As we all know, we will need the nutrients that fresh meat offers when in a prolonged survival situation. No matter where you live, even if close to a major population (like myself unfortunately), there is most likely a large population of rabbits, squirrels, pigeons and other birds. If you are unfortunate enough to live in the inner city, then the rats will probably outnumber all of these combined, but will serve the same purpose.
These animals should most definitely become part of your foraging process. However, like we all know, you don’t want to draw unneeded attention to yourself. Even though the .22 shorties and sub-sonics and lower in volume than their big brothers, they still make noise.
One thing you can add to the arsenal, at a pretty low price(usually around $15-$20), is a wrist rocket
Just know that practice is essential. Unlike a rifle, you can’t just pick one up, apply some basic shooting knowledge, and expect to be accurate. It will take time to become comfortable with the tool.
In addition, the ammo is limitless. You can purchase boxed steel ball bearings
Bon Appetit….
Dean in Mich……..
M.D. adds: A slingshot can be very effective on small game, I used one to good effect during my hobo trek to Florida in 2000 – mostly for taking squirrels and rabbits. Also works great for discouraging stray dogs. For those with an interest in this subject I suggest your read this article from our archives.
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I have one. As a kid, my brothers and I all had one, we used to get birds and squirrels, even frogs. The secret ammo to use is a pinch of plain old BB's!.
It works just like a shotgun!
I wonder if small game will be too skitish for slingshot distances when hunting pressure is high. I'll add one plus some bearings for ammo to the acquisition list but I doubt I'll practice enough until silent hunting is needed. I favor spending time working with snares and traps to let the game do some of the work.
Search the term "slingbow" on youtube… a nice combination of bow and slingshot, built on the cheap…
The more you know the better off you'll be if something happens. Keep learning and storing information. Someday it may save your life.
how many words is one of us commoners allowed to post? be short. Sling.
if you want to hunt big game try a atlatl. again make your own. no cost. deadly on large game and totally silent. doesn't take as long to use as the bow and no mechanical parts to wear out.
As I slap my fore head and say "why didn't I think of that". Good posting Dean. I have added one to my list the next time I am in Dunhams.
Don't forget EVERYONE will be hunting when TSHTF!! What will you eat then? Remember during WWII? No game was found!
atasteofcreole……
Actually, I wasn't alive during WWII, so I don't remember. But that is why we all prep our shelves. I didn't mean that your only food source should come from hunting, that would be silly. Only that you should get what fresh meat you can, to supplement you dry storage, and do it as silently as possible.
Dean in Mich……
I bought a couple of slingshots for the storage.Haven't gotten to use them much.We usually use the 22 for groundhogs,etc..
My comment may seem 'bad' to some of you hunters out there,but I think desperate times would call for desperate measures,so I bought a couple of big SALT BLOCKS to help with the meat supply.If we don't need them for game,we could always grind up chunks of them for regular salt.
Great article guys! i love sling shots, take me back. Thanks for sharing the great info on your blog. keep up the good work.
best,
Dallin
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