My dream of living in the Yukon with the polar bears and other assorted creatures

[John Travolta]

I've had this dream for a while now. I've discussed it with a few people jokingly but as I started thinking about it more I've decided that my dream isn't as crazy as it sounds.

With a population of only 31 thousand, and with about 2/3 of that population living in it's biggest city of Whitehorse, the Yukon is an ideal place to discover myself. When I graduate from high school I want to live off of the land in the Yukon for a certain period of time, preferably sometime during the Fall season. A few weeks, a month, nothing too specific. I'll leave when I'm ready. Before I go off to college and conform to American society I need to know what it feels like to be one with nature and the things around me.

I know my challenge and I think I'm up to it. Im going to bring a few essentials- a small axe maybe, a knife, flint, a sleeping bag, maybe a small pot or pan kit, a fucking awesome beard and the knowledge and skill it takes to survive alone in the absolute wilderness. I've decided that I want to go to the Northern part of the Yukon. Settle near a river and find a cave somewhere near off. My ideal experience is to see nature at it's purest. Devoid of any human contact or intervention. I want to witness it as it is. I'd really like to see a bear and maybe even interact with one. It doesn't have to be a polar bear or the bears you hear of in unicorn lore but any bear would do. See the salmon run up river and spawn, see birds flock to the South, see bears be fucking awesome. All of that shit is terrific. I'll probably end up naked, roaming around the woods, being one with nature.

My survival will depend on hunting and gathering. I'll hunt moose, deer, bears, and fish. I'll eat berries, roots, and other assorted plants. I'll fight to live and live to fight. I'll kill anything I need to in order to survive. I'll skin it, whatever it may be and wear it's fur as a coat like a Christing Indian. I'll be the alpha male of whatever species I come across.

I need advice though. General advice. Anything you all can think of. Tips, ideas, or questions, criticism, anything. I need to perfect my plan in order to act it out and succeed. This is honest-to-God completely serious also. This is something I really want to do.

[SODA]

I say go for it.

[MrDoctor]

You might want to bring some salt to salt your meat to preserve it. Or bring some beef jerky and the likes just in case your a terrible hunter.

[SODA]

In all seriousness, I recommend you read the book: Indian Creek Chronicles (http://www.amazon.com/Indian-Creek-Chronicles-Winter-Wilderness/dp/0312114141) It is a non-fiction book about a guy who did something very close to what you want to do.

[Lush]

Where do you live, currently? The reason I ask is that fall in the Yukon is likely going to be freakishly cold. Especially at night. If you're used to Canadian weather, you might be alright, if you're from the US, especially southern, you likely will freeze your nuts off.
Also, don't stash any food or garbage anywhere near your campsite, not even up a tree. (Bears climb trees, some people don't know that..).

[John Travolta]

I live in Texas. I've been in sub zero temperatures before though, and it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would.

Also, one of the foods I've talked about bringing with one of the people I've discussed this with was jerky. I'd like to make my own, maybe even some bear jerky.

In all seriousness, I recommend you read the book: Indian Creek Chronicles (http://www.amazon.com/Indian-Creek-Chronicles-Winter-Wilderness/dp/0312114141) It is a non-fiction book about a guy who did something very close to what you want to do.
Consider it bought.

[Rob]

I think you should read Into The Wild. It's a good prep course for outdoors survival.

[Souldrinker]

Wasn't there actually a film, too, Rob?

Is this a serious idea, or are you just pulling our leg? No offense, I just haven't ever heard you talk about anything that would hint you have the skills necessary to do this, is all.

[John Travolta]

Yes, it's totally serious. You haven't heard me talk about it because I don't ever talk about my life on here. Rob, I've picked up Into the Wild and read a few pages at Target but I left my wallet at home so I couldn't buy it at the time. I'm planning on getting it soon.

[GSOM]

Look out for the Wendigo.

[Akvod]

I don't think you should do it. Aside from not knowing your abilities, even the most skilled survivalists, hikers, campers, etc succumb to nature frequently. It's a dangerous thing to live without (and even with) the comfort of technology and shelter.

[Derelict]

I've done almost what you want to do before. Not for nearly as long, though.

My dad and I fly to northern B.C., drive to a small, out-of-the-way town, then hike ten kilometers or so into the bush. We bring warm clothes (wool, etc.), a couple hatchets, some knives, flint, a pot, a couple fishing hooks, and a rifle (not for hunting, just in case we get into some trouble with a cougar or bear). We build our own shelter and live for about a week off of fish, rabbit, and pheasant we catch in traps. My dad has been doing it pretty much his whole life, so I'm fortunate he knows what he's doing.
The main thing you're going to want to do is make sure you have enough food for at least a couple days when you leave. There's no guarantee you'll catch food on the first or second day out, and chances are if you're building your own shelter you won't have time anyway. That brings me to the second thing you'll need. A good place to sleep. There's nothing worse than trying to sleep while you freeze your ass off. Even if you have a warm sleeping bag, it's always good to insulate yourself from the ground, especially in the Yukon where the permafrost is just a meter or so under your feet.

My advice to you is to go on several shorter, less dangerous trips first. Learn some survival techniques first hand and get to know a little more about the land. Dropping yourself in the wilderness without knowing anything but what you've read is a really stupid idea.

[Lush]

There is a pretty big difference between sub zero and
-20C. It depends on when you go, also. I live in Saskatchewan, which isn't north compared to the Yukon, and we've gotten snow here in September. August is usually pretty hot still. Your main worry(if you come prepared with enough food to last) is going to be exposure. First thing you should do is find a base camp that is sheltered, while also making sure it isn't the hibernation spot of a bear or home of some kind of mountain lion. I'm not sure how far north mountain lions range. Bring flint and an axe. Flint because trying to start a fire with two sticks is fucking impossible. Better yet bring a lighter and gasoline.

[Derelict]

There is a pretty big difference between sub zero and
-20C.
It's still sub zero if it's -20C. He could have been in -30C for all we know. He didn't specify.
I live in Saskatchewan, which isn't north compared to the Yukon, and we've gotten snow here in September. August is usually pretty hot still.
Saskatchewan is a very different climate to that in the North West. I've been in both places during every season and you might as well call them separate countries. You may have gotten snow in September, but in the Yukon it's possible not to get snow until late January. Not saying it happens often, but it does happen. It's also much more humid up there than it is in the prairies. Out in your province it's possible because of the wind to have absolutely no snow on the fields, then ten foot drifts on the sides of houses.
First thing you should do is find a base camp that is sheltered, while also making sure it isn't the hibernation spot of a bear or home of some kind of mountain lion. I'm not sure how far north mountain lions range.
Yeah, this is pretty good advice. You don't want to accidentally fall asleep and wake up to a giant cat eating your face. Mountain Lions, Pumas, Cougars, whatever you want to call them are everywhere on the West Coast. Pretty much all up and down everything west and just to the east of the Rockies.

[John Travolta]

I've climbed(not as hardcore as it sounds, there were paths and areas to rest, etc.) Pike's Peak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pikes_Peak) in Colorado and wind chill was -50 degrees Fahrenheit at the summit. Which is -46C I guess. Mind you, I don't know what it was on the way up, but we went in January so I'm sure the temperature climbing up wasn't much higher. I have a mild feeling of what to expect when I go up there temperature wise.

Of course I'm not going to just drop myself off without having a few preliminary trips under my belt. I'm going up to Colorado later this year and I'm going to see how much I can get away with in terms of just hanging out on my own or with company. I'll do some hiking here in Texas to kind of get a feel of nature. I'm sure I'll have other chances to do some outdoorsman-like stuff before I leave. I know the basics, how to make a fire out of flint, insulation, protection, fish, etc.

And I understand the precautions to take and I'm going to start studying tracking and put that into practice.

[bizzle]

I would suggest taking some Northern survival lessons. It's not really cheating because even the Inuit are taught how to survive by their parents and grandparents. I took a northern survival course in highschool as I grew up in Northern Canada. It was pretty fun except we had to poo outside.

I would also suggest spending time in Whitehorse for a while before going out on your own to get a feel for what you're in for. Spend a couple days in town and a couple days camping. Then go all out.

[jewishjosh]

Not having done any research myself, my two biggest practical concerns would be being alone and having enough food. If you get caught wrestling a bear on your own, you'd better know what you're doing. Do some research on the region and make sure there's enough abundant vegetation and wildlife to eat. Like Derelict said, definitely bring food for the first few days. Get in contact with someone in Whitehorse or someone who's done something similar and ask them for advice and information. I know a big part of the challenge is going in on balls alone, but make sure you know what you're getting into, and whatever you do don't put yourself in a situation where you will seriously fear your life.

You sound like you know the steps you need to take to make this plan complete, even if you wouldn't be ready to leave today. When are you planning on going? If you graduate next year or the year after and you're going in the fall of 2009/10, you definitely have enough time to prepare. If you just graduated and you're going this year, you have a lot of work to do. Good luck.

This sounds like an amazing manhood experience. If you don't die, tell us how it goes.

[cabhats]

I've done a bit of stuff like this. It was in Africa though (Zimbabwe before we got told to leave) so I didn't have to worry about temperatures, but there were more dangerous animals. To be fair though I had a rifle to back me up (I never actually used it) and a couple of times it was with my dad (Who has an awesome beard, and could probably kill a lion with his bear hands. But I've gotta say; best experience of my life.
Anyway it sounds like you're pretty clued up and all so you'll probably be fine. If I were you I'd try get as much experience under my belt as possible between now and when you go.
Oh and you should probably get to know a few people who live near where you're going. And maybe, take a walkie-talkie with you. Although it does take away some of the manliness and awesome in my experience, it may save your life.

[John Travolta]

Mid to the end of next year is ideal. I haven't done the real planning though, right now I'm in the masturbation stage.

[John Travolta]

Along with every night from about 11-11:30.

[suppup]

Take a gun. A big gun. Bears are a lot harder to kill then you'd imagine. You're no Davy Crockett and I doubt a bowie knife will do. And moose are really dangerous as well.

[Cranky_Panda]

I would suggest you come up with an idea how you can inform other people of your current status because getting trapped in a cave by heavy snowfall or something like that is a shitty way to die! but I don't realy know how likely this case is

[AIDS_NOT_HIV]

Not to say I'm experienced with the wilderness but having lived in moderate climates all my life (Nova Scotia and Newfoundland) I can say that you should prepare or prepare to freeze your ass off. Water purification tablets are a good suggestion if you're planning to drink your water from rivers or lakes, as you never know when it's contaminated with beaver shit, etc.

The "bring a gun" suggestion isn't the most sound thing I'd suggest seeing as Canada has harsher gun laws but if you can bring one or get a hold of one go for it.

[Casalen]

Visit first so you know what sort of supplies you need to invest in first. If you're used to spending your day working hard, or can get used it, and are prepared for the climate primitive survival isn't as hard as it sounds. Depending on the environment, game, land rights, locals and foliage, obviously.

[Akvod]

OT: If you really do this, please at least bring a camera =P It might tarnish the all natural aspect, but I'll love to see some of the sights.

[HannahBaker]

I think it could sound like a pretty shitty plan to some people, but if yuo know your stuff and you study, it could work out. How long do you plan on staying out there? Keep us posted on all the stuff you learn about doing it.

[HannahBaker]

Along with every night from about 11-11:30.


Really? I could have sworn you did that between 12:00 and 12:30... maybe my tape is just blurry.

[Chrisso]

I hope you die during this voyage.

[John Travolta]

Chrisso, if I do you can have my account.

I understand that right now the plan seems sort of thrown together but like I said I pretty much just finalized my decision that I was finally going to do it today. A lot of you may think this is just a camping trip but honestly I think it's going to be much more. I'm not going to rely on things that make me comfortable, I'll rely on the things that will keep me alive. I think everybody should do something like this to test their capabilities. You'll have plenty of time to become a decent member of society but what good is it if you're not a decent person? I think people should be alone to just think and mull around life as they know it. I don't think we're meant to sit in an office doing paperwork for 40 years, waiting until quitting time. We're animals at heart and I find it funny that people try to fool themselves until they lose touch with the things that make people who they are. What I'll get from this, I'm hoping is a realization of myself. I understand myself about as much as I understand quantum physics. I'm hoping this will be an eye opening experience. That's my justification if anybody is wondering.

I'll stay for as long as I see fit, and I'll probably end up leaving when I'm not as much of a mystery. There's no real set time limit but I guess that would help.

[Tweek]

I think it is a great idea, and apart from reading the odd survival book and being able to use essential tools I don't think there is much you need to take in there.
It is all about what you bring out, right?

[Idioteque]

Wow, this whole plan is really intense, you are seriously going to have to make sure you are up to the task. I don't know if you've picked up Into The Wild yet, as Rob suggested, but I think that would be an excellent guide on what not to do. I'm not sure how much you want this freedom from humanity to be pure, but you should probably have some sort of communication with civilization available in case you get hurt, like others have said.

[Casalen]

I'm not totally sure how serious you are about this, but if you mean what you're typing I can agree with pretty much all of it. It really bothers me to see some people complain about not being able to get on the internet for an hour like it's the worst problem they could end up with, having no idea what life is like outside of their comfortable bubble. People who go outside of a city in an RV and call it a 'camping trip' aren't much better, especially when they then feel that their opinion on environmental ethics and the like matter when they don't understand what the environment even is. The systems our society work around are so foreign from the real world, it can be frustrating. So go, enjoy, learn. And probably survive, that might also be nice. Understand yourself and, more importantly, how you fit in with everything else.

PROBABLY IN THE BUTT!!!!!!

Sorry. I didn't want my post to lose the atmosphere this website tends to offer.

[Ureshii]

Make sure some friends/family know were you'll be going and the appoximate time you'll return to civilistation. If you get into any trouble this sort of infomation would help Search&Rescue alot. You wouldn't want some random stumbling upon your frozen, gnawed at body twenty years from now.

[Derelict]

Chrisso, if I do you can have my account.

I understand that right now the plan seems sort of thrown together but like I said I pretty much just finalized my decision that I was finally going to do it today. A lot of you may think this is just a camping trip but honestly I think it's going to be much more. I'm not going to rely on things that make me comfortable, I'll rely on the things that will keep me alive. I think everybody should do something like this to test their capabilities. You'll have plenty of time to become a decent member of society but what good is it if you're not a decent person? I think people should be alone to just think and mull around life as they know it. I don't think we're meant to sit in an office doing paperwork for 40 years, waiting until quitting time. We're animals at heart and I find it funny that people try to fool themselves until they lose touch with the things that make people who they are. What I'll get from this, I'm hoping is a realization of myself. I understand myself about as much as I understand quantum physics. I'm hoping this will be an eye opening experience. That's my justification if anybody is wondering.

I'll stay for as long as I see fit, and I'll probably end up leaving when I'm not as much of a mystery. There's no real set time limit but I guess that would help.

That's pretty much as good a reason as any, I think. No offense, but I always thought of you as a bit of a douche-bag. Not in a mean-person sense at all, just in a can-never-be-serious sense. But I know, obviously, that it's the internet and no one's real personality comes out on the internet. I'm just sayin'.
I do really respect you for actually wanting to go through with this, though. I've often thought about it myself but I doubt I'd ever truly get around to it. Now that you're sure you're going I think I might have to at some point as well. Thinking about it, you're right; no one can really know themselves until they've been away from everything long enough. It would definitely be an eye-opening experience, and I agree that everyone should do something similar.

[Gambit36094]

I know that technology would tarnish this type of thing, but it would be a sound idea to have some sort of communication device. It doesn't even have to be a cell phone, it could be a radio that has the power to reach Whitehorse or so. Because if you do find yourself trapped, you'll need help.

[Souldrinker]

I must say that it really sounds to me as if you are underprepared and totally over your head.

Like Derelict, I've done my fair share of living in the wild. My father was a career soldier and lived a significant period of his service time in the bush, making his own way. He often took me and my little brother out when he was home and taught us about living off the land.

It doesn't seem to me like you have any experience in building a proper shelter; tracking, catching, killing or preparing food; preparing against exposure; ensuring water availability; using weapons and/or tools; navigation or orienteering; hiking or traveling long distances; being in unfamiliar environments; identifying flaura and fauna that are edible, dangerous or useable...

I mean, you've just said, in a very blase way, that you'll just eat bear and shit. Now, here in Australia we don't have bears, but aren't they big, ferocious motherfuckers that can easily kill experienced people?

You've also said that you'll start getting practice in Texas. Um, isn't Texas like hot and shit, and the Yukon pretty damned cold? Don't they have different environments, different flora and fauna, and thus different benefits and dangers? If I'm right, then experience in one won't necessarily lead to capability in the other.

I'm sorry, but you just don't go from being pretty much inexperienced and clueless to being able to live for a month in sub-zero temperatures with little or no provisions in an environment you have little or no familiarity with. Not even in a year or two.

I've spent week-long periods out in the Australian bush during each of the four seasons here and I have few problems, but I've been doing this shit since I was knee high to a grasshopper.

Seriously, mate, you really seem to be in over your head with this one. Either blow it off as a pipe dream or put it off for 5 years and spend the time learning intensely.

[Tweek]

Don't listen to Souldrinker man, so what if you die?
More stories to tell.

[Mr. Crow]

Remember to bring your laptop so you can make an epic "in before eaten by bear" post in Spame.

[CnGy]

I am doing something similar. I'd say let's do it together but that would defeat the idea.

And I'm also doing it with my friend and he wouldn't want to hang out with your gay ass most likely.

Good luck!

Advice: Upgrade that knife to BIG. Be aware of bears, if there are bears in your area where bells and whatnot so you don't startle them, etc

Write some shit too.

[Metempsychosis]

Your dream is true.

Human = Animals. Screw all that creator shit.


Regards,
Cenote

[The Fetus]

Okay, I know you hate me and all, but I guess I'll still suggest things because I too have wanted to discover myself and my capabilities alone in the wilderness. Although, personally, I'd prefer a warmer climate like a jungle, but there'd be poisonous snakes instead of bears.

Definitely pick up a few survival books, you don't even gotta buy 'em, just get 'em at your library from school or in your town and check it out and read it there. Since you say you want as little supplies as possible, I highly suggest reading some books on American Indians or Alaskan Natives/Eskimos. There's this trick to survive from dehydration. Pour water in your mouth and leave it there. Don't drink any, but just let it sit in your mouth (you won't be talking to anyone anyway) the water will gradually slip back into your throat. Practicing that could help you greatly.

Hunting tips on the internet and books on them'll keep you alive, since you say you'd like to hunt and all.

And I can really understand what you mean when you say you want to discover yourself. The wilderness fascinates to an endless extent.

Do you plan on sleeping in a tent?

[John Travolta]

Souldrinker, you're right. I have limited experience but I do have some. I camp about ten times a year, sometimes around the corner and sometimes in a different state and environment all together. My family is very nature oriented. I've built makeshift shelters and I know which way is North by looking at the sky, I can tell time without a watch, I've skinned animals and I have basic survival skills.

You're right that experience in one won't necessarily lead to capability in the other, but it will certainly help to an extent. I know the basics, now I just need to learn the specifics and I'm totally up to it. And I was joking when I said I was going to eat bears, regardless of how fucking awesome that would be.

Fetus, I'm not sure yet, but it's an option.

[spaj]

Strangely, I barely know you and I'm actually really worried for you. Your intentions are only good and it's definitely possible (I'm incredibly fucking jealous actually, if I lived in America I would commence camping in so many gorgeous places) but it seems a little overwhelming?

I don't know, maybe you should plan this trip as a sort of 'mock survival adventure' rather than your actual dream; perhaps with a little more experience (i.e. after this one) you can pursue the real thing later in life. Just keep it realistic. Make sure you have some sort of back-up if something really fucks up. Perhaps avoid the hunting part this time round?

[Chaplin]

I think you should read Into The Wild. It's a good prep course for outdoors survival.
Thats a really good book. But don't end up like the guy JT, because the guy ends up dying. And thats not good. You need to bring a really big gun too.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: You forgot your spoiler tags.

[The Fetus]

A gun'll probably ruin the whole experience he's going for.

Also dude, you probably considered this, but practice this in the woods for a few days. Find out what works and what doesn't. Books and tips are great and all, but the best advice is yours from your experience.

Do it even if you might get killed. You're trying to find yourself, that's one thing worth dying for than living your whole life not knowing what you wanted or where you were going.

Keep shit documented! Tape recorders and camcorders won't help you in the wild! They'll run out of battery and they just don't last long enough. Keep a notebook, for sure. And write down all the things you felt and did. Years later, you can recollect or brag your long adventure.

[Alcoholic]

A gun doesn't ruin anything, at all. Ingenuity is what seperates you from the bears you use for food.

I have a lot of land in this place, Evington, Virginia, as well as free land, friends' land, et cetera, at my immediate disposal. There are times where for however long I feel (could be a few hours, a few days, depending on work and what I feel like smelling like) I drive to said property, bring a rifle, a high-caliber handgun, my glacier knife, binoculars, a machete, fire-making materials, and if I plan on assured meals, the food for those. Toilet paper is pretty nice to have, though you may think it ruins your "au naturale" experience.

Don't be ashamed of phones. If/when you come face to face with bears and something happens, your phone call would be a good-bye, and letting someone know where your body will be found. Trust me, this is coming from someone who owns property with many bears, wolves, and a host of other animals. Never once have I been near a wolf, only to look down at my Motorola and tell myself, "You know Steve, you're a pussy".
You still feel the same amount of testosterone and adrenaline.

Learn to cook with pitfires too. Bring salt, at least. Tinfoil is not something you are likely to find in the woods, but it is something that really makes outdoor cooking phenomenal. Pitfire cooking is safe, delicious, and natural.

Back on the gun issue, make sure you're not a dirt-flinger. Be a decent shot before you go. Once again, go with a gun, or a few guns, and don't make bears your priority dinners. You're not John Rambo, a spear won't do. Has nothing to do with being more or less of a man: it has everything to do with not being an idiot.

Lastly, and simply, don't disturb anything. Make the environment suit you fairly, but don't go fucking up what ought to be there.

[JamesKPolk]

Well, I guess something like that is everyone's dream, to some extent. I know for sure that I want to do something like that at one point in my life, be it living through a polar night in, say, Norway, or Finland, in the forests maybe, or take a very long trip vith a motorized vehicle, in example to the very other end of the continent.

For me, though, I think that I don't want any specificly extreme circumstances, just seclusion. And not only from communications with people, but from people, from civilization. I like to think that I would like to live as a hermit in, for example a little hut in most desolate place in Syberia (not so much, it's still Russia, has Russians in it.), Northern Scandinavia, Iceland, etcetera.

Sometimes I feel oh so very certain I am going to do that, sometimes I feel that it is just a dream, never to be fulfilled. Well, I still have to finish university first, I think, afterwareds I shall try to do it.

[The Fetus]

You guys are all suggesting all these things he said he didn't want. He even said, "MAYBE a knife.".

This makes me want to do this. I have even pondered it dozens of times. I dunno if I could get the guts to do it.

[Alcoholic]

True, Fetus, but certain things would just be dumb to go without. If you don't survive it, not only does it do him no good, but he wouldn't get the experience.

[John Travolta]

It probably would be smarter to bring a small caliber rifle but my aim isn't to make things easier on myself, it's to make things harder. Also, seeing a bear =/= death. There are many ways to not get yourself killed when faced with a bear. I'm definitely not going there with the mindset- "I'm going to kill at least 18 fucking bears before I leave." I'm not going to disturb the environment, I'm just going to be another animal trying to survive. I'll be careful and I won't go looking for danger, I'll take necessary precautions and I'll use common sense. I don't think it's going to be too challenging keeping myself alive against predators, they're as scared of me as I am of them.

[Chaplin]

It probably would be smarter to bring a small caliber rifle but my aim isn't to make things easier on myself, it's to make things harder. Also, seeing a bear =/= death. There are many ways to not get yourself killed when faced with a bear. I'm definitely not going there with the mindset- "I'm going to kill at least 18 fucking bears before I leave." I'm not going to disturb the environment, I'm just going to be another animal trying to survive. I'll be careful and I won't go looking for danger, I'll take necessary precautions and I'll use common sense. I don't think it's going to be too challenging keeping myself alive against predators, they're as scared of me as I am of them.
A small caliber rifle won't do anything. In the book "Into The Wild" he shoots at deer, and can't even kill them with his small rifle.

[bizzle]

Bears aren't half as bad as many people make them out to be. Where I grew up we used to go black bear watching at the dump. Bears would walk around town. One sat on my front yard and ate the plums off my tree. One even broke into my cabin and ate our doughnuts. (We had to shoot that one.) I mean, we were always told to fear them because they will hurt you if you don't know how to deal with them but my friend and I have crossed paths with one while drunk and we survived.

Oh but polar bears will rip your face off. They will actually hunt you. They are the only bears that hunt human beings. One ate my teachers dog when they couldn't get it inside quick enough when the polar bear siren went off. Oh, I miss the north. =(

In the Yukon, I don't know how many polar bears there are. I know they mainly hang out near hudson bay. There might be grizzly bears though. I'm pretty sure its grizzly bears that the "play dead" defense mechanism is actually effective.

[Matt]

Thats a really good book. But don't end up like the guy JT, because the guy ends up dying.

Thanks for ruining the ending, you fucking asshole!

Good luck in the wilderness, though, JT. You should bring some Man vs. Wild DVDs with you to really understand what you're up against.

[Asdf]

Good luck. Maybe you'll pass through the town I live in on your way to the Yukon. (Outskirts of Uranium City, SK, coldest weather in Canada happens here.)

[fallingtosimplicity]

This sounds pretty much awesome, I hope this works out for you. I like camping/nature and all, but not enough to take a month long primitive camping trip alone, maybe with a close friend. I can't help but hope you do take some sort of phone/walkie talkie with you, but I do understand the "it's important to really know yourself", but really, when a bear is ripping out your intestines and you can't call for help because you were too proud to bring a phone that you can turn off if you want, I hope that you're really getting to know yourself.

[Bosskid]

Did anyone here mention the book Hatchet? I know its a childrens book, but it was great to "see" what happened from the view of a teenager like me. He pretty much had to do the same thing, up north, survive with absolutely nothing except a small tiny hatchet.

[Casalen]

There are a lot of bears that I've encountered, and they've always been easy to get along with. No mothers, though. I'm going to second that going with a gun is a good idea. As much as I prefer other methods for recreational reasons, being armed with a rifle with limited ammunition does not mean things get easy. It means you're more likely to survive. Seriously, are you going to hunt with a hatchet? And Fetus, people are allowed to offer advice different than the original post. That's part of the point of asking for advice.

[Graft]

Getting a gun up there would be a pain in the ass, but worth it. How are you planning on hunting and getting food without one? Do you know how to set snares and whatnot?
A small caliber rifle won't do anything. In the book "Into The Wild" he shoots at deer, and can't even kill them with his small rifle.
I've killed deer with a .22 rifle. It's all about shot placement. You aren't going to shoot one in the ass and kill it, but a head or chest shot will take a deer down as easy as anything at a reasonable range.

[Dodger]

You should read books like, Into the Wild.
Try some short trips first to get experience.
And taking a gun along with you isn't such a bad idea.

[docmartens]

Make sure you have wi-fi. Also, do a blog. I would totally read your wilderness blog.

[Matt]

One word:

The Weber 1520 Propane Gas Go-Anywhere Grill!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411YEMFCZTL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Sensibly priced at only $55, this propane grill will last you for multiple uses on a single can of propane. I also second the blog. As long as you allow RSS feed updates so I can get it on my iPhone, I'd love to read a journal of your wild adventures! Make sure you set up your bluetooth internet connection!

[CnGy]

Into the wild is bullshit that guy was a fucking moron. He was on a journey that he knew woudl end with death.

[John Travolta]

It's going to be awesome. I'll probably be famous!

[Alcoholic]

It probably would be smarter to bring a small caliber rifle but my aim isn't to make things easier on myself, it's to make things harder. Also, seeing a bear =/= death. There are many ways to not get yourself killed when faced with a bear. I'm definitely not going there with the mindset- "I'm going to kill at least 18 fucking bears before I leave." I'm not going to disturb the environment, I'm just going to be another animal trying to survive. I'll be careful and I won't go looking for danger, I'll take necessary precautions and I'll use common sense. I don't think it's going to be too challenging keeping myself alive against predators, they're as scared of me as I am of them.

What if I offered $20 for every bear you killed? Would that change anything?

And Bizzle is right in the aspect of black bears being none too intimidating. Around here we have a few different types though that are a bit more aggressive.

[CnGy]

Btw everything you're saying is stupid and obvious imo

seriously, make sure the knife is big

and sharp

at all times

[SuEsq]

Is there even a question of what you should do?
No dude. No stupid boy scout adventure. You mentioned you've been to Pikes Peak, drop everything and go to Pike's Peak International Hill Climb. Stay at the Hyatt, they offer free wi-fi and flat screen T.V's.
There's good reason why man left the wild and traded that majestic pine by the river into a majestic pine cabin with a jet ski floating on that river.
Be at peace and surround yourself with some of the greatest engineering and luxuries there are to offer, and find yourself spiritually enlightened by just the fact that if it was left up to people like you, good shit would never be invented.

But, if your still feeling frisky, you should email Bear Giles and see if he needs a partner on one of his next death wish camping adventures.

Good Luck!

[CnGy]

Bear Giles is the fakest bullshit ever.

[Mr. Crow]

Write a diary-slash-memoir of your experiences In the Yukon that will make you super rich and be heralded as an American masterpiece for generations until a group of spunky Yale literature students transcend the bonds of friendship to find the real secret behind the book.




P.S. The real secret is that the first letter of every chapter put together is an anagram of I Luv Mr Crow!!!

[John Travolta]

Day 16: I can't stop thinking about him. His hard body and his masculine features. I don't know why I thought I could do this without him, I keep thinking about him. Sometimes I'll just stop. Whatever I'm doing. I just stop. And I become crazed. How, oh how could I leave him without saying goodbye? Sometimes, in the night, I cry. I cry because our love is unrequited and I fear it will never come to be. Sometimes I'll just masturbate. I'll masturbate vigorously just thinking of him. I'll do it for hours on end. I don't even orgasm most of the time, I just do it because it makes me feel closer to him. I don't know what I was thinking. I can't stop. It has to end.

Something like that, Crow?

[junglebunny]

You could always just take a bunch of acid so you think you're living in the Yukon with polar bears...

[Merka2]

i've done this once before. Well it wasent the yukon. I live in northern labrador. Most of the time though i go with my dad (his inuit) but it's totally different alone. It's just so quiet alone. When i was there i just stared into the fire. But i went hunting alot, I set up a snare and got a few rabbits and got two caribou. While i was sitting next to my cabin the most awsomest thing happend. Abig fucking moose and her calf just came from the woods and walk right past me. But ya you learn alot things out there and i support you

[Bosskid]

Day 16: I can't stop thinking about him. His hard body and his masculine features. I don't know why I thought I could do this without him, I keep thinking about him. Sometimes I'll just stop. Whatever I'm doing. I just stop. And I become crazed. How, oh how could I leave him without saying goodbye? Sometimes, in the night, I cry. I cry because our love is unrequited and I fear it will never come to be. Sometimes I'll just masturbate. I'll masturbate vigorously just thinking of him. I'll do it for hours on end. I don't even orgasm most of the time, I just do it because it makes me feel closer to him. I don't know what I was thinking. I can't stop. It has to end.

Something like that, Crow?

I wonder whats going to happen on day 50.

[John Travolta]

My penis will have become a victim of friction by then.

[fat-red-chicken]

I'd advise you not to venture too far from a McDonald's...

[xkittenxsocksx]

I need advice though. General advice. Anything you all can think of. Tips, ideas, or questions, criticism, anything. I need to perfect my plan in order to act it out and succeed. This is honest-to-God completely serious also. This is something I really want to do.

Sounds to me like you'll need a good variety of cheese whilst you're out in the wild. My personal favourites are:
Pont l'Eveque - subtle
Époisses de Bourgogne - visceral, violently orange with a runny core.
Vacheron Mont d'Or - imparts an oddly pleasing flavour.

[notafan]

Fuck everybody who thinks you have a shitty plan. You probably do, but that just means you'll learn more.

[Desert]

Fuck everybody who thinks you have a shitty plan. You probably do, but that just means you'll learn more.

Would you say you're notafan of everyone's criticism?

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: You knew this would get you banned so here you are.

[HappinessMan]

I would recommend the SAS Survival guide, and generally reading alot of books, doing some "test runs" for practice. I really at heart wanna do this someday, and maybe I'll follow in your footsteps.

[Mystrangy]

First of all, make sure you are not too big of a wimp to flay and roast animals.

Also, write a diary to pass time, i think we all want to hear your stories of what you did to the hibernating bears you found in your nest. :heya: :jerk:

And if you bring food, dont take with stuff that smells alot, i guess it would attract alot of nasty beasts. But yeah, bring salt to preserve your flayed rabbits.

[FSBVH]

A small caliber rifle won't do anything. In the book "Into The Wild" he shoots at deer, and can't even kill them with his small rifle.

WHY DO YOU KEEP RUINING EVERYTHING FOR US?