Safety in the Field: "Stay Out, Stay Alive"

Old mines are death traps. The timber supports are rotten, the air can be deadly (low oxygen or toxic gases), and vertical shafts can be hidden by weak coverings or debris. Never enter an abandoned mine shaft or tunnel. It is not worth your life.

Many prime collecting spots are in arid, remote deserts. Dehydration is a real killer. Carry more water than you think you need (at least 1 gallon per person per day). Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Cell service is often non-existent.

Be aware of your surroundings. Rattlesnakes often hide under rocks or in crevices—exactly where you are putting your hands. Scorpions and spiders are also common. In bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Flash floods can occur in canyons miles away from where it's raining. Never camp in a dry wash. Heat exhaustion comes on fast; wear a hat, seek shade during the hottest part of the day, and know the signs of heatstroke.