Survival Tips for The Hunter

 

Survival Tips for The Hunter

The Essentials For Your Survival Kit

Sometimes it's easy to lose your way in an unfamiliar wood.  Carrying a compass and maps of the general area that you will be hunting in can help in the event that you get lost.  Carry a flashlight with extra batteries in case you get caught out after dark.  There are also flashlights on the market now that operate by just a shake, eliminating the need for batteries.  Matches in a waterproof case are essential and a sharp knife is good to have as well. A traditional Bowie or a Swiss Army knife both serves the purpose.

Some granola, candy bars, or dried fruit are a good idea to bring along if you are not skilled at finding food in the wild.  Never eat any plants or berries unless you are familiar with what types are poisonous.  If you are unsure of the safety of a plant or its fruit, don't eat it.  Risking an illness while stranded in the wild is not preferable to an empty stomach.  A bottle or two of drinking water is necessary also.  Humans can survive for weeks without food but only three days without water. You will not want to drink any water found on the land without boiling it for several minutes first to kill off any bacteria or parasites.

It is recommended that you carry a needle and thread in your survival kit.  These materials can be used to repair torn clothing. You can also stitch up a wound to stop heavy bleeding in case an injury occurs and you cannot get medical attention right away.

Most hunters carry a six to eight-foot length of rope to help drag their game back to the truck or haul equipment up into a tree stand.  This rope can be used in many ways if you are stranded in the woods for an extended period of time.  You can use a rope for first aid purposes, to help build a shelter, or to secure equipment during your hike.  You can even string up a makeshift clothesline to dry wet clothing should you fall into standing water.  Be sure to keep your rope with you and not in the truck.

It is also a good idea to wear a belt when out hunting.  A belt can be used as a tourniquet in an emergency, as well to help secure a splint to a limb if necessary.  A belt is one first aid item that you don't have to cart around either.

Fire safety when stranded

It's important to follow usual camp safety guidelines when starting a fire under any conditions in the wild.  Always triple check to make sure a fire is completely out before leaving the area to prevent flare ups and a potential forest fire.  Choose an area away from trees and shrubs, and line your pit with small boulders or stones to help contain the embers.  

Gather larger logs and sticks and stack them in a teepee fashion.  Then gather small twigs and scraps of paper to use as kindling at the base of your teepee.  Blowing gently on your kindling will help your flames catch hold.  You can use pine boughs to shield your fire from wind if necessary.  You can also use boughs to stand or sit on if snow is present.  This will help insulate your feet from the cold while warming yourself near the fire.

#survival #hunter #hunting #prepping #prepper

 

 Graeme Knights

Macro Photography Top Tips

Hobbies Articles | November 15, 2011

Macroscopic photography offers photographers a unique view of the world to explore with an unlimited amount of color, texture and physical architecture. Macro photography is a magnified photography, which is used to produce an image which is larger in the film plane (or digital sensor) than in real life.

Types of Camera
Presently there are two main types of cameras available: point and shoot digital cameras and digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.

Macro Photography on a Point & Shoot
Point and shoot digital cameras are a line of cameras popular with beginner photographers and suitable for everyday photography. 

Attach camera to tripod: Focusing on an image close up can be difficult with certain models of camera. Any movement can bring the photograph out of focus. For best results, attach the camera to a tripod.

Select Macro Mode: Macro mode is typically a little flower in the shooting modes. When selected, it causes the camera to focus on an object closer to the lens than normal. In addition, macro mode will also increase the size of the aperture, bringing the subject into closer focus while leaving the background in the distance.

Zoom-In on the Image: Using the camera's zoom feature, bring the image into focus on the view screen.
Set Flash (or not): Use of a flash with a point and shoot camera is purely personal preference. Macro photographs require a certain amount of light to remain clear and in focus. Unfortunately, it is difficult to control the flash on a point and shoot. For professional results, wait for a bright day with lots of natural light to take the photograph.

Take the Shot: Once shot has been lined up and in focus, double check the view screen and take the shot. 

Try experimenting with various settings, different apertures and compositions to see what works best.

Macro Photography on a DSLR Camera
While point and shoot digital cameras may possess excellent macro capabilities, for optimal results a DSLR camera will generally out perform point and shoot. The reason for this is because DSLR cameras allow various attachments for special purpose macro lenses.

Attach Appropriate Lens: Attach the appropriate lens following the manufacturer's recommendations. Some cameras have special accessories specifically with macro photography, these attachments allow the photographer to enlarge the subject and/or decrease the minimum focal length.

Set Camera to Macro Mode & Select Aperture: Place the camera in macro mode, oftentimes some models of cameras will not allow any other adjustments without this mode being selected. After the camera has been placed in macro mode, select a small aperture (it's a big number) for a large depth of the field which places everything into focus, or a large aperture (small number) if focusing on the main subject. In most situations, it is best to select a shallow depth of field, therefore, select the largest aperture possible.

Set Flash: Having some artificial light in macro photography is important. Fortunately most cameras come with their own built-in light meter. Choosing a time of day when there is plenty of natural light is the cheapest way of producing high quality photographs. Alternatively, the harsh light of the flash can be diffused by applying tissue paper or cello tape over the flash. Another more expensive option would be to invest in a reflector. 

Place Subject into Focus: If the camera allows manual focus, select this option and focus the image manually.

Take the Shot: Once shot has been lined up and in focus, double check the view screen or through the eyepiece and take the shot. 

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Graeme is writing on behalf of Steven Brooks Wedding Photographer London & Wedding Photograpy

Wildlife Photography, Catching The Animals By Surprise

 

Wildlife Photography, Catching The Animals By Surprise

Photography has been around for more than a century and our topics will never cease. There is portrait, landscape, wedding, and wildlife photography just to name a few. One of the most rewarding styles of photography centers on wildlife. It may take you several hours before finding the perfect picture and capturing it, but the reward is more than worth the wait.

Wildlife photography is perhaps the most difficult in the profession. You have to have the time, inclination, and of course the camera. Most wildlife shots are captured using a telephoto lens because the animal will not walk near you. Every once in a while you will be able to capture the fox, elk, bear or other animal as it comes through the woods in your path, however most of the time they are yards away and elusive.  

Wildlife photography doesn’t wait for you to happen a long and snap a photo. You need to immerse yourself in the site you choose your camera at the ready, and set for the light of the day. Most automatic cameras work great on the preset for those who are just learning to take wildlife photographs. Photography has always been about the moment and the best photographers can catch the moment with a speed and agility of the animal they are capturing.

Start with small subjects when you begin your foray into wildlife photography. Practice on your pet. Let them roam naturally and see if you can capture the wild and crazy moments on film without the photograph ending up blurry. All great photographers have studied and practiced. They also use more than one shot. Making sure your camera has a quick shutter speed will help you take more than one shot as your move with the animal. When you have the subject in your site you need to follow it while focusing and then quickly snap as many pictures as you can before they move out of site. This technique is known as panning. Rather than the subject coming to you, you follow the subject.  

When you have mastered your pets you can begin to explore the outdoor world of wildlife photography. Some of your subjects will be standing still and this is another practice technique. Be aware of the lighting and placement while trying not to disturb the animal. It is most easy to get a squirrel when they are intent on eating or foraging for food. If you stay silent and walk carefully you can often get pretty close.

If you are choosing a larger subject such as a deer or bear you will want to stay far enough away to get the shot, and not draw attention to yourself. Bears are dangerous creatures, but they can be photographed if you use common sense and don’t tread upon their territory. Wildlife photography and thus the photographers have a code of ethics when attaining the perfect shots. You will want to follow these ethics for your safety and the animals.

Wildlife photography is a waiting game for the perfect picture to sprint across your viewfinder. It takes patience and a lot of practice, but the reward of having a family member or friend go, “ where did you get that photograph? I have got to have one,” will sweeten the deal.

#animals #pets #photography #animal

Visiting Mexico? Don't Be a Victim to Crime

 

 

Visiting Mexico?  Don't Be a Victim to Crime

If you are planning a trip to Mexico, there are a number of important factors that you should first consider and prepare for. These factors are considered safety precautions.  Traveling to Mexico is fun, but it can be also dangerous, especially if you don't know what to do or how to protect yourself.

When visiting Mexico it is important to register with the United States Travel Registry to ensure that the government knows that you are leaving the country.  This is the first step to staying safe while in Mexico.  In the event that you become the victim of a crime, you will receive immediate government assistance.  When using the internet to register with the United States Travel Registry, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary of your plans on your computer.

You should also make sure that you leave information regarding your travel plans with a close friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor.  You are encouraged to make copies of your airline tickets, as well as your passport. You want to take a copy with you and leave another copy at home.  This will help verify your location if something should go awry.  You should also designate someone you know as your emergency contact.  

Use common sense in the hotels, on busses, or walking in the streets of Mexico.  Don't take taxicabs that you have just waved down on the streets.  Many crimes are being reported of people who haven't previously arranged for taxis.  You should also never carry large amounts of cash, flashy jewelry, or extra credit cards with you.  When you are a tourist, shady people will already notice you and single you out.  Be on the lookout for and avoid these individuals at all costs.  

If you think that you know all there is to Mexico you are most often wrong.  Public drinking is often shown in films as the norm, however this is a crime and you can be arrested for being intoxicated in public.  You should also use caution when drinking in nightclubs or bars during the evening hours.  People who wish to victimize tourists often drug them.  

You should always use caution, no matter where you are. Despite being cautionary at all times, you should also use caution when traveling by bus and other forms of public transportation.  You should always stay alert during nighttime travel and while traveling during busy bus hours.  It is becoming more common for tourists to be mugged while riding on the busses in Mexico.  The busses where these crimes are taking place are often the cheapest forms of travel.  You may want to ride first class and have someone that you know and trust with you.

If you need help while in Mexico you should contact the United States Embassy.  There is also a twenty-four hour hotline for the Mexican Ministry of Tourism.  There is also a Mexican version of 911; it is 060 for Mexico City, and 066 for other areas of Mexico.  This will put you in contact with Mexican officials immediately.  There is also a Mexican Red Cross that will help if you are injured and need medical help.  The Red Cross is free of charge and they will provide basic medical attention.  

The above mentioned precautionary measures and important phone number are just a few of the many that you should know.  Despite what you believe, staying safe while on vacation in Mexico shouldn't begin as soon as you arrive.  You should start taking precautionary measures before you leave for your vacation.

#Mexico #Crime #vacation #travel

Travel Tips to European Countries: Ireland

 

 

 

Travel Tips to European Countries: Ireland

About The Country

The summers are warm and the winters are moderate with some snow. May and June are the sunniest months. Weather changes quite frequently from cloudy to sunny and vice versa. If planning the visit during the summer, lightweight woolen or cotton clothes are recommended and jacket for spring and autumn. Always carry raincoat for that untimely showers. Incase of emergency call 999 or 112.

Culture

Most of the locals prefer speaking English here. Handshaking is customary. Irish are social people and are good at having a lively chat even with strangers. People live in great harmony and make great friends. Foreigners are welcomed with warmth and are made to feel at home. Guests are never sent back empty stomach as food is always served at any time of the day, to the guest. Most of the locals come from an agricultural background. Dinner is considered to be a meal of importance as it is the time when the whole family gets together and eat. One can dress casually when out on the streets except women are expected to dress formally at social gatherings and at fine restaurants. Smoking is banned in public places.  

Shopping

Many towns organize flee markets at least once a week, which is worth checking out for cheap goods. Belfast is the shopping capital of Ireland; most of the stores open up early and close early too. On Thursdays, shops remain open till 8 in the night.  Value Added Tax of almost 17% is charged, which can be reclaimed later. So if the visitors buy anything from the stores remember to check if the store operates the Retail Export Scheme, which would require the passport and filling of the Tax Free Shopping Form by the sales person. If the restaurant bill doesn't includes any tax, leave behind a 10% tip to appreciate their service. Giving a tip to the porters and hair dressers is customary here.

Electricity

The voltage in Northern Ireland is 240V, 50AC.

Getting There

The national airline that operates here is Aer Lingus, which provides service from most of the major cities of the world. Airlines like Delta Air Lines and many other have been introduced and to promote them, promotional air fares are being offered. Checking out such offers will prove to be money savers. There are many flights from UK to Ireland. The Dublin airport is located at 10 km away from the city. Services like taxis, air coach, buses transport passengers to their destination. Airport has duty free shops, bank, currency exchange, car hire, tourism information, and restaurants for a comfortable journey. Shannon Airport is situated to the north of Limerick City and is 24 km and 25 minutes away from it. Buses, coaches and taxis are available for transportation. Other services that are provided are duty free shops, currency exchange, bank, tourism information and restaurants. While planning to travel, check out other airports like Cork Airport and Knock Information Airport for more options. A departure tax of 10 is to be paid by people over 12 years of age at the Knock International Airport.

To take ferries check out the Baltimore, Galway, Dublin, Wexford and Kinsale ports. Most of the ferries offer high-speed services. Time to time special offers are being announced which can be availed to save money. Check out the websites as some of them offer online booking facility.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

2. 1l of spirits and distilled beverages (more than 22 per cent) or 2l of other alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22 per cent, including sparkling or fortified wine, plus 2l of table wine

3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

The carrier should be above 17 years of age. Sharp objects, explosives, firearms, food or agricultural items and hay or straw should be brought along as they are strictly prohibited.

#Europe #travel #vacation #Ireland

About The Country

The summers are warm and the winters are moderate with some snow. May and June are the sunniest months. Weather changes quite frequently from cloudy to sunny and vice versa. If planning the visit during the summer, lightweight woolen or cotton clothes are recommended and jacket for spring and autumn. Always carry raincoat for that untimely showers. Incase of emergency call 999 or 112.

Culture

Most of the locals prefer speaking English here. Handshaking is customary. Irish are social people and are good at having a lively chat even with strangers. People live in great harmony and make great friends. Foreigners are welcomed with warmth and are made to feel at home. Guests are never sent back empty stomach as food is always served at any time of the day, to the guest. Most of the locals come from an agricultural background. Dinner is considered to be a meal of importance as it is the time when the whole family gets together and eat. One can dress casually when out on the streets except women are expected to dress formally at social gatherings and at fine restaurants. Smoking is banned in public places.  

Shopping

Many towns organize flee markets at least once a week, which is worth checking out for cheap goods. Belfast is the shopping capital of Ireland; most of the stores open up early and close early too. On Thursdays, shops remain open till 8 in the night.  Value Added Tax of almost 17% is charged, which can be reclaimed later. So if the visitors buy anything from the stores remember to check if the store operates the Retail Export Scheme, which would require the passport and filling of the Tax Free Shopping Form by the sales person. If the restaurant bill doesn't includes any tax, leave behind a 10% tip to appreciate their service. Giving a tip to the porters and hair dressers is customary here.

Electricity

The voltage in Northern Ireland is 240V, 50AC.

Getting There

The national airline that operates here is Aer Lingus, which provides service from most of the major cities of the world. Airlines like Delta Air Lines and many other have been introduced and to promote them, promotional air fares are being offered. Checking out such offers will prove to be money savers. There are many flights from UK to Ireland. The Dublin airport is located at 10 km away from the city. Services like taxis, air coach, buses transport passengers to their destination. Airport has duty free shops, bank, currency exchange, car hire, tourism information, and restaurants for a comfortable journey. Shannon Airport is situated to the north of Limerick City and is 24 km and 25 minutes away from it. Buses, coaches and taxis are available for transportation. Other services that are provided are duty free shops, currency exchange, bank, tourism information and restaurants. While planning to travel, check out other airports like Cork Airport and Knock Information Airport for more options. A departure tax of 10 is to be paid by people over 12 years of age at the Knock International Airport.

To take ferries check out the Baltimore, Galway, Dublin, Wexford and Kinsale ports. Most of the ferries offer high-speed services. Time to time special offers are being announced which can be availed to save money. Check out the websites as some of them offer online booking facility.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

2. 1l of spirits and distilled beverages (more than 22 per cent) or 2l of other alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22 per cent, including sparkling or fortified wine, plus 2l of table wine

3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

The carrier should be above 17 years of age. Sharp objects, explosives, firearms, food or agricultural items and hay or straw should be brought along as they are strictly prohibited.

#Europe #travel #vacation #Ireland

Photography and Travel

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