We hope this answers some questions about how we address security on our homestead. We have more info and links in the description. Thanks for watching!
The problem that a lot landowners have up here, is that 'No Trespassing' signs have a habit of being removed- especially right before hunting season. Then the perpetrator/perpetrators feign ignorance by claiming that they have seen no signs, regardless of the fact that tresspassing is illegal, regardless of a lack of posting.
Guildbrook Farm | Simple Sustainable Living glad mentioned neighbors that is an important part of Off Grid Security especially when it could take the Sheriff Department up to an hour to respond. A good neighbors can back you up faster than Sheriff's Deputies. Tip around Hunting Season set up and camouflage your game cameras to cover No Trespass at access points like logging roads. Poachers and unethical hunters teragram signs and steal game cameras if they find them.
If you want the best livestock/flock guardian dog, look into the Caucasian Mountain Shepard. They are THE BEST dog for that application, however, be warned that only a lot of research into that breed will do. They are not a dog for everyone. They will be you and your families best friend and protector but... EVERYONE & EVERYTHING else is a threat to them and they can be very difficult to control if not properly raised and socialized. They are very powerful dogs that are "naturally aggressive", not to be confused with dogs that are on a list somewhere like pitbulls, rott's, etc... those types of dogs must be trained or abused to become aggressive as they are not born with high levels of natural aggression but the Caucasian is born like that. Look them up, they are impressive animals to say the least & the absolute best of the best if you want protection on a large property.
Put up signs such as "Trespassers will be shot -- Survivors will be shot again", or "Due to the high cost of ammo, no warning shots will be fired". Or for the Deliverance audience -- "U sur hav purty lips"
The guy didn't die because he wasn't wearing orange, he died because the guy that pulled the trigger failed to identify his target. And yes orange is a great precaution
Hear hear. Mistaking an upright walking human for a small dog is really nothing else than reckless and forgetting how to handle fire-arms... identity, think, background, think, shoot
We use a broken camera and put that where trespassers will see it and have the working one up high and camouflaged and that one catches them. Then we call the ranger. Since we have a year round hunting permit, we have trouble with trespassers spotlighting deer.in regards to wildlife, i5 is really fun to see footage of them. Coyotes are not all bad, they eat a lot of vermin. Of course, we don’t want them bothering our chickens and turkeys and that’s where a good dog is priceless. We use shelter dogs and they have worked out excellent as well as being awesome members of our family.
Enjoyed the video. My husband normally carries all the time, but a couple of years ago he went out for the mail without his pistol. On the way back, a fox was chasing hen around the front yard, just barely unable to catch her. Don only had a newspaper to defend her with! It paints a funny picture to hear him tell it, but ever since, he doesn't leave the house without his "girlfriend"!
Calling 911 is reactive not proactive. Carrying a weapon is proactive and no one can respond to 911 faster than you and/or your wife can draw and fire your weapon at a threat. These facts are just as true in the city as off grid. Simple as that. Thank you for another great video.
We just moved out to the woods on 73 acres and we see lots of wildlife. We are not real worried about that. However, the human threat became all to real when someone went behind our place and stole all our outside tools. The signs did not work so now we are installing a video security system. Sad people have to go to these lengths just to protect your own stuff.
I solved this same issue myself, shortly after the purchase of my home and property. I made very simple signs which clearly read; Caution, Trespassers will be Violated!..Some twice!...Then I stapled two magnum condoms to each sign! heck, even the mailman is afraid to stop!
I hear ya on the perimeter fencing, our new rule is "we'll never buy land we can't afford to fully fence again" after being here 3 years and STILL working on the fence.
Guinea hen person here! If you get guinea hens, get hatching eggs in the early summer and have a broody hen (cochin, or orpington) raise them (and you feed 24-28% protein chick/turkey starter). If they're raised by a chicken, they will be more likely to go into a coop at night. OTHERWISE the will sleep in the trees and the owls get them (You'll find a headless bird. Owls can only eat what they can swallow whole, so they will just eat the head). But Guineas are great for ticks and alerting you to snakes (or anyone who comes onto your property). Guineas don't do well with an electric fence though.
For me there is a constant peace and belonging being far away from populated areas. I'm glad your family found the proper homestead location. Can't wait to see more wildlife videos from your game cams.
You always explain things so clearly , Jeremy, and addressed a lot of issues I've never even thought about. We live in the suburbs and have great neighbour's and we all look out for each other, that is so important. Great video, as always.
I am building a mesh network that is solar powered. Really easy to do. This will provide live communications even if grid is down. At least among those who you give access to the routers/repeaters for. IP Camera and a router with a small 12v mower battery and a DIY solar panel about 10 inches square. Run the panel up a tree with best coverage and put rest in waterproof box. For one I added a plexiglass window for the camera.
I love the trail cam I think we need to look into one with an internal screen thanks for the vid. We secure our land and hunt our food with a Remenington, when you come across a bear or anything you're not gonna be able to outrun it's nice to have that backup. 👍
Nice thing about living in a desert I can see the whole 80 acres standing at the house, the bad thing is the reason I can do this is I live in a desert! We live at the end of dirt road if the nearest neighbor notices any strangers they let us know, including my niece's husband and his buddy making several trips to town while working on the roof
Thank you for sharing! Along with the critter cameras we've placed motion alarms and solar powered motion lights. We're also planning on purchasing a thermal sensored night vision monocle for security, and animal watching. Being proactive is our motto.
This was incredibly helpful, we live in deer country nc (stokes co.) and we have a big problem with unwanted hunters trying to deer hunt on our land. We have a bloodhound who lets us know of anyone or any “threatening “ animal trespassing on our land, we have spray painted purple paint all over our land and I always carry my .357 mag on my side when wondering our land. all of these steps seem to help me... next step is definitely putting up deer cams! Thanks for the specific cam recommendation I’ll definitely have to check em out!
Might be a good idea to have several birdhouses around the property and put the security cameras in there too. That way it's protected by the environment as well as camouflage aka hidden from human trespassers and hunters.
Thank you for doing this video! I grew up with what I'd call minimal farm life under minimal security. We at the time never had anything to need fear or to wide clearing or entire perimeter to have to fence. This is because the farms that I was on were of air loom dating back for ages of same close net families. So most of what was necessary of us was cleaning/clearing underbrush and feeding of livestock. There was constant fence patching but, never any huge runs. Since then times have changed lots have changed hands and I've got a family of my own on a new patch of land we've purchased over time. It is scary being the new neighbors on property that is new to up. If all goes well we plan to move onto it this year. Most of the neighbors are like us in the way they like secluded, quiet, and peaceful life. So much so the closest one is hard to contact. I'm researching what other homesteaders are doing for protection and peace of mind. Especially those starting a new one. Just a bit ahead of us.
Just ordered the trail cam using your link. We were needing one anyway and super happy to support one of my favorite YT channels. Keep up the excellent videos :)
I have found donkeys and mules will protect your live stock, we used to adopt donkeys and turn them in with our milk cows. After the donkeys moved in the coyote and wild dogs moved out. They loss of caves went down to 0.
Great video! Is is nice to know you aren’t having to deal with Hunting “squatters”. Since our average was abandoned for so long, it took several years to run everyone off from what they made their public hunting area. Some were easy others were a bit more confrontational.
Guildbrook Farm | Simple Sustainable Living most certainly! I had one guy tell me he had hunted on our land for 20 years and there was no way some “city slicker” was going to run him off. City Slicker: 1 Squatter: 0
Wow guys! I just watched Jamie’s video from Oct 2016 entitled Reluctant Spouses and homesteading. Y’all sure have come a long way since then! Loving the new property and your progress so far.
We have 30 acres and have used trail cams for security, as we have a terrible time with dirt bikers. One of our trail cams, despite being locked to a tree with chain and secured in a trail cam lock box, was stolen. We're having a lot of trouble with human security.
I always say my firearms are an essential tool just like a chainsaw or any garden equipment is! Just an extension of my arm. They are a part of our lively hood because that is how we protect and help feed ourselves. Very strong believer in our 2nd amendment rights and appreciate when I hear people of like mind stand up and exercise their right to own, carry and protect their families! Great video and y'all have a Blessed Day!
Excellent video on the realities of rural security. Firearms are a tool, not a statement of paranoia. When we first acquired our farm, wild dogs were a major problem. When we moved to it full time, ground hogs were a major issue (including undermining the foundation of the house). Now it is coyotes and deer....particularly in our young orchard. Coyotes kill off smaller animals, whether wild or domestic, until their area is barren of food and deer will eat virtually anything you value to grow....particularly young trees. While we've had human trespassers, so far they haven't required an armed approach. Folks from more urban areas just don't get it that calling 911 isn't an option for help anytime soon. Whether for security, medical or fire, you and your family are the first (and too often only) responders that need the tools and knowledge to cope with whatever. I consider the trade-off between urban services vs. rural tranquility well worth it....but it isn't for everyone.
I wanted to share some lessons my grad parents learned about guineas. They tend to roam without end, unless they know where home is. Papa would raise them in a pen, then when they get near adulthood let one out ever few days so they learn that the flock stays near the pen. He learned this after losing lots of them when they just roamed away from his farm. Also they had problems with the mothers raising the chicks because once they hatched the hens would just roam like normal and most of the chicks would die. They watched for their nests and would incubate the eggs. I've been playing with Raspberry Pi's as a trail camera, because I can get them for about $50 each. I'm working on setting up a wifi network so I don't have to go get the memory cards. I wanted to share in case you're interested. petapixel.com/2018/02/06/motion-detecting-wildlife-camera-made-raspberry-pi/
I'm jealous, you have spring & we have snow here in Eastern Idaho. I like how you always talk about safety around your property. Anytime you buy property you really don't know what you have for about a year. Thanks for video
I miss living in the country...growing up we had 150 acres with good woods and pasture...with a large river that you could canoe in. Unfortunately, the property was lost due to legal infighting from close relatives (it was inherited) and now I am a city dweller. Since the price of rural property skyrocketed I fear I will never be able to buy another country house...unless I win the lottery or something.
Very good plan. I have a couple of suggestions for you. One lowtech. Get a piece of sewing thread and string it between two trees on your less used trails about chest high for a man. Higher than average deer with horns. Does not have to tight and the ends loosely wrapped so they will come undone if somebody walks through. When you check your property and the thread is displaced you know something has been there. Might relocate a trail cam to check it out. Second Harbor freight sells Motion Detectors made by Bunker Hill. Best range available for the price sometimes as low as 14 dollars. Only thing I have had to do was waterproof the detector window with a bit of silcone at the edges. Range with good batteries from detector to sqauker about 300 feet. One on the main approach to the house might give you ample early warning.
A video like this is also helpful to those who have never thought of using secure measures in their home whether living in the country or city. Moving my father in town I wanted him to feel safe so we had a security system installed back in 1999 that's being monitored 24/7. In all those years the police had to come here only once and that was because the backup battery needed replaced. I feel secure knowing I have a safe home to enter. You've done just about everything to protect your family and animals and thank God for the second amendment. Great Video!
We live in a rural community, very small, less than 1000 people, yet we had a home invasion not far from us where they cut the electric and entered the property armed, terrorizing the owner and his guest, and stole everything they could carry including his firearms and his car. Never thought it would happen here but it was a couple crack heads living 40 minutes away. You just never know and have to plan for it.
Just goes to show you, that you're more likely to shoot and kill someone not wearing an orange hat, by mistake, than intentionally kill someone who's really out to get you (even if you're armed to the teeth).
Our wildlife is identical to yours. We are in the ozarks, on 40 acres and border the ozark nt'l forest on 2 sides. The human threat is pretty much non-existent since everyone has their own arsenals and often carries. Your property looks amazing and I've looked forward to all of your videos since the move. I think each new season will be new learning experience for you and as you roll over to the second year, you'll feel so much more confident on how to handle each season's challenges.
PRRRRRREEEEAAAAAACH!!!! LOL LOVED this video. I’ll NEVER understand how anyone can think it’s more dangerous in the country than in the city. Cute (sorta sad) story...When my kids were little and I’d taken them to TN for a visit at my dads, they’d been many times but were just at an age to really express themselves. My oldest said, “mommy it’s so scary at pawpaws.” When I asked why she said, “just because it’s always so black at night. (No street lights like at home.) You can’t see nothing.” I reassured her and she knew I always carried and knew pawpaw and mamaw did as well. Anyway...not three weeks later back at home, a man (older, walking his dog and got mugged) was attacked two blocks from our house literally under a street light. My daughter remembered the conversation we had a few weeks before and immediately insisted we move back to pawpaws cause the people at home were just “crazy and mean!” Sad she had to learn it at such an early age but she learned!
found someone fishing in my pond. they said 'i didn't realize anyone owned it.' really? you navigated your way around under or through a fence....the fence being there to keep the neighbors dogs and other predators from my flock. cool footage!
City folk believe that in rural areas dangerous animals are as common as their pigeons. Not so. I live in a similar wooded area with the same wildlife. Possum and raccoons I don;t worry about. Deer are a nuisance. usually in the woods there is a .9mm, .or .44, or 45 Colt on my hip and I feel that is more than adequate if I ever meet a black bear that is overly aggressive. They are around, but if I leave them alone, they avoid me. Eastern Coyote avoid me after I killed 3 of them back in 2005. There is gray fox around to fill the void, but they don't bother anything. Police deputies are at least 20 minutes away in rural areas, so the presence of a gun is of equal importance to owning a socket wrench set to work on the tractor. I concur on the trail cams and have several out there covering access points. Likewise ambulances may take awhile, so knowing first aid, both basic and advanced has no down side and neither does having a well stocked box of first aid supplies in both the house and the barn and maybe a small one in the little storage box on the tractor. Phones are great things, but so are good neighbors. .
Totally appreciate this video, thank you. We’ve got our hands full: feral pigs and deer, and worst of all, trespassers of the human kind living in tents illegally on our land. Thank goodness for good neighbours!
I always value your product reviews. I feel confident you don’t put your “I feel good about this one” on something until you are ready to stand behind your word. I took your advice on the rechargeable battery’s, and saw them in the trail cam. I have been very happy with the results they have provided.
Thank you. We do work with brands who make stuff we use and like. Which is about 2% of the offers we actually receive from brands who have products that are completely irrelevant to us and our audience. So there’s that. 😏
The biggest thing we've found that works for security is having a presence daily on all of our land. The minute we don't physically check 1 part for a couple of days is the minute we get poachers. It's why we bought this place anyhow, it's basically an excuse for me to disappear into the woods alone/with the Mr. for an hour.
Actually, I don't have health insurance, I think most homeowners insurance is a scam, and I only have auto insurance because it's the law. I do believe in being prepared, but I also believe in not wasting money.
Good overview on the security issue. We have more to do in that regard. You showed the game cameras, and they at least can let you know of what is regularly happening, or has happened. Sadly, they don't alert you to imminent threats, and give you preparation time to meet that need. Its an ongoing process. Just subscribed and looking to check out your other videos.
xmchillin it doesn’t take too much. I have 35 acres and used about a standard cans worth. Just check the specifications. The stripe has to be so many inches wide, so many feet off the ground and so many feet spaced between trees/post/etc. It does take a bit more time than just nailing up a sign but it lasts 100x longer and can’t be removed. The law here also states ignorance of the Purple Paint law is NOT a defense. So trespassers can’t say “I didn’t know what that meant.” and get off.
my first husband was shot and killed by his best friend who mistook him for a deer now two lessons here ALWAYS wear orange and ALWAYS make sure you know what you are shooting at before you pull that trigger
Good tips.. I use game cams myself. Love 'em. Glad you mentioned the wild dogs. We have coyotes all over the place here. I get 'em all the time on the cams and can even identify which pack they are and different individuals. Have never had an issue with 'em. Not once. Wild or stray dogs, however.. Completely different story.. Aside from some minor bobcat, owl and raccoon issues our biggest threat is from wild or stray dogs.. Lost a whole herd of goats to them once. Plus several entire flocks of chickens. I have a "zero dog" policy now and all our neighbors are well aware of it. Coyotes, however.. They get a 'pass.'
Missing your videos! I know you're working hard on getting things done. Hope all is going well on the homestead, and can't wait to see all you're doing!
I had no doubt there's something in the works. Super excited to learn more from your experiences, as we begin our own transition into a real garden and livestock. P.S. Jamie getting bleeped in the outtakes was the real "turning point" for letting me know y'all were my people 😂
Hikers use Permethrin to soak/spray on their clothes to minimize ticks (and mosquitos). It will kill bugs on contact for 6 weeks or 6 washes (whatever comes first). it won't help the chickens, but it will minimize your risk of contracting a tick bourne illness.
GREAT video! Would love to see a video on homestead weapons, their uses, safety & management of such. Y’all would do really well in this area of teaching!
I like to use of cameras matter fact I have camera set out so people can see that I have cameras and I have camera set in places where they can't see them unless they're really really looking for them one simple trick is having birdhouses setup and putting a camera inside a birdhouse I'll set up 3/4 birdhouses it maybe use only one or two of them for a cameras thank you for a good video and security is a big problem nowadays and thank you for sharing I appreciate it
There's a guy on youtube I have seen who hides his trail cameras by using a piece of real tree bark, you can not see them unless you really look. People like to steal them...
Question about cameras - would the fancy real time cameras work off grid? Or do they take too much power? Something that provides a monitor in your house. After seeing this video, I am even more impressed, and a little afraid to homestead. And yes, this is the situation that was made for carry rights. I can't imagine not having a gun out there. And I am a teacher.
You should look into a battery powered radio transmitted alarm system. dakotaalert.com/ has motion and vehicle detectors that you bury in the road. There are both stationary and portable receivers, and the sensors can be set up to warn you about intrusions from different sectors. This can warn you about movement around your livestock in the night, or people coming up your road or through the forest. Later, when you get more settled, you can look into IP cameras that use PoE (Power over Ethernet) to run your cameras at a distance from your house.
I like these kind of videos. You should think about trapping predators. Keep the balance in check around your property. Would love to see some of that. Very important where you live. Thanks for sharing. I like the way you guys think.
I was always taught never to shoot at something you didn’t have a clear shot at- so you DIDN’T shoot a person not wearing orange, lol. So glad you guys are getting to work on your dream! So happy. Can’t wait to see the house!
Your comments about LGDs were such a relief. So many folks believe they can purchase a LGD, place them in with the animals and all will be well; which seems to rarely go well.
We’ve done a lot of research on them. We may do an entire video explaining why we are holding off. We would value input from experienced lgd owners, like yourself, in the comments
Just getting chance to view this. Very well done, common sense review & informative to those new or unaware of conditions around them. Over the decades, wild or uncontrolled dogs & venomous snakes have been biggest danger by far to family( not discounting human predators ). Living from Texas to Ms. Possums, coyotes, & occasional hawk attacks have been largest contributor to attacks on farm critters. Enjoyed your post Thanks
I use the trail cams as well, you may want to place them higher off the ground. It's a bit of a pain in the butt to get the ladder out every time to get the card out but it prevents people from being able to steal them.
I lost a few, in the obvious spots, by the front gate, etc, until I started putting in a few extra cameras better hidden that cover the cameras I want them to see, like by the front gate. I had an older trail cam that didn't work so well, but once when the rechargeable batteries quit charging, rather than replace them, I replaced the whole unit with a smaller, better, more modern unit. I put the old one with dead batteries well inside, but within sight of the main front gate, and the new one concealed better, low under a low pine, but with a good view. within two weeks, I gave the Sheriff footage, license plates and all, of a hoodlum crawling over the locked gate and stealing the trail cam that didn't work anymore. I put it there, in plain sight, as a deterrent, not as bait. But when I got it back from the Sheriff's Dept., I put it back in the same place!
Excellent vid. Yes cameras are a must. The ones you have look like they give great detailed images. I like the idea of the lines you strung over the animals. Reminds me of the blimps England strung up over London in WWII. We probably are going to homestead our property in Alabama soon. Your vids are great in that they identify problem areas where we need to focus.
I am loving the 'along for the ride' type content I like the how-to stuff too but this new direction is super fun to watch. Thanks for addressing biosecurity; that's something not many people think of. Also, I'm sure you noticed, but that coyote was lame so he'll be looking for easy meals.
I'm subscribed to over two dozen channels (of various types), and I have to tell you.....I enjoy the videos from you two more than any others. Your filming style is, to me, both informative and entertaining. Ooo-Rah!. :)
i'm so glad that you guys have guns to protect yourselves in case you needed to, i hate that it's even an issue and that you need to clarify your reasoning 🙄
I don't know if you would want to try this, but we got a great pyrenees dog as a puppy and he stay around the land and animals, it will be the best investment you can get.we got one that way and it keeps all the predators away. We didn't have to train it at all.
Ours chases off the deer and is still working on not chasing the poultry, so he is constrained to one part. Haven't lost anything since getting him though. The Teenage years is a very real thing we're finding out with GPs. Didn't start roaming or chasing stock til 1 yo.
Good info I love how clear the trail cameras record. The trail cam is excellent I think. Looks like you have wonderful property. I am so happy for you and Jamie being able to be with like minded people. You deserve it so much. I am sorry you had to leave your home. But I am thinking you are better for it. God Bless you and your family.
We are on 19 acres in SE pa. There is little respect these days. It would be nice to allow people to enjoy the woods, but with thieft and vandalism you don't want "just anyone" passing through. We allow a couple of people to hike and bike ride because they approached us and we got to know them, in return they keep us informed of problems. Jeremy I thank you for your insight keep up with all you and Jamie are doing you guys are awesome.
You might want to check out the regs on No hunting signs in your state. I live in Washington state and here there is a big difference between no trespass and no hunting. If you post a no hunting or fishing sign even the property owner can not hunt or fish. That is why you see a lot of both types out here in our rural areas.
Great informative video, thank you for sharin'! Looks like your local coyote has a bit of a limp. Maybe he had his own run in with the local wild life. :)
We hope this answers some questions about how we address security on our homestead. We have more info and links in the description. Thanks for watching!
The problem that a lot landowners have up here, is that 'No Trespassing' signs have a habit of being removed- especially right before hunting season. Then the perpetrator/perpetrators feign ignorance by claiming that they have seen no signs, regardless of the fact that tresspassing is illegal, regardless of a lack of posting.
Guildbrook Farm | Simple Sustainable Living glad mentioned neighbors that is an important part of Off Grid Security especially when it could take the Sheriff Department up to an hour to respond. A good neighbors can back you up faster than Sheriff's Deputies.
Tip around Hunting Season set up and camouflage your game cameras to cover No Trespass at access points like logging roads. Poachers and unethical hunters teragram signs and steal game cameras if they find them.
If you want the best livestock/flock guardian dog, look into the Caucasian Mountain Shepard. They are THE BEST dog for that application, however, be warned that only a lot of research into that breed will do. They are not a dog for everyone. They will be you and your families best friend and protector but... EVERYONE & EVERYTHING else is a threat to them and they can be very difficult to control if not properly raised and socialized. They are very powerful dogs that are "naturally aggressive", not to be confused with dogs that are on a list somewhere like pitbulls, rott's, etc... those types of dogs must be trained or abused to become aggressive as they are not born with high levels of natural aggression but the Caucasian is born like that. Look them up, they are impressive animals to say the least & the absolute best of the best if you want protection on a large property.
Not what we are looking for..:but thanks for mentioning in case they are right for someone else
We have 4 dogs, one is part Beagle.. nothing gets past her nose.. and the rest follow her to check it out!
Put up signs such as "Trespassers will be shot -- Survivors will be shot again", or "Due to the high cost of ammo, no warning shots will be fired". Or for the Deliverance audience -- "U sur hav purty lips"
My personal favorite is “If you are close enough to read this, you are in range”
The guy didn't die because he wasn't wearing orange, he died because the guy that pulled the trigger failed to identify his target. And yes orange is a great precaution
Hear hear. Mistaking an upright walking human for a small dog is really nothing else than reckless and forgetting how to handle fire-arms... identity, think, background, think, shoot
+Jim 2506 well stated!!! May Yahweh bless and keep you ❤❤❤
Thank you RebelRose, God bless you too!
Marlon or maybe first degree murder? Sounds fishy to me.
Your property is just breathtaking, so beautiful!
We use a broken camera and put that where trespassers will see it and have the working one up high and camouflaged and that one catches them. Then we call the ranger. Since we have a year round hunting permit, we have trouble with trespassers spotlighting deer.in regards to wildlife, i5 is really fun to see footage of them. Coyotes are not all bad, they eat a lot of vermin. Of course, we don’t want them bothering our chickens and turkeys and that’s where a good dog is priceless. We use shelter dogs and they have worked out excellent as well as being awesome members of our family.
Enjoyed the video. My husband normally carries all the time, but a couple of years ago he went out for the mail without his pistol. On the way back, a fox was chasing hen around the front yard, just barely unable to catch her. Don only had a newspaper to defend her with! It paints a funny picture to hear him tell it, but ever since, he doesn't leave the house without his "girlfriend"!
Calling 911 is reactive not proactive. Carrying a weapon is proactive and no one can respond to 911 faster than you and/or your wife can draw and fire your weapon at a threat. These facts are just as true in the city as off grid. Simple as that. Thank you for another great video.
Correct
We just moved out to the woods on 73 acres and we see lots of wildlife. We are not real worried about that. However, the human threat became all to real when someone went behind our place and stole all our outside tools. The signs did not work so now we are installing a video security system. Sad people have to go to these lengths just to protect your own stuff.
S F Seriously? People are buttholes!
I solved this same issue myself, shortly after the purchase of my home and property. I made very simple signs which clearly read; Caution, Trespassers will be Violated!..Some twice!...Then I stapled two magnum condoms to each sign! heck, even the mailman is afraid to stop!
😂 😂 😂
I laughed out loud 🤣
I hear ya on the perimeter fencing, our new rule is "we'll never buy land we can't afford to fully fence again" after being here 3 years and STILL working on the fence.
Guinea hen person here! If you get guinea hens, get hatching eggs in the early summer and have a broody hen (cochin, or orpington) raise them (and you feed 24-28% protein chick/turkey starter). If they're raised by a chicken, they will be more likely to go into a coop at night. OTHERWISE the will sleep in the trees and the owls get them (You'll find a headless bird. Owls can only eat what they can swallow whole, so they will just eat the head). But Guineas are great for ticks and alerting you to snakes (or anyone who comes onto your property). Guineas don't do well with an electric fence though.
For me there is a constant peace and belonging being far away from populated areas. I'm glad your family found the proper homestead location. Can't wait to see more wildlife videos from your game cams.
You always explain things so clearly , Jeremy, and addressed a lot of issues I've never even thought about. We live in the suburbs and have great neighbour's and we all look out for each other, that is so important. Great video, as always.
Thank you for sharing this video. I appreciate your honesty and authenticity . Godspeed on your journey.
I'm really enjoying living vicariously through you guys on this new beautiful property!
Well said on the carrying of firearms as well Sir.
I am building a mesh network that is solar powered. Really easy to do. This will provide live communications even if grid is down. At least among those who you give access to the routers/repeaters for. IP Camera and a router with a small 12v mower battery and a DIY solar panel about 10 inches square. Run the panel up a tree with best coverage and put rest in waterproof box. For one I added a plexiglass window for the camera.
I love the trail cam I think we need to look into one with an internal screen thanks for the vid. We secure our land and hunt our food with a Remenington, when you come across a bear or anything you're not gonna be able to outrun it's nice to have that backup. 👍
I am super impressed your neighbor still uses a leash to walk his dogs while living in the country.
I do that too, don't feed the bears!
Nice thing about living in a desert I can see the whole 80 acres standing at the house, the bad thing is the reason I can do this is I live in a desert!
We live at the end of dirt road if the nearest neighbor notices any strangers they let us know, including my niece's husband and his buddy making several trips to town while working on the roof
There is so much more to living off grid great job guys.
Or just remotely
Thank you for sharing! Along with the critter cameras we've placed motion alarms and solar powered motion lights.
We're also planning on purchasing a thermal sensored night vision monocle for security, and animal watching. Being proactive is our motto.
All good stuff 👍🏻
Great vid! I have a few critter cams out back. It’s great to see what critters show up.
This was incredibly helpful, we live in deer country nc (stokes co.) and we have a big problem with unwanted hunters trying to deer hunt on our land. We have a bloodhound who lets us know of anyone or any “threatening “ animal trespassing on our land, we have spray painted purple paint all over our land and I always carry my .357 mag on my side when wondering our land. all of these steps seem to help me... next step is definitely putting up deer cams! Thanks for the specific cam recommendation I’ll definitely have to check em out!
Your new home looks beautiful, we just bought 42 acres in Missouri not off grid but definitely a huge change from Orange County CA 😂
nice!
Might be a good idea to have several birdhouses around the property and put the security cameras in there too. That way it's protected by the environment as well as camouflage aka hidden from human trespassers and hunters.
😉
Thank you for doing this video! I grew up with what I'd call minimal farm life under minimal security. We at the time never had anything to need fear or to wide clearing or entire perimeter to have to fence. This is because the farms that I was on were of air loom dating back for ages of same close net families. So most of what was necessary of us was cleaning/clearing underbrush and feeding of livestock. There was constant fence patching but, never any huge runs.
Since then times have changed lots have changed hands and I've got a family of my own on a new patch of land we've purchased over time. It is scary being the new neighbors on property that is new to up. If all goes well we plan to move onto it this year. Most of the neighbors are like us in the way they like secluded, quiet, and peaceful life. So much so the closest one is hard to contact.
I'm researching what other homesteaders are doing for protection and peace of mind. Especially those starting a new one. Just a bit ahead of us.
Just ordered the trail cam using your link. We were needing one anyway and super happy to support one of my favorite YT channels. Keep up the excellent videos :)
Having like minded neighbours is like winning the lottery......:-}
Truth
Oh, you got Bigfoots. You just ain't met 'em yet.
I have found donkeys and mules will protect your live stock, we used to adopt donkeys and turn them in with our milk cows. After the donkeys moved in the coyote and wild dogs moved out. They loss of caves went down to 0.
Donna Fuss plus 1 on burros
Great video! Is is nice to know you aren’t having to deal with Hunting “squatters”. Since our average was abandoned for so long, it took several years to run everyone off from what they made their public hunting area. Some were easy others were a bit more confrontational.
Yes we lucked out there. Otherwise things would have gotten “uncomfortable” for a bit.
Guildbrook Farm | Simple Sustainable Living most certainly! I had one guy tell me he had hunted on our land for 20 years and there was no way some “city slicker” was going to run him off. City Slicker: 1 Squatter: 0
Would love to hear that story 😂
Maybe I should make that a video episode and do it as a dramatic retelling like you see on Dateline...
Wow guys! I just watched Jamie’s video from Oct 2016 entitled Reluctant Spouses and homesteading. Y’all sure have come a long way since then! Loving the new property and your progress so far.
We have 30 acres and have used trail cams for security, as we have a terrible time with dirt bikers. One of our trail cams, despite being locked to a tree with chain and secured in a trail cam lock box, was stolen. We're having a lot of trouble with human security.
I always say my firearms are an essential tool just like a chainsaw or any garden equipment is! Just an extension of my arm. They are a part of our lively hood because that is how we protect and help feed ourselves. Very strong believer in our 2nd amendment rights and appreciate when I hear people of like mind stand up and exercise their right to own, carry and protect their families! Great video and y'all have a Blessed Day!
I place signs at the end of my driveway "Beware of Dog" "Security Cameras Present" even though I have neither but they are used as deterrents.
Maybe I should do that - I have 2 seriously dangerous Yorkies! :D At least they warn me ahead if someone is coming!
Simple and to the point and well put. Our policy--- We're no one's problem and, no one's victim.
Excellent video on the realities of rural security. Firearms are a tool, not a statement of paranoia. When we first acquired our farm, wild dogs were a major problem. When we moved to it full time, ground hogs were a major issue (including undermining the foundation of the house). Now it is coyotes and deer....particularly in our young orchard. Coyotes kill off smaller animals, whether wild or domestic, until their area is barren of food and deer will eat virtually anything you value to grow....particularly young trees. While we've had human trespassers, so far
they haven't required an armed approach. Folks from more urban areas just don't get it that calling 911 isn't an
option for help anytime soon. Whether for security, medical or fire, you and your family are the first (and too often
only) responders that need the tools and knowledge to cope with whatever. I consider the trade-off between urban
services vs. rural tranquility well worth it....but it isn't for everyone.
I wanted to share some lessons my grad parents learned about guineas. They tend to roam without end, unless they know where home is. Papa would raise them in a pen, then when they get near adulthood let one out ever few days so they learn that the flock stays near the pen. He learned this after losing lots of them when they just roamed away from his farm. Also they had problems with the mothers raising the chicks because once they hatched the hens would just roam like normal and most of the chicks would die. They watched for their nests and would incubate the eggs.
I've been playing with Raspberry Pi's as a trail camera, because I can get them for about $50 each. I'm working on setting up a wifi network so I don't have to go get the memory cards. I wanted to share in case you're interested.
petapixel.com/2018/02/06/motion-detecting-wildlife-camera-made-raspberry-pi/
We read the same things about guineas. Good tips 👍🏻
I always appreciate your clarity of thought. I am far more concerned about security here in suburbia than I ever am out in the woods.
I'm jealous, you have spring & we have snow here in Eastern Idaho. I like how you always talk about safety around your property. Anytime you buy property you really don't know what you have for about a year. Thanks for video
I miss living in the country...growing up we had 150 acres with good woods and pasture...with a large river that you could canoe in. Unfortunately, the property was lost due to legal infighting from close relatives (it was inherited) and now I am a city dweller. Since the price of rural property skyrocketed I fear I will never be able to buy another country house...unless I win the lottery or something.
Very good plan. I have a couple of suggestions for you. One lowtech. Get a piece of sewing thread and string it between two trees on your less used trails about chest high for a man. Higher than average deer with horns. Does not have to tight and the ends loosely wrapped so they will come undone if somebody walks through. When you check your property and the thread is displaced you know something has been there. Might relocate a trail cam to check it out.
Second
Harbor freight sells Motion Detectors made by Bunker Hill.
Best range available for the price sometimes as low as 14 dollars.
Only thing I have had to do was waterproof the detector window with a bit of silcone at the edges.
Range with good batteries from detector to sqauker about 300 feet. One on the main approach to the house might give you ample early warning.
The string is pretty clever! Great idea 👍🏻 Thanks for the tips
A video like this is also helpful to those who have never thought of using secure measures in their home whether living in the country or city. Moving my father in town I wanted him to feel safe so we had a security system installed back in 1999 that's being monitored 24/7. In all those years the police had to come here only once and that was because the backup battery needed replaced. I feel secure knowing I have a safe home to enter. You've done just about everything to protect your family and animals and thank God for the second amendment. Great Video!
We live in a rural community, very small, less than 1000 people, yet we had a home invasion not far from us where they cut the electric and entered the property armed, terrorizing the owner and his guest, and stole everything they could carry including his firearms and his car. Never thought it would happen here but it was a couple crack heads living 40 minutes away. You just never know and have to plan for it.
Yup, my plan for that is to give them everything they could carry! There might also be some interesting footage on the critter cams.
Just goes to show you, that you're more likely to shoot and kill someone not wearing an orange hat, by mistake, than intentionally kill someone who's really out to get you (even if you're armed to the teeth).
Great video. I like the threat assessment so you focus on real not imagined threats
Our wildlife is identical to yours. We are in the ozarks, on 40 acres and border the ozark nt'l forest on 2 sides. The human threat is pretty much non-existent since everyone has their own arsenals and often carries. Your property looks amazing and I've looked forward to all of your videos since the move. I think each new season will be new learning experience for you and as you roll over to the second year, you'll feel so much more confident on how to handle each season's challenges.
It just takes time
PRRRRRREEEEAAAAAACH!!!! LOL LOVED this video. I’ll NEVER understand how anyone can think it’s more dangerous in the country than in the city.
Cute (sorta sad) story...When my kids were little and I’d taken them to TN for a visit at my dads, they’d been many times but were just at an age to really express themselves. My oldest said, “mommy it’s so scary at pawpaws.” When I asked why she said, “just because it’s always so black at night. (No street lights like at home.) You can’t see nothing.” I reassured her and she knew I always carried and knew pawpaw and mamaw did as well. Anyway...not three weeks later back at home, a man (older, walking his dog and got mugged) was attacked two blocks from our house literally under a street light. My daughter remembered the conversation we had a few weeks before and immediately insisted we move back to pawpaws cause the people at home were just “crazy and mean!” Sad she had to learn it at such an early age but she learned!
An unfortunate but good lesson
found someone fishing in my pond. they said 'i didn't realize anyone owned it.' really? you navigated your way around under or through a fence....the fence being there to keep the neighbors dogs and other predators from my flock. cool footage!
***** I ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS......YOUR HOMESTEAD IS ON MY DAILY PRAYER LIST.......********
City folk believe that in rural areas dangerous animals are as common as their pigeons. Not so. I live in a similar wooded area with the same wildlife. Possum and raccoons I don;t worry about. Deer are a nuisance. usually in the woods there is a .9mm, .or .44, or 45 Colt on my hip and I feel that is more than adequate if I ever meet a black bear that is overly aggressive. They are around, but if I leave them alone, they avoid me. Eastern Coyote avoid me after I killed 3 of them back in 2005. There is gray fox around to fill the void, but they don't bother anything. Police deputies are at least 20 minutes away in rural areas, so the presence of a gun is of equal importance to owning a socket wrench set to work on the tractor. I concur on the trail cams and have several out there covering access points. Likewise ambulances may take awhile, so knowing first aid, both basic and advanced has no down side and neither does having a well stocked box of first aid supplies in both the house and the barn and maybe a small one in the little storage box on the tractor. Phones are great things, but so are good neighbors.
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Totally appreciate this video, thank you. We’ve got our hands full: feral pigs and deer, and worst of all, trespassers of the human kind living in tents illegally on our land. Thank goodness for good neighbours!
I always value your product reviews. I feel confident you don’t put your “I feel good about this one” on something until you are ready to stand behind your word. I took your advice on the rechargeable battery’s, and saw them in the trail cam. I have been very happy with the results they have provided.
Thank you. We do work with brands who make stuff we use and like. Which is about 2% of the offers we actually receive from brands who have products that are completely irrelevant to us and our audience. So there’s that. 😏
Great video and lots of information given. Thanks alot!
The biggest thing we've found that works for security is having a presence daily on all of our land. The minute we don't physically check 1 part for a couple of days is the minute we get poachers. It's why we bought this place anyhow, it's basically an excuse for me to disappear into the woods alone/with the Mr. for an hour.
great video! The media likes to pretend that people like us don't exist. keep the videos coming!!
Actually, I don't have health insurance, I think most homeowners insurance is a scam, and I only have auto insurance because it's the law. I do believe in being prepared, but I also believe in not wasting money.
Good overview on the security issue. We have more to do in that regard. You showed the game cameras, and they at least can let you know of what is regularly happening, or has happened. Sadly, they don't alert you to imminent threats, and give you preparation time to meet that need. Its an ongoing process.
Just subscribed and looking to check out your other videos.
The odds of anything happening in a rural area are slim compared to living in the city or suburbs. Trespassers are a different issue.
Here in TN we have Purple Paint laws. I’m pretty sure NC has the same laws. Paint can’t be torn down
Great info...I did not know about purple paint law. Just checked, ALABAMA passed it in 2016. I'm gonna need a LOT of paint for 30 acres!!
xmchillin it doesn’t take too much. I have 35 acres and used about a standard cans worth. Just check the specifications. The stripe has to be so many inches wide, so many feet off the ground and so many feet spaced between trees/post/etc. It does take a bit more time than just nailing up a sign but it lasts 100x longer and can’t be removed. The law here also states ignorance of the Purple Paint law is NOT a defense. So trespassers can’t say “I didn’t know what that meant.” and get off.
my first husband was shot and killed by his best friend who mistook him for a deer now two lessons here ALWAYS wear orange and ALWAYS make sure you know what you are shooting at before you pull that trigger
I'm so sorry.
Good tips.. I use game cams myself. Love 'em. Glad you mentioned the wild dogs. We have coyotes all over the place here. I get 'em all the time on the cams and can even identify which pack they are and different individuals. Have never had an issue with 'em. Not once. Wild or stray dogs, however.. Completely different story.. Aside from some minor bobcat, owl and raccoon issues our biggest threat is from wild or stray dogs.. Lost a whole herd of goats to them once. Plus several entire flocks of chickens. I have a "zero dog" policy now and all our neighbors are well aware of it. Coyotes, however.. They get a 'pass.'
Missing your videos! I know you're working hard on getting things done. Hope all is going well on the homestead, and can't wait to see all you're doing!
Working on on now 😉 busy busy
I had no doubt there's something in the works. Super excited to learn more from your experiences, as we begin our own transition into a real garden and livestock. P.S. Jamie getting bleeped in the outtakes was the real "turning point" for letting me know y'all were my people 😂
Then you’ll like the new project we have cookin 😉
Ty Jeremy be safe . Tell Jamie I missed her today. God Bless.
Love all y'all videos
Hikers use Permethrin to soak/spray on their clothes to minimize ticks (and mosquitos). It will kill bugs on contact for 6 weeks or 6 washes (whatever comes first). it won't help the chickens, but it will minimize your risk of contracting a tick bourne illness.
GREAT video! Would love to see a video on homestead weapons, their uses, safety & management of such. Y’all would do really well in this area of teaching!
So, so helpful!! Thank you very much!
You've both really thought things through , glad to see your all doing well !
I like to use of cameras matter fact I have camera set out so people can see that I have cameras and I have camera set in places where they can't see them unless they're really really looking for them one simple trick is having birdhouses setup and putting a camera inside a birdhouse I'll set up 3/4 birdhouses it maybe use only one or two of them for a cameras thank you for a good video and security is a big problem nowadays and thank you for sharing I appreciate it
There's a guy on youtube I have seen who hides his trail cameras by using a piece of real tree bark, you can not see them unless you really look. People like to steal them...
I'm sure he doesn't leave the cameras in the places he showed, that was just demo.
Correct.
Question about cameras - would the fancy real time cameras work off grid? Or do they take too much power? Something that provides a monitor in your house. After seeing this video, I am even more impressed, and a little afraid to homestead. And yes, this is the situation that was made for carry rights. I can't imagine not having a gun out there. And I am a teacher.
You should look into a battery powered radio transmitted alarm system. dakotaalert.com/ has motion and vehicle detectors that you bury in the road.
There are both stationary and portable receivers, and the sensors can be set up to warn you about intrusions from different sectors. This can warn you about movement around your livestock in the night, or people coming up your road or through the forest.
Later, when you get more settled, you can look into IP cameras that use PoE (Power over Ethernet) to run your cameras at a distance from your house.
Y'all are very well educated and thoughtful in the ownership of your property, great video!
I have really been enjoying your videos. Please keep up the great work.
I like these kind of videos. You should think about trapping predators. Keep the balance in check around your property. Would love to see some of that. Very important where you live. Thanks for sharing. I like the way you guys think.
I was always taught never to shoot at something you didn’t have a clear shot at- so you DIDN’T shoot a person not wearing orange, lol.
So glad you guys are getting to work on your dream! So happy. Can’t wait to see the house!
Your comments about LGDs were such a relief. So many folks believe they can purchase a LGD, place them in with the animals and all will be well; which seems to rarely go well.
We’ve done a lot of research on them. We may do an entire video explaining why we are holding off. We would value input from experienced lgd owners, like yourself, in the comments
my concern is keeping bugs out of the house and other shed/shelter on the lead.
Just getting chance to view this. Very well done, common sense review & informative to those new or unaware of conditions around them. Over the decades, wild or uncontrolled dogs & venomous snakes have been biggest danger by far to family( not discounting human predators ).
Living from Texas to Ms. Possums, coyotes, & occasional hawk attacks have been largest contributor to attacks on farm critters.
Enjoyed your post Thanks
I use the trail cams as well, you may want to place them higher off the ground. It's a bit of a pain in the butt to get the ladder out every time to get the card out but it prevents people from being able to steal them.
I lost a few, in the obvious spots, by the front gate, etc, until I started putting in a few extra cameras better hidden that cover the cameras I want them to see, like by the front gate. I had an older trail cam that didn't work so well, but once when the rechargeable batteries quit charging, rather than replace them, I replaced the whole unit with a smaller, better, more modern unit. I put the old one with dead batteries well inside, but within sight of the main front gate, and the new one concealed better, low under a low pine, but with a good view. within two weeks, I gave the Sheriff footage, license plates and all, of a hoodlum crawling over the locked gate and stealing the trail cam that didn't work anymore. I put it there, in plain sight, as a deterrent, not as bait. But when I got it back from the Sheriff's Dept., I put it back in the same place!
Just remember the 5 Ds: Dodge Duck Dip Dive and... Dodge.
Excellent vid. Yes cameras are a must. The ones you have look like they give great detailed images. I like the idea of the lines you strung over the animals. Reminds me of the blimps England strung up over London in WWII. We probably are going to homestead our property in Alabama soon. Your vids are great in that they identify problem areas where we need to focus.
Thanks for a very well thought out presentation and I'd love to see more of your local critters!
I am loving the 'along for the ride' type content I like the how-to stuff too but this new direction is super fun to watch. Thanks for addressing biosecurity; that's something not many people think of. Also, I'm sure you noticed, but that coyote was lame so he'll be looking for easy meals.
He may be very lame before it’s said and done
Thank you for sharing the info!
Great video! Thanks for your insight.
I'm subscribed to over two dozen channels (of various types), and I have to tell you.....I enjoy the videos from you two more than any others. Your filming style is, to me, both informative and entertaining. Ooo-Rah!. :)
Thank you! ❤️
This is a, truly, nice site. Thank you for it.
Great video! Whoever disagree with the 2nd amendment rights cannot be my friends! Sorry but it’s better safe than sorry.
i'm so glad that you guys have guns to protect yourselves in case you needed to, i hate that it's even an issue and that you need to clarify your reasoning 🙄
Really glad to see you guys making a go of the new place. Good luck
I don't know if you would want to try this, but we got a great pyrenees dog as a puppy and he stay around the land and animals, it will be the best investment you can get.we got one that way and it keeps all the predators away. We didn't have to train it at all.
I would not get an LGD without committing the time to training it to not chase or kill my poultry.
Ours chases off the deer and is still working on not chasing the poultry, so he is constrained to one part. Haven't lost anything since getting him though. The Teenage years is a very real thing we're finding out with GPs. Didn't start roaming or chasing stock til 1 yo.
Good info I love how clear the trail cameras record. The trail cam is excellent I think. Looks like you have wonderful property. I am so happy for you and Jamie being able to be with like minded people. You deserve it so much. I am sorry you had to leave your home. But I am thinking you are better for it. God Bless you and your family.
Safer there than around people.
We are on 19 acres in SE pa. There is little respect these days. It would be nice to allow people to enjoy the woods, but with thieft and vandalism you don't want "just anyone" passing through. We allow a couple of people to hike and bike ride because they approached us and we got to know them, in return they keep us informed of problems. Jeremy I thank you for your insight keep up with all you and Jamie are doing you guys are awesome.
We're on 20.1 acres in central PA. Trespassing must be taught in school.
They're not learning to read. No trespassing signs all over.
If only the city dwellers knew how many psycho’s are all around them! Lol!
I’ll keep my rural life, thank you!😊
Me too 😉
I prefer 90% green at all times. I’ve also lived in the city so I know exactly what you mean.
You might want to check out the regs on No hunting signs in your state. I live in Washington state and here there is a big difference between no trespass and no hunting. If you post a no hunting or fishing sign even the property owner can not hunt or fish. That is why you see a lot of both types out here in our rural areas.
I have a wonderful guard dog. He's a great Pyrenees. Best guard dog I ever had.
I have heard so many talk about that breed for a great watchdog. I'm looking at getting 2 myself.
Great informative video, thank you for sharin'! Looks like your local coyote has a bit of a limp. Maybe he had his own run in with the local wild life. :)