Outdoor Skills - Field Sense
On the Trail
A little effort can go a long way toward saving the natural beauty of your favorite hunting spot.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Keep picketed horses well away from camp, lakes & streams
- Move picketed horses often
- Tie horses to highline stretched between sturdy trees
- When using horses, take a minimum number of animals needed
- Leave pets at home, or keep them under control at all times
- Leave the landscape better than you found it, for others to enjoy
- Stay on the designated trail while hiking or riding
- Avoid cutting across switchbacks
Terrific Tips
To keep from getting lost
Short map: Carry a "short" map (cut down or reduced to show the area you're travelling), know how to read it & identify features & landmarks on the map before you take off.
Back
trail: Stop often to look back down the trail you just traveled.
"Backtrail" to get a feeling for what the country looks like
from the opposite direction.
Landmarks:
Look for odd shapes or features that stand out to remind you of
where you have been. Make sketches & notes, if necessary - keep the
landmarks in the correct sequence.
S.T.O.P
Stay put!
Moving around:- Wastes energy
- Makes you anxious
- Makes you harder to find
Think:
- What do you remember to help find yourself?
- What do you have with you?
- What is there around you that you can use?
- What should you do to get safe & comfortable?
Organize
- Your stuff
- Your time
- Your activities
Prepare
- For safety and comfort
- For night time
- Weather conditions
- Rescue/signaling
- Your rescue/homecoming party
How long can you last without these?!
If you are expecting to be rescued within 24 ro 78 hours, what is most urgent!
