Scott Linden Outdoors

Life is complicated. Why not capitalize on the tips and sage advice from those who have already been there and done that. Here are some suggestions that may come in handy next time you’re afield …

– Use as low a volume to deliver your voice commands as will work in your situation. Dogs hear better than us and may construe unnecessary volume as anger.

– If you carry one of those Mylar “space blankets” in your survival kit, check it every year for age-related rips. I opened mine once and found that every fold had become a full-length tear. Luckily, it was at home, not in the woods on a cold, rainy night.

– Set out and light your camp lantern before dark. You may have a hard time finding it after the sun sets.

– Permethrin is the most effective tick spray, if you use it right. That means applying it to your clothing before you venture out. Hang, spray, and let dry for at least two hours before you put it on. In formulations for clothing, it is not appropriate for dogs.

– One of the best fire starters is a tangerine-sized ball of duct tape.

– Warm up by fueling your internal furnace. Carbohydrates burn fastest, proteins slowest. Best is a snack food that offers both for sustained energy.

– Buy a bandanna. Silk or rayon, get the big ones that real buckaroos wear, available at farm supply and western stores. Keeps your neck – and the rest of your body, in turn – warm. A multitude of other uses around camp from sweatband to oven mitt.

– Gates are designed to keep cows in, or out. Leave open gates open, closed gates closed.

– For quick energy, change your socks in the middle of the day. Your feet sweat eight ounces a day. Fresh, dry socks mean a happy hunter.

– Move cows off a road with slow, gradual “body language.” Don’t get too close, but walk toward them slowly, arms outstretched scarecrow style and pushing in the direction you want them to go. There is a sweet spot – not too close – that will push cattle without splitting the herd. Yelling, running, waving your hat will induce panic and a potential stampede – usually in the wrong direction. With several hunters, set up a picket line all moving together. If you’re driving and want to split a herd to get through, be mindful that calves will blindly follow their mothers so go slow and use your peripheral vision to avoid surprisingly-nimble youngsters.