How to Walk in the Woods
Just put one foot in front of the other, right? Actually, there's a bit more
to it than that.
Here's How:
- Slowly. Unless you're being pursued by a pack of rabid wolves or a similar
threat, there's no reason to get in a hurry. By moving slowly, you'll be safer
and much less likely to spook game.
- Carefully. A credo my Dad taught me is, "Watch where you put your feet."
This has saved me more than once from stepping on a rattlesnake or into a
hole. It also helps you remain undetected by game if you're not stomping blindly
on limbs & leaves.
- Quietly. Unless you have to crash through some nasty brush to get where
you're going, you can usually remain fairly stealthy in the woods. By moving
slowly and watching what you're doing, you can cut way down on the noise you
make.
- Be aware of what's around you. Realize that around every bend could be a
deer, or a mama bear with cubs, or just about anything. There have been times
when
- I've seen more game while walking in than I did from my deer stand.
- Pick up your feet. Foot-shuffling seems to be a symptom of youth; I see
many young hunters doing this. Hunters need to learn to pick their feet up
and step over and around obstacles, rather than kicking them out of the way.
- Savor it. Why are you out there? To enjoy yourself. If you're not having
fun, something's wrong. Heck, call me masochistic, but I even savor the times
I've been caught in thunderstorms... well, I savor the memories, anyhow.
- Watch where you're going. Make sure you know how to get back to your vehicle
or camp!
- Know when to turn back. Make sure you have a reasonable idea of how far
and how long you must walk to get back, and allow yourself time to do so.
This is especially important on afternoons in unfamiliar territory.
Tips:
Always keep a compass in your pocket. A GPS is handy as well, but a compass
is more dependable and easier to use.
Wear comfortable shoes with ankle support. There's nothing like blisters or
a bruised or twisted ankle to make walking miserable.
