Disillusioned with modern life, more and more people seek the opportunity to live off the land, reconnect with nature and pursue a simpler, off-grid life.
Learn the benefits and downsides of this lifestyle, some ideal North American locations, and the features to look for in a perfect property for living off the land. By understanding more about it, you'll be better equipped for the hard work and reality of living off the land.
What is Living Off the Land?
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Living off the land involves using nature's offerings, such as vegetation, animals, and soil, and encourages providing for yourself without relying on advanced technology or society.
Harvesting natural resources such as plants, animals, and soil for sustenance with minimal reliance on modern technology or society is the foundation of living off the land. This includes foraging, hunting, fishing, and gardening. Living off the land also means being mindful of how you interact with your environment to avoid disturbing its delicate balance.
This lifestyle is generally considered a healthy, environmentally friendly, and simple way of living simply while fostering creativity and resourcefulness.
Most importantly, when you live off the land, you (theoretically, anyways) enjoy freedom from dependence on society's infrastructure.
Additionally, many find stress relief and solace in reconnecting with nature through gardening or foraging wild edibles. These activities offer physical exercise and mental clarity when practiced consistently over time.
The Gist: Choosing to live off the land lets you live independently. Planning, gathering tools and supplies, and saving organic seeds and seedlings for gardening or trapping small game are just some of the steps necessary to live off the land
. And learning wilderness survival basics ensures a safe stay no matter what comes along.
Benefits of Living Off the Land
With all the wild headlines lately, it's no wonder more and more people are feeling the pull of the simple life. In fact, a new study revealed that a whopping 72% of folks in urban and suburban areas are confident they could sustain themselves entirely from their own gardens!
However, this interest in leaving city life behind to live off the land is nothing new. Back in the early 70s, my parents were fascinated by the Back to the Land Movement.
Freedom
Living off the land offers the freedom and independence that comes with achieving self-sufficiency. When you can grow fresh fruits and vegetables, or hunt for wild game, you don't need to rely on outside sources for food.
Imagine a life where the grocery store is your own backyard and the restaurant is your own kitchen.
You won’t have anyone telling you what to do when providing yourself with necessities like food, shelter, clothing, etc.
Sounds pretty nice, doesn't it?
Water and Wood
You will also have access to fresh water from streams or wells if necessary, as well as wood for fuel and construction materials such as stones and clay for building shelters.
Natural Resources
Ideally, this simple life gives you access to many natural resources. And this allows you to save a bundle on buying them from stores or suppliers.
For instance, instead of spending money on vegetables, herbs, and fruit purchased in bulk from a store, you can collect wild plants from mother nature.
Similarly, firewood is free when collected from nearby forests when you live in the wilderness.
Fresh Herbs and Veggies
Gather medicinal herbs directly from the earth without buying pre-packaged online orders.
This list only scratches the surface. Depending on where you choose to live off the land, you could find countless more opportunities like these that make life easier while slashing your costs significantly over time.
Also, living close to nature while living off the land gives adults and children a unique opportunity to really appreciate the beauty of a simple life, free from any barriers or distractions.
This kind of lifestyle may improve mental health outcomes by fostering healthier relationships with oneself and those around us.
Living off the land has its perks, such as autonomy, natural resources, and communing with nature.
However, living off the land also has its downsides.
Downsides of Living Off the Land
Although many people find the idea of living off the land intriguing, it has drawbacks.
Before committing to the lifestyle, you should think about the potential disadvantages of trying to live off the land, especially if you've never lived in a rural or wilderness area.
Isolation
One of the biggest challenges with living off the grid is isolation. This can be especially tough if you have children and are homeschooling off the grid.
Without access to modern conveniences like running water, electricity, and the Internet, off grid communications can be a challenge. And then access to modern amenities can become a serious concern.
Lack of Accessibility
Living off-grid means being in rural areas where you might not get easy access to stores and other services.
If you (or your spouse) is used to all the modern conveniences of city life, this takes some getting used to.
And if something malfunctions on the property—like a tractor or generator—it could take longer than usual to fix it due to shipping parts from distant places.
Wildlife
Wildlife can become an issue depending on where you choose to homestead.
Bears and mountain lions pose threats to farm animals in some areas, while deer may cause damage by eating plants around your home or garden plot. (Learn how to deer-proof your garden.)
You'll need to learn how best to deal with these animals so they don't disrupt your life too much or put anyone at risk of injury or illness.
Living off the land can have downsides, but these challenges can be overcome with careful planning and preparation.
The Gist: Living off the land can be a satisfying pursuit, but it has drawbacks.
From isolation and lack of accessibility to wildlife interference, several potential issues need to be taken into account before taking the plunge into homesteading or wilderness living.
Best Places in North America for Living Off the Land
When looking at spots for homesteading and off-grid living in North America, consider certain criteria.
First, pay attention to the climate. Climate plays an essential role in successfully homesteading and living off the land, as mild winters and ample rainfall help for gardening and raising farm animals.
Areas with mild winters and plenty of rain will be ideal for growing crops and raising livestock. In addition, look carefully at the terrain. Flat or gently rolling land is preferable for farming and building homes.
On the other hand, mountainous areas offer good opportunities for hunting game animals.
Also, look at the availability of water sources, timber, and wild plants for off-grid living.
The West Coast
The American West Coast offers some excellent options to live off the land. This is due to its mild year-round climate and plentiful rainfall in many regions.
The Pacific Northwest has been a popular destination for those looking sustainably. Washington state's Olympic Peninsula provides temperate weather perfect for gardening and ample access to fresh seafood from Puget Sound’s waters.
California's Central Valley is another excellent option. This region boasts a Mediterranean climate that allows farmers to grow to produce without worrying about frigid temperatures during winter months.
The Midwest
The Midwest offers potential homesteaders plenty of opportunity, ranging from Iowa's prairies to Michigan's Great Lakes states.
You'll find plenty of suitable lands to build your home away from city life and take advantage of nearby lakes or rivers for hunting and fishing.
Appalachia might be a good fit for those seeking more challenging conditions. It offers its rugged terrain, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of natural resources such as timber - perfect for construction purposes or firewood collection during colder months.
The South
In the south, adventurers can discover areas to live off the land in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. However, remember that the climate can really vary in these states.
You get very different weather conditions in desert-like El Paso and Tucson, than you do in the mountainous regions close to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Yet with wide open spaces full of wildlife and vegetation, these areas provide plenty of opportunity for independent and self-reliant living away from urban life. At the same time, they're still close enough to civilization should you need should supplies or medical attention.
Canada
I'm Canadian, and I've lived all over the country.
While we're currently based in the Northwest Territories, living off the land is challenging here due to the extreme cold in the winter.
However, it is possible.
Many of our readers pursue off grid living in the northern parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as in our beautiful Maritime provinces.
Good soil, access to fresh water and forests, and lower property prices make these northern areas attractive.
What to Look for in an Ideal Property
When looking for an off grid home, it's important to consider factors such as access to fresh water.
Having your own well or creek on the property will provide you with clean drinking water and can help irrigate crops as well. It’s also essential to look for land with plenty of space for gardening, homesteading, and raising livestock. Additionally, having trees nearby provides firewood which is necessary in colder climates.
The next thing you should consider when searching for an ideal property is shelter. This could be an off grid cabin already built on the land. Or maybe you're ready to make one yourself from scratch using natural materials like wood or stone found onsite.
Foraging for wild greens, herbs, fruit, and vegetable is an important activity when living off the land. Selecting a property that offers abundant vegetation year-round is wise. Look for wild berries, mushrooms, nuts, and other edible plants t as you pursue self-reliance and off grid living. Ensure plenty of these resources are available onsite or nearby before deciding to buy land.
Finally, safety should always be considered when choosing where you want to live off-grid. Pay attention to the human traffic nearby that might pose a threat either physically or financially (such as theft).
How to Prepare to Live Off the Land
Living off the land is a lifestyle that involves self-reliance, homesteading, and wilderness living. To thrive in this lifestyle, proper preparation is key.
Survival Skills
Learning basic survival skills such as fire starting, shelter building, and navigation is essential. Practicing these skills regularly is important so they become second nature in an emergency. Having a good grasp of local edible vegetation and how to access clean water is also crucial.
Stocking Up on Supplies
Access to supplies is critical when living off the land. You'll need to stock a pantry. Gather essentials like
- non-perishables (rice, beans, etc.)
- cooking equipment
- medical gear (bandages, antibiotics)
- tools (axes, saws)
- hunting and fishing gear
- household supplies
It's best to stock up on these items before you move out into the wilds. Then you'll be prepared if something unexpected happens or if resources become scarce during certain times of the year.
Constructing a secure shelter is crucial when prepping for living away from civilization.
Depending on the situation, where you live, and what materials are available nearby, you might need to build your own home from scratch.
Ensure your home can withstand high winds and other extreme conditions. And make sure it's solid enough to protect you and your family from predators like bears or wolves.
Alternative Energy Sources
Take it from someone who knows. Living off the land with alternative energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines will make life easier.
Installing solar panels can provide enough electricity for basic needs like lighting, cooking, charging batteries, and powering small appliances.
Using solar panels or wind turbines can also generate energy to run larger devices. These include refrigerators, freezers, power tools, and even washing machines. However, using these alternative energy sources might not fit your vision of what it means to live off the land.
The Gist: Living off the land requires knowledge of basic survival skills. Learn to stock up on essential supplies, build a sturdy shelter, and find alternative energy sources.
FAQs about Living Off the Land
Here are some common questions about what living off the land.
Why is living off the land important?
When you try to live off the land, you gain independence. You learn essential self-reliance and self-sufficiency skills. You reduce your reliance on outside resources.
Living off the land and homesteading provides a unique opportunity for families to reconnect with nature. Living off the grid can reduce your carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources. Try solar power or wind turbines instead of relying on fossil fuels like coal or oil.
What is it called when you live off your land?
Living off your land is mainly referred to as homesteading.
Homesteading makes use of resources from the land.
It involves growing crops and raising livestock for food. You'll also collect rainwater or use wells for water, and use alternative energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Just like the pioneer settlers, modern homesteads can live a self-sufficient lifestyle. And many of the homesteaders we know also practice wilderness survival skills like hunting and fishing to provide additional sustenance.
Ultimately, it's about sustaining yourself independently of modern conveniences while living close to nature.
Is it really possible to live off the land in today's world?
This one's tricky. The short answer is yes because the indigenous peoples and then the settlers did it. However, you will still need cash for things like taxes.
How can I make money living off the land?
Making money living off the land is possible with careful planning and hard work. Homesteading can help you make money if you sell the crops you don't use.
Additionally, selling handmade crafts or products made from sustainable materials at a farmers market can provide an income stream.
Providing services to local businesses in exchange for goods or cash is another way to make a living while homesteading. Dedication and determination make it possible to make money living off the land.
Final Word
Living off the land isn't an all-or-nothing choice. Growing a backyard garden, foraging, and even hunting and fishing are all examples of living off the land.
No matter how much you choose to do, learning to become more self-reliant is never a bad thing. You need some knowledge of what to look for in an ideal property, and how to prepare yourself. You must understand the benefits and drawbacks of living off the land. Then you'll be better equipped than ever on your journey towards self-sufficiency.
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