top of page
Search

Thinking About Going Full-Time Outdoors? Read This First

Hey everyone,

If you’ve ever daydreamed about ditching the 9-5 grind for a life of full-time hunting, trapping, fishing, foraging, and just plain wilderness living, this one’s for you.

I made the leap last year here in North Central BC, and let me tell you—it was a chaotic, humbling, sometimes brutal first year. I jumped in with more fire than plan, and reality hit like a cold wind on a trapline in January.

In the latest Wild Ways Podcast episode, I lay it all out: the mistakes, the hard lessons, the freedoms, and what I’m doing differently this year to make it sustainable.

For those who prefer reading (or want to revisit the key points), here’s the heart of what I shared.

Why I Finally Made the Jump

I’d been thinking about it for years—probably 4 or 5. Life felt half over, and that quote kept ringing in my head: Everyone lives two lives. The second one begins when you realize you only have one.

One day I just said, “Enough.” I quit procrastinating and went for it. Impulsive? Yes. Necessary? For me, absolutely. But without a solid plan, it cost me time, money, and momentum on both sides of the transition.

The Harsh Reality Check

It’s not the fantasy you see in your head. Being outside all the time means constant discomfort—cold, wind, breakdowns, sore everything. Income drops hard at first. Nature doesn’t care about your ego; it’ll humble you quick if you pretend you know it all.

My biggest mistake? No real transition plan. I didn’t schedule around seasons, weather, or prime fur times. I procrastinated on content creation because filming and editing felt overwhelming. Missed opportunities like morel mushrooms after nearby fires, fiddleheads, spruce tips… all because I didn’t attack them when they were in season.

Core Vision: God, Family, Lifestyle First

Everything I do now orbits this priority: God first, then family, then the lifestyle itself. Revenue has to fit around that—not the other way around.

I downsized ruthlessly: fixed my own gear (huge learning curve—cut hands on rusty bolts included), ditched eating out, pubs, subscriptions. It’s not what you make; it’s what you keep, especially when income starts near zero.

Treat It Like a Job—Schedule and Show Up

This year I’m different. I schedule everything like a real job. Podcasts, filming, editing, trapping runs—show up whether I feel like it or not. No more overthinking or procrastination.

I also built multiple revenue streams: trapping (full push next season with old masters like Johnny Thorp’s beaver techniques), spring foraging sales, potential guiding (fishing/hunting if needed), selling outdoor products on the site (aiming for one new item a week), content, even opportunistic stuff like firewood or chaga when I’m already out there.

Monthly reviews keep me accountable—adjust if one stream lags.

Freedom on the Other Side

No more phone distractions, politics, or being beholden to anyone but God, family, and myself. The world feels like it’s crumbling—towns falling apart, bad decisions catching up—but out here, I focus on what I can control.

It’s freeing. Adventure over comfort, especially as we age. Yes, it’s harder later in life (back hurts more, energy isn’t what it was young), but the sense of accomplishment after a tough day in the bush? Nothing beats it.

If You’re Thinking About It—My Advice

  • Build a clear vision and mission.

  • Make a real plan—don’t burn bridges impulsively.

  • Cut expenses now; practice self-reliance.

  • Schedule like it’s your job and stick to it.

  • Embrace discomfort and the learning curve—ego has no place here.

  • Diversify revenue; be an opportunist.

  • Study the old masters and keep learning.

  • Ignore naysayers (even close ones); plow forward.

My first year was rough—maybe one of the hardest things I’ve done. But with a better plan this year, it’s starting to pay off. If you’re half-over your current life like I was, don’t wait forever. Pursue what sets your soul on fire.

Quick Recap

  • Have vision/mission

  • Make & follow a plan/schedule

  • Downsize expenses & learn self-reliance

  • Embrace discomfort & check ego

  • Multiple revenue streams & opportunism

  • Push forward despite fear or critics

Thanks for being here. If this fires you up, drop a comment below—share your outdoor dreams or transition stories. Like/subscribe on YouTube, follow me on X @LymanMiller1, Instagram @lymanswildways, and check the website: thewildways.ca.

Also, if you’re into deeper life/wisdom stuff, check my separate Seeking Truth series (Thursdays)—short Bible dives, like Proverbs right now. Real wisdom for real decisions.

More bush tips, faith reflections, and adventures coming. See you out there.

Lyman Miller

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page