This could save your life! The following pages highlight some common mistakes made by people working in the bush.

10 Mistakes made in the bush Walking on roads, not in the bush Sleeping zipped up in sleeping bag Not wearing boots whilst resting Weapon not loaded whilst resting Assuming to be safe from predators Cooking and sleeping in the same place Using the same camp night after night Camping on game trails Camping too close to water Ignoring warning signals from animals

10 Mistakes made in the bush 1. Walking on roads, not in the bush Walking on the roads leaves a visible trail for poachers and the repeated use of the same roads leaves a clear scent trail for predators. Predators under normal conditions fear humans, but circumstances, such as older animals that are unable to hunt their prey normally or those that have lost their respect for people may be the exception. Do not walk on roads unless it is necessary!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 2. Sleeping zipped up in sleeping bag Situations may arise where quick reactions are required after waking up in an emergency. A zipped up sleeping bag impedes motion and traps the individual temporarily. A person can easily be attacked in a sleeping bag by man or animal and if it is used as a blanket as opposed to a bag, getting out is easier. Always keep sleeping bag unzipped!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 3. Not wearing boots whilst resting It is more comfortable to sleep without boots on especially after walking in them for the entire day. It is advisable to take your shoes off for some time to air your feet or wash your socks, but once you go to sleep you should wear them in case you have to react fast. Always keep boots on when sleeping!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 4. Weapon not loaded whilst resting It’s better to have a weapon and not need one than needing a weapon and not having one. It is absolutely vital to have a loaded weapon ready at night to defend oneself if the need arises, especially whilst sleeping. Keep weapon loaded when sleeping!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 5. Assuming to be safe from predators A game fence is effective to contain some antelopes, but of very little value to keep people or many predators in or out. Leopards can easily cross a fenced boundary as can elephants and lions. Letting one’s guard down by having faith in a game fence is foolish. Expect the unexpected… Always!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 6. Cooking and sleeping at the same place It is advisable to cook in a river bed. All evidence of one’s presence can easily be hidden or buried and anti-tracking performed, before moving off to ambush position. This way the scent of fire and food does not advertise one’s presence. Never sleep where you cook!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 7. Using the same camp night after night In order to stay undetected and not advertise one’s position, the camp should be moved at least every second day. In this way, spoor does not consistently lead to ones temporary base and the human scent is not as strong. Move camps every second day!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 8. Camping on game trails It is tempting to set up camp in an easily accessible area, such as on a game trail. This practice is not advisable, because during the night predators or poachers prefer prowling on these paths. Do not set up camp on a game path!

10 Mistakes made in the bush 9. Camping too close to water There are many risks to sleeping close to water. Animals move there regularly. Poachers set snares around water. Rivers flood unexpectedly. Hippo’s or crocodiles are most dangerous near water and most predators ambush prey near drinking spots Camp a safe distance from water!

10 Mistakes made in the bush Ignoring warning signals from animals Animals send out warning messages to people or other animals when they feel threatened, using unique signals. This also serves to alert each other of danger. These signs should always be heeded or taken notice of to be alerted of a disturbance in the area. Always be aware of animal warning signals!

Do not walk on roads unless it is necessary! Always keep sleeping bag unzipped! Always keep boots on when sleeping! Keep weapon loaded when sleeping! Expect the unexpected… Always! Never sleep where you cook! Move camps every second day! Do not set up camp on a game path! Camp a safe distance from water! Always be aware of animal warning signals!

Complacency can Kill!