Trails Guide

Question 1

What factors should be considered when approaching a dangerous animal?

Answer 1

Safety of terrain, topography and vegetation. Behaviour and mood of animal. Size and composition of herd/pack animals. Age and sex of animal, avoid approaching young as mothers may defend their offspring very aggressively. Be aware of comfort zones. Be aware of the wind speed and direction. Ensure that both the group and the animal(s) being viewed having access to an escape route. Finally; do not approach if conditions are not optimal. Consequences can be ultimate when dealing with dangerous game. A disappointed guest is better than a dead one.

Question 2

What should a trails guide have in their backpack?

Answer 2

3L water bottle for a 3 – 4 hour walk plus 500ml extra per guest, first aid kit, radio and spare batteries, sun cream, toilet paper, para cord or prussic rope for repairs, various sized ziploc bags, lighter/matches, insect repellant, compass, gps, map, torch, notebook & pen, poncho/rain jacket, pack cover, rifle cleaning kit if carrying a rifle, reference books, dry bag, cable ties, leatherman, sheath knife.

Question 3

What should a trails guide have on their belt?

Answer 3

Leatherman; sheath knife; torch; camera; gps/compass; 10-round ammunition pouch

Question 4

What would you include in your briefing?

Answer 4

Absolute silence must be maintained at all times so as to remain alert to potential dangers. Signal the guide with a click or snap of the fingers; more “natural” sounds; if you need to get their attention. Walk in single-file and maintain a distance of one arm’s length from the person in front of you. First rifle will lead; back-up guide will be second unless moving out of an encounter. Do not run unless told to by the lead guide. Running can make any situation much worse. In an unexpected encounter; standing ground is the wisest primary course of action until you have a better idea of the animal’s behavior. Firing the rifle will be an absolute last resort. If necessary; the guide will step out to draw the direction of charge away from the group before firing. Do not follow the guide in this instance and definitely do not run. Please ask the guide about taking pictures before you do so and ensure the flash is off beforehand. Do not wander during rest breaks. The majority of the walk will be in silence as the guides must maintain focus on the surroundings. No smoking while on the walk. Designate and explain hand signals. Explain emergency action procedure. No littering.

Question 5

What is a bushwalk?

Answer 5

It is a fully immersive experience in which the guest is able to enjoy being in direct contact with nature; to absorb and tune into the atmosphere of being alert and appreciating all the nuances of the natural world.

Question 6

What aspects should you consider when taking a guided bush walk?

Answer 6

Taking into account guest considerations; level of experience and expectations. Preparing your guests for the experience: Briefing and checks. Rules and requirements while on trail and adhering strictly to those R&R’s Where to walk and alternative routes should there be any interruptions to the plan. Constant all-round awareness for both guests and guides. All considerations to take into account when approaching an animal: angle of approach; retreat options; type of animal; level of alertness of that animal etc Immediate action drills in a potentially dangerous situation.

Question 7

When does the ATG chamber?

Answer 7

Only when 1st rifle has chambered or if instructed to do so.

Question 8

What client checks should be performed prior to a walk?

Answer 8

Indemnities are signed. Cellphones are switched off. Double-check allergies and if they have required medication. Double-check attire; footwear and suitability of items the guests are bringing. Ensure no one beside the guides is carrying a firearm. Watch alarms and audio chimes switched off. Other necessities such as hats; sunblock; insect repellant. Ensure everyone has a water bottle.

Question 9

What should you communicate to guests prior to a walk?

Answer 9

Check allergies and advise to bring any medications they may deem necessary. Neutral colour clothing is always best; you cannot over-emphasise this. Adequate footwear; no open shoes. Cell phones will be switched off so rather bring a camera if you want pictures. Additional requirements or recommendations such as hats; sunscreen; insect repellant; binoculars etc A bottle of water is also a necessity.

Question 10

When does the ATG fire first?

Answer 10

If instructed to do so or if LG is incapacitated.

Question 11

What are the basic ground rules a guide should know?

Answer 11

Walk quietly and maintain awareness at all times. Walk in single file to minimize noise; environmental impact and chance of encounters such as snakebites or some such. Guests must stay behind the first rifle at all times. Do not run. There is no dangerous animal that humans can outrun. Avoiding notice is the goal but should an animal become aware of your presence then stand your ground; they are likely to move off rather than embroil themselves in a confrontation. Shouting at an animal in a gruff; confident voice is often enough to deter any curiosity or aggression. Failure to avoid notice by an animal is the goal of an encounter. Failure to achieve this is failure on the guide’s part and causing an animal to expend energy and moisture resources through charging or running is especially negligible. Assess fitness and ensure you regularly do so, an exhausted guest is not focused and therefore a liability. Be careful where you place your feet and hands

Question 12

Name several natural indicators of dangerous game.

Answer 12

Oxpeckers are strong indicator of the presence of dangerous game and listening for their call can indicate the presence of buffalo or rhino. Alarm calls of various bird species such as francolin and spurfowl are often useful indicators of lion or leopard activity. Alarm calls of mammals such as monkeys; baboons and antelope are useful dangerous game indicators. “A kudu bark never lies.” Squirrel alarms are also useful; but their shouting is not always directed at the predator.

Question 13

What client limitations should a guide be aware of?

Answer 13

Age: older guests may tire more easily. Any disabilities such as sight or hearing impairments. Fitness level of guests. Level of experience in the bush.

Question 14

When does the ATG make rifle safe?

Answer 14

When out of danger or when instructed to do so.

Question 15

Why should a trails guide carry a notebook and pen?

Answer 15

In case you need to remember a question that you did not know the answer to. Making notes of details of snares and such Making notes of details of land management issues Keeping lists of birds or points of interest.

Question 16

What is the role of an Assistant Trails Guide?

Answer 16

Primary role of the ATG is to be a 2nd pair of eyes and ears for first rifle. To maintain situational awareness and to subtly draw the lead guide’s attention where necessary. Provide support in crisis situations. Maintain control of the group; freeing the lead guide to focus on the environment. Learn from first rifle through observation of their behavior; methodology and words. An ATG may offer their opinion when asked.

Question 17

What is the role of the ATG in a dangerous animal confrontation?

Answer 17

To assist the LG in whatever way possible. To obey the commands of the LG without question. To assist in controlling the group. To fire only if instructed to or if the LG becomes incapacitated.

Question 18

What is situational awareness?

Answer 18

Situational awareness is constant awareness of the immediate environment around you; your impact on it and its reaction to your impact.

Question 19

Describe the various aspects of situational awareness?

Answer 19

Constantly scan your environment; never walk with your head down. Scan for tracks and signs to better understand the behavior of an animal e.g. scent marking; scraping or other territorial markings may give an idea of the animal you are following. Do not lose attention on the surroundings to the tracks you are following. Be aware of the excitement and exhaustion levels of the group and match pace with the slowest member. Be aware of guests’ reactions to an encounter and act accordingly. Be aware of wind and direction on approaches. Be aware of topography, height advantage is always useful in an encounter and can be a major disadvantage if you are lower on a slope than an animal. Position of the sun will affect the viewing; try keep the sun behind you at a sighting where possible though this may be difficult. Ensure that both your group and the animals being viewed have access to an escape route.

Question 20

What are the general tasks of the ATG?

Answer 20

To assist in group control and to carry extra gear such as first aid equipment; spare water and radio.

Question 21

Name several factors to consider when deciding where to walk?

Answer 21

Avoid; where possible; thickets; blind rises and other areas where there may potentially be hidden game. Avoid areas where you may be cornered with no escape route such as dongas; gullies; drainage lines; cliff faces etc Special care must be taken when tracking an animal; especially over a blind rise, in this instance take a roundabout route so as not to accidentally bump the animal. Be aware of noises caused by gear such as rattles or knocks that can be avoided. Avoid “noisy” substrates such as ground covered dry leaves; twigs etc Ideally the animal should not be impacted by the sighting.