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I'm basing that on what I've seen of police interactions with homeless people in the cities versus my own experiences hunting, hiking, and camping. If you're ou

I'm basing that on what I've seen of police interactions with homeless people in the cities versus my own experiences hunting, hiking, and camping. If you're out in the woods in a place you have a right to be, and you appear to know what you're doing, the ranger will usually just make sure you look like you'll live through the night. By contrast, a homeless person is likely to face a presumption of guilt in a city cop's eyes and at the very least be questioned, which can lead to identity issues. A ranger is likely to just say "carry on" without asking for ID if you're just camping. That said, it's a good idea to not haunt a particular area too long, city or countryside.

pavel_lishin 10y ago
I'm going to assume you know more about this than I do, because I know virtually nothing; I just sort of blindly assumed that you'd build a semi-permanent shelter and do some light farming in the area - but like I said, what I know about survival I learned from a handful of television shows. I also know that it didn't look particularly fun, either - I think given my options, I'd rather be homeless in a city rather than homeless in the wilderness.
- morganvachon 10y ago
  Well, if you're not hiding your identity and you just want to live off the land, go ahead and sell your investments and car and buy some acreage to homestead. It's a rough life but it's doable and enjoyable if you have the right mindset. If you're hiding your identity, you don't want to put down roots; a nomadic lifestyle is a must. Personally I'm the opposite of you, I grew up playing in the woods and living on a farm so I'd be at home in the wilderness. In the city I'd be too paranoid to be comfortable, especially if I didn't want people to know who I was. There's also the middle ground: Hike/hitchhike your way across the country, getting as far from "home" as you can. Find a small town or a farm where you can work for cash/room and board, don't ask too many questions and don't answer too many. After a few months or so, move on to another small town and start over. It's a hybrid lifestyle that may work for some people, keeps you mostly incognito but still near the comforts of modern life.
  - pavel_lishin 10y ago
    The middle ground sounds like it would be a pleasant way to spend some time, but I think I probably missed my chance for awhile, given that I've got a seven month old at home now :P

pavel_lishin 10y ago

I'm going to assume you know more about this than I do, because I know virtually nothing; I just sort of blindly assumed that you'd build a semi-permanent shelter and do some light farming in the area - but like I said, what I know about survival I learned from a handful of television shows. I also know that it didn't look particularly fun, either - I think given my options, I'd rather be homeless in a city rather than homeless in the wilderness.

morganvachon 10y ago
Well, if you're not hiding your identity and you just want to live off the land, go ahead and sell your investments and car and buy some acreage to homestead. It's a rough life but it's doable and enjoyable if you have the right mindset. If you're hiding your identity, you don't want to put down roots; a nomadic lifestyle is a must. Personally I'm the opposite of you, I grew up playing in the woods and living on a farm so I'd be at home in the wilderness. In the city I'd be too paranoid to be comfortable, especially if I didn't want people to know who I was. There's also the middle ground: Hike/hitchhike your way across the country, getting as far from "home" as you can. Find a small town or a farm where you can work for cash/room and board, don't ask too many questions and don't answer too many. After a few months or so, move on to another small town and start over. It's a hybrid lifestyle that may work for some people, keeps you mostly incognito but still near the comforts of modern life.
- pavel_lishin 10y ago
  The middle ground sounds like it would be a pleasant way to spend some time, but I think I probably missed my chance for awhile, given that I've got a seven month old at home now :P