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Foraging In Action: The American Civil War

Many preppers dismiss foraging as a waste of time. They'll say things like "You can't live off nuts and berries." Or claim that stockpiling canned goods is more efficient.

Keeping an emergency supply of non-perishable food is great.

But foraging is practical too.

And anyone who thinks foraging is "useless" or a "waste of time" needs a quick lesson in military history.

Foraging In The American Civil War

Canned food was invented by Napoleon to feed his armies as they marched through Europe.

Before then, soldiers got most of their food through foraging.

And even after Napoleon, a lot of armies still relied on foraging.

During the American Civil War, both Union and Confederate soldiers foraged for food. While troops were issued rations, supply lines were inconsistent. And many goods never arrived to the front lines.

Because of this, soldiers would often hunt for eggs, pick fruit and berries, and shoot rabbits or ducks.

Knowing how to forage allowed troops to press-on and avoid starvation.

Of course, foraging wasn't just a Civil War skill.

The Romans had dedicated foraging units to collect food, water, and firewood.

And "Rogers' Rangers," history's first special forces unit, were expected to live off the land.

While having an emergency food supply is smart. And it's always good to build-up a stockpile of things you might need in a worst-case scenario, foraging does serve a purpose. 

It's been used throughout history to support active militaries on the front line.

And foraging can still help you to this day. Either in a short-term emergency where traditional food sources are unavailable (think being lost in the woods for a week), or a long-term supply chain breakdown,

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