and care for yourself if you become sick or injured. This information is first treated generally and then applied specifically to such special areas as the Arctic, the desert, the jungle and the ocean.1970 Military Issue Manual. General Introduction and Individual and Group Survival Orientation Navigation, Finding Water In All Parts of The Globe. How To Obtain Food, Start a Fire and much more!

Bugout cabin??

Well, there’s my list. Best of all – they are all 100% free. So, feel free to download them all.

Rourke

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