What tips/tricks do you have for fieldwork?
Ask a Biologist Monday 2/28/22
Answers from Biologists:
Always keep extra water and a first aid kit in the car.
A thermos of hot tea nd some fire starters can both make long days in cold weather easier.
Tuck pencils in your hair so you don’t lose them when filling out data sheet.
At remote points, do everything in the same order so it’s harder to forget steps or equipment.
Find North. Knowing your compass directions is so helpful.
Always put on sunscreen and bring it with you, no matter what.
Don’t set your things on top of the work truck. You’ll drive away without noticing.
Have a plan. Someone should expect to hear from you.
Thick and long nitrile milking gloves outperform usual lab gloves.
If you live around snakes, save the contact info to the nearest snake bite treatment hospital.
Always take photos of data sheets in case you lose them.
Bring extra pencils and batteries for GPS, trail cams. etc.
Have educational brochures on hand to help explain rules/management practices to the public.
Have an extra water bottle or liquid IV in the truck for the drive home.
Tie your laces around your pant legs to prevent critters from crawling up.
If you don’t have flagging, use shears to (gently) cut foliage along the trail. The cut marks can help guide you out.
Invest in a good multi-tool.
For radio telemetry, always leave the radio in the vehicle, always check behind you before leaving, being water even if you’re not going far.
Know when to call for help. Digging yourself in deeper helps nobody.
Have a few pepto bismol tablets in your pack for when your stomach disagrees.
Always have a safety/check-in plan in place so colleagues know when to expect you.
A pocket-sized rite in the rain notebook is invaluable.
No matter the weather, always pack rain gear and warm layers.
Always bring a pair of driving shoes. Nothing is worse than driving back in wet shoes.
Always have a shovel in your vehicle in case you get stuck.
Tie your GPS, phone, etc. to your person, with flagging so you don’t lose it.
Put flagging tape on everything.
Always carry a bandana, to use as a tissue, sweatband, pouch, tourniquet, etc.
Reverse your headlamp batteries until you need to use it so it doesn’t turn on in your pack.
Leave a nalgene on the floor of your truck while you’re out so the water will stay cooler on hot days.
Carry a card in your wallet stating that you work with wildlife in case you end up in a hospital.
Extra pair of socks in the backpack. Fresh socks are a game changer.
Always carry duct tape and zip ties. They can fix most things.
Carry electrolytes in hot weather.
Tie mittens to a string through your jacket.
Bring an extra GPS unit. You never know when the first may die for good.
Have a bag packed with extra socks, shirt, benadryl, charger, tylenol, toilet paper, etc.
Boil your water in the winter and keep it in a thermos.
Invest (or request) good footwear.
Put reflective tape on everything, especially for night work.
Take a GPS point of the trail any time you leave it.
Have a bright phone case and tools.
Label everything and keep a running inventory.
Bring multiple layers, especially in the mountains.
Rubber bands around your clipboard to keep pages from flying away.
Carry any medication with you just in case.
OnX is a lifesaver.
Check pockets in coats and packs before air travel just in case, so you don't lose a Leatherman.
Keep an eye on the sky. Weather apps aren't always accurate in rural areas.
Keep your shirt tucked into your pants and pants tucked into your boots.
In winter, keep some hand warmers in inner coat pockets.
Newspaper in boots soak up water.
Ladies get yourself a pstlye so you can go outdoors without exposing yourself.
Wear dog tags with name, blood type, and emergency contact and a capsule with more info.
Duct tape is a must for me. Good for cactus spines, blisters, broken gear, and more.
Remove your yagi and dangle the wire into burrows for more precise telemetry.
Dry bags/boxes are a lifesaver
Put your wet gloves on the dashboard and turn the dash vents on during breaks.
Always carry zap straps and crazy glue
Carry allergy medication (skin cream/pills). Things in the field can make you react without warning.
Keep emergency toilet paper in your backpack.
Hydro flask full of icy cold beverage in the car is a wonderful way to end your day.
Wrap measuring tapes in fiberglass tape; stops paint from rubbing off
Hide a spare key somewhere on your vehicle.
Always bring toilet paper.
