Life as a Teenager living Alone in the Bush

[@KeepingItWild]

We have had a lot of comments from people regarding the legality of trapping possums in national parks and also fears of over hunting etc, this has clearly come from those of you over seas so I thought I better clear a few things up for you all (thanks for watching!) So in a nutshell possums are an introduced marsupial brought to New Zealand from Australia about 150 years ago by humans. They have no non human predators here and so they rapidly grew in numbers far greater than in their natural environment. Exactly how much damage possums do to the native wildlife is somewhat a micro debate but almost everyone agrees some form of control/predation is better for both the bush and even the health of the possums. The NZ government class them as a pest and have been trying and failing to eradicate them from our country for decades, the governments way of doing this is mostly by dropping 1080 poison from helicopters over the bush which kills a lot of none target animals, gets into the food chain and is also a slow killer. There are a lot of people against this practice including myself. Trapping possums for fur & (meat were practical to get it out of the bush) is the most environmentally ethical method of control we have. Hence it is fairly straightforward to get a permit to trap in a national park, it is also free (Te Urewera is no longer a national park but thats a story for another day). Hope that cleared a few things up for some of you. And thanks for all the kind comments! Apologies if I haven’t replied to you yet, cheers. Edit: Also the possums are well and truely dead before being plucked, the nerves/muscles will keep twitching for a time after death as they do in most animals, hence the twitching. Death is not always like you see in the movies where people just close their eyes and go to sleep! This is something we make sure to do as humanly as possible.

[@rob-artfarmingnz6138]

With you all the way bro. Your a good fella and we need more like you

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Much respect mate ! NZ is an amazing place to be able to live this lifestyle ! Eel is called Tuna in Maori ?? You guys have a real problem with feral Possums, Deer and Pigs ! Jeeez

[@georgeapirana812]

Your right sir...big inspiration you ate..for our rangatahi..dalutes to you bro

[@nz5123]

Thanks for sharing your journey, not every one will understand, if they havent experienced it themselves.

[@baserockbathead]

I did wonder about this, Thanks for clearing that up and providing some education too!

[@hamishprier9065]

I remember bumping into you on our way out from the mangamako hut few years back now I can clearly remember that orange day glow top and the dog. You where heading in for a week trapping. Got to thinking to myself what a keen young man out there in the big old urewera by himself mad respect. We need more people like you making a living off our resources and a pest at that. Keep up the good work 👌

[@littlebitofeverything8307]

Cool story bud. Very entrepreneurial of you at such a young age. Takes a lot of maturity and discipline to do something like that at such a young age. Mad respect. A story worth spreading to today’s generation of youth!

[@longlowdog]

Absolutely fascinating video on so many levels. As a Scottish city kid I remember reading a fiction book when I was about 12 about a boy who went to live wild in the woods of America (the title name escapes me 40 years on) and it was responsible for my love of the outdoors, passion for hunting and fishing. You actually lived/are living the book that shaped my life. Thank you for sharing, the audio is fine and the camera perfectly acceptable. Best wishes and the best of health to you and your beautiful family. Warmest regards from Scotland.

[@vincentmurphy3781]

My side of the mountain. Got me too

[@mikearnold4675]

Yes me too, great book for a young man who loves the bush.

[@longlowdog]

@@vincentmurphy3781 thank you so very much for giving me the means to find and revisit this book and reminisce on such an import chapter of my youth. Have you perhaps read the Willard Price books about the Hunt brothers who trapped animals for collectors. They too sparked my interest in all things wild from soil biology to blue whales. If you can find them they are great for the kids/grandchildren and perhaps a sneaky read yourself.Regards from Scotland.

[@joeykauble8363]

The book you read was called my side of the mountain it was one of my favourite books

[@phihelix8777]

Is that the kid who lived in a hollowed out tree in the Catskills mountains? Don't remember the name but loved the book.

[@nakisteelo4761]

I believe that the hardest person to get along with is yourself and if you can live in the bush for long periods by yourself it makes you appreciate life and makes you a better person. Don't worry about shaky footage of it is good content. Good raw content beats good filming everytime. Best video yet.cheers🌲🌲👍

[@mrchurr8016]

Very wise words 👍🏻 needed to hear that aswell. Thank you :)

[@oggyoggy1299]

Haha! Yourself is the easiest person to get along with. You must have a very odd life.

[@nakisteelo4761]

@@oggyoggy1299 123 likes , looks like you are the odd one.

[@corrieleatham296]

I was ok with talking to myself but if I started arguing with myself I usually looked for someone to talk to

[@nakisteelo4761]

@@corrieleatham296 Ha ha, crack up . It's not easy.

[@nathanbellamy3308]

The world's a better place with blokes like you in it. I love the bush and spent most my life in it. I'm getting older now and my boys are coming of age, I hope they end up like you. It's pretty bloody hard keeping them on track the way this modern world is going.

[@philippemills6847]

Never hope, guide and ensure

[@OHINERATA]

Awesome! The government should be funding you to train up possum trappers teaching young fellas how to do it properly. There are so many experts out there but you’ve been there done that first hand. Good shit brother 👍

[@whoareyou551]

Bidens Too busy sending money to foreign country’s

[@therealm00theoriginal27]

are you fucking serious....

[@fergusgeorge8189]

@@whoareyou551 biden really do be sending our new zealand dollars overseas

[@roilhead]

@@therealm00theoriginal27 Of course he serious. It would create jobs & an export earn for NZ instead of the current spend of $120 plus million spent on poisoning them. What's your reason that it's a bad idea?

[@3FatStaffs]

@@roilhead unfortunately it's a job not many people especially young people want to do these days...the times have changed.

[@joedennehy386]

One of the best videos i have ever seen. Such a great kiwi upbringing you bought yourself up. Be proud of that old video mate. A treasure. Thanks so much

[@rockchesterman3065]

Mate, you should be held up as an example to the kids of this generation on what drive, inspiration and good old hard work can do for you. I grew up doing the same stuff in the Kaimais before joining the army. I try to show your blogs to the kids while there gaming away but hard to get them off the addiction. Good on you, a generation apart but would enjoy a beer with you. Rock

[@urmama54]

indeed rock. i happen chance to watch in between the breaks when gaming :D

[@freewillchoices3225]

I swear that first Possum was alive when we're pulling it's fur off

[@kieranh2005]

@@freewillchoices3225 they can keep twitching for a bit.

[@goldrushau8425]

agree

[@frizzle7580]

its a maturity thing not really a game thing; this stuffs good as to shows kids but. even an adult so many people are caught up more so in their phones

[@saiying702]

I hate it that youtube only recommended one of your videos last week. I wish i knew your channel exist a few years back. Love your videos man. Nature+hardwork+humble vlogger = awesome content!

[@catsamazing338]

That was bloody great. What an opportunity and you took it. Really glad I found your channel. Such a refreshing change from the usual “high end hunting products with loud rock music etc”. Breath of fresh air indeed :)

[@rikkibrown418]

Love your outake and thoughts on what the human needs when you strip all this other shit away. And 98% of society will never get to experience it. It's my absolute favorite thing about hunting in nz. It removes everything else and just leaves you there with nature. Cool video bro. Keep them coming.

[@johnorr6377]

Couldn't agree more. Just a wonderful video. Thanks so much.

[@James-rp6mx]

Respect to you bro. Very few people would have the mental toughness required to live in the bush for long periods of time, particularly at such a young age. When you are able to notice, and enjoy the small members of an ecosystem like insects etc, it shows the level of respect you truly have for our beautiful bush. And your philosophy at the end is simple, but very deep and accurate at the same time. Well done👍

[@TheTeRiinis]

That was awesome bro. That's what I wanted to do when I was 16, but my parents sent me away to a boys hostel for a year, then got me a welding apprenticeship. I always wandered what it would have been like and after watching your video, I wish I had of experienced that. Thanks for the video.

[@richo083]

One of the best videos I have watched on KZbin yet. You are lucky to have experienced this so young. Thanks for sharing this.

[@murrayjames2772]

That was one of the best you have done in my eyes👍👍👍👍👍. Have yearned to live a life like yours, and have achieved it in some ways. But life seems to draw me in a different direction at times. Now retired, I can get back to the bush I love and reset. Cheers Mate!,, please never stop filming your life.

[@billthekelpies8461]

My old Dad grew up in this part of NZ. I see why he loved the bush so much. I also see why he missed it so much! Thank you for such a great video. Admire your philosophy and your outlook on live.

[@grimeyc0nt609]

You're videos are more then excellent. No matter the video quality, being able to just sit back and watch you go through your day living in the bush is just incredible. I've never seen a more down to Earth guy, living in Akl you don't see that very much! What you might look back on and see as 'awkward' all I can see is hard work and real reactions. Nothing is better than that. Even though your current videos are stellar and the quality is unmatched, I would still have no complaints watching these videos all day! Good on you, living the life mate!

[@BushEscape]

That was pure gold mate, loved it, really pleased you shared that with us, thank you.

[@Southnz]

Deserve a bigger following lad, great outlook and perspective. Keep it coming mate

[@ianhamilton4497]

True passion ,on the edge of spirituality .

[@iamgroot4706]

Yes, spirituality. Meanwhile I'm living in dense concrete jungle in the city and I'm slowly turning into an emotionless zombie. 😪

[@Shilo-fc3xm]

I was hesitant to click the thumb because I assumed it would be another American girl living in her parents well appointed cabin while on school break. Was pleased to find it was the real deal. Regards: 50 year old Aussie who left home at nine and has spent most of his life in the sticks. Cheers, Brah. Subbed.

[@barba5537]

Interesting, nothing fake, knowledgeable young man doing his thing. Helping the environment and providing the warmest material to be added to this old ladies winter jerseys. Good work. All the best for your future. Ps. Top marks to your parents for bringing up such a wise young man

[@rickoliver2059]

Wow , what a awesome way to learn everything about trapping possums and hunting deer and other local animals not to mention taking in all the knowledge of plant life in our beautiful country `s bush and high - lands . Of course you were so lucky being born here in Paradise where there are no bears , wildcats , snakes etc that put your life at risk when sleeping in the bush . Thank you for this very informative vlog , I really enjoy your hunting , it is so calm and natural and looks so effortless , that is until we get out there to have a go , cheers mate .

[@Dutchie1978]

@keepingitwild This is one of my favorite videos that you have made. I really enjoy your narration and raw cinematic style. Great way to end the video too with the quote on the basic human needs. Shelter and food. Awesome. I can't wait to get out of lockdown and head back to those misty maunga.

[@stevew4260]

Bloody hell, the last couple minutes were so inspirational, kudos young fella

[@Motumatai3]

Woohoo! Comment #1 :) Great stuff. Just the thing for lockdown viewing. Reminds me of my possoming days in the 1970's. What we couldn't make with a 25kg sack of flour and a camp oven isn't worth mentioning!!

[@kiaorable]

Hey this bought back so many awesome memories for me when I lived in nz. Was a hunter and did the opossum hunting’s as well, be good to see some of the younger people of today get out and do what you’ve done, get them in touch with real life and get to know what they can do. Really enjoyed this, thanks. You’re amazing, pat yourself on the back.

[@lisaglen7103]

Great job!, I am married to a Christchurch man, and you brought back memories of tramping through NZ beautiful landscape.

[@jasonpage7852]

love how the dog knows what 'bugger off' means

[@davross600]

One of the best on KZbin. Such wholesome authentic content.

[@rosslocincam9916]

Heartwarming and a brilliant chance for us to see your Solo Bush hunting camping- Love the touches of wisdom and reflection- such a determined and resilient young man. People find their own ways thru these late teens- early 20s- yours fitted you perfectly and the chance to work hard and make serious coin is just so cool. My son has started his first 'real' job and the self esteem boost- sense of worthwhile endeavour and learning is so big- transformative- but from firm foundations and aimed at improving, out of a rough patch.

[@joshjackson8266]

Great video mate. It's amazing how much you learn when you're in the bush full time. You pick up on so much that you don't even realize until you need that knowledge for something. Not doing the trapping anymore but inspiring to see you out there doing it and in good bush to boot. All the best and hope everything is going well with the young one! Cheers

[@valcye]

Loved it thanks. This would of been filmed 30 years after i trapped in the Motu and nothing has changed. It is very satisfying to see someone else enjoying the solitude life style in the bush. Arguably, trapping could be one of the oldest professions known.

[@rickycrompton]

Seriously enjoyed watching this!! Very humble and what a great life experience you've enjoyed so far!

[@sifuwong6233]

This is exactly where we all need to be. Takes me home. Thank you so much. I,m from Ngakawau, Studied Wing Chun all over the world , mostly HK. Hence Sifu Wong. Wong Shun Leung.

[@aaronjameswelsh]

You are certainly a rare breed, really enjoyed that - thanks for posting

[@mattharris2018]

Superb and impeccable timing. I’m going to show this to my son who is just about at the age you were when you set off. Cheers

[@kelvincudby3040]

Better than most short docos I've seen in NZ mate, should forward it to country calendar.A well rounded view on how we grew up👍

[@richardhudson9365]

Well done. I did 3 months and could never manage more than 25 possums in a day! You were smashing it!

[@mikearnold4675]

Fantastic account of your teens, you are a resourceful man and can be proud of yourself, pass it on to your young ones and they will have a good life. 👍

[@FERNANDOAMENDIVIL]

“ALONENESS IS THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT FOR: EVOLUTION, EMPOWER”men”T, PEACE-FULL, TRANQUIL, TO LISTEN, LEARN, LIVE,LAUGH, DANCE, THINK, RE-THINK & RE-CREATE SELF. IMPOSSIBLE TO BE LONELY.”

[@mharper6877]

Loved this introduction to your world (at such a young age) - how amazing! Well done!

[@crabpee]

I've been bin watcing your uploads this week and man, absolutely fascinating. Looks like you've travelled an interesting life path, thanks for sharing! Look forward to more of your content.

[@charlietwotimes]

Mate, this is epic stuff. Thats truly a part of Kiwi teenage life I'd thought had gone forever; trapping possums, rabbit shooting etc. Fantastic stuff!!

[@timothystevens4657]

What a fantastically unique video - thank you for sharing! I have a couple of quick questions, if you don't mind! From a sustainability standpoint, did this make a dent in the possum populations? How did you manage hygiene and medical issues while away for so long? Is there any gold in the creeks? Did you eat many native plants, or other native animals? A Q&A video would be incredible, if you've ever got the time. Thank you again for sharing!

[@jbekkers1983]

I remember when a kiwi workmate first told me they hunted possums in NZ. It kind of shocked me since they're protected in Australia. I came around to the idea. It makes sense. We have to control non-native fauna because it really does mess with the entire food chain if not controlled somehow. I agree that poisoning or introducing another predator just makes more issues; direct hunting makes sense. I've never had a desire to live the hunting lifestyle (though certainly it appeals to some small part of me somewhere). Good work mate. NZ truly is a beautiful place, I have to get back there sometime with my kids. Thanks for sharing.

[@tekiatomorehu8385]

Awesome role model for our younger Generation bro....simplicity @ its finest....very humble yet hard working nature.....your whānau very lucky to have you bro...

[@rayescobar8509]

Living in the city destroys ones soul. Enlightenment and soul enrichment is found in the bush. God bless.

[@urmama54]

u know it ray; glad i left the rat race behind

[@thatbeerchick3511]

You’re a legend mate. So many could learn from you! Rock on 🤘🏻

[@brettforbes7642]

Wow good on you man! You have experienced what we all take for advantage ... the simple yet satisfying things in life. I’m from Tuhoe and I’m glad you shared this with us.

[@chaseharper784]

To that one person who put a thumbs down f**k you but seriously man you’re totally amazing could never imagine being able to do what your have I’m 15 been trapping for few years got 100 traps and learnt everything I know from your videos

[@davidandrew2610]

Awsome video Shay good on you mate , I really like the way you live and work in and with the bush with a healthy respect of our environment and its inhabitants with a wisdom far greater than your years on earth . I hope you , your wife and baby have a happy and blessed life Shay , many thanks for sharing .

[@grantkilmore9167]

I’ve watched all of your films. I’m fascinated by this story in particular. You’d be one of the most interesting kiwis I’ve seen. Really excited for you and the new family. Good luck to you you’ve done well keep it up

[@joannemcarthur7528]

Wow you are a very strong, independent and amazing man to do this for 4 years. It takes alot of courage to do this and thanks for sharing💚🙏

[@imaginewhirledpeas6696]

You said it all brother ,basic needs of life...it's the simple things.

[@TheHuntersCampfire]

Unreal vid mate well done. Love the humour in the comments and the positive messaging. Well done, keep them coming Hurls 👍

[@t.h.o.r.]

You are nailing this KZbin thing man- Don't you ever stop! My channel feeds me every month and has even bought me 2 cars when a particular vid goes off- Ive watched dozens of your vids and love em all except for Possum hunting vid 2 where we cant here you outside in your driveway. - Hey one question- how come the possums are always dead when its just a leg trap? thanks Stu. Waihi

[@mick_0359]

Much respect my man.....truly amazing life you have lived and still living.....

[@Jo-bo1mp]

Absolutely inspirational! Thanks so much for sharing you stories with us. Subscribed. Love from NZ.

[@jtannock4]

would love to do this. sixteen now myself &living in the south island. i do not have the skills & parents would not let me do this, but i think taking time away from the city & learning and living from the bush would shape me into a good person better than many proper educational things.

[@FreeSoul132]

Yep life is really simple when ya strip away the other distractions . God bless you and your family Shay great vid as always. 🙏👌

[@Brightstartarot888]

You have such a peaceful humble disposition. And thank you for sharing this. You r badass!! Must be such rewarding experiences!!

[@easydailytrades4205]

Absolutely love your channel. Cheers from Australia

[@tanioraaura1274]

What i wanted to say has already been said. What a fascinating young man. You're an old soul in the Native bush.

[@fabianwaenga7316]

Ka Pai e hoa Your years in Te Urewera from 16 to 20 years of age is a priceless gift for you to share with your children, grandchildren,great grandchildren etc Ka mau te wehi ( Awesome ) 👍

[@J354CAO]

Great video mate not many teenagers would have the spirit to get out there and do that for a living ... You're definitely a rare breed of young man ..Chur Chur 🤙🤙

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Inspirational story, & bordering on a spiritual journey. I hope to bump into or wild camp with you one day.

[@quetzalcoatl1479]

lol in the of spirituality edge my balls, you should not kills animals just for their fur, at least do it for essential survival, like aboriginals do. does not seem right

[@trexeater101]

@@quetzalcoatl1479 they’re an introduced species that are extremely bad to New Zealand’s environment, none of the trees are equipped to deal with animals like these due to the fact that New Zealand never had any native land mammals besides bats before the arrival of humans, there were amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects and nothing else These introduced animals have no natural predators in New Zealand so they are able to breed successfully and very quickly to plague proportions so without people going and killing these animals we simply would not have anymore forests left

[@randomfpv22]

Man that sounds like pure heaven to me. Wonderful part of the world

[@portroyal8126]

Loved it. Great upload video . I thought being bush for half a month was good but you've done even longer. If I was you I'd be proud as for your efforts. Seeing the deer while out checking the traps is an awesome sight I love that. And have been close as a few times before realizing they were really close .

[@adambooth600]

I just nearly cried

[@fabricationworx5019]

Absolute legend! Appreciate all your content!

[@ZebraFacts]

First time I have seen this young man's videos. Amazing! Not something I could have ever seen myself doing at 16 years of age, or any age for that matter. I don't know if he has done it already, but I think his video story from how he decided to drop out and live in the bush, would make for a great docudrama.

[@Icemane1995]

Wow! Awesome video. Thank you for posting this

[@markhaywood7307]

All power to you young man. Im impressed due to my understanding- Keen young man. I hope you are doing well in whatever your up to now and that the determination and strength of self reliance carries you through anything you may face now and in the future. Massive respect and thumbs up.

[@judithmorice2276]

Great video of your early years in the bush Shay. So proud of you :)

[@nooknook3953]

Bro I spent the same time out at sea wish it was the bush instead. But like you it set me up gave me so much and I'm thankful, motueka is my true home.

[@geoffallen4518]

what an awesome video to come across. wow 4 years in the bush, what a great thing to know that you can be self reliant if need be. especially in these times. Thanks for Sahring. GO NZ

[@CarlNZ]

Awesome mate, thoroughly enjoyed the watch. Cheers for sharing

[@benkincade5254]

Your wrap up is so true. You're living a life you should and will be proud of.

[@stanokeefe2713]

Shay this is wonderful, a tribute to you and you past. Very well done vid, not as bad as you thought.

[@girishshirodkar1324]

What an incredible adventure mate, thanks for the inspiration

[@user-vz7ut5ip6n]

This was my favourite video so far. Love your channel.

[@garylake5332]

Enjoyed that video, thanks for putting it up, cheers from South Australia

[@westerngerry]

Really enjoyed that. Having been on many solo hunting trips I get where you’re coming from. Look forward to any further videos you produce, I think you have a lot to offer

[@7mm08ts]

I don’t often comment on videos but nice work Mate. I’ve spent a lot of time in the NZ bush hunting and your right it’s very grounding & makes you appreciate your home comforts! 👏👍

[@minnyh]

That was really very good 😊. Helped my mate trapping out the back of Taumarunui a few times in my twenties. Back in the days when cured skins were the premium. We also carried a native trees and shrubs book and looked up stuff we came across. Only day trips but it was very enjoyable.

[@simonakers4381]

One of your best yet ,thank you

[@craigdawson7632]

Reminds me of going into the trees with some budget freeze dry spud, peas, corn etc. So stoked when you got real meat, there wasn't waiting for a better one. Get in my belly, the hype I find only died out halfway through trying to sort how to keep it. Then once it's right you plonk down with a cup of tea. Wake up with drool and a cold cup of tea and it's time for bed.

[@dawidj.vanhuffel3452]

Thanks for your great videos mate. I love watching them. As a rural boy from South Africa I love the outdoors.

[@vuku1025]

Well done to you bro. Truly Inspirational just being yourself.

[@Full_Zeb]

What a humble person you are. I love your videos. You also don't need to apologize for the planes, or cicadas or any of that noise. I love the sound of nature and all it has to hold. I wish I could go into the bush and live off the land. I just don't have the knowledge

[@BackcountryKiwi]

Absolutely bloody inspiring mate. One day I plan on going bush for an extended period of time. I do believe it would be life changing. I think everyone could learn something from you. Cheers.

[@jaceNZ75]

That would be an epic adventure to watch👍

[@BackcountryKiwi]

@@jaceNZ75 cheers mate. Hopefully one day

[@tracymichaelsen493]

Love your stuff. The possum clinging on the tree made me laugh.

[@aksalaman4689]

Great video. Growing up in Alaska, I did the same thing. Years from now, you'll remember so many details. Hope the family is well.

[@pauldavies4870]

That was awesome. Not sure how it popped up in the recommended grid, but I'm glad it did. TV quality and gripping.

[@enterbalak]

This was me somewhere in the northern rivers being absolute alone.

[@abaddon_productions]

I love the honesty of your experience. Seems you obtained a good share of wisdom from it.

[@toko631]

Glad to see the bush life is thriving, some very special footage of Aoteoroa right there, must say what you said at the end of the video was on to it cheers for the wise words.

[@mattclarke3621]

Good video. The amount of possums was an eye-opener. Lovely country too.