Some people spend their lives chasing balance. I live mine transitioning between two very different worlds—one defined by professionalism and purpose, the other by pine needles, riverbanks, and the wild freedom of the outdoors.
By day, I’m a credit union branch manager. It’s a role I take pride in—coaching teams, mentoring others, and helping people take confident steps toward financial freedom. But once the tie comes off and the office door closes, I step into a completely different rhythm—one shaped by foraging and outdoor living.
That’s when the real adventure begins.
You’ll often find me riding the backroads of Washington on my motorcycle or ebike, following the call of the forest, the pull of a mountain trail, or the peace of a quiet beach. From misty alpine ridges to driftwood-covered shores, the Pacific Northwest is now my backyard—and I’ve made it my mission to explore every inch of it.
A Life Rooted in Curiosity and the Wild
What draws me to this lifestyle is more than just the scenery—it’s the connection. The quiet, intentional moments. The thrill of spotting wild mushrooms like chanterelles, lobsters, or shaggy parasols after a fall rain. The peaceful stillness of swinging in a hammock among the fir trees while the river rushes nearby.
I’m a lifelong forager and fermenter. From briny lacto-fermented vegetables to wildcrafted ciders and homemade kombucha, I preserve the wild bounty I collect and keep old-world traditions alive in a modern way. Fermentation isn’t just a process—it’s a mindset: slow, intentional, and rooted in the rhythms of foraging and outdoor living.
My journeys are often shared with Dozer, my loyal trail companion and fellow explorer. Together, we roam the forests, mountains, and beaches of western Washington, discovering what each season has to offer—whether it’s fireweed shoots, tide-washed seaweed, or the satisfying weight of a freshly caught fish.
The Hunter Gatherer Society: A Foraging and Outdoor Living Philosophy
The Hunter Gatherer Society started as a passion project but quickly grew into a philosophy—one that celebrates simplicity, seasonality, and the joy of reconnecting with nature. Through our blog and YouTube channel, I share practical foraging knowledge, wild recipes, fermentation tips, and reflections on a slower, more connected way of life.
This isn’t about rugged survival or extreme wilderness. It’s about making time for the things that matter—quiet mornings, good food, muddy boots, and meaningful connection to place. It’s about learning how to thrive through foraging and outdoor living, not just endure.
Step Outside. Grow Within.
I’m Richard. Branch manager. Biker. Forager. Fisherman. Fermenter. Dog dad. And above all, a lifelong student of the outdoors.
Whether I’m helping someone rebuild their credit, harvesting mushrooms for a wild dinner, or hiking the Olympic Peninsula with Dozer, I live by a simple truth: growth doesn’t always happen behind a desk. Sometimes, you have to step outside to grow within.
Ready to start your own journey into foraging and outdoor living?
🌲 Explore wild food guides, seasonal recipes, and backcountry adventures at thehgsociety.com
🎥 Watch our videos on YouTube: The Hunter Gatherer Society
