I don’t particularly like
reality shows. I don’t care how “hidden” the cameras, those involved are aware
of them and react accordingly. I do believe the producers will and do encourage
certain actions/reactions to increase drama for the viewers.
I’m especially irritated
with the alleged wilderness and survival shows. Those really get me. My husband
loves the Alaskan shows—homesteaders, mountain men, and those that do trapping
for the winter. I’m not saying all of them are bad but most of them aren't a
good example of how to live in these areas or live off the land.
Granted, there are some
good pointers in these shows for when you’re camping out in harsh elements. How
to create a shelter, make a warm bed, and keep you warm and hydrated. But, invariably, these shows play the whole
scenario of there’s a storm coming and we’re one step from death and what
WILL we do? Hello, if you've prepared like a smart person would you ride out
the storm. If you haven’t prepared you shouldn't be out there or standing in
front of cameras showing your stupidity.
Feh.
Most trappers I've known
through the years have used the summer to stock foods, lay in wood for the line
shacks, plenty of blankets, and keep extra supplies to repair equipment. Even
those who use winter tents know the likely spots to stop where there is plenty
of wood and shelter from storms and winds. While I’m on irritations, I haven’t
known a trapper to go out on the line unarmed. That’s for several reasons, one,
to dispatch an animal that may still be alive in the traps, two, to protect
themselves against an aggressive predators, and three, to hunt for food if
necessary.
I caught part of one
particular show recently. The guy is talking about a grizzly that’s been around
and looking for food near his cabin. The grizzly had also caused some damage in
its quest for food. Yes, he was smart to approach the line shack cautiously.
Stop, look, and listen is a mantra for any savvy hunter or woodsman when approaching
a place that’s unoccupied most of the year, or anyplace where dangerous
predators are part of the population. You don’t know what’s there and it’s
smart to be cautious. Surprising a
bear, for instance, and particularly a grizzly (which can be territorial and
nasty on any given day) isn't wise. But where the hell was this dude’s rifle?
He knows there is a grizzly roaming the area and has been hanging around the
cabin and he doesn't have a rifle in his hands and a back up pistol on his
belt? Seriously? And then he walks up
to the cabin door and guess what? There’s hair on the door (I guess the bears
up there are taught to be polite and knock). How dramatic.
Then there’s the dude who
likes solitude and lives in this cabin in the middle of nowhere and when he’s
there, lives off the land. That makes sense. But then he’s just about starving
to death? In the summer and early fall?
How can you be hungry with all the abundant wildlife to hunt? If he goes
to this spot regularly (and he does), how has he not researched edible plants
and where they are? Oh, and here’s a novel thought if you’re going to live
there from spring to late fall. Ever think of planting a small garden? Fishing is good, but one pole and line? Ever
heard of a trotline dude? When it comes to putting food on the table you look
for ways to maximize success.
Upcoming guest in June:
4th: Isobel Rey, 6th: Dawn Ryder
13th: Elizabeth Staab, 18th Emily Greewood
20th: Marie Hart, 25th Annalisa Crawford
