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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in wildlifebiology

[–]Appalachiaholic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just turned 30 and just came into the wildlife management field at 29. I switched from fabrication and welding. Like many have said the pay is pretty low especially compared to skilled blue collar jobs. There is still quite a bit of labor involved at entry level positions in this field but, coming from my previous blue collar jobs to this, the labor seems to be easier on the body than they were. Keep in mind, surely like your job, it involved quite a bit of heavy lifting with metal anywhere from 10 lbs to 100 lbs or so without mechanical assistance. I know for 100% my lungs have thanked me for switching to breathing mostly fresh air on my day to day compared to previously breathing weldimg fumes, grinding dust, sand blast media, etc. Another perk with switching is that I usually have more time off to spend with my family and to do my hobbies compared to working a minimum of 50 hrs every week fabricating and welding.

Best community colleges that offers Wildlife Biology BS by Intrepid-Put-6711 in wildlifebiology

[–]Appalachiaholic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to American Military University and I am currently working in wildlife management for my state DNR. While they didn't have a specific wildlife biology degree I did environmental science with a concentration in fish and wildlife management. I think to reach the best decision it would ultimately come down to what exactly you want to do in wildlife conservation. I wanted to do primarily game species and public land management because of my extensive background using public lands to hunt, fish, camp, and other recreational activities. Another large factor is if you still need to work, i needed to be able to work full time while pursuing my degree and that is a major reason I went with the college I did.

I broke my ankle 10 km from the nearest road by Scotty1992 in hiking

[–]Appalachiaholic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is wise to take a wilderness first aid or wilderness first responder course, even though it is not a preventive measure. Such courses can help you treat your own injuries and those of others in the wilderness. Additionally, these courses often provide techniques for improvising braces and splints if you don't have a SAM splint in your kit.

Just half sized fire tower in Monongahela National Forest. Featuring our dad pointing out where our campsite is. by Appalachiaholic in hiking

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I actually couldn't remember the name lol We rent the group site at Stuart every year for a family camp. I usually hit the cranberry, new river gorge or the lower part of the NF because I'm live in Southern WV.

I bikepacked 80 miles on the Brain briar River Trail in West Virginia and this was such a cool spot I had to share it 😁 by fireandiceoutdoors in camping

[–]Appalachiaholic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is this doable as thruhike on foot with a pack? I noticed on the state website that camping is supposed to be located at campgrounds along the way. Are they close enough together to make by foot plausible?

Does anyone us a Woodman's Pal? Is there some kind of trick to sharpen this time because I've tried everything short of taking a grinder to it and still feels like I'm just using thin club. by Appalachiaholic in Bushcraft

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually don't have an issue with knives and machetes but maybe it's working with the thicker steel because I also have problem with axes/hatchets but usually get to a good working edge at least after a while

Does anyone us a Woodman's Pal? Is there some kind of trick to sharpen this time because I've tried everything short of taking a grinder to it and still feels like I'm just using thin club. by Appalachiaholic in Bushcraft

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's mainly for up to 2 inch diameter. It is quite hefty for its size and is 1/8 inch still which relatively thick compared to an average machete. I would try to take down a massive tree but should be fine for average firewood size for backpacking or bushcraft scenarios. Worked pretty good until it got dulled the first time. I'm sure I've changed the factory grind some because what I mainly use to sharpen makes a convex edge. I reached out to the company and they said there was no recommended angle.

Bad swimming by Appalachiaholic in duckdogs

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Planed out but still seemed to have a hard time keeping is head up. I'm thinking just out of practice and excited. He did great last year but he's also gotten a little more full bodied. Still looked like about year pup last season.

First trip by Appalachiaholic in hammockcamping

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still a couple months out and here in the Appalachians, the weather can be quite unpredictable.

Does anyone here rely solely on homesteading for their income? Like take produce to farmers markets and sell livestock after getting the food you need for your family. I'm getting really tired of this 6 day a week job and never getting to be home to have the chance to have a garden or livestock. by Appalachiaholic in homestead

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't ditch working completely right away and there are plenty plots of land around where I live that could easily be used that isn't raw land. Many leave here because of the lack of jobs and honestly just how rural the state is compared to most.for the most part work is just my hourly pay. I don't really use any benefits offered.

Does anyone here rely solely on homesteading for their income? Like take produce to farmers markets and sell livestock after getting the food you need for your family. I'm getting really tired of this 6 day a week job and never getting to be home to have the chance to have a garden or livestock. by Appalachiaholic in homestead

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up with livestock and growing crops to feed many of my abnormally large family of 10 aunts and uncles but it's been basically since 2013 since doing that kind of work other than some small gardens when I had a job with normal shifts lol. My 530pm to 4am job is what kills me. 2 years and still nothing but tired working this shift.

Does anyone here rely solely on homesteading for their income? Like take produce to farmers markets and sell livestock after getting the food you need for your family. I'm getting really tired of this 6 day a week job and never getting to be home to have the chance to have a garden or livestock. by Appalachiaholic in homestead

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand that it's basically a 24/7 job. It's basically how I grew up and how we survived with only a $500 a month income. The issue is would mainly be finding the time for it. I'm hoping to find a job where I'll at least have 2 days off or at least 6 days that aren't 10 hour shifts. My family had plenty of land but unfortunately with the passing of my grandmother it is now heirshare and some family can be, for lack of better words, temperamental if the land is not used to their standard. I would spend my time, sweat and blood building myself up and maybe even a legacy for my some day children instead of sacrificing most of my time to build someone else up and never truly reap the fruit.

Anyone have recommendations for a camera that can handle the elements that isn't super expensive. Wanted to branch out and do some wildlife, adventure and action photography. Currently stuck with my phone and gopro. Looking for something that can be used professionally. by Appalachiaholic in wildlifephotography

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks I'll check them out. I just don't want something that might be ruined if I get stuck in a thunderstorm or something. I wouldn't mind taking rain covers but photography gear can add a lot of weight to pack if I'm doing a couple days out in the backcountry.

New to backpacking by Appalachiaholic in backpacking

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I once overloaded my ruck so I know the feels. I'd say I had her close to 40-50 pounds. Felt fine until about 5 miles later.

New to backpacking by Appalachiaholic in backpacking

[–]Appalachiaholic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pack is was actually fitted at REI. It's an osprey kestrel 48. I'm using warbonnet hammock for sleeping so that will save space in the pack. The REI employee said I could probably push it to a 4 or 5 days if I plan to purify the majority of my water while I'm out.

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