I am currently in the US Navy but I want to move to alaska, build my own cabin, and live off the land. Before I just jump into something like that I would like to work with someone who has already done this. I will be making my move in 2013 when my contract is up. I would like to find someone who is willing to take me under their wing for a year nd teach me everything I need to know. I would prefer to be close to anchorage because that's where i want to buy the land but anywhere is fine. If anyone out there is willing to help me become a sufficient survivalist please let me know.
looking for old pro who wants help
- Thread starter tracy
- Start date
MORSNO
New member
Read this http://www.amazon.com/Into-Wild-Jon-Krakauer/dp/0385486804 on what not to do.
I'd say off hand, it ain't gonna happen the way you would like it to happen... your about 50 years too late.../John
greythorn3
New member
slow down there tiger! take it one step at a time.
greythorn3
New member
i can start u off in a tent in my back yard. i have a small creek you can fish in for practice.
Dirtofak
New member
Survivalist and close to Anchorage does not compute.
LuJon
Moderator
Tracy, I know it probably sounds like a bunch of people here are being really negative but we have a LOT of history of people coming to the forum with the exact same plan you have. Fact of the matter is that AK has never really been a "survivalist" state. Even the great Dick Proenekke had regular support from outside bringing him in essentials. The sad fact is that is MUCH more expensive today than it was at that time. The game density in AK is much less than in the lower 48 and despite "surviving" you still have to abide by the state game laws so you only get a precious few weeks a year to legally harvest an animal, then you have to figure out how to keep the meat stored and safe.
Add to that the fact that you would be a non resident for the first year so you would have to buy non-res hunting license and tags. What about vegetables? It is possible to garden in AK but you will have a limited crop. Not to mention that you have to find land that is capable of growing a garden. You also need to find a place where you can build a dwelling of some sort. In most of AK finding enough trees to build a cabin is a struggle. You also don't own the land off your property so any trees on it are not yours to use for the purposes of building. Most people in AK build over the course of several years by hauling in materials over the winter and then doing construction over the summer. Again even Dick Proenekke did exactly that by spending the summer prior to his move into the bush cutting, hauling, and stacking logs for his future cabin.
As far as "near Anchorage" people already own all of that or it is state/fed park/refuge so there isn't much in the way of "survival" land out there. Oh and you get to pay property taxes in those areas. If you want to live alone and have some privacy look at Copper Center or other similar areas. No property tax and they have enough of a tourist season that you can probably get some sort of a summer job to help make ends meet. There is always the Healy area too but that one didn't work out so well for Mr McCandles...
Add to that the fact that you would be a non resident for the first year so you would have to buy non-res hunting license and tags. What about vegetables? It is possible to garden in AK but you will have a limited crop. Not to mention that you have to find land that is capable of growing a garden. You also need to find a place where you can build a dwelling of some sort. In most of AK finding enough trees to build a cabin is a struggle. You also don't own the land off your property so any trees on it are not yours to use for the purposes of building. Most people in AK build over the course of several years by hauling in materials over the winter and then doing construction over the summer. Again even Dick Proenekke did exactly that by spending the summer prior to his move into the bush cutting, hauling, and stacking logs for his future cabin.
As far as "near Anchorage" people already own all of that or it is state/fed park/refuge so there isn't much in the way of "survival" land out there. Oh and you get to pay property taxes in those areas. If you want to live alone and have some privacy look at Copper Center or other similar areas. No property tax and they have enough of a tourist season that you can probably get some sort of a summer job to help make ends meet. There is always the Healy area too but that one didn't work out so well for Mr McCandles...
hiline
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Get a job as a winter caretaker they give you room and board and some pay. That way you will to experience an Alaska winter without the risk. Get some time in the bush working for a lodge or outfitter to get some time under your belt before you take the dive. Life in the bush is hard enough much less going through a learning curve your first year. I spent several years working in the bush and the fringe of the bush before I moved our here.
Amigo Will
New member
You shoot yourself in the foot when you say near Anchorage (Burbs) or even Fairbanks. I would look to central Alaska or S.E.. Other than Bushrat here I don't know anyone else that would even have a computer to see you query.
Tracy,
I am a retired Navy guy who had the same dreams as you. I was stationed here back in the 80's and decided when I retired to return and go to a life style like you desire. Places and people change as time goes by. When I returned reality set in to how much the state has changed and priorities had to change as well. To make a long story short I have been back here 7 years now, ended up living in the valley, working in town and turned my ambitions to building a cabin out in the hills near Lake Louise. I have spent all that time finding the best land that I could afford, cabin plans, buying material and finally this winter hauling out building supplies. Hope to have the shell up before fall so I can work the interior this winter. Yes, it has taken awhile but it has all been worth it so far. Please P.M. me. I will give you any assistance I can. What you want can be done, you may have to adjust your timeline and be willing to go thru some pain to achieve your goal. I wish you luck shipmate.
I am a retired Navy guy who had the same dreams as you. I was stationed here back in the 80's and decided when I retired to return and go to a life style like you desire. Places and people change as time goes by. When I returned reality set in to how much the state has changed and priorities had to change as well. To make a long story short I have been back here 7 years now, ended up living in the valley, working in town and turned my ambitions to building a cabin out in the hills near Lake Louise. I have spent all that time finding the best land that I could afford, cabin plans, buying material and finally this winter hauling out building supplies. Hope to have the shell up before fall so I can work the interior this winter. Yes, it has taken awhile but it has all been worth it so far. Please P.M. me. I will give you any assistance I can. What you want can be done, you may have to adjust your timeline and be willing to go thru some pain to achieve your goal. I wish you luck shipmate.
