FORAGING TRIP PREP GUIDE
- Pete
- Nov 11, 2024
- 7 min read
Sounds funny, right, 'PREP' for a simple foraging trip... like, all we're doing is going for a simple walk in the woods! True, a foraging trip may seem like just a short walk in the woods, but as a mountain guide I often volunteered for search and rescue... yes, quite a few of those in need of finding and rescue had just gone for a 'short foraging trip'! It's all about being honest enough with ones self and knowing where ones skills are great and where they could be improved! Better to be prepared than the alternative - spending days in the wilderness, lost, cold, hungry and very scared or worse!
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I'm going to break this down into sections. It may seem 'overboard', or 'too much' for some... that's ok. Coming from a mountain guide background I plan according to my own personal risk management model. Everyone has a different level of acceptable personal risk. Take what you need from this and you do what you're comfortable with! :) My focus is always first on the wellbeing of the person, then the environment.
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> Natural resources are plentiful but can quickly be damaged or depleted if they are carelessly treated and over-harvested. Careful consideration of the environment that we'll be foraging in must occupy our thoughts. Many species only thrive in very fragile, very specific environments, like along the edges of trails, on steep inclines, along creeks, on dead and decaying logs. See my blog post on Ethical Foraging/Wildcrafting. Ok, lets start with some general guidelines.
FORAGING PRE-TRIP PREP:
Check out local field guides before heading out and learn what species thrive there and note if there are specific endangered or at risk species. Keep diligent watch for those and avoid disturbing their existence!
I always research any local toxic look-alike species for what I'm foraging and make sure I can identify them. That may save much potential grief later on!
I also familiarize myself with any potential local wildlife that I may encounter and the best way to deal with that. Every environment is different and every species reacts differently to human presence in their territory.
I find out who owns the land I intend to forage on and check for any local laws or bi-laws pertaining to foraging. There are many different types of land owners (Crown, Province, corporate, natural resource extraction, forestry, institutions, burial ground, city, town, municipal, private). I find out if I need permission or not. If I do, I research the landowner, reach out and ask. I respect the answer.
Ok, we're finally ready to prepare for our foraging outing itself! Once I've identified the area I will be foraging, I write up a brief trip planĀ (find an example at the end of this article) and leave with someone who knows me and that I trust. Most of the areas I forage on Vancouver Island have no cell phone service or wifi. I carry a handheld VHF radio for emergencies. There are all manner of great backcountry communication devices out there like SPOT that allow satellite communication. Use what you're most comfortable with.
- get a good updated weather forecast for the next few days for the area to be foraged.
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WHAT I HAVE IN MY DAY/HYDRATION PACK:
(Take away from this what works for you)
map of area to be foraged and compass (know how to use this)
I like to familiarize myself with a large scale top map of the area to be foraged. I look at features like hills, cliffs, creeks and their direction of flow, and any other features that stand out. This may become very useful if I get disoriented.
If not familiar with analog maps, take a GPS and know how to use it. Great for cookie-crumb maps, point coordinates, back bearing.
any clothing layers
pocket knife
fire starter (I use a tungsten rod & striker), lighter, waterproof matches
flashlight & one spare set of batteries
drinking water in my hydration bag (2L min)
hi energy snacks
whistle
small useful and stocked first aid kit with emerg blanket and tick remover
large contractor garbage bag
field guide (containing local species of what is being foraged)
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TOOLS FOR FORAGING:
- Plastic Garbage Bag: for any garbage encountered on the forage. You'd be amazed! Can also double up as a ground pad, rain poncho, emergency shelter.
Mushrooms:
mesh bag or basket with porous bottom
scissors or mushroom knife
toothbrush or two
gloves if you desire
field guide of species in this area
proper clothing that does not get snagged
Herbs:
Container that suits what you are foraging
sharp snips or tool that suits what you're foraging
gloves if needed (nettles, holley)
field guide of the species in the area
proper clothing that does not get snagged
Finally, we're ready to brush up on a few skills for walking in the forest with minimal impact to the environment. I mean 'wild' foraging. Not the kind where there are paved paths.
ABOUT BUSHWHACKING:
Choice of footwear is pretty important here. I used to forage in moccasins, but durable traditional ones are difficult to find and they don't do well in wet conditions. I choose waterproof/breathable hiking shoes with a medium aggressive sole. Being able to maintain solid footing is important to me as I often forage on the sides of steep ravines. Use something that's able to give enough traction to prevent slipping but that's not going to tear up the environment.
Gaiters: wrap around lower leg, strap under footwear, velcro up front and cynch above calf. These keep pants clean, debris out of shoes and allow quick water crossing with minimal wet!
Route finding is a skill to practice. I look for tree species that are associated with certain plants or mushrooms that I'm foraging for. Once located, I scan the landscape for the simplest path with the least potential for destruction. Yes, this takes longer and is more effort but my focus is on leaving the environment at worst the way I found it (I pick up any garbage I see where I forage). As a 'Leave No Trace' instructor, this is very important to me. Look for wildlife trails as they are less invasive to walk on than stomping through fragile environments. Be aware that these are also tick and flea highways! I'm always scanning in-front, to either side, above - we have many cougars (the cats) here, and behind me. I'm also scanning for signs of what I'm foraging. PNW Golden Chanterelles are fun to forage because their golden glow just warms your heart! My ears are listening to the sounds around me (not ear bud music playlist)... if the woods suddenly go silent I stop and continuously scan with all my senses until I'm satisfied all's good.
Be very mindful approaching creeks. Sometimes moss or other plants have grown out over mere twigs above the creek and appear to be solid footing! Look for a safe, non-invasive path to cross creeks. Rocks are often deceptively slippery and a broken bone would not be cool! If you see an old growth tree, make your way to it. Introduce yourself. Trees are of the same energy as all else. Thank the tree for its wisdom, its healing energy. Sit, lean back against the tree, close your eyes and simply focus on the energy of unconditional love. Feel it. Enjoy. Ya, I'm a hippie, born in the early sixties, it's not a fad but my way of living life. Enjoy your forage, be safe, be smart and always practice being ethical with integrity!
SAMPLE TRIP PLAN:
There are many examples of trip plans to be found with a simple Google search. Modify one to suit your needs or use the one I've provided. Feel free to copy, use, share. Something is better than nothing in this regard!
Outing Group Leader:
- full name. Emergency contact name and # (if leaving plan with other)
- colour of jacket worn (or packed with them)
All Group Members:
- full names and emergency contact for each person (name and phone #)
- colour of jacket each person is wearing (or packed with them)
Date/Time Of Departure:
- Be as specific as you can
Date/Time Returning:
- Be specific
- how long to wait after this date/time before taking action
Location Of Trailhead (where are you starting out from):
- Be as exact as you can. Latitude/Longitude or grid coordinates.
Area To Be Foraged In
- Be as specific as you can. Circle the area on a map copy (leave with plan) or take a photo of area circled on map and send to safety person.
List Of Resources Group Has With Them
- can be a point form list. Example - first aid kit, emergency blankets, extra clothing, water, food, knife, flashlight, bear repellant, fire starter, etc)
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A BRIEF NOTE ON CLOTHING:
Working as an international mountain guide, the most common cause for death or severe exposure noted in hikers was lack of preparationĀ for a simple day trip! Things that are simple, like packing a brightly coloured lightweight wind-breaking, water repellant jacket can turn out to be life saving in the event things go sideways. Weather changes pretty dramatically with elevation. It generally becomes colder as elevation increases. Deep valleys pool cold air as the warmer air tends to rise. Know where you are going and take a few extra layers of clothing in a small day pack.
EXTERNAL REFERENCES:
Parks Canada sampleĀ trip plan;
Adobe Acrobat Reader free download if you need it
Clothing - Gaiters - Example
Leave No Trace Canada
MY FORAGING TRIP PLAN:
OUTING GROUP LEADER
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COLOUR OF JACKET WEARING:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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EMERGENCY CONTACT:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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PHONE NUMBER:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
GROUP MEMBERS (Names, phone numbers, colour of jacket wearing)
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NAME:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā PHONE #Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā JACKET:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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DATE/TIME OF DEPARTURE:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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MAKE/MODEL/COLOUR/LIC PLATE OF VEHICLE(S):
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DATE/TIME RETURNING:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
HOW LONG TO WAIT AFTER THIS TO TAKE ACTION:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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LOCATION OF TRAILHEAD:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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AREA TO BE FORAGED IN:Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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LIST OF GROUP RESOURCES: (who has first aid cert, what survival gear is in the group, etc) Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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