Very well written Bret, and as John says, nicely balanced presentation of very useful info. I won't go into my own stories of close encounters, but you are right on the money about awareness and appropriate responses. While we go to the hills for the scenery and enjoyment of nature, others go there to get away from people and their confining laws.
Posted by Guy Tal on February 15, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Excellent article. Thanks Bret!
This might seem trivial but another very important general safety practice is to always make sure someone knows where you are and when you plan to return. If you don't have anyone reliable or don't want to decide in advance, at least leave a note in a prominent place in your vehicle when you get to the trailhead.
Guy
Posted by Bret Edge on February 15, 2007 at 12:54 PM
I have to say "thanks" to NPN'er Leann Greene for suggesting the topic to me. The article idea hadn't crossed my mind until she emailed me with the idea. Great suggestion, Leann!
I'm thankful Jim was receptive to the idea. I hope you're all able to take away a couple ideas to increase your safety and awareness.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 15, 2007 at 1:44 PM
Excellent article Bret! How unfortunate we are to have to consider such things when venturing out but your points are certainly on target. I am cautious by nature so I tend to be aware of my surroundings when in the field. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Posted by Tom Nevesely on February 15, 2007 at 1:54 PM
As a fire fighter, like you, I have been trained to always maintain 'situational awareness' and to use the 'buddy system' whenever possible.
You have made some very inportant observations, and provided excellent tips for all of us!
-PB
Posted by Alice Scoggins on February 15, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Thanks for a great article Bret. I almost always venture out alone, so this gave me some helpful tips!
Posted by Barb Hansen on February 15, 2007 at 4:55 PM
Thank You Leann for the topic and Brett for taking the time to write such a great article, great advice and a good reminder.!
Posted by Jim Salge on February 15, 2007 at 6:37 PM
Excellent article Bret!
I take the advice about car breakins as the most likely threat, as it happens all the time here in the WMNF. But it bears noting that on our list of backcountry deaths in this district there is one murder...unsolved...
Posted by Steve Foss on February 15, 2007 at 7:04 PM
Good perspective, Bret.
Posted by Bill Chambers on February 15, 2007 at 8:50 PM
Great article Bret. Good to read something from someone who faces this stuff everyday instead of some lawyer or something who only speaks in theory. Thanks.
Unfortunately, next to poor judgement, other people probably ARE the greatest danger out there. I just stay away from people. I'm working on the judgement thing...
Pete D.
Posted by Mike Brown on February 15, 2007 at 9:36 PM
This is a great piece Brett, and something that I often think about while out in the field!
Posted by Bret Edge on February 15, 2007 at 10:56 PM
I'm happy to hear the article is helpful to some of you. I really hate that it's a topic we have to consider but in this day and age, there just isn't any getting around it.
Posted by Richard Wong on February 16, 2007 at 1:16 AM
Very useful article Bret. Safety is something that's always on my mind, even without carrying a camera around. I'm not that friendly anyway to strangers so people aren't likely to get a good read off me.
Posted by William Vrolyk on February 16, 2007 at 8:50 AM
Thank you for the article, Bret.
On the subject of in the event of being robbed of one's gear, I would suggest having detailed images of your photo equipment that would make it unmistakably yours; serial numbers, unique markings, overall look from all sides, and this includes the pack it was in. So when you make a report of the robbery to the police they know exactly what was stolen. This begs another question. Should a person attempt to search for his stolen equipment by going to likely places where it may end up? Or should we leave it up to the police?
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Posted by Josh Anderson on February 16, 2007 at 10:27 AM
A well written article on an important subject.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 16, 2007 at 1:18 PM
I hate to say this but to be honest, you're better off searching the pawn shops, etc. for your own gear. I wish we (law enforcement) had more time to do follow up on things like this but the truth is, we don't. Here in Moab we still take stolen bike and property reports in person. In most cities, this is done over the phone. The cops will give you a case number and you'll probably never hear another word from them.
Good question, Will.
Posted by Leann Greene on February 18, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Hey Bret,
Nicely done! Very well thought out and I used some of your advice just this morning and made sure nothing enticing was left in plain sight when I walked away from my vehicle. I also chuckled when I thought about the times(yes plural) I was in such a hurry to get out and get set up that when I came back I realized I had left my keys in the ignition! As if a stolen car wouldn't be bad enough but abandoned in a remote locale could be disasterous.
Posted by Stacy Egan on February 19, 2007 at 9:00 PM
Great article, Bret. Your advice to not be alone hit a guilty cord with me. Sometimes I am alone photographing in nature because I like the freedom of it and I hate to drag along people who don't want to go where I want to, when I want to, for how long I want to. However, being a woman I suspect I need to be extra careful and aware. Your article reminds me that I really should put my safety before my need for freedom or my desire not to be an imposition to others.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 19, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Stacy:
I wish I could say that I follow my own advice but truth be told, I spend as much time alone in the wilderness as I do with others. I'm like you in the respect that I thoroughly enjoy the escape provided by being alone out there. And, as a photographer, I find that my best work is usually created when I'm out alone with no schedule to which I must adhere and no other influences.
I believe some of the dangers of being alone in the wilderness can be mitigated. Telling someone where you plan to be and how long you'll be there is a start. Being physically fit and able to "self rescue" in the event of a minor injury is important. Also, being a knowledgeable outdoorsperson with the ability to avoid excessively dangerous situations and survive a major accident until rescued is also critical. There are many additional factors that add to the equation, only a few of which I've mentioned.
Posted by Stacy Egan on February 20, 2007 at 8:44 AM
Good points, Bret. Perhaps I can give more thought to how to prepare and mitigate the dangers of being in nature alone. I already have some of your suggestions covered (informing someone of my whereabouts, being physically fit, and having a bit of experience in the outdoors). I have a back-country first aid book that I really should read.
And John, as to the big dogs, we've had Great Danes for years, but I find many outdoor places, particulary National Parks, are not dog-friendly in regards to regulations against them. Also, big dogs are really not agile enough for rugged trails or off-trails like I've observed smaller dogs are. And admittedly, I have had experiences where they can be a nuisance to wildlife and local livestock. One time a male Dane of ours had his teeth about a calf's neck that he found hiding in the grass. Ohmygod, wild kingdom! Fortunately we were able to stop it before any damage happened to the calf. So I tend to no longer consider taking a dog with me, but maybe I should. Sometimes it could be doable (find out the regulations of an area, keep the dog on a leash, go where is it safe and comfortable for the dog, etc.), and I suspect is safer for me.
Discussion
23 repliesThis might seem trivial but another very important general safety practice is to always make sure someone knows where you are and when you plan to return. If you don't have anyone reliable or don't want to decide in advance, at least leave a note in a prominent place in your vehicle when you get to the trailhead.
Guy
I'm thankful Jim was receptive to the idea. I hope you're all able to take away a couple ideas to increase your safety and awareness.
As a fire fighter, like you, I have been trained to always maintain 'situational awareness' and to use the 'buddy system' whenever possible.
You have made some very inportant observations, and provided excellent tips for all of us!
-PB
I take the advice about car breakins as the most likely threat, as it happens all the time here in the WMNF. But it bears noting that on our list of backcountry deaths in this district there is one murder...unsolved...
Unfortunately, next to poor judgement, other people probably ARE the greatest danger out there. I just stay away from people. I'm working on the judgement thing...
Pete D.
On the subject of in the event of being robbed of one's gear, I would suggest having detailed images of your photo equipment that would make it unmistakably yours; serial numbers, unique markings, overall look from all sides, and this includes the pack it was in. So when you make a report of the robbery to the police they know exactly what was stolen. This begs another question. Should a person attempt to search for his stolen equipment by going to likely places where it may end up? Or should we leave it up to the police?
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Good question, Will.
Nicely done!
I wish I could say that I follow my own advice but truth be told, I spend as much time alone in the wilderness as I do with others. I'm like you in the respect that I thoroughly enjoy the escape provided by being alone out there. And, as a photographer, I find that my best work is usually created when I'm out alone with no schedule to which I must adhere and no other influences.
I believe some of the dangers of being alone in the wilderness can be mitigated. Telling someone where you plan to be and how long you'll be there is a start. Being physically fit and able to "self rescue" in the event of a minor injury is important. Also, being a knowledgeable outdoorsperson with the ability to avoid excessively dangerous situations and survive a major accident until rescued is also critical. There are many additional factors that add to the equation, only a few of which I've mentioned.
And John, as to the big dogs, we've had Great Danes for years, but I find many outdoor places, particulary National Parks, are not dog-friendly in regards to regulations against them. Also, big dogs are really not agile enough for rugged trails or off-trails like I've observed smaller dogs are. And admittedly, I have had experiences where they can be a nuisance to wildlife and local livestock. One time a male Dane of ours had his teeth about a calf's neck that he found hiding in the grass. Ohmygod, wild kingdom! Fortunately we were able to stop it before any damage happened to the calf. So I tend to no longer consider taking a dog with me, but maybe I should. Sometimes it could be doable (find out the regulations of an area, keep the dog on a leash, go where is it safe and comfortable for the dog, etc.), and I suspect is safer for me.