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I have been looking for a dedicated .22 Long Rifle (LR) small game rifle built along the lines of a target rifle. If I ever have to feed myself using a .22 rifle I want one that is heavier than normal for stability, is significantly more accurate than most factory rifles, has good optics and a good trigger, is easier to clean and maintain, can be cleaned from the chamber end of the barrel, fits my adult size well, takes a detachable magazine, has a conventional stock, and will always work. It must have practical accuracy as well as mechanical accuracy.

Firearms are tools. I wanted this one to be a great tool that will enable me to cleanly and ethically take small game such as rabbits and squirrels home for dinner. Raccoons, fox, marmots, bobcats, and coyotes should be within its capabilities with proper shot placement.

The choice of caliber is part of the appeal of this type of rifle. Ammo availability is very good, although prices have gone up recently. You may need to try several different brands of ammo since some rifles show definite accuracy preferences. Once you find the most accurate brand for your particular rifle you can stock up on that ammo. Even if your rifle winds up being picky about the most accurate ammo it should still shoot almost any ammo you come across, just not quite as accurately.

From a logistics standpoint, you can carry hundreds of 22 rounds in the space taken up by just a few big game centerfire or shotgun cartridges. Consider the weight of a single shotgun shell used to take one squirrel vs. the number of .22 cartridges you can carry for that same weight, each having the possibility of taking a squirrel. The .22 Long Rifle cartridge is time and field tested, relatively quiet, and the recoil is almost nonexistent. If needed it would be an excellent training rifle.

After a lot of looking, I could not find exactly what I had in mind. I had been thinking along the lines of a very accurate adult-sized bolt action rifle with a Match chamber and a solid way of mounting the scope. Having said that, I was not averse to a reliable semi-automatic rifle if it met the accuracy and scope mounting requirements.

I found that most bolt action repeaters came with standard chambers and could not easily be fitted with a Match barrel. I did find a few very nice rifles that looked great to me but the prices, even used, were simply too high. I learned that a true .22 Match chamber would not always accept some standard .22 ammunition due to the very tight and short chamber. This was a big negative to me and made me reconsider my requirements. A chamber somewhere in between a standard and a Match chamber would be a plus if it would work with most standard .22 cartridges.

I started to look at some semiautomatic rifles but the factory…

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Vermicomposting, or worm farming, is a fascinating and effective method of utilizing worms to break down organic materials into nutrient-rich fertilizer. This process involves the use of a specially designed vermicomposting bin, which creates a conducive environment for the worms to thrive and reproduce.

The beauty of this approach is that it offers a simple and sustainable solution for transforming food waste into compost. Instead of throwing away table scraps or other organic matter, which may end up in landfills, vermiculture provides a practical way of repurposing such materials. Through the action of the worms, the organic matter is transformed into a high-quality fertilizer known as “worm castings.”

Furthermore, a vermicomposting bin can help maintain the ideal conditions for hosting a worm-friendly habitat. The bin can be filled with bedding material such as shredded paper, coconut coir, or peat moss, which serves as a comfortable home for the worms. Additionally, the bin should be kept at a moderate temperature and moisture level to support the worms’ growth and reproduction.

Vermiculture is a natural and eco-friendly approach to composting that offers numerous benefits. By creating a vermicomposting bin and using worms to break down organic material, one can create nutrient-rich fertilizer and help reduce waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Benefits of vermicomposting

Vermicomposting, the practice of using worms to break down organic materials into fertilizer, offers a host of benefits for backyard gardens. Here are a few reasons why:

• Vermicomposting can enhance an existing composting operation by creating a nutrient-rich supplement to traditional compost. Worms like red wigglers and earthworms are particularly effective at breaking down organic matter, which speeds up the composting process.
• The end product of vermicomposting is a high-yield fertilizer that contains more humus than traditional compost. Humus, a key component of soil, improves aeration and water retention, leading to healthier plants and more robust growth.
• Vermicompost is also rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients that promote plant health. It contains worm castings, partially decomposed organic materials, and fragments of plants, food, and other detritus that can stimulate plant growth and vitality.
• Micronutrients in vermicompost, such as magnesium and sulfur, are slowly released into the soil and bound in a way that prevents them from being washed away in heavy rain. This means that plants can access these nutrients over a longer period, which can lead to stronger and more resilient growth.

The benefits of vermicomposting go beyond plant health and environmental sustainability. It can also be a cost-effective way to produce high-quality fertilizer. Starting a vermicomposting system requires minimal investment and can even be done for free if you have a friend who already keeps worms. Once your system is set up, simply ask your friend for a dozen or so worms to get started.

Within a few months, your worm population will begin to multiply, and you’ll have a steady supply of natural fertilizer at your…

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As the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, more and more individuals are turning to preparedness as a means of safeguarding themselves and their loved ones against emergencies and crises of all sizes.

The idea of being self-sufficient and ready for anything can be enticing, but it’s crucial to approach it with care and caution. Like any other venture, there’s a right way to prepare, and there are countless incorrect ways to do so. Unfortunately, several common prepping errors could jeopardize one’s safety and security rather than protecting it.

It’s vital to be aware of these mistakes and avoid them when preparing for emergencies. In this article, we will examine some of the most typical prepping mistakes and how to prevent them.

Buying stuff without research

When it comes to preparing for emergencies, there is no shortage of information available online. A quick search using your preferred search engine will yield thousands of lists recommending essential equipment and supplies.

While these lists can be a helpful starting point, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not be the best choice for someone else. That’s why it’s crucial to do your research and make informed decisions.

One way to gain insight into the quality and usefulness of a particular product is to read reviews. However, don’t just focus on positive feedback; be sure to read negative reviews as well. Additionally, seek out video reviews so that you can see the product in action.

Pay close attention to any issues or problems that the reviewer may have encountered. It’s worth noting that complaints don’t always indicate that the product is of poor quality. Sometimes, issues arise from a lack of understanding of what the product was designed to handle. Ultimately, you should make your own decision based on the information you gather.

Moreover, it’s important to consider your unique circumstances and situation. Take into account factors such as your family composition, location, experience level, and budget. Before purchasing any prepping gear or supplies, it’s critical to assess whether it’s necessary or at least useful to you.

Otherwise, you may end up wasting your limited budget on things that won’t be of much help in an emergency. Therefore, conducting thorough research that takes your individual needs into account is key to effective emergency preparedness.

Failing to test gear

I’ve noticed a common trend among those who showcase their emergency gear. More often than not, the items are still in their original packaging, brand new and untouched. Upon speaking with these individuals, it’s typically revealed that they’ve assembled their gear based on online or book lists and have never actually used any of it.

While some may justify this by claiming they don’t want to waste anything or risk damaging the equipment, the truth is that the middle of a crisis is the worst time to discover that a product is missing parts…

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By the author of Prepper’s Natural Medicine and Prepping for a Pandemic.

Do you have a dental kit for your bug-out bag? I’ve seen a lot of great bug-out bags loaded up with all manner of tacti-cool gear, tiny first aid kits stuffed into Altoid tins, and ultralight camping supplies. That’s wonderful and all, but where’s the dental kit?

For new preppers, a bug-out bag (BOB) holds the supplies you need to evacuate from your primary location to your (presumably safe) secondary location. Your bag is intended to get you from Point A to Point B.

Your Bug Out Bag Needs a Dental Kit

Since you aren’t living long-term out of your BOB, you may not think that dental supplies are as important as other supplies, like a good knife or paracord. After all, what’re a few days without brushing your teeth going to hurt, right?

Mouth pain is no joke. Imagine you ended up with some food stuck between your teeth. I find that wildly irritating and have to get it out. Otherwise, the gum swells, becomes tender, and sometimes bleeds. Food can stay stuck there, rotting, causing bacteria to breed like rabbits. Next thing you know, you have an infection.

If you think mouth pain is miserable now, imagine it post-SHTF, with no access to a local pharmacy and no local dentist. Why deal with that, when simple brushing and flossing can dislodge that bit of beef jerky from your teeth?

Here’s another example for you. You are bugging out, and while eating, a cap breaks off or a filling comes out. If you have the right supplies, you can fix that and get on with your bug out. Hopefully, there is a dentist where you are going. And hopefully, that dentist’s office and still has power. But, imagine having to finish your bug out with an open cavity in your mouth.

You could fall and end up with a wound in your mouth, lose a tooth, or a half-dozen other things that are prevented by regular, daily dental hygiene. If this is going to be a long-term bug out, daily hygiene becomes even more important to prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections.

Dollar Store Dental Preps

Everyone gets strapped for cash once in a while. Some of us pinch pennies more often than others. While wholesale clubs and buying in bulk may give you the best deal for your dollar, not everyone has the cash up front to pay for a 5-pack of family-sized toothpaste. Never mind that the…

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There is a possibility of encountering a bear population regardless of whether you reside in a heavily forested region, the desert, or near large lakes, in North America. Living in a remote location raises the likelihood of encountering a bear, particularly during camping. While camping in a bear sanctuary is not advisable, taking precautions can prevent a bear attack.

Be Informed

To prevent a bear encounter and defend yourself in case of an attack, it is essential to be informed about bears and their way of life. While conducting individual research with your local wildlife authority is preferable, below is a beginner’s guide to the bears you are likely to come across:

American Black Bears

The American black bear is the most widely distributed bear species in the United States, with over 700,000 residing in 40 mainland states and an additional 300,000 in Alaska, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. You could encounter one of the 16 distinct subspecies of the American black bear, ranging from the Olympic black bear in Northern California to the Florida black bear in the southeastern states, regardless of where you live.

Despite having a primarily vegetarian diet, American black bears will eat young deer and moose and scavenge already dead carcasses. Northern American black bears consume more during the summer months because they hibernate for up to seven months in the winter, while Southern American black bears usually hibernate for two to three months or may not hibernate at all due to the availability of food year-round.

Females of the species typically weigh up to 400 lbs., while males can weigh up to 500 lbs. and they possess non-retractable claws that allow them to climb trees swiftly. Their top running speed is approximately 25 mph, and their sense of smell is seven times more powerful than that of a dog. Bears typically communicate with each other by scratching and rubbing their bodies against trees, and they make two types of vocal sounds: aggressive sounds such as roars, snorts, woofs, and growls, and content sounds such as pants, mumbles, and squeaks. The high-pitch whine of cubs is a distinctive cry that their mothers can easily recognize when they are separated from one another.

It is essential to note that American black bears are not an inherently aggressive species and will only attack when they feel threatened, which may include feeling startled, fearing for their cubs, or protecting their food source.

Brown Bears

Brown bears do not inhabit most parts of the United States, but are primarily found in the Northwestern United States, Western Canada, and all of Alaska. While there are 17 different subspecies of brown bear, only seven are found in North America. It’s important to note that despite the smaller population, there are over 3,000 Kodiak bears, a subspecies of brown bear, in Alaska. The Kodiak is the second largest bear in the world, with only the polar bear being…

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The Soil Learning Center is a hub of resources for farmers & growers who are on the regenerative journey. A platform created by soil lovers at Farming Secrets Media Group.

The goal of Soil Learning Center is just that: creating a central online space bringing together resources, education, content and inspiration, to better your growing practices, boost profits and product quality with an emphasis on sustainability and promote freedom from climate change.

For today’s modern farmers, you can’t afford to not know about regenerative farming and how these practices can help you succeed. 

We’ll also discuss successful stories from other farmers and growers who have found their unique solutions using nature’s tools with this new form of agriculture. 

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Asher emphasises how The Soil Book teaches earth science in ways thatnurture a sense of working together to discover solutions in the soil – without always having to have all the answers. He wants kids to go from looking down at the ground in wonder  to growing up to run city councils that value biodiversity. “Children are the future, yah?” he says.

From rhymes and storytelling of “slippery, spinny spidey nemotodes” to illustrations of mycelium and mushrooms and colouring sections with protozoa and rhizome, The Soil Book is a real-life adventure for kids and adults alike. The soil kit teems with activities from an interactive board game to cards, science photos, soil tests, and teacher’s references. 

The book engages every learning style just as nature does, for a true and tactile depth of experiential wisdom rooted in childlike learning. 

Asher’s own childlike instinct comes through when asked to be the voice of the soil by Regen Ray. Regen Ray asks him, “If you were to become the soil and embody the energy of our soil and you could give it a voice, what would you tell us all here on Earth?”

Asher happily plays the voice of soil: “I’d say be very humble like me, the soil, where I just let – let it all in, and let it all sort itself out. You know, let’s encourage some biodiversity. Let’s rethink the universe that we live in. Let’s rethink life and empty our minds so that we can let them fill up again with some concepts that might ensure that we’ve got a healthy planet to live on in the future. So, yeah, stay curious. Stay humble. Keep on learning. Keep on digesting. Just like I do, the soil.”

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When it comes to preparing for disasters, especially long-term economic disasters where paper currency either loses its value or becomes completely unusable, bartering is a preparedness skill that could come in very handy. Those who like to dicker and know how to negotiate are going to have a valuable skill that helps ensure their ability to thrive in a post-collapse world.

While some may dismiss the need for stocking up on goods for trade, a quick look back at our history will show you the very real value of being able to barter during times of crisis. In fact, it wasn’t long ago that people in this country got by simply bartering for goods in their local communities. And during the Great Depression, essential items became more valuable than the currency itself.

The History of Bartering for Goods: The Great Depression is a Great Example of Why Bartering is a Necessary Post-Collapse Skill.

The history of bartering systems can be traced back to biblical times. In fact, numerous passages mention people trading things like livestock in exchange for food or other services.

Genesis 47:17
So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses and the flocks and the herds and the donkeys, and he fed them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year.

But in terms of bartering during times of crisis, there is no better recent example than that of the Great Depression.

During the Great Depression, a great number of American families relied on the barter system to pay their bills, feed their families, and survive. While some bartered goods, others who had valuable skills to offer traded their knowledge and their time.

But if the 1930s is too far back for you, and you believe something like that could never happen in today’s society, just take a look at what has been going on in Venezuela over the last decade.

In the hyperinflationary South American country, where their currency is extremely unstable and scarce, many have reverted to a barter economy.  Paying for even the cheapest goods literally requires piles of banknotes, of which there simply aren’t enough circulating. It’s estimated that hyperinflation in the country has reached 42,000%.

Once one of most prosperous Latin American counties, socialist policies have transformed Venezuela into an apocalyptic-style, dystopian novel.

To survive, businesses have started trading their services for things like loaves of bread and canned goods. People have even started private Facebook groups to barter goods with others in their country and have taken to various social media channels using the hashtags #Trueque (barter/exchange) and #Vzla to find others to trade with.

Survival Bartering: Trading your Way through a Long-term Disaster or Economic Collapse

If you’re fully stocked and prepared to survive, then you need to put some serious thought and effort into stockpiling some popular bartering items for those times when paper currency becomes worthless.

<img width="678" height="356" src="https://offgridsurvival.com/wp-content/themes/church_10/images/2011/11/bartereconomy.jpg" alt="People trading goods"…

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