How do protect yourself when photographing in the deep forests?

3 years 9 months ago #690897 by Tony Imaging
This Corona Virus is getting old.  I'm going to start getting out more into our national forests and state parks.  But what do you carry on you to protect yourself from wild animals?  


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #690903 by Nikon Shooter
The worst to do is to surprise animals. When they can hear you
and have the choice, all wildlife will prefer to have the time find
a way out. But when not…

If you are on the hunt for animals, be very quiet, and move in the
wind so not to be detected by your subjects and wear some smel-
ly repellent (ammonia like) so not to be followed.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691026 by Patrick G
:agree:    get yourself one of those metal bells that will alert animals you are inbound.  Carry bear spray with you as well and a good knife.   


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691090 by Ira Weber
+1 on the bell.  They are inexpensive and good insurance to have.  I do have a small collection fo knifes that carry on a regular basis.  


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691098 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Tony

Well you mob have a quite different set of "problems" to us mob Downunder

Aussie kangaroos will hear you from 100+ yards away and disappear into the bush before you even know that they were there. On the other hand Aussie crocs just lie stealthily in the bushes alongside the river and attack you directly, dragging you into the water asap

Then there are the politicians in the street who seem to want to attack you with open arms ~ but those animals are another story

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/


Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Attachments:
,
3 years 9 months ago #691101 by Shadowfixer1
I've roamed the woods all my life and have never had an issue but there aren't any grizzlies where I am from. I don't mind the other bears as long as you don't surprise a mom and her cubs.
,
3 years 9 months ago #691237 by Nefarious
Man those crocs are no joke!  As for me, I just carry a knife with a 6" blade


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691612 by Harrison J
Airhorn is your best friend


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691672 by Cara Wilkins
My husband :P


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691729 by Moe
I’ve never needed anything, however I do have a small 4 inch knife that’s in my camera bag.


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691776 by Stanly
Never had any issues as well. But I do have a small pocket knife.

Nikon Z6 | Nikon FM10 | Nikon D80 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR | 35-105mm f/3.5 Macro | 80-200mm f/4.5 | SB600 | Pocket Wizard II
Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691779 by CharleyL
I've walked a lot of trails in the North East USA and never had any significant problems with animals. Like others said, they will avoid you, if they can and hear you coming. I've been in bear country for black bears, had a couple of near encounters, but none close. Beware of animals protecting their offspring, be it raccoons, skunks, bears, deer, etc. They will attack if they feel a need to protect their young. Noise that is unusual to the forest usually works well to keep them away. Whistles, air horns, bells, etc. all work in varying degrees.

I've spent as much as 2 weeks at a time in country where I never met another human. I carried a police type whistle and a 4" pocket knife. My closest encounters were mostly chipmunks that joined us for breakfast. Cooking eggs seems to bring them quickly. They are not a danger, and tame quickly if you throw pieces of scrambled eggs to them. In a few minutes, I've had them sitting on my knee, waiting for the next piece of egg. They like roasted peanuts too. A chipmunk can hold 5 peanuts in their mouths, 2 in each cheek, and one straight in. Then they head for home with the booty and return quickly for more. There isn't much in the way of animals to fear in the forests of the NE USA, except those protecting their young, and the unpredictable human animal, but fortunately, I managed to avoid close encounters with most of them. 

Charley


,
3 years 9 months ago #691811 by Tony Imaging
So do any of you have or carry a gun with you?


Photo Comments
,
3 years 9 months ago #691813 by CharleyL
Why? I always considered it too heavy and not needed for my walks, but then I trimmed off the borders of my maps to save carrying extra weight too. In grizzly or gator country  one might be needed, but I've never been to either. Other than those animals, humans might be a threat, but my experience has indicated that the ones that walk in the forests have all been the friendly ones. Take something that makes a loud unusual noise and enjoy your walk. You likely will never even need the noise maker, so why pack a very heavy gun.

Charley


,
3 years 9 months ago #692792 by Nikon Shooter

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024

With these simple yet effective beginner photography tips, you can avoid some of the common mistakes beginners make and get improved results with your images.

May 06, 2024

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024