re: Thinking about buying a couple hundred acres of hunting land and living on it

we've got 3 horses and I'm thinking of maybe getting a milk cow. they'll have 2-3 acres each and eat rye grass in the winter. The crops will take some time to get to the self-sustaining point, but we've got time.
as for money, it's always an issue, but no one would do it if they had to give up their job, so that's why I said that. I don't have a 9-5 per se and can live in the woods if I want to.

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milk cow

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If you want dairy product go with a goat. You could easily have 20-30 acres set aside for a few head of cattle. Butcher one calf and sell the others each year to help off set cost for seeds / fertilizer. A few meat rabbits and chickens wont take up much room at all and are fairly cheap to keep.

The hardest part would be a garden but can be done. Make sure you have the knowledge to can vegetables or possible a root cellar for storage. IF income isnt an issue you may be better off with being on county utilities. Windmill, solar panels may be enough for electricity but water is very, very important when having a garden. Times of drought means you garden fails and could be a huge set back

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3 horses

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In the venture you described I would not own any horses unless one of them was capable of being hitched to a wagon, plow, etc.

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If we do it, we'd find some land with a stocked pond/lake, a running creek for hydroelectric power, springs for drinking water, pasture for the horses and probably some cows and woods for hunting. We'd grow/raise our own food and the grocery store would be 30-45 minutes away if we needed anything.

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There is a reason why people stopped doing this 60 years ago. My grandparents lived like this and I wouldn't wish that life on anyone.

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It'll be fun for about 6 hours



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I was going to say 6 days, but that seemed too long.

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There is a reason why people stopped doing this 60 years ago. My grandparents lived like this and I wouldn't wish that life on anyone.

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Love it all you like, the current system in this country where a few produce and millions consume is unnatural and unsustainable.

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Love it all you like, the current system in this country where a few produce and millions consume is unnatural and unsustainable.

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The last few generations of hill farmers have already proven that way of life was unsustainable.

I've got land like you just described. No way in hell I am going to try to scratch out a living/subsistence on it.

This lifestyle isn't the one of movies and novels. Farming is tough, lonesome and often unsuccessful work. There's a reason that many who grow up in that setting choose to leave it behind. Farmers are the salt of the earth. They deserve more praise and profit than what they get. However, it takes a select breed to be dedicated to that lifestyle, knowing the rewards are so few.

Work your brain instead of your back.

Did I mention REALLY hard work and clean living?

Its a great idea and all, but a really gritty way to live.

You are incorrect about unnatural and unsustainable, but its your thread and I'm not here to argue.

an hour or so west - southwest of Nashville

I'd do it in a heartbeat, but my wife wouldn't. Ideally, I'd like to be about 20 min away from a city and my wife could still teach. That way we'd keep insurance and have retirement. I could farm enough food to eat and do some side cash jobs for extra cash.