Monday, April 27, 2015

On Dangerous Ground


I thought long and hard about putting my thoughts to words and then into text on this topic. I knew that there might be a lot of heat, possibly anger from some readers, and maybe even the proverbial guilt by association. Some might be more interested in discrediting the messenger so to speak as opposed to considering the intent of the message. After I wrote this material I shared it with some friends that I respect as professional writers. We agreed that it was not a subject that everyone would be happy with but it was one that is worthy of discussion.

When I first wrote these thoughts down I was planning on sharing them at that time on our blog and elsewhere. I decided to delay posting the material after learning about the recent death of Ian Gibson, Professional Hunter. I did not want this to appear to be written specifically about Ian. First and foremost, this is not about questioning the character of great individuals that have lost their lives. It is not meant to be an underhanded cheap shot, second guessing of actions, or armchair quarterbacking after the fact. Most assuredly it is not a way to besmirch someone because of what occurred or might have been caused by their actions, lack of actions, ingrained philosophies, or of beliefs rooted in their perspective. It is also not meant to serve as a veiled endorsement of a particular hunting style.

With the above said, I recognize that this topic could unintentionally act as a catalyst that shifts the discussion toward the often circular argument of hunting styles. It is probably inevitable for some since this topic will dance around areas contained within that discussion. It might be beneficial to avoid the same old areas of discussion and argument if possible. I hope it will not simply become this type of an interaction but will instead be more about identifying things that might set us up unintentionally and then charting a personal course for corrective actions.

Over the last several years we have lost many skilled professionals to dangerous game hunting deaths. Many of these people were friends of friends or perhaps those we knew and loved personally. Some might suggest or dismiss these losses by saying accidents happened and dangerous game hunting is dangerous. Those of us who choose to participate know this and do so willingly. If you are not willing to take the risk then you should not be a participant. While this is certainly true, perhaps there could be benefit in scratching the surface of the topic just a little deeper.

We are all well aware that unfortunately bad things can and do sometimes just happen to good people. People that are experienced. This is true and unfortunately will continue to occur regardless of our efforts. My focus is not upon that aspect of something that can and will sometimes occur from time to time. Most would agree that we are all the sum of our experiences and also our environment. This is my area of interest and the nexus from where this topic originates.

Often times the ones that we have lost through hunting tragedies with dangerous game has involved individuals well acquainted with their surroundings and who knew an area intimately. They may also have had vast knowledge and experience with dangerous game hunting. This is most often the case.

What if anything happens when the majority of experiences, or a lack of certain types, suddenly culminates in a moment where you have prepared yourself primarily through a non-supportive reinforcement, an unhelpful repetitive action, or through indoctrination? Especially when those things reinforced have always worked in the past. In what ways might or can these factors affect the possibility of an unfavorable outcome occurring or even repeating itself again?

Could subconsciously reinforcing through actions a mindset to avoid certain hunting & tracking situations, and actionable processes, or repetitively ingraining negative habits result in unexpected or negative consequences? If that avoided situation or activity then occurs is the experience unnecessarily uncomfortable, more intense, or possibly more dangerous than it need be? Obviously not everyone can or wants to experience dangerous game hunting where the possibility of charge encounters are not willfully avoided. There are still other areas where those that do not want such an experience can focus and possibly identify areas to improve. As an example, in addition to those areas mentioned in the paragraphs that follow, many clients try to better prepare by attending dangerous game hunting school courses or reviewing hunting DVDs where dangerous game charges are captured.  

Consider if being influenced by any of the following might effect the overall preparedness and/or actions of PHs skilled in dangerous game hunting. Things such as a philosophy handed down from owners/operators of the way hunting is done or perhaps more specifically not to be done. Something as simple as hyper-concern over PHs not holding backup shots to what they deem to be long enough. Until the very last possible moment in their opinion so as not to potentially cause clients to be unhappy. The philosophy then becoming a mindset, perhaps to a fault, of the PH not shooting with or even before a client when appropriate but rather holding off far too long when every split second counts.

Does the continued use of equipment that has malfunctioned in the past or the use of a caliber that is perhaps marginal in situations that are typically avoided create a potential pitfall? Even aspects of things that seem rather benign like the simplest act of handling and viewing unloaded firearms. Do we always strike off the safety when we raise the rifle to our shoulder and then reengage the safety when we come off the shoulder? If we don’t, what might happen when we are thrown into an unexpected situation that takes us by surprise? Are we also practicing with reduced loads on the range instead of full power ammunition because it is less expensive and more comfortable to do so thereby creating a potential for problems?

The spirit and intent of my message is intended to be a positive one and hopefully a means to stimulate further conversation and ideas. A process through which to identify things that we might want to consider but have previously overlooked or disregarded. A moment to review, reinforce, and assure we are properly prepared, carrying the correct mindset, and not unintentionally handicapping ourselves in some way. The message is meant for owner/operators, PHs, and clients alike to consider. We all play a role in the process and activity.

In the field of Emergency Medical Services we utilize a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process conducted through a regional review committee. The process takes place in a confidential environment where specialists come together in an effort to improve system quality. It is a methodology through which a committee of experts, bound by confidentiality, reviews the treatment and outcome of trauma patients. The purpose, to gauge performance and identify what could change to possibly improve patient outcome and survival. It is a simple mechanism to review specific performance areas, identify issues, and address them openly in a confidential setting. The outcome of the process is to identify and chart a path for changes and improvement.

There are many in the professional hunting, firearms manufacturing, and shooting sports community who know me personally. I do not expect that they will all agree with my thoughts and perspective but I do know they will not question my motivation. If this topic stimulates thought within one owner/operator, PH, or dangerous game client to institute change in an area that contributes positively in some way the endeavor is worthwhile. Perhaps subtle changes could have a profound effect when things go in a direction that is unwanted or unexpected while we are on dangerous ground. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Packing for the Outdoors-Tips from our Friends at Global Rescue


This information and images are from an article recently provided by Global Rescue. After reading the material, I thought it would be useful to some and wanted to pass the information along to those who visit our blog. By making just few adjustments to the recommended lists with items such as personal weapons, signal laser, signal strobe, bear spray, and food storage (bear bags) you will have a really solid base list. Remember that personal medications should be part of your first aid kit.

Shawn Joyce, Owner
Diizche Safari Adventures


Article by Drew Pache

Drew Pache is a Manager in Global Rescue’s Security Operations Department. Prior to joining the Global Rescue, he spent 21 years as an officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces. 

Because people head outdoors for many different reasons and encounter different environments during different seasons, it is challenging to compile a “master list” to cover all outdoor activities. However, in my more than two decades in the military where I worked and lived in everything from Arctic cold to desert heat, there are some items that I found it hard to live without. The right equipment on the trail will not only keep you alive; it will also keep you comfortable and allow greater enjoyment of your trip, whatever your activity of choice may be.

In general, I divide my gear into three piles, suitable for 1) a larger backpack 2) a smaller day pack, or 3) to be either worn or kept in my pockets.

Larger Backpack

These items are for living and comfort and include the following:

-Tent/bivy cover
-Sleeping bag
-Sleeping pad
-Mosquito net
-Extra clothing
-Stove/cooking gear
-Food/water
-Towel
-Hatchet

The shelter, sleeping bag, and extra clothing are all dictated by the climate and location, as is the necessity of a mosquito net. I recommend waterproof bags to keep items dry. Food is obviously a necessity, but the type and the elaborateness of its preparation are completely up to you. I am pretty spartan about food on the trail, and literally have spent months eating cold food, even when hot chow was available. However, friends of mine have elevated back country cooking to an art form and can create a gourmet meal from the most meager ingredients. Needless to say, their skills didn’t hurt their popularity.


Day pack

The second category of gear goes in the day pack. When camping or hunting, I usually hike in under the full load. Once camp is set, I venture out on shorter trips from there. The load is much lighter but you still need to have the basics on hand in case you get into trouble (or trouble finds you).

Items for the small pack:

-Water/snacks
-Warming layer
-GPS w/ extra (rechargeable) batteries
-Solar charger
-First aid kit
-Head lamp
-Socks
-Space blanket
-Foam pad (for sitting in cold, snowy conditions)
-Fire-starting gear
-Signal mirror
-Sat phone / texting device (for very remote locations)

The solar charger, a recent addition to my kit, can charge my cell phone, GPS, headlamp and anything else that can be powered with rechargeable batteries. You can even clip it onto your pack and it will charge as you hike. Earlier on the Global Rescue blog, we featured a blog post on the contents of a good first aid kit. Even though this kit is light and packs smaller than you’d think, it will cover you through a variety of misadventures.

To be worn/ in pockets

These are the items I have on me at all times:

-Map of the area and a decent compass

GPS devices are one of the miracles of the modern world, but they can break or run out of batteries at the most inopportune times. It is also easier to terrain-associate with a map than with GPS. I definitely get a better feel for the lay of the land when I can see it on paper.

-Folding knife or multi-tool
-Signal mirror
-Cordage

Parachute cord is great because in a pinch it can be taken apart, or “gutted,” and the smaller strings inside the outer covering can be used individually. They don’t look like much but they are really strong!

-A pair of light but durable gloves

Hard experience has also taught me to protect my hands out there, regardless of the temperature. This prevents the painful scrapes and punctures that are inevitable when traveling in the back country.

-Some type of eye protection

This is important for more than just protection from the sun’s glare. Low branches can pose a nasty hazard, especially when moving in the woods after dark. An eye injury in the backcountry can be disabling and will virtually guarantee a trip to the local ER (if one is available).

The gear above is what I bring on most trips. It does not have to be fancy or high tech and generally the simplest solutions are the best.