Taking a Closer Look at Tips, Techniques and Things to Bring

For a Safer Time on Your Next Collecting Trip.

      Everyone has a selection of collecting tools they bring with them, depending on what location they are going to. What other items do you bring with you in case you run into a problem in the field? In an attempt to keep your trips a little safer, there are a few things you can do and a few inexpensive & light weight items you could add to your pack that might help to keep a good day of collecting from turning bad or a bad situation from getting worse.

      In addition to knowing where you are which was mentioned in the first letter, having a compass and knowing how to use it can be an invaluable tool at a new location. Don’t leave the house without some type of a watch or time piece, how long did it take you to walk in from the car and what time did you tell people you would be back?  Have a roll of brightly colored surveyors tape in your pack and mark your path as you go, the proverbial trail of breadcrumbs to find you way back. Make a mental note of where the sun is when you go into the woods and watch the path it takes in the course of the day and keep your sense of direction. A bottle of water and a couple pre packaged granola bars are good to have as an emergency stash in your pack and don’t use them unless you have to. A small travel size first aid kit or a zip lock bag with some band aids and sterile dressings but NO creams or ointments, they will only trap dirt in the wound, save those for home use. A light weight rain poncho and a disposable lighter are good to have, staying dry and warm are key means of survival if you become lost or injured. The poncho can also be fashioned into a shelter if you really had to. Building a small fire when you are lost can serve two functions, not only will it keep your mind off your troubles and keep you busy, it might help a rescuer to find you by following the smoke.  A small flashlight or a disposable, one use light stick could also be handy for obvious reasons. A short length of rope (10’ or so of nylon clothesline rope) or even the laces out of your last set of work boots is good to have, you’d be surprised at how they could come in handy. A good pocket knife or multi-tool is a good addition to your bag of tricks or can be worn on your belt. Watching the local weather forecast for the day is also good and may help you avoid a problem, lightning and hi wind conditions are never good in the woods. What time of year is it and is it hunting season? Fall time is hunting time and it’s probably not a good time to be in the woods without some hunter orange clothing on just to be safe. Wild animals can be another concern and surprising one is never good.  MAKE SOME NOISE while you are out there, if they hear you, you will probably never see them.  Watch out for ground dwelling bees also, old mine dumps make great nest building spots for them because of the hollow areas under the surface and easy digging. 

      I can imagine you might be saying by now, “I have to bring all this stuff with me for a couple of hours of collecting”?? The answer to that is NO!, these are merely suggestions and the area and its conditions and how much time you are planning on being there will all be factors in what you decide to bring with you. Your knowledge, experience and physical ability may also dictate what kind of just in case goodies you decide to put in your pack. You might find a few of them to be items you bring on every trip while others you only bring certain places, do what works for you! The whole emphasis in these articles is be prepared, be careful and have some bits of knowledge that may keep you from getting into a bad situation. The best tools you can have with you is knowledge and a calm head!!

Andrew Brodeur