How do you prepare yourself for the field season?

Ask a Biologist Monday 4/3/23

Answers from Biologists:

  • I start doing stair steppers while adding weight to a pack.

  • Replace any expired medical equipment, batteries.

  • Test inreach/stat phone.

  • Update field safety plan.

  • Getting mentally pumped. Winter doldrums are done!

  • Go to the dentist, doctor, and fix my car before I don’t have any free time.

  • My field season is on and off year round so I feel like I’m constantly figuring out my gear.

  • Patch holes in waders.

  • Take my car in for maintenance and pack a vehicle emergency kit.

  • Make sure that my boots and socks are good to go.

  • Make sure my bills are set to autopay.

  • Forward my mail to my parents/friend.

  • Set my email out of office reply.

  • I start going to the gym and strengthen anything I’ve injured in the past.

  • Anticipating that I will not be fit at first and adding things to my first aid kit to cope.

  • I take all the trips I’ve planned, anticipating the 6 months without extra time off.

  • Learn new skills in the off-season so I’m better prepped than the last season.

  • Trail running.

  • Making sure my gear is in good shape for the environment I’ll be in (boots, sun shirts, first aid).

  • Check/refill my field pack (first aid kit, spare knife, packable rain gear, emergency food, etc.)/

  • Update and print out my datasheets/data collection programs.

  • I let my family and friends know I’ll be less available/reachable.

  • Meal prep with freezable meals for long work days when I get home late.

  • Inventory all the gear.

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