I think I better have to start a new thread on that subject ....
In my thread about my Hennessy Hammock, I relate my first night in the wood.
And ask your opinions about the following :



I have no bullet proof vest ....
and, no, I cann't take my Colt .45 along ..... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Human nature being what it is, yes, we have that problem here too. The best solution I've found so far, is to know the land you're on and wether there's a problem or not. Some of the folks I know are known for their stringent anti-trespassing/anti-poaching policies (trespassers will be violated - survivors will be prosecuted) <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Poachers usually have a pretty good idea of where they can get by without major risk and stay away from the high risk areas (at least in this neck of the woods). As for the light, I've usually got a small fire going through the night, and a peacemaker of one sort or another within easy reach. If I'm concerned about safety, then there's always one of the group awake and alert and tending the fire (read that-don't bed down alone in an area that's not considered safe). I guess that if I was by myself and couldn't get to a "safe" place, I'd try to find that clump of brush you mentioned and set up in the middle of it with no fire. As an aside, I've heard tell that poachers will often set up camp in the densest undergrowth they can find to avoid game wardens, although, most of the poaching around here is done from a truck seat while spotlighting deer in the headlights.

Troy

I regretted afterwards not to have discuss more the game warden that morning.
Maybe he could have given me usefull hints ....

Next time I encounter one, I will ask for advice.

It's ironic how we prepare for wilderness emergencies in an ever shrinking world. We do everything to reconnect with our own. Now there is the real chance who we reconnect with is more dangerous than the noises outside our signal fires <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />! The outdoor recreation industry creates bright flashy clothing. You look good on the slopes and S&R can spot you better. Irony is, so can badguys. So we adopt some surplus kit and wind up looking like the bogeyman we all worried about to begin with. It's not unwise to scan your surroundings, sounds,smells,anything in binnocular range. This includes looking behind you-not a bad idea for navigation anyway. This isn't paranoia, just good fieldcraft. I was hiking Santa Cruz when the 'Trailside Killer' was active. I had a sidearm. I instinctively knew I was being followed. That night I pitched my small camp and deployed a perimeter line of paracord hung with a few rockfilled cans. I get woken up by this horrific clatter, turn on my torch/flashlight, throw off the Hi Power's safety. I have this GreatfullDeadhead scared to (greatfull)death. He was lost, saw me and decided to follow me out. I asked him where 'out' was. You know, OUT! Oh, that out. Well, I'm heading IN. IN? Yes, the great in of ins, that has no inner. Oh wow man, this is so cool, want some acid? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I don't know what I fear most :
- setting up my hammock discreetly and then getting hit by a slug that missed the targetted deer, entered said hammock and ended in my person ;
- hanging a red light (oh no ... maybe another colour ...) to signal my position and having undesirable visitors.

In the first case, I can't do anything, but pray... and first of all check with game wardens if such risks exist in the area...
In the second, as I said, a Colt .45 is not an option, unfortunately... Maybe using Doug's RSK or my Emerson's Commander to slice and offer a piece of cheese or saucisson to my visitor could help... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

________________
You don't need to be parano?ac (or to have seen the "Delivrance" movie) to wonder about such a situation .....

A good 10 or 20 years ago, in a forest not far away from Paris, a young couple disappeared. Only their empty car, parked, was found.
A few years later, their remains have been found (buried) and several hunters arrested, accused of slaying both man and wife : IIRC, one of the hunters accidentely injured one and then they decided to kill both, as cover-up ....
________________

and that disturbed me more than the cold or the "strange" noises I heard that night...

OTOH, I certainly have more "chances" to be injured by a wild boar, especially if I keep setting up camp right on its favorite track ........ <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If youre in a thick forest or in rolling hills or better, then i think the stray bullet would be the lesser or your worries. Of course until you have spent a lot of time sleeping alone in the woods, you WILL find stuff to worry about. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I was woken up by a ruckus last weekend at 3am to find masked bandits trying to steal my shinier gear. The dog had scared them off though just after I spotted them. She sure loves to chase those racoons! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That's the second time I have had furry burglars in my camp and so far those are the only "criminals" I have encountered. Of course here is Texas we have LOTS of rural land and running in to other people is very very rare unless youre on marked trails in a state park. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That reminds me of my favorite way to deal with chipmunks, which are pretty tame in the BWCA.

You put a canoe paddle over a log, and put a dab of peanut butter in the center , about 4 inches from the end of the blade. Get on the other end of the paddle, and hang onto the grip with the blade on the ground. Chipmunks can smell PB from a mile away, and come running, and run right up to eat the nummy peanut butter. Push the handle down briskly, and you've got a flying chipmunk! He hits the ground running, and stays away from your camp for quite awhile.

ROFL <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I wouldn't worry about it. If you are unlucky enough to get shot by a random bullet, it's likely the shot came from so far away that the shooter couldn't have seen your red Krill light with a 50 inch scope. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There was a case some decades ago in New York where some poor idiot was taking pot shots at tin cans floating in the water, without realising that the bullets were skipping off the water and sailing over the ridge. He managed to hit an unlucky university student who was driving down the freeway, over a mile away, in the back of the head, killing her.

Poachers (or hunters) shooting at something moving just because they see movement is a far greater concern to me, but not likely to happen while I'm sleeping, even in my Hennessy hammock.

Alain,

Hi,

Always remember what it is that poachers are trying to do: First, they are seeking to commit a crime. Second, they are trying to escape undiscovered. Third, they are seeking a dead animal carcass, whether for meat or other illicit purposes.

They do not want to be noticed or discovered. They will not want to contact, let alone confront a hostile opponent.

Thus in situations of possible poachers, it is desireable to be as noticable as noticeable as possible. Frankly, since you are dealing with a criminal element, sufficient armament does add to your security. Naturally your own safety is paramount.

Applying these principles to your situation, I would do the following:

1. If nocturnal and careless poaching were the norm in the area, I would avoid the area totally.

2. If the area seemed reasonably safe, but some danger seemed reasonably (sorry, I can't help these expressions--they're an occupational behavior) possible, I'd make sure I had cover--a physical barrier to any potential gunshots (trees, berms, whatever).

3. Make oneself as conspicuous as a non-meat/game animal as possible. Shiny foil streamers of various blatant colors, and with lighting come to mind. Your imagination may be more productive.

4. Personal defensive measures are an asset, assuming they are legal.

Naturally these are only my opinions as a somewhat experienced, but now very careful hunter. As a farmboy, I'm not so sure I was quite as legal and ethical. Nonetheless, I still fully subscribed to all applicable moral constraints. Now, I try to make absolutely certain I'm absolutely scrupulous in all respects.

Have fun,

John