News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
October 6, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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CONTACT:
Lt. Todd Bogardus: (603) 744-5470
Rebecca Oreskes: (603) 466-2713
October 6, 2005

                HAVE FUN ON THE TRAILS, AND HIKESAFE

CONCORD, N.H. -- It's a great time for a hike in New Hampshire -- crisp 
air, colorful foliage, and a good chance of catching a glimpse of 
wildlife as they prepare for winter.  Though it's only October, hikers may 
experience winter conditions in the mountains -- high winds and snow -- 
even when it is warm and sunny in the valley.  Nighttime temperatures 
are already below freezing at some altitudes.  "The weather is extremely 
unpredictable this time of year, so we encourage people to be prepared 
with the right knowledge and gear to have a fun time, safely," says Lt. 
Todd Bogardus of N.H. Fish and Game, co-coordinator of the hikeSafe 
initiative.  

"The days are getting shorter, and it's getting dark earlier in the 
day," reminds Bogardus. "So take your flashlight along, even if you're not 
planning to be out late."  A flashlight is one of hikeSafe's "Ten 
Essential Items" to carry on every trip: 

1. Map 
2. Compass (Know how to use your map and compass before you go!) 
3. Warm clothing, including hat and mittens 
4. Extra food and water 
5. Flashlight or headlamp 
6. Matches/firestarters 
7. First aid kit 
8. Whistle 
9. Rain/wind gear 
10. Pocket knife

For more gear lists, visit http://www.hikesafe.com and click on 
"planning your hike."

With some hunting seasons underway, hikers can take the extra 
precaution of wearing an item of hunter orange clothing to ensure visibility.  
And watch your step -- wet leaves are extremely slick.

The hikeSafe educational initiative is a result of a partnership 
between New Hampshire Fish and Game and White Mountain National Forest.  It 
was designed to help reduce the numbers of search and rescue incidents 
and emergencies by educating outdoor users on proper preparation when 
recreating and hiking in New Hampshire.  Bogardus says that the most 
frequent reason for a search-and-rescue effort in New Hampshire is when 
someone's lack of preparation causes them to become lost, delayed or 
injured.  So, the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code was developed as a 
safety primer, reminder, and personal "pact" for hikers to review as they 
get ready to hike.

HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
   * With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the 
terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start. 
   * To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails 
you are hiking, when you'll return and your emergency plans.
   * To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end 
as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person. 
   * To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue 
and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your 
limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another 
day.
   * For emergencies, even if you are headed out for just an hour. An 
injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. 
Don't assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself. 
   * To share the hiker code with others.

       hikeSafe -- There and Back -- It's Your Responsibility!

For more information about hikeSafe, visit http://www.hikesafe.com, or 
contact Lt. Todd Bogardus of N.H. Fish and Game, (603) 744-5470 or 
tbogardus@nhfgd.org; or Rebecca Oreskes of the White Mountain National 
Forest, (603) 466-2713 x212 or roreskes@fs.fed.us.

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-- 
Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.