First and Foremost: Before you leave home find out something about the environment into which you are heading. This could involve researching what you are likely to find, maps, weather, tidal conditions and potential dangers such as snakes, scorpions, bear or cougar.
If you are going with a group, be sure that you will be comfortable with them and try to go with persons who have been there before.
When you get there, listen to what those people have to say. Always travel with at least one buddy and try to have two cars. Tell your friends where you are going and carry a GPS device, flares food, water, first aid, jumper cables etc. This is simply a matter of using your Noggin.
As mentioned in my other article. Take every precaution, if not for your own sake, then for the sake of the poor saps who will have to haul your injured or dead ass back in a body bag. Near a true story, camping with a fool in Colorado who did not know how to deal with lightning. Another bad trip experience but local.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
The Following was given to me by a a web designer who took the time to suggest improvements to the site I have been working on.
His insights and templates were great!
I will respect both private and public property and will do no collecting on privately owned land without permission from the owner.
I will keep informed on all laws, regulations and rules governing collecting on private lands and will observe them.
I will to the best of my ability, ascertain the boundary lines of property on which I plan to collect.
I will use no firearms or blasting materials in collecting areas. (This might be amended if you are going into cougar or grizzly bear habitat. Bear spray should always be carried.)
I will cause no willful damage to property of any kind, such as fences, signs, buildings, etc.
I will leave all gates as found.
I will build fires only in designated or safe places and will be certain they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
I will discard no burning materials-matches,cigarettes, etc.
I will fill all excavation holes which may be dangerous to livestock.
I will not contaminate wells, creeks, or other water supplies.
I will cause no damage to collecting material and take home only what I can reasonably use.
(read this NOT TO DO expedition example by five rock clubs in search of micro crystals)
I will support the Rockhound Project H.E.L.P. (Help Eliminate Litter Please) and will leave all collecting areas devoid of litter, regardless of how found. (and will attempt to clean what others left behind)
I will cooperate with Field trip Leaders and those in designated authority in all collecting areas.
I will report to my Club or Federation Officers, Bureau of Land Management, or other proper authorities any deposit of petrified wood or other fossilized material on public lands which should be protected for the enjoyment of future generations and for public educational and scientific purposes.
I will appreciate and protect our heritage of Natural Resources.
I will observe the ‘Golden Rule,’ and will use Good Outdoor Manners and will at all times conduct myself in a manner which will add to the stature and Public image of Rockhounds everywhere.
I will not use spray paint to mark the trails as I am on the hunt for material.
(C) Herb Senft 2013