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How does one live off the land in today's day and age?

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burtonridr:
At one point I had a similar view. After a lot of reading about people I thought lived that type of life(trappers and explorers in my case), I learned that what they were actually doing wasn’t so much “living off the land”, but “earning a living off the land”. Sure they would do a lot of what I think we imagine, but their primary focus was usually pursuing something that had value to be traded for the things they needed. Everything else was purely to survive.

In my view to "live off the land" in this day in age, I would search for areas with lots of resources for basic necessities that you can rightfully use to survive and make a living.

jimmi the sammi:
Recommended reading on this topic:  Payne Hollow, Life on the fringe of society by Harlan Hubbard.  Copyright 1974.  Obviously printed a long time ago but still very interesting reading and relevant to this conversation.

JEB:
Easiest way is to sign up for the show Alone, get picked and find out. Otherwise, X2 what Pearl wrote, can't happen legally in the lower 48.

SLIMBOB:
I consider myself an outdoorsman.  It is something I have been interested in since I was very young, maybe 6 or 7.  Love to hunt, fish, trap, forage.  I have a decent grasp on edible plants, snares, deadfalls yadda yadda.  But I gotta tell ya, being alone is a completely different animal from having a companion along.  Completely different.  I have gone out with a blanket and water, a little dried meat. The first night alone is unsettling.  The next day lasts an eternity and the second night is worse than the first.  Every sound is amplified.  The imagination runs wildly in all directions.  2-3 days is about my limit and that's a stretch.  When my dog is along, no problem.  But completely alone is just....impossible to explain and make sense of it.

Chief RID:
I think community is where it is at. I love the "modern" lifestyle and would never choose to be different but the romance of the wilderness and living alone is more than compelling. That said, learning all you can about survival and primitive skills is fun and money in the bank. Especially these days. For those who do go out alone on the mountain to hunt, fish, or just experience for days at a time, no matter how well supplied; have my utmost respect. Learning from those folks is a gift but mastering skills is the best.

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