M.D. CREEKMORE

You are here: Home / Archives for M.D. Creekmore

M.D. Creekmore

Hello, I’m M.D. Creekmore. I’ve been interested in self-reliance topics for over 25 years. I’m the author of four books that you can find at Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about prepping, homesteading, and self-reliance topics through first-hand experience and now I want to share what I’ve learned with you.

Homesteading and Prepping Open Discussion Weekend Forum

community forum

This open discussion forum is just that an open discussion where you can post your preps and homestead progress for the week, or ask questions about any topic that you need help with.

All that I ask is that you keep the discussion somewhat related to the topic of prepping and or homesteading.

Worth Checking Out:

Alright… now over to you all…

How To Make Pepper Spray At Home

by Jarhead 03

make your own pepper spray

In the event of an economic collapse or other unknown situation where you can no longer purchase pepper spray, you may come upon a situation where the firearm is not needed, conserve ammo, keep animals and pests away from plants or you just don’t like guns. You may have to make it yourself and thankfully it’s easy to make the best pepper spray at home.

Please note: Making your own pepper spray involves risk of injury so don’t accidentally spray yourself and use caution. If you have breathing difficulties have someone else make it for you or make it in a well-ventilated area.

Making your own pepper spray can be as simple as stocking up on dried pepper/chili or growing your own and a delivery system. You can make it to carry on your person or make a wide dispersal device for groups. You can buy them at most department stores, nurseries, garden centers or on Amazon and do a search for any of the following peppers/chili.

Selecting the Pepper/Chili:

The following are types of peppers/chili recommended and the rating heat index of each pepper/chili:

The Scoville Heat Unit is the rating or “hotness of peppers” that measures on a scale of mildest to hottest. I am going with the hottest and easiest to acquire. If you know a hotter pepper/chili and where to get it please let me know.

The lowest heat index recommended is the Red Cayenne pepper at 30,000 SHU to 60,000 SHU.

The middle heat index is the Thai or Thai Bird Chili at 50,000 SHU to 150,000 SHU.

At the top of the are the Scotch Bonnet chili and the Habanero chili at 100,000 SHU to 350,000 SHU, the Red Savina Habanero at 350,000 SHU to 650,000 SHU and the Ghost Pepper or Naga Jolokia Pepper which is considered the hottest at 800,000 to 1,500,000 SHU.

The 10% Capsaicin pepper spray issued to LE can vary from 2,000,000 SHU to 6,000,000 SHU compared to store-bought pepper spray containing 2% to 10% Capsaicin vary from 500,000 SHU to 2,000,000 SHU.

You are capable of using the oil you could deliver a greater amount of Capsaicin but what I’m presenting is an effective means of delivery without having to own a pepper farm.

Delivery System:

Homemade delivery systems can be effective although you may not get the same results as the LE brands I’m showing you how to make.

Delivery systems are as simple as a one to three-ounce spray canister you get in the travel section for toiletries and up to 32-ounce spray bottles reminiscent of the glass cleaner bottles where you squeeze the trigger in a spray mist or stream. You can also make a delivery system with Garden hand pump pressure sprayers as well as the one to four-gallon hand pump pressure sprayers used for gardening, pest control, and weed control. Of course the larger the container the more pepper/chili you will need.

The Process:

Step 1. Container preparation.

Inspect your spray bottle or pressure sprayer for leaks by filling it with water. If the device leaks when tilted, lying on its side or after excessive spraying then choose another container. You don’t want it dripping or leaking in your pack, vehicle, purse or hand.

We will be making enough for a pint of pepper spray.

Step 2. What you need.

  • Six peppers or chili’s, the hotter the chili or pepper the better. You can use more pepper/chili if you like to get it as potent as possible.
  • Garlic, two medium or one large-sized bulb or two tablespoons of minced in a jar or powdered if you don’t have it (the odor repels some bugs and people)
  • A method of drying the pepper/chili (dehydrator, stove, solar oven or sun-dried)
  • Rubber gloves (to handle the pepper and oils)
  • Safety glasses (to keep it out of your eyes)
  • N95 mask or another respirator (prevent inhalation especially if you are sensitive)
  • Vegetable chopper or knife and cutting board to break it down.
  • Blender, grinder or coffee grinder (crush the pepper/chili and garlic)
  • Two sealable containers (I used a 32 oz. sports drink bottle and a16.9or 20 oz. bottle)
  • Strainer or cheesecloth (to remove the pits and seeds that will block the flow to spray)
  • Funnel (allows it to flow in the container saving as much as possible and prevent a mess)
  • A well-sealed container for storing unused pepper spray. Keep it in a cool place or fridge.
  • Vinegar or Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol (this is used as the delivery system and it keeps the pepper and Capsaicin intact longer than water would as well as already contains an irritant to the senses)
  • Baby oil or mineral oil (this is used to latch on to the body or clothes)

NOTE: If you are using this around plants, trees, and vegetables to fend off pests and animals or don’t have it, you can substitute the vinegar, alcohol and baby oil with water. If you are running low on vinegar or alcohol you can add water to make up the difference in measurements.

Step 3. Preparing the pepper/chili.

I am giving instructions for those with and without a blender or grinder.

  1. Dry the peppers/chili by means of a dehydrator, sun-dried, solar oven or set in the oven at a low temp.
  2. a. Place the peppers/chili in the blender.
  3. b. Cut, chop or grind the peppers/chili as fine as possible then place in a bowl.
  4. a. Place the garlic bulb or bulbs in the blender.
  5. b. Mince, chop or grind the garlic and place in the bowl.
  6. a. Two tablespoons of baby or mineral oil into the blender.
  7. b. Two tablespoons of baby or mineral oil into the bowl.
  8. a. Add twelve ounces of alcohol or vinegar into the blender. Blend on high for two to three minutes until purged.
  9. b. Add twelve ounces of vinegar or alcohol and mash and grind until it’s as close to being as smooth as possible. You can slowly add the alcohol or white vinegar as you blend it to avoid splashing.
  10. Pour it into the larger bottle with a funnel to let it sit overnight in a cool place to react and increase the effectiveness of the solution.
  11. When ready get your funnel, strainer or cheesecloth and water bottle. Place the funnel in the smaller16.9 oz. to 20 oz. water bottle then place the strainer or cheesecloth over the funnel.
  12. Pour the pepper/chili mixture into the water bottle using a funnel and strainer. Any leftover remnants from the strainer can be used in the garden or trash area to keep pests and animals away.
  13. You now have pepper spray and can store it in the refrigerator or a cool place and it’s ready to pour in your sprayers at any time. Since it is sitting in vinegar or alcohol it should last anywhere from a month to three months. I sprayed an opossum in my trash can with a garden pressure sprayer and he darted out of there. I haven’t seen him in two weeks. I used a solution around my garden and the neighbor’s dog won’t go near the fence.

Step 4. Cleaning the container and blender/grinder after use.

A solution of bleach and water will counter the oils left behind in the container. Mineral Oil and soap and hot water can be used to clean out the blender or grinder. Use caution when cleaning the containers by wearing safety glasses and gloves.

NOTE: You can make pepper spray with powdered/ground pepper instead of home-grown or store-bought dried peppers/chili but the intent is to get the maximum use of the pepper/chili and garlic. If you do store Cayenne or hotter pepper/chili powder here are the instructions:

  1. Take eight tablespoons of Cayenne pepper or four tablespoons of habanero pepper and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle
  2. Take two tablespoons of powdered or minced jars garlic and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle.
  3. Add two tablespoons of baby or mineral oil and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle.
  4. Add 14 ounces of alcohol, vinegar or water and pour it into a 32 ounce or 1L bottle.
  5. Shake bottle well and let it sit overnight in a cool place to react and increase the effectiveness of the solution.
  6. With a funnel and cheesecloth or towel, you can pour it into the 16.9 oz. to 20 oz. water bottle and you are ready to store or place it in your dispenser.

Disclaimer. The content that is posted on here is for general information purposes only – see our full disclaimer here.

Smart Spending for Preppers Looking for Financial Freedom


by Jerry M

Using your money wisely can pay many dividends for you over time. Learning to spend your money wisely is a habit most people must learn through discipline, it is usually not inbred into a person’s lifestyle (please read: The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness). All, or at least most, of today’s advertising is focused on emotional appeal for your money, not logic and common sense. If we can think logically instead of emotionally we will be far better off in almost every situation we find ourselves in, especially financial ones.

We got serious about a self-reliant lifestyle several years ago and this article is designed to give the reader some food for thought, some direction, and glimpses of things that worked for us.

One of the first things we had to adapt to was determining a “want” from a “need”, it took a while to develop that mindset, It was not easy and it took discipline, lots of discipline.

The ability to purchase things you need is governed by your own personal cash flow. Remember that cash flows both ways, in and out just like the tide. Our goal was to plug the money leaks in our cash flow pot. We are retired, so we are on a fixed income. Increasing inflation over time has eroded the buying power of everyone’s dollars. This really hits home when you are on a fixed income.

Let’s look at food purchase of a few items that just about everyone uses. We buy larger quantities of food where and when we can. We buy 5-gallon food grade buckets and gamma lids for daily use and buckets and solid lids for long-term storage. Don’t forget at least one lid wrench for the solid lids. A bucket and gamma lid cost us $ 11.00 and a bucket with a solid lid about $6.50.

If you stack buckets, put a 15”x15” piece of plywood between the buckets to avoid cracking the bottom lid because of weight. We don’t stack them more than 3 buckets high.

We recently bought table salt in a 50# bag for $12.50 which is $.25 a pound and it fills 2 buckets. Buying salt in the convenient 1# containers at $.85 each is far more convenient but cost considerably more money. Another example is white flour in a 50# bag for $11.97 or $.24 per pound. Buying flour in a 5# bag for $3.19makes it $.64 per pound.
We buy a 50# bag of sugar for$27.61 or $.55 a pound or a 32 oz. bag for $2.29 which is $1.14 per pound.

Learn to look at your cost per pound or per ounce when buying food and also know the storage life of the food. We shop at WINCO and Cash & Carry in our area for large quantity items in bulk.
We also cruise through the thrift stores and find lots of “bargains” on a variety of things. We are seniors and a veteran so we receive a 20% discount at our Good Will thrift store.

Most of us carry insurance of some type. Our experience has shown that we get the best coverage and the best price by dealing with an independent insurance agent. The independent agent will have several companies to choose from, they are not locked into one company. We stay away from “company” agents such as State Farm, Safeco, Farmers, etc. and have always done better.

We will never purchase a new car again. The purchase of a new vehicle is probably the worst investment that you can make. As soon as you drive off the lot you have lost at least 10% of the value of what you just paid for the vehicle. We will purchase a vehicle about 2 years old and preferably one from a rental car agency. They will have had a regular service schedule and not a lot of miles on them. We have had good experiences doing this over the years.

We think having a cash stash in a safe place is of paramount importance. Unexpected emergencies will happen from time to time. A safe deposit box is not a safe place, the banks are closed weekends and holidays and every evening too, giving you limited access to your cash. Even though there is lots of talk of eliminating cash in favor of a totally digital system, we think and hope that is a far-off future thing. Our goal is to have enough cash to pay 1 year’s taxes, utilities, and make small purchases for a while.

Beyond that, if things get that bad, who knows? We keep a cash stash in a small fireproof box that is easily hidden as well as transportable. You can find these at Walmart and other retailers. We also keep another fireproof box with our important papers in it.

Some folks are in favor of having precious metals stashed away. We feel that is fine if you have everything else that you need in place. Keep in mind however that in the 1930’s gold was confiscated by the federal government. The use of gold and silver may also be made illegal under a martial law situation.

You can save money by eliminating cable TV, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, dining out, unnecessary car trips, cigarettes, and perhaps other areas as well. Grow as much of your own food as possible and learn to preserve it. Getting out of debt and staying out is one of the first steps toward financial freedom.

Financial freedom is a big stepping stone to self-reliance. Reevaluate your finances from time to time to help you keep on a sound financial pathway.

Remember, these are things we have done that over the years have worked well for us. Your situation may differ a little, but the same principles apply: common sense over nonsense, needs vs. wants and logic over emotion.

Enjoy the journey.

Related: 

How You Can Get By With Less and Still Be Happy…

by Sarah L

I was raised in a very religious, conservative family. My parents had several of us kids that they were putting through private schools, so there was never any extra money. We lived below “paycheck to paycheck”. I’ve been to food pantries, salvage stores, garage sales, and used coupons. Anything to save money. I decided when I was grown I was living high on the hog…no more pinching pennies for me!!

Well, turns out saving had become a way of life. When my ex-husband left us, I discovered he had taken my credit cards and charged thousands of dollars. At the time I was working a part-time job (and recovering from cancer and had 2 toddlers). I immediately was put into a dire situation of paying these bills off or ruining my credit. I used a debt consolidation place for over a year only to discover the total amount of my bills wasn’t coming down. I then got a signature loan from a credit union and was able to pay off my bills within the next year.

One way I used to mentally trick myself into paying off more of the debt faster was to pay a few extra dollars on my monthly utility bills (works best with utility bills as they credit your account). If I owed $60, I’d pay $65. I would do this every month until I was one full month ahead on that bill.

Then I would move on to another utility bill. I would do the same thing there. Eventually, I had enough paid ahead that I would “cash in” and use my credits to pay those bills that month. That way, the month I used all the utility credits, I would be making a double payment on my debt. I know this is really just a mental trick, but it was easier to put a few extra dollars onto a small bill and then be able to make a larger payment on the big bill as opposed to putting a few dollars on the big bill and not really being able to see any progress in paying it off.

You have to have a mentality that you will not spend unless it’s absolutely necessary. We were eating as frugally as possible, not going out to eat, not going anywhere that cost anything. We found lots of free entertainment and activities to do!!

Another way of saving money or stretching what you have is to use coupons. I’m not into the “Extreme Couponing” craze. If I have a coupon for something I normally buy, I will use it. However, if I don’t normally buy name brand products, then I’m not saving money by switching to a name brand to use a coupon when it’s still more expensive then the off brand. I know how much money I can spend each month. If I don’t have extra money, I don’t look at the ads that come out (other than grocery stores). I don’t go to a garage sale (no matter how tempting it may be) if I don’t have money to spend. I also weigh the cost of saving a few cents with driving across town (is it worth the gas to save a penny-probably not!).

During this time when I was newly divorced and had NO money, I picked up a deer that had been hit on the road in front of me. I called a friend and he helped me field dress it. We had been eating tuna helper with no tuna so having a freezer full of meat was a huge blessing. Another friend invited me to go deer hunting the next year.

He loaned me a gun and took me with him to some property he had permission to hunt on. It took 2 years but I finally got a deer and have every year since. When my son shot his first deer at 8 he was so proud to tell everyone that he had brought Bambi home for his family! Now, we bag at least 3 deer a year and that’s our meat for the year unless I can shoot something else we can eat (squirrel, rabbit, etc.).

I’ve learned how to hunt all kinds of game (and cook with the meat – it’s all in the way you cook it.) Hunting is a great way to get inexpensive meat for the table. Most hunters would gladly help a newbie and show them the ropes, lend a gun, etc. I would encourage anyone interested in taking up the sport to go to a Hunter’s Education Class. Most state Fish & Game Departments have programs to teach new hunters (or anglers). Most Departments have hunts for new hunters where they provide the gun & the place to hunt.

I’ve gardened and canned since I was a little girl. Most University Extension offices have canning classes. If you buy a “Blue Book” it walks you through the process step by step. A canner is a big expense but well worth it as it will last for years. If you can find someone who cans they can mentor you and help you along the way.

I’ve been fortunate to garden my whole life. I always meet people who are just starting to garden and decide to grow 50 tomatoes or 20 zucchini plants. They are just setting themselves up for a failure (with the weeds alone). I advise going slow if you are new to gardening.

Plant a FEW plants, that you know you’ll like. Learn about gardening, then plant a few more the next year. I tell new gardeners to plant what is native to the area or will grow well in the zone you’re in. If you’re in northern Wisconsin, for example, peanuts and okra won’t be good plants for you!!

Plant both vegetables and flowers that are native to your area and you will have a lot fewer headaches trying to grow them. Do some research…there is a ton of information online. Go to a garden center…go to a garden club…stop by someone’s house that has a garden and ask for help. I’m always excited when someone stops by my house and asks for gardening help.

There are also a lot of free edible things out there in parks, cemeteries, etc. It’s amazing how many people I meet picking mulberries that don’t know what a mulberry is! Do a little research and learn what’s out there. It’s exciting to get food for your family from little seeds or from areas that people don’t think of.

I hope these hints can help someone.

Mississippi Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers!

Mississippi knife laws
Mississippi Knife Laws

In Article 3, Section 12, the Mississippi State Constitution authorizes and protects the right of every citizen to own and bear arms. The generally written constitutional statute applies to the defense of people and property.

Under Article 3, Section 12, Mississippi legislators can regulate and prohibit the concealed carrying of weapons. Mississippi laws addressing the ownership and carrying of knives are found within the Mississippi legal code in Chapter 37, Title 97.

Overview of Mississippi Knife Laws

Most legal scholars view Mississippi as a free and open knife ownership state. However, The Magnolia State imposes a few restrictions on the concealed carrying of long types of knife blades. As far as knife ownership goes, the state does not ban any style of knife, including knives other states forbid for ownership, such as gravity and ballistic knives.

The allowance of ballistic knife ownership in Mississippi contrasts to the strict regulation of the self-propelled knives put in place by other southern American states like Florida. In Mississippi, knife ownership regulations apply to felons and minors younger than 18 years old, although the regulations are not complete bans.

Knives Eligible for Legal Ownership in Mississippi

Mississippi has established the legal age for knife ownership at 18 years old. Adults that do not have any felony convictions are allowed to own, sell, and purchase any type of knife. The only exception to permissive Mississippi knife laws concerns selling a dirk, Bowie knife, butcher knife, or switchblade to a minor or anyone that is legally intoxicated at the time of a sale.

Section 97 of the Mississippi grants residents and visitors the right to own the following types of knives:

  • Pocket Knife
  • Butterfly Knife
  • SwitchBlade
  • Machete
  • Balisong Knife
  • Dirk
  • Dagger
  • Ballistic Knife
  • Hunting Knife
  • Sword
  • Misleading Knife
  • KA-BAR Knife

Mississippi does not place a limit on the length of knife blades for ownership purposes, which means you can store a knife of any length of blade in your home. However, concealed carry knife statutes in The Magnolia state mandate the prohibition of carrying concealed longer knives, although state law does not define the meaning of “longer knives.”

Open Knife Carry Law in Mississippi

Mississippi treats open knife carry in the same manner the state treats knife ownership. There are no laws currently on the books that prohibit the open carrying of any style of knife, at any blade length. Nonetheless, anyone living or passing through The Magnolia state cannot display a knife in a threatening way or open carry a knife with the intent to cause harm to other people. Premeditation is a difficult act to prove in court, as several Mississippi court case have ruled on the side of self-defense over the explicit intent to harm other residents by using a knife.

Mississippi and Concealed Carry Statutes

You have the right to conceal carry any type of knife Mississippi if you are over 18 years of age and conceal carry a knife inside your home or any real property that is part of your home. Courts have issued conflicting rulings on the legality of qualifying residents conceal carrying any kind of knife at their places of employment. Outside of your home or place of employment, concealed carry is prohibited for Bowie knives and butcher knives, as well as dirks and switchblades. Mississippi also has banned concealed carry for trench knives and other types of knives that contain finger rings.

Miscellaneous Knife Laws in the Magnolia State

Although considered a knife ownership friendly state, Mississippi knife laws have one major flaw the legal system has tried to fix several times over the past couple of decades. The Magnolia State does not have a preemption statute on the books, which means counties and municipalities can pass knife laws that are more restrictive than what state legislators have passed. For example, Tupelo, MS prohibits concealed carry for knives that have blades spanning longer than 3.5 inches. Vicksburg sets the concealed carry limit for knife blades at four inches. Mississippi knife laws ban knives of any kind on public school property, which includes buses and athletic venues.

Mississippi Knife Laws in 2018 and Beyond

In January of 2018, Mississippi state representative Gary Staples introduced legislation to remove the concealed carry restrictions pertaining to knives. HB 924 removes dirks, switchblades, Bowie knives, and butcher knives from the list of knives prohibited for concealed carry. As of June 2018, HB 924 is still moving through the legislative process, with its future up in the air because of amendments unrelated to knife laws attached to the bill. There is also momentum in the House to introduce a bill that gives the state preemption power to unify knife laws in cities like Vicksburg and Tupelo.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles: