Bushcraft Etiquette (resurrected)

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ExHelot

Member
Nov 25, 2012
43
1
Michigan
The intention of the party should be known during the early planning stages. To leave others behind, unless your object is competitive, is rude. We travel in a group because we enjoy one another's company. Leaving someone behind is like telling them that they're of no value to the rest of us or just plain unwanted. I can't think of a better way to turn someone away from the experience if they are new to hiking &c. Just my point of view.
 

ExHelot

Member
Nov 25, 2012
43
1
Michigan
I would say that you were the victim of inconsiderate and self centered companions. I've always been a middle of the road walker. Being blessed with a "Meares-esque" physique, I've always been one to pace myself and enjoy the scenery. If need be I can cover a lot of distance in a short time while carrying a lot of gear but, What on earth for? When I'm alone I like the company and when I'm not, it's out of choice and I like the company. Now that I'm middle aged and have some serious problems with arthritis in my back, hips, and knees, I'm slower still. I wouldn't let your experience turn you off from the enjoyment of a good hike. Find someone that isn't out for a marathon or trying to prove something and walk with them. There are plenty of folks out there that would be happy to simply stroll along, I know I am. In fact, once I don my gear for a hike and camp weekend, I prefer to take my time and enjoy good company. I hope you haven't given up because of the physical damage or the shabby treatment you received.
:D
 

avalon

Member
May 31, 2007
36
0
South Australia
I think I'll struggle with the last bit. I try to see the best in people but they do have a habit of letting me down.

Will :)
I see you're in Exmoor, a place I fell in love with many years ago and have many happy memories of, but also a place that has attracted more and more people who have no real respect for it's beauty, so I can understand your point of view.
 
It always amazes me the lack of respect some people have when out and about
I always try to leave no trace and be respectful
When at proper camp sites music can be a pain
Especially if you groups are about
But nothing better than a fiddle and a guitar
To make some music round a campfire with friends

As long as you don't go on to late
Not been to a bcuk meet yet
But get out a lot either walking and camping or camping at land rover site
We're engines and chainsaws as well as welding generators are common place into the small ours
 

carabao

Forager
Oct 16, 2011
226
0
hove
This is a good thread, good thoughts, good practices. Me, personally I dont get music blaring from a stereo, I am in the field to get away from nonsense, not to take nonsense with me to fubar what nature has created. I do get live music round a fire in a group, that is mankind we gathered and to form bonds we told stories, we sang and we danced, we celebrated the day.
 

carabao

Forager
Oct 16, 2011
226
0
hove
Ok, need advice, this advice needed is related to this thread and fear of the dark.
I have great difficulty sleeping ( I have PTSD); so to prevent me annoying and waking up the family, I walk at night. I take the hound and I tab across the downs and in the morning I get a train back from where ever I am. Not a problem, but on several occasions I have walked into people or groups wild camp sites. In general I dont use a torch or headlamp unless on roads or fence crossing or through farmyards. So what is the protocol, usually I just pass by or avoid but on several occasion I have disturbed someone and they have jumped up or shouted then I have just called out passing through and carried on. Has anyone had this experience of this
 

British Red

M.A.B (Mad About Bushcraft)
Dec 30, 2005
26,714
1,960
Mercia
Not unless your dog is the one that woke me under a large beech tree about 3am about five years back - some sort of lab retriever. If it was you at least I offered you a brew :)
 

carabao

Forager
Oct 16, 2011
226
0
hove
Not unless your dog is the one that woke me under a large beech tree about 3am about five years back - some sort of lab retriever. If it was you at least I offered you a brew :)
Nope not me Red, but wish it was you, all I got was expletives no offer for a cuppa.
 

ExHelot

Member
Nov 25, 2012
43
1
Michigan
So what is the protocol, usually I just pass by or avoid but on several occasion I have disturbed someone and they have jumped up or shouted then I have just called out passing through and carried on. Has anyone had this experience of this

The custom when approaching a camp unexpectedly is to announce yourself well before entering the immediate area. This is done by a loud (not shouting) "Ho, The camp!") or something similar. If you don't intend to enter camp and everyone is asleep just skirt by and be on your way. Once Identified though it's considered a courtesy to announce yourself even if you plan on passing by. Something akin to, "Pardon me, just Passing!"

That's how I'd handle it anyway, especially if there are hunting camps about.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Goatboy

Full Member
Jan 31, 2005
14,956
17
Scotland
The custom when approaching a camp unexpectedly is to announce yourself well before entering the immediate area. This is done by a loud (not shouting) "Ho, The camp!") or something similar. If you don't intend to enter camp and everyone is asleep just skirt by and be on your way. Once Identified though it's considered a courtesy to announce yourself even if you plan on passing by. Something akin to, "Pardon me, just Passing!"

That's how I'd handle it anyway, especially if there are hunting camps about.

Sometimes it's just best to avoid certain camps, Loch Earn used to be popular with Bushcrafters but the headcase fishing crew seem to have driven most away.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-24175255
 

Pete11

Nomad
Jul 12, 2013
292
0
Scotland
Hear you on that one GB , also not the first time Loch Earn has had trouble. Loch Venacher ( and Lubnaig, to degree ) getting same way sadly, loud folk. I tend to travel further NW , just to get away from the Saturday Nighters !
 

Ecoman

Full Member
Sep 18, 2013
934
2
Isle of Arran
www.HPOC.co.uk
It come to something when you can't even go camping without bumping into the Neds! One of the reasons I took up wild camping. I didn't want my wee daughter exposed to that sort of behaviour.

Great post BTW.
 

Goatboy

Full Member
Jan 31, 2005
14,956
17
Scotland
Pete & Ecoman, I'm a peaceable chap and want my camp time to be calm and happy. Certain honeypots have attracted certain undesirables who trash the place and cause trouble, the places mentioned are pretty much lost I'm afraid. Nice and handy but populated by nutters. When we used to camp there we'd spend the first 40-60 minutes cleaning the site up from trash and discarded fishing and camping tackle. Then have to deal with certain uninformed and decidedly daft dafties who thought they'd like to share our food/beverages. So we just stopped going. I don't want a criminal record for having to deal with an eejit. But I feel that a lot of the rules and ethos of why so many of us just aren't there in some as they didn't get that "apprenticeship" from others and manners and good sense from their folks.
 

Ecoman

Full Member
Sep 18, 2013
934
2
Isle of Arran
www.HPOC.co.uk
I know what you mean Goatboy. I was brought up in a relatively poor working class background. We had no money but it was always drilled into my brother and I that manners cost nothing and so you can spend them freely. We were also brought up to respect others and their property. My family were from originally from Govan which was really rough back then (no idea what its like now) but if I ever swore in front of my parents or did somebody wrong or god forbid, broke the law then I would expect to face their wrath. I'm not saying I'm an angel but hell I would never dream of disrespecting others or causing a nuisance.



EDIT: LOL at Fredster...made me chuckle :D
 

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