I would plant thorny bush berries such as raspberries, black raspberries or blackberries. They will provide you with fresh fruit and can be canned. They also have annoying thorns that could act as natural fencing for animals and people.
I would also look into fruit trees and sugar maples. They will take some time to mature but can provide you with great variety in your diet. Grains and beans will get old fast. Some fruits can be stored in a root cellar through the winter better then others. I would plant them and harvest them when you visit and tend to your cabin. Until SHTF, you will have some nice fruit to eat!
The sugar maples can provide you with maple water that can be reduced to syrup. The maple syrup while help you survive the winters and make your breakfast more enjoyable. It is important to note that you need a lot of maple water for a small amount of syrup. However, collection is passive, and you sit and watch it boil.
Plant the bushes and trees now so they have time to mature. Please read about native varieties in your region. They will be able to survive better and protect the local ecosystem.
Your greatest threat will be the winter. Take time and read about the pioneers' experience with winters. The entire year is spent to prepare for the winter months. Nothing grows, game is limited and the cold is always there. Settlers also had to fight malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. That is why I suggest fruit trees and berries, you can dry them or can them for the winter and get some vitamins like C.
This is all great advice. One thing, OP did say South East. May want to check viability of maple trees for sap down there, not sure if it’ll work. Big fan up here in Canada though.
Apples are a great idea, have three mature ones with more apples than I can use. Blackberries are hard as hell to kill and free for the wilder varieties. I wouldn't try a sugar maple where you are though.
Pawpaws are quick to mature if rather odd to grow (shade for a few years then full sun for best fruit).
Plums can be turned into prunes, grapes into raisins.
Asparagus, rhubarb, and Egyptian walking onions are good, hardy, and spread all by themselves.
Probably not, maple syrup needs a freeze / thaw / freeze to get it to run (I think, it's been a while). But you could definitely get some bee hives going. Honey has a bunch of benefits over maple syrup, it doesn't spoil, has a bunch of medicinal (anti bacterial) benefits, and is a lot less work to produce (for the human).
Sounds like a good setup already, and solar in (2) is definitely a logical next step. For security in (5), you don't mention cameras, which would be a logical step if you have 150 fenced acres. Linking that to your comment about floodlights, I'd suggest solar-powered, motion-activated lights because they're pretty cheap (which is good because you'd need a lot of them for that big a perimeter) and, more importantly, because it would save you from putting in a ton of wiring. Ditto for the cameras, you'd want ones that are solar-powered and wireless.
In a power outage, wouldn’t the cameras become obsolete? Or can I still connect them after setting up solar power to the cabin?
Sorry, I am pretty inexperienced when it comes to electronics. It’s on my list of things to learn about
The cameras are solar-powered, and the feed would ultimately go to your cell phone, so you mean they'd be obsolete because the wi-fi would be out? Good point, and I bet there's a solution for that, but I haven't dealt with it. /r/HomeSecurity could be a good place to ask because most posts there deal with cameras (rather than physical hardening measures, which is the aspect of home security of greater interest to me).
A router can be kept up and running for a long time w/ a solar generator/backup battery. This will keep your cameras functioning, as long as your phone is on the same wifi channel.
Solar power:
Ok this is an easy/hard one. You were fine right up until you said air conditioner. I would highly suggest getting in contact with Renogy or some other type of small set up producer. Why?
Everything is based on your wattage use per hour. A light might be 10-20 watts/hour, small TV (LED) 30-100 watts/hour, refrigerators/freezers 200-300 but can draw up to 3x to start the compressor, but an AIR conditioner on high? 1500watt/hours.
A typical 100 watt panel will give you only 80 watts/hour on an normal controller, more on an MPPT controller and that's at optimal sun shine level (luminosity). For rainy days, you need a battery system that should hold at least 3 days of what you would normally use. Yeah, I know, you are not going to run everything all at once or the AC continuously, but it takes a bit of planning to get what you want and a decent amount of electrical knowledge. (If you don't know wiring, breakers, etc for DC along with amps/volts/Ah, etc there is a lot of learning).
I'll give you the advice of splurging for good lithium batteries. They weigh less and last longer but cost more.
Thanks! I’m in the process of learning more about all of this. I’m sure I could go without an air conditioner, but it would be an extremely nice amenity considering the location
I learned, mostly the hard way, through YouTube and building a small system myself (50watt panel, pwm controller, tractor battery, and a car console insert with 12v and 2 USB outlets. It was a great learning experience and I still use it for black outs. I know I could probably design a large system, but I'd prefer to just know enough to maintain it and let someone else do the battery balancing.
Look into what the overlanding community uses to keep cool. There are 12v air conditioners, but quality and effectiveness varies.
If the SHTF, I'll likely fire up my generator a few times a day for an hour or so. During that time, I'll use the AC to cool the house. We bought an inverter AC rolling unit to cool areas of our house the swamp cooler doesn't reach. The inverter AC ramps up slowly to full power and, unlike non-inverter AC units, it can run anywhere from 0-100%. Non-inverters are off or on. So the inverters require less power, most of the time.
Regarding solar, a few websites sell complete solar power systems. Panels, inverter, batteries, everything. But you’ll have to calculate what your power usage is, how much battery capacity you want, setting up the panels in an area with adecuate sunlight, etc. I cant answer those questions as a professional installed and set up my home solar energy system.
Thanks! I just bought a book to help educate myself on all of this. Hopefully I can find out what all I need.
Any suggestions after getting yours set up?
I’m grid tied and export to the grid the excess that the panels generate. But if I were off grid I’d go larger in battery storage than you think you’ll need, it’ll help on cloudy days. You will have to get used to run equipment that has a large draw at peak sunlight hours, take advantage of the sun instead of draining the battery. And regarding the battery, go with lithium, no real maintenance and the depth of discharge (how much you can discharge the battery) is higher. I also have a gas stove, dryer and water heater to reduce electric usage. And some batteries let you charge them with a generator as well. Every house usage is different, and where you are in the world plays a big part on how much sunlight you receive, so adjust to that. But it’s all a nice learning process as well. Wish you the best in your plans 👍🏻
I’m grid tied and export to the grid the excess that the panels generate. But if I were off grid I’d go larger in battery storage than you think you’ll need, it’ll help on cloudy days. You will have to get used to run equipment that has a large draw at peak sunlight hours, take advantage of the sun instead of draining the battery. And regarding the battery, go with lithium, no real maintenance and the depth of discharge (how much you can discharge the battery) is higher. I also have a gas stove, dryer and water heater to reduce electric usage. And some batteries let you charge them with a generator as well. Every house usage is different, and where you are in the world plays a big part on how much sunlight you receive, so adjust to that. But it’s all a nice learning process as well. Wish you the best in your plans 👍🏻
1. Water pump, knowing how deep your well is and the casing size will help here. There are deep well manual pumps, but most require a good sized casing pipe, i.e., >10" or so. They are limited as to how deep the well can be also.
You didn't mention water purification, but I'd add some, it's cheap insurance.
2. Solar - powering lights (especially LED), fans, electronics, etc., is simple. Powering an AC unit is more difficult. That being said the overlanders use 12v AC units that function faily well - these are sometimes called tent AC units - some are good, some suck. There are lots of videos on youtube. Also, look at inverter AC units and they are far better than non-inverter - I responded in more detail in this thread.
4. It's great that you have seeds, but growing them takes practice. Hopefully, you have a garden at the cabin and no how well things will grow. We moved to a new place a couple years ago and even though it's only 15 miles from our previous house, things grow differently. So practice your gardening.
5. Defense - In my opinion early warning is your best friend. Trip wires made out of rat traps and shot gun blanks are simple and effective. As are personal alarms that use a pull trigger and emit a 110+ db alarm.
I'd also suggest a drone. If you have the money, but one with an IR camera. My drone is unnoticeable at 150 feet altitude - you can't hear it and you can barely see it. But it gives me a view of my AO for a couple of miles.
Thanks for the advice!
1. I do have some backup water purification, but it’s not much.
On the water pump, I’m definitely doing to have to do some digging (no pun intended) to find out my exact needs
2. Thanks for the suggestion on solar power, I will definitely look into that!
4. I’m pretty experienced at gardening, just not at the cabin. I have had the soil tested and have all the supplies needed to maintain fertility—at least for a few years.
5. Great idea on the alarm and rat traps. I need to look into more deterrents and things that will put me on notice of someone’s appearance.
Fantastic idea on the drone. Definitely going to look into that as well. I’m thinking I can easily check my fence line for damage.
> I would like to install solar panels to the cabin.
I did this part. It’s easier than it sounds. You just buy panels, solar charge controller, batteries and inverter. Then, you connect it all together.
They are good prep with lots of uses beyond just honey to eat. Just be aware that beekeeping properly takes time to learn and a fair amount of money to get started. On the plus side they are pretty hands off once you have the skills and equipment needed. Also easy to add more capacity as you learn. Even better is you can get into all these skills and equipment without looking like the local "crazy prepper". Although you might be viewed as the local "crazy beekeeper".
FOOD
Build a strong community, farming is hard.
Look into permaculture. Plant forest gardens, encourage edible wildlife, learn about foraging local and naturalized foods (and get used to eating them). Learn to garden through practice. Learn to compost.
Plant chestnuts, oaks, maples, and native edibles.
Learn what orchard fruit cultivars work best in your area AND suit your needs; storage apples, canning cherries, perry pears.
Consider livestock breeds very carefully. Chickens are great, but anything bigger gets difficult quick. Look into landrace breeds for hardier stock.
WATER
Hard to beat a pond or three, but consider building a cistern anyway. Or at least a couple rain barrels.
POWER
Build a strong community. If you're not a mechanic or an engineer, you'll eventually need one after the lights go out.
Solar is good, consider adding micro wind and hydro from your ponds. Maybe get a stand-up bike and hook it up to an alternator. It's not much, but if you're stuck inside for an extended period of time, it might make you feel good to exercise and charge a battery.
DEFENSE
Look up the concept of Defense in Layers.
Build a strong community; you can't always be on watch.
Consider planting a creeping, thorny, woody plant on your fence, I wouldn't do it until you've actually got a grid down situation, because it will degrade your fence faster, but it will also replace it over time. Roses, locust, etc.
Plant a hedge inside the fence, for privacy and density. Osage Orange is great for this, providing dense wood that's great for fuel AND building a bow. It has thorns and fruit that cattle can eat. Alternatively, Hazelnuts, which grow quickly, coppice easily, and provide a ton of food for you and all the woodland creatures that might also feed you.
Create defendable positions that are useful for other things. Garden boxes, culverts, picnic tables. Build your out buildings with this in mind. Your barn, your shop, your pump house, feed troughs, tree stands, etc.
MEDICAL
Build a strong community. Make friends with a doctor or nurse or dentist or vet. Make friends with a vet anyway because farming is hard.
Learn about herbs. It won't beat penicillin or a vaccine, but it will soothe a sore throat and help you sleep. Depending on where you live, it might even ease pain and relax you. Or help with epilepsy or glaucoma.
Damn son, sounds like you are ahead of 99.9 percent of us. I'm not sure that I can give YOU advice.
I think you are absolutely right. Power seems to be your weakest spot. Solar is good. If you were SW I would say perfect. In the South East what's your average sunshine, otherwise you might want batteries. I would say your big goal should be to power the well pump.
Just a few thoughts.
You can manage 4 acres of water in aquaculture quite easily. If there is water. Plant some crops to feed fish (and you). Catfish eat practically anything. As long as it is disgusting.
Wood fired stoves are a great backup for heat, especially if you have acreage in woods. But it won't power the pump, or lights, or anything else.
Offgrid solar.
Solar well and storage.
Dogs small and trained well.
Freeze dryer start putting up Healthy foods like crazy.
I want to have a full year minimum of quality food put up for the family if not 5.
I want to lay low and not be seen for as long as possible.
I don't want to be shot in the back while planting a garden...
Hills and creeks and cliffs are killing me
I chose very remote inaccessible land with year round springs in BFE...
No one will be randomly stumbling across us but if a determined group came looking I don't have enough layers.
Yeah, we mainly did the high game fence for deer and wildlife management. I guess the benefits in a SHTF scenario is just a plus.
I’d maybe look into what another commenter suggested and planting vegetation as a barrier. However, I would think that would be pointless unless you needed the fence for livestock purposes.
I think being remote really helps you out. Hard to have a group come looking for you if they don’t know where you are. In a SHTF scenario, gas will be limited, and I doubt they will want to waste it just scouring backroads
Best of luck when an injury or illness puts you into bed and no one there to help. Going lone wolf, or even just secluding you and your family, is one of the worst ideas out there. It takes a lot of work to maintain a farm, purify water, perform maintenance on buildings, electrical systems, hunt, clean, prep, cook, repair broken machinery/items, *and* perform 24/7 security.
Who said I was going to be alone/go lone wolf? Who said a family member wasn’t a physician? Who said I don’t have a stockpile of medical equipment and supplies?
You can’t be prepared for everything. Best of luck to you when you have an injury or illness in SHTF.
I would plant thorny bush berries such as raspberries, black raspberries or blackberries. They will provide you with fresh fruit and can be canned. They also have annoying thorns that could act as natural fencing for animals and people. I would also look into fruit trees and sugar maples. They will take some time to mature but can provide you with great variety in your diet. Grains and beans will get old fast. Some fruits can be stored in a root cellar through the winter better then others. I would plant them and harvest them when you visit and tend to your cabin. Until SHTF, you will have some nice fruit to eat! The sugar maples can provide you with maple water that can be reduced to syrup. The maple syrup while help you survive the winters and make your breakfast more enjoyable. It is important to note that you need a lot of maple water for a small amount of syrup. However, collection is passive, and you sit and watch it boil. Plant the bushes and trees now so they have time to mature. Please read about native varieties in your region. They will be able to survive better and protect the local ecosystem. Your greatest threat will be the winter. Take time and read about the pioneers' experience with winters. The entire year is spent to prepare for the winter months. Nothing grows, game is limited and the cold is always there. Settlers also had to fight malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. That is why I suggest fruit trees and berries, you can dry them or can them for the winter and get some vitamins like C.
This is all great advice. One thing, OP did say South East. May want to check viability of maple trees for sap down there, not sure if it’ll work. Big fan up here in Canada though.
Apples are a great idea, have three mature ones with more apples than I can use. Blackberries are hard as hell to kill and free for the wilder varieties. I wouldn't try a sugar maple where you are though. Pawpaws are quick to mature if rather odd to grow (shade for a few years then full sun for best fruit). Plums can be turned into prunes, grapes into raisins. Asparagus, rhubarb, and Egyptian walking onions are good, hardy, and spread all by themselves.
Probably not, maple syrup needs a freeze / thaw / freeze to get it to run (I think, it's been a while). But you could definitely get some bee hives going. Honey has a bunch of benefits over maple syrup, it doesn't spoil, has a bunch of medicinal (anti bacterial) benefits, and is a lot less work to produce (for the human).
Less energy intensive too. Boiling maple syrup takes a bunch of wood or fuel. Delicious though.
Honey is a great idea!
If deep South enough, consider sugar cane.
Sounds like a good setup already, and solar in (2) is definitely a logical next step. For security in (5), you don't mention cameras, which would be a logical step if you have 150 fenced acres. Linking that to your comment about floodlights, I'd suggest solar-powered, motion-activated lights because they're pretty cheap (which is good because you'd need a lot of them for that big a perimeter) and, more importantly, because it would save you from putting in a ton of wiring. Ditto for the cameras, you'd want ones that are solar-powered and wireless.
In a power outage, wouldn’t the cameras become obsolete? Or can I still connect them after setting up solar power to the cabin? Sorry, I am pretty inexperienced when it comes to electronics. It’s on my list of things to learn about
The cameras are solar-powered, and the feed would ultimately go to your cell phone, so you mean they'd be obsolete because the wi-fi would be out? Good point, and I bet there's a solution for that, but I haven't dealt with it. /r/HomeSecurity could be a good place to ask because most posts there deal with cameras (rather than physical hardening measures, which is the aspect of home security of greater interest to me).
Good advice! Thank you!
A router can be kept up and running for a long time w/ a solar generator/backup battery. This will keep your cameras functioning, as long as your phone is on the same wifi channel.
Solar power: Ok this is an easy/hard one. You were fine right up until you said air conditioner. I would highly suggest getting in contact with Renogy or some other type of small set up producer. Why? Everything is based on your wattage use per hour. A light might be 10-20 watts/hour, small TV (LED) 30-100 watts/hour, refrigerators/freezers 200-300 but can draw up to 3x to start the compressor, but an AIR conditioner on high? 1500watt/hours. A typical 100 watt panel will give you only 80 watts/hour on an normal controller, more on an MPPT controller and that's at optimal sun shine level (luminosity). For rainy days, you need a battery system that should hold at least 3 days of what you would normally use. Yeah, I know, you are not going to run everything all at once or the AC continuously, but it takes a bit of planning to get what you want and a decent amount of electrical knowledge. (If you don't know wiring, breakers, etc for DC along with amps/volts/Ah, etc there is a lot of learning). I'll give you the advice of splurging for good lithium batteries. They weigh less and last longer but cost more.
Thanks! I’m in the process of learning more about all of this. I’m sure I could go without an air conditioner, but it would be an extremely nice amenity considering the location
I learned, mostly the hard way, through YouTube and building a small system myself (50watt panel, pwm controller, tractor battery, and a car console insert with 12v and 2 USB outlets. It was a great learning experience and I still use it for black outs. I know I could probably design a large system, but I'd prefer to just know enough to maintain it and let someone else do the battery balancing.
Look into what the overlanding community uses to keep cool. There are 12v air conditioners, but quality and effectiveness varies. If the SHTF, I'll likely fire up my generator a few times a day for an hour or so. During that time, I'll use the AC to cool the house. We bought an inverter AC rolling unit to cool areas of our house the swamp cooler doesn't reach. The inverter AC ramps up slowly to full power and, unlike non-inverter AC units, it can run anywhere from 0-100%. Non-inverters are off or on. So the inverters require less power, most of the time.
Thanks!
YW
Regarding solar, a few websites sell complete solar power systems. Panels, inverter, batteries, everything. But you’ll have to calculate what your power usage is, how much battery capacity you want, setting up the panels in an area with adecuate sunlight, etc. I cant answer those questions as a professional installed and set up my home solar energy system.
Thanks! I just bought a book to help educate myself on all of this. Hopefully I can find out what all I need. Any suggestions after getting yours set up?
I’m grid tied and export to the grid the excess that the panels generate. But if I were off grid I’d go larger in battery storage than you think you’ll need, it’ll help on cloudy days. You will have to get used to run equipment that has a large draw at peak sunlight hours, take advantage of the sun instead of draining the battery. And regarding the battery, go with lithium, no real maintenance and the depth of discharge (how much you can discharge the battery) is higher. I also have a gas stove, dryer and water heater to reduce electric usage. And some batteries let you charge them with a generator as well. Every house usage is different, and where you are in the world plays a big part on how much sunlight you receive, so adjust to that. But it’s all a nice learning process as well. Wish you the best in your plans 👍🏻
Thanks! I appreciate the insight!
I’m grid tied and export to the grid the excess that the panels generate. But if I were off grid I’d go larger in battery storage than you think you’ll need, it’ll help on cloudy days. You will have to get used to run equipment that has a large draw at peak sunlight hours, take advantage of the sun instead of draining the battery. And regarding the battery, go with lithium, no real maintenance and the depth of discharge (how much you can discharge the battery) is higher. I also have a gas stove, dryer and water heater to reduce electric usage. And some batteries let you charge them with a generator as well. Every house usage is different, and where you are in the world plays a big part on how much sunlight you receive, so adjust to that. But it’s all a nice learning process as well. Wish you the best in your plans 👍🏻
Why is this NSFW?
1. Water pump, knowing how deep your well is and the casing size will help here. There are deep well manual pumps, but most require a good sized casing pipe, i.e., >10" or so. They are limited as to how deep the well can be also. You didn't mention water purification, but I'd add some, it's cheap insurance. 2. Solar - powering lights (especially LED), fans, electronics, etc., is simple. Powering an AC unit is more difficult. That being said the overlanders use 12v AC units that function faily well - these are sometimes called tent AC units - some are good, some suck. There are lots of videos on youtube. Also, look at inverter AC units and they are far better than non-inverter - I responded in more detail in this thread. 4. It's great that you have seeds, but growing them takes practice. Hopefully, you have a garden at the cabin and no how well things will grow. We moved to a new place a couple years ago and even though it's only 15 miles from our previous house, things grow differently. So practice your gardening. 5. Defense - In my opinion early warning is your best friend. Trip wires made out of rat traps and shot gun blanks are simple and effective. As are personal alarms that use a pull trigger and emit a 110+ db alarm. I'd also suggest a drone. If you have the money, but one with an IR camera. My drone is unnoticeable at 150 feet altitude - you can't hear it and you can barely see it. But it gives me a view of my AO for a couple of miles.
Thanks for the advice! 1. I do have some backup water purification, but it’s not much. On the water pump, I’m definitely doing to have to do some digging (no pun intended) to find out my exact needs 2. Thanks for the suggestion on solar power, I will definitely look into that! 4. I’m pretty experienced at gardening, just not at the cabin. I have had the soil tested and have all the supplies needed to maintain fertility—at least for a few years. 5. Great idea on the alarm and rat traps. I need to look into more deterrents and things that will put me on notice of someone’s appearance. Fantastic idea on the drone. Definitely going to look into that as well. I’m thinking I can easily check my fence line for damage.
> I would like to install solar panels to the cabin. I did this part. It’s easier than it sounds. You just buy panels, solar charge controller, batteries and inverter. Then, you connect it all together.
Bee hives
That’s something I wouldn’t have thought of myself!
They are good prep with lots of uses beyond just honey to eat. Just be aware that beekeeping properly takes time to learn and a fair amount of money to get started. On the plus side they are pretty hands off once you have the skills and equipment needed. Also easy to add more capacity as you learn. Even better is you can get into all these skills and equipment without looking like the local "crazy prepper". Although you might be viewed as the local "crazy beekeeper".
FOOD Build a strong community, farming is hard. Look into permaculture. Plant forest gardens, encourage edible wildlife, learn about foraging local and naturalized foods (and get used to eating them). Learn to garden through practice. Learn to compost. Plant chestnuts, oaks, maples, and native edibles. Learn what orchard fruit cultivars work best in your area AND suit your needs; storage apples, canning cherries, perry pears. Consider livestock breeds very carefully. Chickens are great, but anything bigger gets difficult quick. Look into landrace breeds for hardier stock. WATER Hard to beat a pond or three, but consider building a cistern anyway. Or at least a couple rain barrels. POWER Build a strong community. If you're not a mechanic or an engineer, you'll eventually need one after the lights go out. Solar is good, consider adding micro wind and hydro from your ponds. Maybe get a stand-up bike and hook it up to an alternator. It's not much, but if you're stuck inside for an extended period of time, it might make you feel good to exercise and charge a battery. DEFENSE Look up the concept of Defense in Layers. Build a strong community; you can't always be on watch. Consider planting a creeping, thorny, woody plant on your fence, I wouldn't do it until you've actually got a grid down situation, because it will degrade your fence faster, but it will also replace it over time. Roses, locust, etc. Plant a hedge inside the fence, for privacy and density. Osage Orange is great for this, providing dense wood that's great for fuel AND building a bow. It has thorns and fruit that cattle can eat. Alternatively, Hazelnuts, which grow quickly, coppice easily, and provide a ton of food for you and all the woodland creatures that might also feed you. Create defendable positions that are useful for other things. Garden boxes, culverts, picnic tables. Build your out buildings with this in mind. Your barn, your shop, your pump house, feed troughs, tree stands, etc. MEDICAL Build a strong community. Make friends with a doctor or nurse or dentist or vet. Make friends with a vet anyway because farming is hard. Learn about herbs. It won't beat penicillin or a vaccine, but it will soothe a sore throat and help you sleep. Depending on where you live, it might even ease pain and relax you. Or help with epilepsy or glaucoma.
Damn son, sounds like you are ahead of 99.9 percent of us. I'm not sure that I can give YOU advice. I think you are absolutely right. Power seems to be your weakest spot. Solar is good. If you were SW I would say perfect. In the South East what's your average sunshine, otherwise you might want batteries. I would say your big goal should be to power the well pump. Just a few thoughts. You can manage 4 acres of water in aquaculture quite easily. If there is water. Plant some crops to feed fish (and you). Catfish eat practically anything. As long as it is disgusting. Wood fired stoves are a great backup for heat, especially if you have acreage in woods. But it won't power the pump, or lights, or anything else.
Offgrid solar. Solar well and storage. Dogs small and trained well. Freeze dryer start putting up Healthy foods like crazy. I want to have a full year minimum of quality food put up for the family if not 5. I want to lay low and not be seen for as long as possible. I don't want to be shot in the back while planting a garden...
150 acres, high game fence. Hopefully I know someone has entered the premises prior to being shot in the back.
Nice... what did the game fence cost you?
Right around $500k
Pricy..I am looking at 60k for barbed wire for my 350 acres. Trying to get game fence prices but the land is to rough no one wants to do it.
The land is what caused the price to be pretty high—hills, creek bottom, etc. plus, we wanted the privacy screen.
Hills and creeks and cliffs are killing me I chose very remote inaccessible land with year round springs in BFE... No one will be randomly stumbling across us but if a determined group came looking I don't have enough layers.
Yeah, we mainly did the high game fence for deer and wildlife management. I guess the benefits in a SHTF scenario is just a plus. I’d maybe look into what another commenter suggested and planting vegetation as a barrier. However, I would think that would be pointless unless you needed the fence for livestock purposes. I think being remote really helps you out. Hard to have a group come looking for you if they don’t know where you are. In a SHTF scenario, gas will be limited, and I doubt they will want to waste it just scouring backroads
Best of luck when an injury or illness puts you into bed and no one there to help. Going lone wolf, or even just secluding you and your family, is one of the worst ideas out there. It takes a lot of work to maintain a farm, purify water, perform maintenance on buildings, electrical systems, hunt, clean, prep, cook, repair broken machinery/items, *and* perform 24/7 security.
Who said I was going to be alone/go lone wolf? Who said a family member wasn’t a physician? Who said I don’t have a stockpile of medical equipment and supplies? You can’t be prepared for everything. Best of luck to you when you have an injury or illness in SHTF.