I would be remiss if I didn’t write a blog about the hazards you may encounter, and the things you should be aware of or avoid, in order to stay safe when you are rockhounding. Anyone who ever spends time in the outdoors should be aware of potential dangers.

Be mindful of where and how you collect. If you are working on a ledge, you can fall off. If you are climbing over boulders, you risk falling or twisting an ankle. I lost a friend once who was in a creek bed working on a high wall, when the wall gave way and crushed him. Boulders above you can come loose and fall. Never collect above or below someone, as rocks can be loosened and fall on the person below.

Obviously abandoned underground mines are dangerous and should be avoided. But if you absolutely can’t stop yourself, at least take precautions. Wear a hard hat and closed toed shoes and carry a really good flashlight. Watch your step and keep an eye out for loose dirt or rocks above you. And don’t be stupid and get lost. Remember poisonous gas may be present in old mines and caves, or snakes or other wild animals may hide in them. If you should encounter blasting caps or explosives-DO NOT TOUCH THEM. They may be very unstable.

If you have children or pets, keep them close by and supervised. Make sure your children are aware of dangers. And that your dogs are well trained. Even a well-trained dog can get snake bit or get spooked and run away.

Getting lost, even for the most experienced, is a very real danger in the outdoors. ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. You should have first aid and other supplies in your vehicle, but if you think you will wander far from your vehicle, take a backpack along and include some basic supplies: snacks, a flashlight, a whistle, a knife, a lighter or matches. Carry lots of water-more than you think you will need. If you do get lost, do not separate from your party unless absolutely necessary. It is always best to stay with the vehicle or in one place rather than wander if you don’t know where you are headed. Stay in the open so rescue crews can find you. Read a good survival guide for more tips and be prepared!

Driving off road also comes with hazards. Watch for crevices or holes even on a dirt road. Be aware of soft dirt and learn how to get a vehicle unstuck. Placing wood or rocks under tires can help, but be aware they can become projectiles if the wheels spin. Don’t pile rocks against the sidewalls-they can pop the tires.

Make sure your car is in good working order. Make sure your spare tire is in good shape. Start your trip with a full tank of gas. Bringing a backup set of keys is always a good idea!

In this day and age, a cellphone is a great accessory. Don’t be on it all day and drain your battery! Make sure it is fully charged before you leave and consider bringing an emergency backup battery charger. Solar chargers are nice too, but take time to work. Keep in mind, you may not have cell service out in the wilderness! When you have service, you can send occasional pins to a designated person or turn on the locator service, so they know your last location and where to start searching should you get stuck or lost.

Be mindful of the climate, terrain and seasons. Check the weather before you go. Heat can kill-avoid going out in the desert if it is over 100 degrees, avoid going out in the heat of the day. Cold can kill too, if you are going out in a colder climate, carry extra blankets in the car-if you get stuck you can stay warmer until help arrives! Lightning can kill and rain in the mountains can cause flashfloods miles away. Always wear sunscreen and a hat. Don’t camp in dry riverbeds or streams.

Wear protective clothing if you are in brushy areas. Cactuses can pop tires, and be very painful if you get spikes in you. Poison oak or ivy can be prevalent in some areas.

Snakes and insects can be a problem. Obviously, rattlesnakes are the most common, but there are others, coral snakes, moccasins, and copperheads, that are poisonous. Consider having your dog trained in rattlesnake avoidance. Rattlesnakes are more active in spring/fall and at night. There are other bugs you’ll want to avoid: spiders, scorpions, ticks, millipedes, bees and wasps, etc. Even gnats can make you miserable. Bug repellents may be a good idea in certain areas. Keep your eyes and ears open and stay away from any you encounter. Do not stick your hands into any holes or crevices, and don’t sit on logs or rocks without first checking to make sure nothing is in, around, or under. Wear good ankle high shoes and heavy gloves. And make lots of noise as snakes will avoid an encounter too.

Wildlife should also be avoided. Besides bears and mountain lions, other animals, not usually considered dangerous, can become so if they are scared, hurt, or hungry. Know what lives in the areas you are exploring and watch for signs of activity such as footprints or scat (poop). Never mess with, approach, feed, or try to pet a wild animal, or for that matter, a herd animal.

And also, be aware of who else is out there. Most people you encounter will be good and friendly people, but unfortunately not everybody is. If somebody makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and get away.

My intent is not to scare you. I have spent many happy hours outdoors and yes, I have had some scary incidences and encounters, but have been lucky not to have any major catastrophes. Good preparation, education and awareness, and just plain commonsense, can keep you and your loved ones safer.

In previous blogs about Rockhounding we have covered the Rockhound Rules found here:

Rockhounding Rules

How to prepare for and what to take rockhounding, Map Skills, and Field Conduct are all available here:

Rockhounding Blogs

Next month we will talk a little more on how to find or source rocks and minerals!

Be safe and happy hunting!