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