To reach this geocache you will be traveling along the Old Smith Highway. The chances are good that you have seen some form of wildlife. The area around Smith continues to be a favorite of hunters. The following advice taken from The Wainwright Star, November 20, 1929 is still sound today. If you are a hunter you will recognize the wisdom of the words.
Helpful Hints for Novice at Big Game Hunting
The big game season opened and reports from throughout the province indicate that hunters are not losing time in getting on the tracks of the big animals. As has been the case in previous years there will be a plentiful supply of fire-water in the woods and moose and deer are not the only things that will be shot by inebriated hunters, to say nothing of the cute pranks of greenhorns who get buck fever when they have a chance to bring down a trophy and then try to make up for it by cutting loose a barrage on the next moving object they see, regardless of whether it is a cow, horse, or the seat of their partner’s pants.
For the benefit of those who are breaking in their first pair of boots on the big game trails are offered the following suggestions. We know that tenderfeet will not remember them and sourdoughs don’t need them, but we have to get out the column just the same.
Moose and deer do not wear white caps and parkas and they do not walk upright on their hind legs. Paste that across your rear sight and you wont have a manslaughter charge to face.
Don’t get the idea that you cant be lost. The only ones who have never been lost are those who have never been in the big timber. If you do get lost, don’t depend too much on the old gag about moss growing on the north side of stumps it grows on whatever side is most exposed. If you can see the sun point the hour hand of your watch at it and half way between the hour hand and the twelve o’clock is south. If darkness catches you and you cant find your way back to camp stay where you are, light three fires about 25 yards apart and fire periodic groups of three deliberate shots. Someone will hear the shots or see the three fires & know that you are in trouble.
To dry out wet boots heat a handful of pebbles in a frying pan and pour them into the boots. Don’t put wet boots to near the fire or they will crinkle on you. Kerosene will soften boots stiffened by snow water.
There will probably be a jar or two of fruit placed in your grub box by friend wife. If the top sticks and most of them do put it in some hot water for a minute and the heat will expand the metal screw allowing it to be easily taken off.
Don’t spoil your hunting knife by attempting to open cans with it. It was made to cut flesh and wood. If you forgot your can opener take your axe and cut a cross in the top of the can bending the four resulting flanges back.
Starting a fire without matches is a tough job at the best. The easiest way is to scrape together a small pile of fine lint from a piece of cotton cloth and focus the suns rays on it with the glass from a watch, compass or a pair of spectacles. When the lint starts to glow gently fan it into flame and add slivers of the driest wood you can find. However it is much more satisfactory to keep several waterproof match boxes distributed through out the pockets of your coat, shirt and pants.
A good big handful of raisons stuffed in your pocket before leaving camp will keep you from getting thirsty and supply a light lunch loaded with energy.
Before starting to hunt in a strange territory study a map of the district and get a general idea of the location of such landmarks as rivers, lakes, hills, and railroads. It may save you spending a night in the open. If you can’t get a map have some old timer sketch one for you.
Beware of a wounded moose even if he is in his death throes. One spasmodic wallop of his hind legs will break one of yours and a downward clip from the front hooves will cleave a man’s skull like an axe. Stick around and give him plenty of time to die in peace