There is a certain loneliness that the wilderness provides. Elijah has been seeking that particular loneliness since he was very young. The first introduction to this elusive feeling was brought about while fly-fishing. Since then, he has sought ‘smallness’ in everything he does.
After cutting his teeth on the art of survival in the Ozark Mountains, he has become proficient in flintknapping, fire-making, fly-fishing, and foraging. After leaving Arkansas, and then Tennessee to chase the trout he dearly loves, the Colorado Rockies have become his permanent home where he resides with his wife and daughter. When he is not outside tinkering or stalking trout, you will find him at home writing, painting, and caring for his extensive orchid collection.
SKIP AHEAD
How does Elijah Answer 17 Survival Questions?
1. Please describe your everyday carry (EDC)?
My EDC consists of a Kershaw Speedsafe Onion folding knife, a Zippo lighter with a small piece of canvas stuffed with the cotton for tinder, an SCCY CPX-2 9mm pistol with an extra clip, an extra set of bootlaces, and a bandana.
2. Favorite bug out pistol?
Since I am most comfortable with my SCCY CPX-2 9mm, it is the only pistol that I use. I have a few others, but I am a ‘go with what I know’ type of person.
3. Favorite concealed carry pistol?
Okay, call me crazy, but the rifle in my ‘bug out kit’ is a small .22 caliber squirrel rifle that I have had since I was a kid. I couldn’t even tell you what it is anymore. I have replaced the butt, modified a ‘surplus-special’ scope to fit it, and have cleaned it a thousand times. It is small, easy to shoot, and I’m better with it than I am with any of my other guns… Oh, and the ammo is cheap.
4. Favorite bug out rifle or carbine?
Okay, call me crazy, but the rifle in my ‘bug out kit’ is a small .22 caliber squirrel rifle that I have had since I was a kid. I couldn’t even tell you what it is anymore. I have replaced the butt, modified a ‘surplus-special’ scope to fit it, and have cleaned it a thousand times. It is small, easy to shoot, and I’m better with it than I am with any of my other guns… Oh, and the ammo is cheap.
5. Favorite rifle or carbine?
My favorite all-around rifle is my Remington 700 SPS Tactical.
6. Favorite shotgun?
I keep a Mossberg 590 Nightstick (12 gauge) close to the front door.
7. The amount of food you have at your house?
I always keep bone broth and the fat rendered and separated during the process around the house always. The fat comes in handy for many reasons. I have even used it to grease my muzzleloader before. I have about a month or a month and a half worth of packable or dry storage food.
8. Name your top 7 items in your bug out bag?
I keep a set of topographic maps of my county in a PVC tube. The tube doubles as a means of filtering water. I also keep activated charcoal in a baggie with aquarium tubing inside of the tube. I keep a KaBar Skinner fixed blade hunting knife and a simple compass. I also have a Jetboil and a can of propane ready to go. I also keep a Ka-Bar KA1331 hatchet.
9. Describe your bug out location, if you have one?
I have several locations circled on my maps. My favorite is an old homestead that has been swallowed by pine and spruce growth. Boulders on the Northern side of the property form a natural barricade.
10. Describe your bug out vehicle?
I have a Chevy Cheyenne with 4wd that I know would get the job done. I like it because I know that the dogs will always hop right in when I allow them.
11. Describe your bug out bag?
I have a rubberized, roll-top bag that will keep the water out. The straps are tight and it has plenty of room for attachment.
12. Favorite home defense pistol?
Still my SCCY CPX-2 9mm.
13. Favorite home defense rifle/shotgun?
I have several shotguns, but my favorite is my Mossberg 590 Nightstick. I tend to stick with my favorite for everything until I find a new one. I also don’t want to fear over-using my collector pieces.
14. Favorite survival book?
The book that began my interest in survival and prepping was My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George in 4th grade. As an adult, I draw inspiration from the story of Earnest Shackleton. Another set of books that has inspired me is Foxfire.
15. Favorite survival type movie?
To be honest, I love documentaries and Western movies. Otherwise, I don’t watch much TV.
16. Survival knife?
I love my Kabar Skinner. I also carry a similar hunting knife that my great grandad gave me. He made the antler handle himself.
17. Survival tools in your kit?
The only tools that I carry that I have not previously mentioned are a few rudimentary flintknapping tools and a good whetstone.
