Community Forums

Serenity00 · 01-21-2013, 06:11 PM

We are new at RVing but my wife needs a little reassurance in boondocking.

Please don't recommend a .357 magnum.. Deadly force is allowed in Canada.
Mike

YC1 · 01-21-2013, 06:32 PM

Been boondocking for 50 yrs. Never had one problem. Tents, trailers, rv's and all.

Aguyfromcalg · 01-21-2013, 08:37 PM

Where are you planning to boon dock?

If in Canada and your DW is worried about four legged varmints, then maybe keeping a clean site will help. If you feel the need to keep something more substantial, then have on hand whatever your province allows.

sdennislee · 01-21-2013, 08:47 PM

There have been a few good threads on this topic lately. Try the search feature, should provide lots of good reading.

DaleM · 01-23-2013, 02:24 AM

Hi

Been camping around western canada since I was a little kid mostly boondocking.
And tons of trips to campgrounds. Never once I have I had any
Kind of issue and never heard of any of my friends having an issue
Either.. Don't worry about it. The only issue will be squirrels and birds
Getting into what ever you left out while you were away from your RV.
Have Fun
Dale M

Ed-Sommers · 01-23-2013, 10:11 AM

One thing that is usually overlooked is arming the RV itself with noise makers. I personally have a 12 volt fire alarm bell, and a loud speaker type thinggy that produces five or six different ear piercing sirens.

In addition, a CB that has the speaker activated (speaker attached) to warn somebody that the authority's have been notified via phone or CB or other manner.

Fear of being caught is a strong deterrent.

Ed

ChasL · 01-23-2013, 11:51 AM

Grave Yards . Contact Law enforcement & let them know U will be there most will say OK and probably think you are weird. Been There and done that - Even in Mexico.

Serenity00 · 01-23-2013, 02:31 PM

Well, it's nice to hear that it's clear sailing. I like the idea of notifying the law where you park for a night.

Serenity00 · 01-23-2013, 07:31 PM

I would like to thank everyone on your input with safety while boondocking. From what I see here is that you really have to watch your [moderator edit] out there....
Mike

WheelingIt · 01-23-2013, 08:00 PM

Goodness gracious. I really think people are overly worried here. First if all staying at a Walmart or overnighting at a rest or truck stop are not boondocking. They're overnight stays in an inhabited area (with potential for a lot of passing and transient travelers). If you're talking about real boondocking i.e remote camping out in the boonies of nature, then all you have to worry about are getting stuck and some wild animals...and those two things can be avoided with basic care and common sense.

Criminals very rarely go wondering in the wilderness looking to rob folks, simply because the payback is very, very low. They are much more likely to seek out populated areas where there's more bang for the buck. On the rare occasion we overnight at a Walmart we avoid the dingy areas and stick to a good area of town. When we're out in the boonies (which we often are) then we're out in the boonies and I don't worry about transients.

I've only Ever felt unsafe in cities. Never felt even remotely unsafe in the wilderness.

Go boondocking..it's fabulous and fun!

WheelingIt · 01-23-2013, 08:04 PM

And for good measure here's a pic of our boondocking spot this week. I tell you, this ain't no Walmart

scubastevee · 01-24-2013, 07:20 AM

Hi,

never had any problems in Canada. Don't carry any type of weapon .... ever. I bought bear spray to hike certain trails in the Yukon (it was mandatory to carry). I had to sign my life away and agree to never use the spray on a human, even in defense - so keep that in mind too.

I usually hike alone since I am trying to get photos/videos of the wildlife. I have had many, many encounters with bears ..... they run away so fast, I rarely have enough time to even snap a photo. Even had a 2 year old black bear eyeing my spaghetti dinner in BC - clapped my hands and away it ran.

No need for guns whatsoever. Just be aware or your surroundings and you won't have problems with 2 or 4 legged critters. And, if unsure, you just drive to a different area or site.

Cheers,

Steve

Murf2u · 01-24-2013, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubastevee

I bought bear spray to hike certain trails in the Yukon (it was mandatory to carry). I had to sign my life away and agree to never use the spray on a human, even in defense - so keep that in mind too.

On my first flying gig in the north country the old guy doing the "oreintation" seminar asked to see our survival gear, pointed to one of the young fellas bear spray and said "Do you know how to tell the difference between black bear scat and grizzly scat?" Young guy said no.

Old fella said "The grizzly scat smells like that stuff.".........

baraff · 01-25-2013, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelingIt

Goodness gracious. I really think people are overly worried here. First if all staying at a Walmart or overnighting at a rest or truck stop are not boondocking. They're overnight stays in an inhabited area (with potential for a lot of passing and transient travelers). If you're talking about real boondocking i.e remote camping out in the boonies of nature, then all you have to worry about are getting stuck and some wild animals...and those two things can be avoided with basic care and common sense.

Criminals very rarely go wondering in the wilderness looking to rob folks, simply because the payback is very, very low. They are much more likely to seek out populated areas where there's more bang for the buck. On the rare occasion we overnight at a Walmart we avoid the dingy areas and stick to a good area of town. When we're out in the boonies (which we often are) then we're out in the boonies and I don't worry about transients.

I've only Ever felt unsafe in cities. Never felt even remotely unsafe in the wilderness.

Go boondocking..it's fabulous and fun!

WheelingIt has it right in my opinion. Our first real boondocking experience was in New Zealand, there you can pull off anywhere and overnight as long as it isn't marked "No camping". We were out in the boonies overlooking a lovely valley with mooing cows and baaaa-ing sheep below. Very pastoral. I was a little creeped out until I realized we had been watching too much "news" and too many lousy TV shows. Turn off the TV and the world improves. Amazing.
We'll do an overnight enroute at a Cracker Barrel, but under a strong lot light, and have never had a problem. I don't carry a gun, even though I own one. I do carry wasp spray. So far the only thing I've sprayed it at is wasps.
Paranoia will destroy ya.