THIS...IS MY BOOMSTICK!

Shotgun

Winchester 1200

Remington 870

My favorite two shotguns are the Winchester 1200 (12 gauge) and the Remington 870 Tactical (12 gauge). Both have a wide selection of non-stock parts for them so you can make your shotgun so tact-too-cool it's hard to look at. I prefer tactical and practical, does it serve its purpose and is it easy to operate under stressful conditions. You can find used and new 1200's and 870's from $350.00-$1,100.00 depending on any extras that might come on them. They are great for home defense and hunting. With different types of ammunition for different purpose from bird hunting, defense, to non-lethal rounds such as bean bag shells and rock salt shells. If your a newbie to firearms, you might want to start with a shotgun. You don't have to be a crack shot and any direction you point your Boomstick, you are gonna stop your threat.

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.

I'm Oscar Mike.

STRATEGIC RELOCATION

Strategic Relocation is a book By: Joel Skousen about the safest places to live in North America. He has a star rating based on crime, population, threats (ie: nuclear, earthquake, volcano, tornado. etc.). The book is very well laid out with nice graphs and maps of legends of threats, crime and population, along with a discussion on what made his decision of the rating of the state. Also, filled with other great gee-whiz knowledge.

If your preparing for the SHTF scenario and want to know your safe in your current location, or you just want some gee-whiz knowledge about your state/city, or info about a new place your moving too. This book will do just that. Check it out at Amazon. You won't be sorry, It's a very good informational book unlike any other out there.


Sample page out of the book of the Strategic Map of Washington State

Sample pages out of the book of Washington State

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.
I'm Oscar Mike.

Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest - My Top 5 Picks

1. False Dandelion (Agoseris)

Flower and leaves are edible raw. Dried sap from stem and leaves can be chewed or eaten as gum. Varieties in the Pacific Northwest are Orange agoseris (Agoseris aurantiaca) and Short-beaked agoseris (Agoseris glauca). Edible look-alikes: dandelion, salsify. Look for agoseris on grassy, open foothills, mountain slopes, and alpine/sub-alpine areas. Leaves contain a number of nutrients including: iron, zinc, boron, calcium, silicon, and is especially high in potassium. Can be used as a painkiller for sprains, fractures, and bruising. It is effective as an external liniment and is extremely fast acting. It should not be used if the skin is broken and the area is bleeding as it is toxic if it enters the bloodstream. It is also high in vitamins A, B complex, C, and D. Every part of the plant is safe to use.

2. Chicory (Cichorium Intybus) 

Leaves can be eaten raw. Leaves are best when young and/or growing in areas protected from direct sunlight. older leaves are best when cooked in several changes of water. Young plant, including flower heads can be cooked. Roots can be eaten raw when young. Roots can be split, dried and roasted to make coffee substitute. Its leaves are used for salads. It is usually blanched by covering with litter to make it less bitter; whole or shredded leaves are served with oil and vinegar as salads; blanched hearts serve as a vegetable. Root-chicory, established in Europe during, the Napoleonic blockade, is cultivated for roots used as a coffee substitute. When blended with ground coffee, they enhance the flavor and aroma of the brew. Cultivated plant in India is used as a tonic for diarrhea, enlargement of the spleen, fever and vomiting.  The juice is said to be a folk remedy for cancer of the uterus and for tumors. The powdered seed is said to remedy the spleen. The leaf, boiled with honey for a gargle is said to cure cancer of the mouth. The root, boiled in water is said to help cancer of the breast and face. Look for chicory on disturbed ground, ranging from plains and foothills to mountain regions. Warning: excessive/prolonged use may damage retinas and cause sluggish digestion.

3. Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)

All parts of plant are edible raw. Young leaves or those growing where there is less/no sunlight are the least bitter. Older leaves are best when boiled in 2 changes of water and/or with mid-veins removed. Roots are best when collected in spring/autumn, peeled, sliced and cooked in 2 changes of water with pinch of baking soda. Roots can be roasted as coffee substitute. Unopened flower buds can be eaten raw or used in cooking. Seeds with the parachute removed can be eaten or ground into flower. A serving of dandelion greens contains the same amount of calcium as half a cup of milk. Is a good source of vitamin's A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, and minerals chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, selenium, silicon, zinc. As a medicine the dandelion plant has proved to be one of the safest and best diuretics because, unlike conventional diuretics, it is extremely rich in potassium so that it replaces what the body loses through water elimination. Dandelion is used as a liver and kidney tonic, a digestive stimulant, and is considered a remedy for high blood pressure. The latex contained in the leaves and stalks is used to remove corns. Grows in a wide range of terrain, look for dandelion in disturbed/cultivated soil areas.

4. Devils Club (Oplopanax Horridus) 

Roots can be cooked and eaten. Young fleshy stems are edible when cooked. Young leaves lack the stiff spines and can be eaten raw. Berries are not edible. Grows in moist areas that are shaded from the sun, in both foothill and mountain regions. Devil's club is used for arthritis, wounds, fever, tuberculosis, stomach trouble, cough, colds, sore throat, diabetes, low blood sugar, and pneumonia. It is also used for emptying the bowels and causing vomiting. Some people apply devil's club directly to the skin for swollen glands, boils, sores, and skin infections. The ashes have been used to treat burns. Devil's club contains chemicals that might fight some bacteria, fungi, and viruses.Warning: plant spines can cause infections or allergic reactions.

5. Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)

Young leaves are edible raw, though they will sting in the mouth for a short time. Young shoots and young plants are edible when steamed/cooked. Roots are edible when cooked.
roots are best when collected in spring/autumn. Stinging nettle root is used for urination problems related to an enlarged prostate. These problems include nighttime urination, too frequent urination, painful urination, inability to urinate, and irritable bladder. Root is also used for joint ailments, as a diuretic, and as an astringent. Above ground parts are used along with large amounts of fluids in so-called "irrigation therapy" for urinary tract infections, urinary tract inflammation, and kidney stones. The above-ground parts are also used for allergies, hay fever, and osteoarthritis. Some people use the above ground parts of stinging nettle for internal bleeding, including uterine bleeding, nosebleeds, and bowel bleeding. The above ground parts are also used for anemia, poor circulation, an enlarged spleen, diabetes and other endocrine disorders, stomach acid, diarrhea and dysentery, asthma, lung congestion, rash and eczema, cancer, preventing the signs of aging, "blood purification," wound healing, and as a general tonic. Above ground parts are applied to the skin for muscle aches and pains, oily scalp, oily hair, and hair loss. Extract is used as an ingredient in hair and skin products. Leaf used primarily as a diuretic and laxative in ancient Greek times. Contains ingredients that might decrease inflammation and increase urine output.Warning: don't confuse stinging nettle (Uritica Dioica) with white dead nettle (Lamium Album). Grows in moist soil and disturbed areas in plains, foothills, and mountain regions. Warning: wear gloves when collecting to avoid stings.


Always make absolutely sure you know what your about to eat is the right plant. If your unsure, DON'T EAT IT!


Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.
I'm Oscar Mike.

WHAT ABOUT BOB?

Keep BOB Simple, Light Weight and Practical

1. Bag: 

    Pick a comfortable bag for you and test it out.

2. First Aid: 

Pick up a first aid kit (I really like sportmans first aid kits) or build your own.

3. Water: 

Storage: canteen or bottle 

Purification: pick up water purification tablets or better yet get a portable water filter along with a few extra filters or just go old school and get a pot and boil that shit.

4. Food: 

72 hour worth for one person per bag (that stuff gets heavy, keep the bag light weight!) I find that back packing food works great for me. lightweight and packed full of calories.

5. Hygiene: 

toothpaste, tooth brush, soap, hand sani.

6. Survival Kit: 

knife, axe, flashlight, snares, fishing line, fishing hooks, compass, map, fire kit (lighters, matches etc.), flares. 550 cord, 

7. Defense: 

pistol, rifle, knife, hatchet/tomahawk, taser, mace, baton, extra mags and ammo

8. Shelter: 

light weight tent, tarp, emergency blanket

9: Warmth:

sleeping bag, blanket, jacket, gloves, boots, extra socks

10: A Plan, B Plan, C Plan: 

Have a plan, Plan A, have one for bugging in (staying indoors), Plan B, bugging out (heading to a pre-determand location and staying there until things get better) and Plan C, a plan for a meet up spot, alternate routes, locations etc. if things plans a and b don't work out.

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.
I'm Oscar Mike.

FIRE BOW

No Lighter, No Matches, No Flint, No Problem.

 The Fire Bow has been used around the world as an extremely effective method/tool on getting a fire going for a long ass time. If you've never got a fire going with out the assist of match, lighter or flint I highly recommend you try a method of getting a fire going without those items. It's hard work but rewarding and the more you do it the better you get at it. It's mighty impressive if you go camping and spring this on some friends, they will probably think your related to Cody Lundin or Bear Grylls.

Lets Get Started

BASIC SET UP

As you can see what you need is very simple. String/small rope, Nylon (550 Cord) really does work best! Strong dried wood for the bow, tie string it to both ends leaving enough slack to rap around the drill. For the top handle (Bearing Block) where you will be holding top of the drill, pick out fresh wood, bone or rock, if you pick out wood for your choice don't use dried wood. The stick will be causing friction there as well and you don't want to get burnt. At the hearth Board (the bottom) carve a hole big enough to fit the drill in it along with a notch. When moving the Fire Bow make sure you have a thick leaf or piece of bark (Ember Pan) to transfer the ember to a batch of tinder (dried grass, leaves etc.). Wrap the string around the drill, place drill in hearth, place bearing block on top, move bow, creates ember in hearth, take ember and place in ember pan, wrap the ember in the tinder and blow and BAM! You've got FIRE! Visual Learner? Check out the video below on step by step instructions on out to set up a fire bow kit and spark that fire up.

Be safe and don't get burnt out trying new things, it might just save your life one day.

As Always!

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.

I'm Oscar Mike.

WTF WEEKLY! #4

WELCOME TO WHAT THE FUCK WEEKLY

Indian Michael Jackson!?!?

WHAT THE FUCK!?!?

ON THE MOVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK #4

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.

I'm Oscar Mike.

METAL ON A STICK

From David Crockett, to the Native Americans, to the Vikings and now in modern times, Axes, Tomahawks and Hatchets have been an important weapon and tool throughout history. Its an amazing tool and a very effective weapon for defense when used properly.

For hundreds of years the Hatchet, Axe and Tomahawk have been used and prized by most outdoors people as an invaluable tool. Used to cut, chop, hammer, hunt and defend with; these puppies do it all.

What's the difference between a Hatchet, Axe and Tomahawk? Well let's see. A Hatchet usually is a short small-handled axe with a blade on one end and a blunt hammer type end on the opposite side of the blade. An Axe can be short-handled but usually has a longer handle on it and can be double or single bladed and is primarily used for chopping wood or a common tool for fire fighters. The Tomahawk is primarily used as a fighting weapon and can be thrown. It's light-weight with a sharp edged blade or sharp edge all around the head with a sharp or blunt point on the opposite end.

Hatchet

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Tomahawk

Axe

I was fascinated by the Hatchet and soon got one after reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen when I was a kid. It's a fantastic survival scenario of a kid that is stranded in the woods after a plane crashed and all he has is himself and a hatchet he got as a gift. Great Story of wilderness survival.

So whatever be your choice Hatchet, Tomahawk or Axe. I would highly recommend getting one for your needs. My personal fav's are the CRKT Kangee T-Hawk (Columbia River Knife and Tool Company) and the Gerber Fiskars Hatchet. Use safety while using any sharp object and have fun out there.

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.

I'm Oscar Mike

Lost With Nothing or Lost With Something?

No Gear,  No Supplies 

What would you do if you found yourself in a situation you're not prepared for? Panic and give up?
Look around and you might be surprised at what you already have on or around you.

Imagine you on a day hike to a new place in a national forest . You decide to wander off the path and venture into the woods. You're enjoying the beauty of the woods not paying attention to where you're going, and then you decide it's time to head back to the car. You look around realize you have no idea on how to get back. An "Oh Shit" moment hits, and panic soon begins to set in. 

Remain Calm and Carry On

Take a breath and let's look at possible gear you might find yourself with, whether you're a man or women, there are some things you might find on yourself. Plastic water bottles or refillable ones, miscellaneous snacks, a bandanna, a lightweight sweater, an extra pair of socks, a small airplane sized vodka or other booze, and an emergency blanket. If you carry a purse here are some items you might have that prove useful: tampons, mints (for morale), Extra Strength Tylenol pills or other pain killer/fever reducing meds, reading glasses, a lighter, cigarettes, mascara and lip balm. Don't forget about your pockets, maybe you have some of these items: pocket knife, keys, flash light on a key ring, and  lets say you left your cell phone in the car.

Let's take a look at how we can use some of these items for survival purposes. Let's go in order with the Priorities List.

First Aid: Tylenol, socks, vodka, bandannas, lip balm, belt, shoelace and tampons

                                                  Tylenol: Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever

  Socks: Bandage or Sling
  Vodka: Disinfectant
  Bandanna: Bandage or Sling
  Lip Balm: Stops bleeding of small cuts and of 
  course helps chapped lips or dry skin
  Belt: Tourniquet or Sling
  Shoelaces: Brace for sock, tampon or bandanna 
  bandage or use as a Sling
                                                  Tampons: Bandage for every kinda wound, these                                                           sterile little dudes are life saver






Water: Water bottles, bandanna, tampons

  You can reuse your plastic water bottles, fill them up and place on a string hanging them near a fire and moving around so it doesn't melt to boil them for suitable drink water. Use your bandanna for a filter for water, works great to filter out sediment not pathogens. Tampons can also be used as a straw water filter.

Creek Stewart, tampon water filter straw

Fact: You can drink your own urine twice if you need to stay alive and hydrated.





Shelter: Emergency Blanket, shoelaces

You can use an emergency blanket many different ways- in the form of a tent, tarp, or just a blanket. It has great heat reflective capabilities as a half shelter as seen in the photo to the left. I have personally used this type of shelter and it works great. Use your shoelaces for ties and put dirt on the back to keep it down.

Fire: Lighter, eyeglasses, cigarettes, lip balm and mascara

If you were ever that sick kid with a magnifying glass and liked to use it on bugs, you know what damage it causes when the sun hits it just right. Same goes for a pair of reading glasses, hit the sun just right on a pile of dried debris and bam FIRE!. Cigarettes can be used as a fire starter as well as lip balm, or the very flammable mascara.

Food: Shoelace, rocks, wire from a bra and knife

After you dusted your miscellaneous food that you packed, it's time to get some food from mother nature. Well you should have already been looking for food before that happens. Get a fish spear going as seen in the picture to the left or attach your knife to a branch like the picture to the right with a sholace or belt.                                

                                                                                                                                   

Use those shoelaces either for a fishing line with a make-shift hook from a bra wire or something else metal you can find or make a snare out of it. Also, look for trash in the woods, you never know what you might find that you can use. Soda cans also make great make shift hooks or improvised knife or spear head. Necessity is the mother of invention and instinct is what keeps you alive (combine them and your unstoppable). Use your imagination, be creative and always keep on the look out for a more efficient and less energy using way to do things in a survival situation.

Cool Simple Video on how to build a 4 pronged spear.

by: The Back Woodsman's Institute. 

skip ahead to 1:50

We humans can survive 3 to 5 days without water, that is depending on the conditions we are exposed to. Food is another story, we can survive about three weeks or more without food (Mahatma Gandhi went 21 days without food). Along with water and food you've got to be aware of exposure to the elements, stay dry and stay warm because hypothermia sets in quickly whether in the water or on the land. Do whatever it takes to stay alive and find rescue. Having hope is as important a lifesaver as First Aid, Water, Shelter, Fire, Food and Rescue.

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On the Move.

I'm Oscar Mike. 

WTF WEEKLY! #3

WELCOME TO WHAT THE FUCK WEEKLY!

PICKLE SURPRISE!?!?!

WHAT THE FUCK TWICE ON THIS ONE!!

WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT THE FUCK!!

ON THE MOVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK #3

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.

I'm Oscar Mike.

Respect Thy Priorities!

THY PRIORITIES

A list of priorities to remember in an emergency situation are as important to survival as the gear you have. Remember the steps and keep them fresh in your head so when the time comes you will know exactly what to do.

My List of priorities might differ from others, but here they are:

First Aid: You have to take care of yourself and others in your party first, above everything. If you're sick or wounded, you're not going to survive unless you deal with all that before you work on the other priorities. So study up on some self-aid buddy care.

Water: I choose to look for water above shelter first. If you don't have water to hydrate when exerting yourself setting up a shelter, well....that's kinda not so smart. I look for a water source then build a shelter at a reasonable distance from the water source to keep me resupplied. Just make sure you keep your distance, animals are most likely to venture to the watering hole at a daily basis and you don't want to be exposed to a possibly dangerous situation with a bear or other deadly fury woodland critter.

Shelter: Try to locate near a watering hole but not too close (like I said previously) and find something with natural protection from the elements and critters. Near a rock, big tree or small cave (just check out the cave beforehand to make sure no nasties are in it). If you have a tent or tarp, Sweet! If not you're gonna have to improvise with what nature provides, branches, foliage and downed trees are your tent.






Fire: Hopefully you have fire gear to light one up (Fingers Crossed). If you're in a dry area, you're gonna make a fire no problem. If you're in a wet environment (like the northwest) then you better practice making fires in the wet damp of the wild. I find the dried sap on some of the trees around Mt. Hood make fantastic fire starters for even the wettest of environments.

Food: Hopefully you have your BOB if it comes down to it but if not, you're gonna have to improvise and be sharp to get some grub. Bugs, fish, frogs, squirrels, birds and edible plants, usually a few of these are around every area and with a little practice and knowledge you can snag a few of them. Use snares (shoe laces/550cord), spears(branches, twigs), traps (rock fall, punji pits) and rocks (throw'em big or small). Always study up on your local edible plants it could save your life one day and always remember don't eat anything unless you're skilled enough to do so (leaves of three let them be, and for god sake don't eat any mushrooms unless you're a mushroom master). It never hurts to pack a book about local edible plants in your pack.





Rescue: If you're in need of rescue, set up markers, signal fires, pretty much anything you can think of that someone can find easily. Don't move around too much, you might get yourselves more lost, hurt or even dead.

BE SAFE

Anytime your head out to a hike or camping trip, be prepared for such an occasion and tell a few of your peeps where you're gonna be and when you're coming back just to be safe. Better safe then sorry, you never plan for a car accident but we all still wear a seat belt.





Stay Safe and Have Fun Out There!

Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.
I'm Oscar Mike