Is it possible to legally live in the wilderness?

Question

I am a former longtime boyscout and outdoor enthusiast so survival would be a challenge but very possible. I have become very upset with the direction society has taken and would like to live in a remote undisturbed wilderness location for 1-3 years to search for the answers of life that I can not answer in such a jaded society. Is there a place where this would legally be possible, thinking maybe east Texas.

I am educated, but the answers I am seeking can not be found in a book. I have no debt and am decently well off from an inheritance from my grandma, money means little to me. I do not expect everyone to understand why I would do such a thing.

I choose Texas because East Texas, while possessing large cities, contains large spans of uninhabited land. While I am confident in my survival skills even I would not want to bear the dangers of artic climates or tropical rainforests.

Answer 1

sure

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Wilderness Living

Answer 4

I'm not altogether certain. If it isn't public land it's private land. Public land means just that.

You can only be there so long. I think you'd be allowed to stay a week or two and asked to remove by about five hundred feet.

They really do encourage official campsites and RV parks. That's how ' wilderness ' it seems you're allowed to be.

Too, you have to contend with wildlife and it can be quite wild. I remember being dived on by a hawk with intentions of taking my ear off. Didn't see or hear it coming.

In Palm Springs, California! A lot of blood but okay,and a hairline scar. There's bears and bobcats and depending on the area, whatever is pertinent to it.

I commend your motive. I don't see it as ' running away ' or
' copping out '. Just a bit on the ascetic side. In most places most people would do well to evacuate fast for the evil found there.

If you had a used van, that would be a great aid. Don't trust anyone as there are a plethora of abjects affecting just such a disposition who are but users, derelicts, and worse.

It's not an easy thing you want to fathom. Nothing of substance generally is. I welcome your any subsequent e - mail. Answers like this are what the spirit asks. You'd do well to start with the book of books. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Hello Justin J.
I used to live on a 13 acre place in the Big Thicket which is just outside Cleveland Texas about 70 miles north of Houston up highway 59. A lovely place but it has certain draw backs both legally and by mother nature.

First you can camp in most national forests anywhere you can find a spot large enough for your tent. the time is limited to 13 days only. after that you have to relocate to a different site. This is to deter squaters.

Now for nature, surfice it to say; copperheads,cotton mouths and rattlers, black widows, brown recluse, fire ants and mosquitoes that can carry you away. For drinking water, well there is none. What water is available is so bacteria infested that it would not be fit to drink regardless of any treatment you might use.Fire wood is plentiful but the summer is very dry and fires are frowned on if not totally forbidden with the exception fire pits provided by rangers and I don't think that's what you had in mind.

I admire you ambition for your quest however if I were you I would find a more suitable location. Try the mountains of Montana, the winters are cold but tolerable to someone like you with survival training and the summers are a gift straight from heaven. There is always water nearby, the forest here is a food source in itself and the peace and solitude are like none other I've found. Your only stumbling block that I can think of is the 13 day limit. And make sure you bring a very ample supply of pepper spray. Good luck and God's speed.

Answer 6

Officially, you will never get a government agency to tell you that it is okay. Unofficially as long as you aren't setting up residence (ie a permanent camp) you are probably going to be okay. Try not to overstay your welcome at any one area. Maybe two weeks max and then move to another beautiful spot. A good idea may be the Appalaichan Trail though I believe they have a few more rules about how long you can stay in one spot. Most State Forests, at least in my home state of Michigan, have a limit of 15 days in a camp. If you are out in the wilderness where there are no "official" camping sites most folks would probably never even know you are there.

On the reasoning behind your wish, I understand. Might I suggest that this may be just what you need. All the great spiritual leaders "spent some time on the mountain" as it were. Sometimes you just need some time to allow yourself to grow and let your mind become what it needs to be.

On the cautionary side - while you may feel you are an expert living in the wild can be very tough. You may want to explore some nature survival schools like the Nature Awareness School in Lyndhurst Virginia or Tom Brown Jr's Tracker school in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. You may find some of what you are looking for beside the survival side. I came away from my class at the Nature Awareness School with a whole new outlook on life. I highly suggest either of them.

I have my profile set up to accept emails, if you have any questions or anything feel free to email me.

Answer 7

The entire country likely falls under laws, so that makes what you ask quite impossible. You could though explain what you plan to do and that way apply for a permit to catch food for sustenance, as well as a permit to set up camp/home base within a certain area. Though I'm not sure if the laws that are in place provide for any such things.

So at best you can get a restricted form of freedom/lawlessness. If you want to play it according to the book.

You could then again go into the wilderness and just see what happens. Would be a great adventure and would definitely put some questions and answers on your plate.

Either way, best of luck to you.

Answer 8

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is it possible to legally live in the wilderness?
I am a former longtime boyscout and outdoor enthusiast so survival would be a challenge but very possible. I have become very upset with the direction society has taken and would like to live in a remote undisturbed wilderness location for 1-3 years to search for the answers of life that I can not...

Answer 9

Texas would not be my first, or second, or third, etc. choice. If you are looking for wilderness, I live in Alaska, and we have plenty here. There are vast areas that you could become lost in, and if God is with you, even survive. Canada also has yet vast wilderness areas. Consider that you can fit Texas, Montana, and California in Alaska. Canada is even larger. I would not recommend you trying without God, but if you do, be well prepared. And one last thing. Do not be surprised if you run into others doing the same thing. Research well the area of your choice. I live in the woods near a highway, and yet the wild-lands are but a half mile away. Two steps out my door and I am in the woods. Even here we have bears and moose etc. and either can kill a man easily. Then there is always the possibility of injuries. If you are fifty miles from nowhere, you could easily die. So be wise if you do this thing.

Answer 10

I think India has the highest ever number of such people who live in wilderness for this very purpose and none else ! This is so since many centuries in India. Over a period of time, it has developed as a technique, and lot of preparation goes into it. All this is to say that, it is perfectly legal, ethical, and sensible to do it, provided there is sufficient intensity. There are living Masters who can guide such sincere people.
If you are really serious, the link of the web page is given, and it may help you. They may have contact centers close to where you live. Try e-mail, or other contact.

Answer 11

Yes, you can stay on any public land, the bad news is you must move a minimum of 500 ft every 14-15 days so yes also far as hunting and fishing for food yes as long as you have proper liscenses and permits for larger game and certain species of fish but short answer is yes. BLM land requires you move every 14 days and you must leave it as you found it ie no litter or trash and all holes theyd prefer you save the sod and replace once you are done. Only problem i see with your plans would be fires alot of places are in severe drought and so fires arent allowed but there are propane camp stoves and heaters. And alot of them are very efficient and safe. Hope this helps, also dont let the haterz stop you. If you search the web the BLM has a website and you might wanna look and check their regulations as they may have changed as its been a few years since i was out there. And if push comes to shove theres always the bayou and no one owns that. Good luck