Staying Found in the Woods

The Jackson State Demonstration Forest in Mendocino, and particularly the Pigmy Forest, can be very deceiving. Flat terrain on an overcast day with uniform foliage provides few clues as to direction. I often find the bridge to the CSNY song Déja Vu running though my head...”and I feel like I’ve been here before....”.

- Deb

Remember, whenever you go off trail into the woods you must be prepared to spend a forced night out.

• Learn to read a topographical map, mark your location and check the map frequently.

• Memorize your car's compass reading (location).

• Leave a note on your car dash indicating your direction of travel.

• Look back at your point of entry, keep checking your surroundings every ten minutes. If every thing looks the same to you, begin trail marking. Mark your turns with stones, sticks, tied branches, etc.

• Hunt with a partner; stay within voice range or whistle range and make contact frequently. If you carry radios, practice using them frequently. If possible, have everyone change to use the same communication channel.

• Carry food bars in your pocket

• Stay alert and listen for falling branches. Watch for crumbling logs. In fire areas tree roots may have burned out underground, leaving a hidden pit to fall into. Keep small children in view at all times.

• Keep a fanny pack with your mushroom gear. PUT IT ON whenever you hunt off road, even if you are just going out for a quick peek.

Have the following items in your fanny pack:

• Compass and map (and GPS if you have one and know how to use it)

• Personal medication

• Candle and lighter (candle shavings make good fire starters)

• Space blanket

• 2 light sticks

• 2 Power Bars

• Small bottle of water

• Paper and pencil

• Small cotton bandanna - large enough to make a sweat band or to cover your head and ears

• Signal mirror

• Whistle - a loud one. You should be able to put it in your mouth and hear noise while breathing normally.

Here are the FFSC whistle codes (number of chirps):