Safety When Photographing Solo in the Wild

[MontanaDave]

I almost exclusively solo photograph wildlife in wild places.
I enjoy the freedom and solitude of going solo.
These are 6 things I do to minimize my risks and maximize the likelihood of locating me if I did have a problem.
1) I always email my wife a google map showing where I will park and my anticipated hiking route.
2) I do not deviate my plans from the email I sent to my wife.
3) I carry an InReach device which allows my to text in areas with no cell service, and has an emergency response SOS button.
4) I always carry bear spray on my belt. Bears (especially grizzlies) can be amazingly fast when they charge.
5) I use trekking poles. Trekking poles can help prevent a slip.
They allow the arms to help the legs on steep climbs and take stress off the knees on steep descents.
6) I text my wife that I arrived at the trailhead and when heading home.
My guess is I'm a rare individual that spends most of my photography time solo in the wilderness,
but I hope these are considerations for others that enjoy solo wild adventures.

 

[webestang64]

7) my 2 friends......Smith & Wesson.

 

[Jeff15]

In my opinion, you are very rare. I just say I will be back for lunch ...

 

[cgw]

A small first aid kit? Have a small ziploc kit in each of 3 my bags and I'm a street/urban shooter! Assorted band-aids, Tylenol, anti-histamine gelcaps, gloves, 4X4 pacs and tape. All have come in handy for me and/or strangers.

 

[4rum]

A very good and informative post. More of us should practice more of it. One thing I would add, and I don't know why it's never included in survival shows, is a disposable lighter. Weighs almost nothing, takes up almost no room in a kippy sack and can be used for the obvious, but also for a signal fire if lost. Survival is often part psychological. A warming fire can be crucial for more than warming or cooking.

 

[MontanaDave]

A small first aid kit? Have a small ziploc kit in each of 3 my bags and I'm a street/urban shooter! Assorted band-aids, Tylenol, anti-histamine gelcaps, gloves, 4X4 pacs and tape. All have come in handy for me and/or strangers.

YES! And I also always carry 2 headlamps...I typically start in predawn darkness.

 

[MontanaDave]

A very good and informative post. More of us should practice more of it. One thing I would add, and I don't know why it's never included in survival shows, is a disposable lighter. Weighs almost nothing, takes up almost no room in a kippy sack and can be used for the obvious, but also for a signal fire if lost. Survival is often part psychological. A warming fire can be crucial for more than warming or cooking.

YES! When I lived in Alaska we often made warming fires on river gravel bars waiting for the sun to come up. It was boreal Alaska so easy to start a fire with some birch bark and spruce pitch.
To be able to start a fire in the rain is important and takes a bit of practice to master.

 

[webestang64]

disposable lighter

Or a flint stick. I'm a big fan of Survivorman Les Stroud, he used one on his show and I have one in my hiking pack.

 

[Digger...]

I almost exclusively solo photograph wildlife in wild places.
I enjoy the freedom and solitude of going solo.
These are 6 things I do to minimize my risks and maximize the likelihood of locating me if I did have a problem.
1) I always email my wife a google map showing where I will park and my anticipated hiking route.
2) I do not deviate my plans from the email I sent to my wife.
3) I carry an InReach device which allows my to text in areas with no cell service, and has an emergency response SOS button.
4) I always carry bear spray on my belt. Bears (especially grizzlies) can be amazingly fast when they charge.
5) I use trekking poles. Trekking poles can help prevent a slip.
They allow the arms to help the legs on steep climbs and take stress off the knees on steep descents.
6) I text my wife that I arrived at the trailhead and when heading home.
My guess is I'm a rare individual that spends most of my photography time solo in the wilderness,
but I hope these are considerations for others that enjoy solo wild adventures.

The only creature to worry about here in Victoria is snakes, i haven't seen any this season though.

Dont think they exist anymore, that being said a compression bandage in the first aid kit. Actually been meaning to get a pair of gaiters for snake season.

When your sneaking softly around the bush for creatures, ones foot steps dont spook the snakes up ahead away.

 

[MontanaDave]

The only creature to worry about here in Victoria is snakes, i haven't seen any this season though.

Dont think they exist anymore, that being said a compression bandage in the first aid kit. Actually been meaning to get a pair of gaiters for snake season.

When your sneaking softly around the bush for creatures, ones foot steps dont spook the snakes up ahead away.

Yikes! I don't have to worry about snakes. I usually start in dark with headlamp on. I love sitting in the dark before dawn waiting for the sun to rise.

 

[Digger...]

Yikes! I don't have to worry about snakes. I usually start in dark with headlamp on. I love sitting in the dark before dawn waiting for the sun to rise.

Im a morning person too, there's no pesky humans around at that time of the day...

Yeah if your not photographing or trying to find creatures out there walk loudly to spook away the snakes ahead of'ya.

It's not the actual snake thats scary its the venom thats the problem.

 

[Grandpa Ron]

Definitely, sound advice. While age has crimped my ability to wander the wilderness alone. Your guidelines are Just as applicable to any adventure where you might get lost. Even a hike as mundane as a trail in the state parks; takes more than an over the shoulder "I'll be back in an hour or so." shout. Simply knowing what trail or your destination, can save I lot of time when looking for you.

Almost anyone that hikes, has a small Carry Kit, (I use a small belly bag) with things you need and may not need. Water is a must; I also have a map, (usually the parks trail map will do), candy bars/snack cracker, bug repellant are the easy reach items. I little deeper in my bag wrapped securely in a large washcloth, are a compass, matches, mirror, small head lamp and a whistle. These are the things I carry; other's choices will vary.

My grandkids have always been part of our family adventures. My most important advice to them was. If you get lost stop, sit down and rest. I explained that when you realize you are lost; you know you are only a few hours away from rescue. It you wander around trying to find your way back, you may only be adding to the distance. I also taught them to try to be comfortable camping in the dark. Something that is hard even for adults to deal with.

 

[21limited]

OK, just since it’s 2025...

Or a flint stick. I'm a big fan of Survivorman Les Stroud, he used one on his show and I have one in my hiking pack.

A few years ago, I gave them to my grand daughters for christmas, and they came and practiced in my fire pit, until they got it right.

My iPhone with it’s satellite emergency signal has replaced my in Reach, my GPS, my flashlight, and small easy to access camera. IN my waste pack, I carry a small lentgh of rope, a lighter, a few bandai an a compass, and pocket knife. I live in black bear country…there’s nothing here that isn’t more afraid of me than I am of it.

From, 2010 unitl 2016 I worked as canoe guide, taking people out into Algonquin Park. SO I did my Ontario Recreeational Canoeing Certifiations in flat water, moving water, Canadain Style a padling and level three trip leadership . SO we were fully schooled on lost person protocols. The most important thing probably being, if you are going to use that sat phone, you need to phone enough before dark that rescue people have time to get to you before dark. The other thing being that lost people usually wander in circles. If you lose one, some one has to stay in base camp in case they wander back. Aglonquuin where I do most of my canoeing has on average 13 medical evacuation and 1 death a year, based on 360,000 camping nights spent in the interior. The ods are low, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be you. I always take bit of time at the start of at trip to contemplate what I need to take based on temperature and weather condtions.