Choosing a Campsite...

[bobbycobbler]

Biggest thing for me is looking up. It really stinks to get your entire rig set up, THEN you look up and see a huge dead tree hanging over your head.

[SnrMoment]

I first check the trees for claw marks, and the ground for prints and scat.

[Big Flounder]

I first check the trees for claw marks, and the ground for prints and scat.

That's probably a good idea. Lol! Geez I can't imagine waking up at 2 in the morning to the sounds of a hungry grizzly in my camp. Or worse, the sounds of a nearby bawling cub while I'm walking the trail.

[GoatHanger]

I heard some strange noises, and large rocks being bumped around in the middle of one of the nights on my last trip. It was near where my food bag was hung. It was hard to make out the animal sounds because of the rain hitting my tarp, but the sound of the rocks was very distinct, because I heard the exact same thing stepping across them when I hung the food bag.

Still not sure what it was. Probably a racoon, skunk, porcupine, fisher, possum, etc. digging to get at a mouse or something. Everything sounds more ominous in pitch black darkness while it's raining and in the middle of the night while in the backwoods though, haha. I just grunted and such really loudly, it got quiet, would hear it again, grunt more, quiet, hear it again... for about half an hour or so, then I guess I fell back asleep. I never got out of the hammock. It was cold and raining, and I was warm and lazy

Widow makers and such is why I'm always fearful of setting up after dark. If there isn't anyone in the closest shelter, I hang the hammock in there. I setup in the dark once, and saw the next morning that there was a huge dead tree about 20' away. Not cool, man.

I have looked for claw marks on trees before, but I really should do that more often. Thanks for the reminder, guys.

[La Picker]

Yeah, I know a couple of trees are a must so lets nip that reply in the bud you smarty pants types!

Sure know how to spoil a guy's fun.

But yeah..a good water source is a big one for me.

[michigandave]

The first thing I look for are the pines! That's usually easy in MI. When I hike, the leaves are not out yet so I always like the scenery and cover they provide, along with a nice "carpet" of pine needles.

Any "unofficial" trails and roads nearby will break it for me. Other than that, just a nice clean/flat area is nice to have.

Ditto. I love those pines! Always make sure to look up and check for widowmakers. You'll do fine on your first solo trip. Everyone has to start somewhere and it's always a bit of a learning experience until you've got everything dialed in.

[laghang]

I recommend reading "The Ultimate Hang". It has neat advice about site selection. He might have the relevant information on his website too.

[Squirrel bait]

If you don't have a copy of the ultimate hang I will give you my copy when you come through Northern Michigan. I'll have turkey put it in the pack for you. It will make great reading material at camp.

[Big Flounder]

If you don't have a copy of the ultimate hang I will give you my copy when you come through Northern Michigan. I'll have turkey put it in the pack for you. It will make great reading material at camp.

That would be great Aaron! I'd greatly appreciate it. I'll send it back to you when I'm done reading it. I was just sitting here wondering about a book to take for camp.

[piknchikn]

I was bitten once by the widow maker reset! I had the perfect setup then after an hour or so of hanging out at camp, boom, I saw the crazy death stick looming over my hammock. I was so upset I totally skipped single four letter words and went straight for combinations . At least I lived to hike back to the truck.