[pct-l] trekking poles - NOISY = scares away wildlife

[Bob Sartini]

I've used hiking poles for many thousands of miles for many years and have 
seen more bear, deer, gator, moose, boar, than I can count. I guess some 
animals have better hearing than others. Must be the animals west of the 
rockies. I have seen only one skunk so maybe they hear hiking poles better 
than others.

"EVERYTHING is in walking distance,"
    ......Bamboo Bob
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "GARY HEBERT" <hikerfedex at gmail.com>
To: <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:00 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] trekking poles - NOISY = scares away wildlife


> Another thought about poles....
>
> On the Long Trail & AT I saw far more wildlife hiking solo in early 
> morning
> and dusk hours.
>
> Solo hiking friends on the AT have also suggested that hiking with no 
> poles
> during the quiet hours along with hiking solo (no talking, less stumbling
> about by many footsteps) helped them see more wildlife than many others 
> they
> talked with along the way.
>
> I've tried this on early starts during the quiet hours. Can't say for 
> sure,
> but it makes sense: not clanking poles on rocks, leaves, etc and actually
> trying to hike quietly, perhaps even a little slower makes for a peaceful
> morning and potentially increases the likelihood of sneaking up on 
> wildlife
> (which could be a problem if it's a griz!).
>
> Can't say I'd hike without them for this, but in the quiet hours maybe
> hiking a little slower is a peaceful start to the day!
>
> FedEx
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