Setting up camp
by Ted Mitchell
Hunter 1
- Never set up camp in a creek bed. It doesn’t have to rain where you are for a creek to flow.
- Before setting up in an area, look around for major ant nests, especially around tree bases and hollows.
- When selecting a spot for a fire, choose one with no overhanging branches and one with at least six metres of clearance on the ground. You may have to clear the spot.
- Only use firewood on the ground (or that you brought along) and refrain from using large hollow logs, etc. You may be burning a native animal’s home.
- Always leave the camp site cleaner than you found it.
- Take all rubbish home.
- Never sleep too close to the fire. A rolling log has burnt many a swag.
- Don’t leave scraps about. They’ll attract ants, foxes and cats.
- Don’t camp under large gum trees. Strong winds and hot days can cause limbs to fall.