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.