Make a detailed, fairly accurate 3-D model of your AO (in sand or mud). Here are two more Invaluable aids before caching:ġ.

Maybe even travel without relying on a map or compass. Start using and developing your memory and instincts if you want to dominate your AO. But write down the coordinates of the not-so-obvious areas also: possible observation positions (OP), dead ground, obstacles, and even possible helicopter landing zones.Īfter a few weekends on the ground, you’ll really start to feel at home, so eventually, you should carefully dispose of any notes you’ve made or hide them where no one could find them. Some of the features you’ll need to record are obvious: campsites, water-points, natural hides, terrain varieties, “civilian” movements, etc. Of course, map and compass are a must at this stage. Start backpacking since it’s the only way to see your AO in detail, particularly the areas not serviced by roads or tracks. Gradually you’ll need to become Independent of your motor vehicle. Related reading: Know Your Region Before Disaster Strikes That also includes “civilian” activity: popular campsites, fishing spots, weekenders, logging or mining operations, that sort of thing. The lot where you will survive when forced to evacuate. Study natural features such as vegetation and soil patterns. Get to know the main roads, the minor roads, the tracks and finally, the more obscure trails. Even more, you will have the chance to test if these vehicles can become your trusty bug out vehicles if needed. A 4×4 or an ATV are Ideal during these early days. At the same time, get out there as often as you can. Where’s the highest ground? Which way do the streams flow? Tracks? Roads? Any other man-made features?įor a piece of real estate say 25 miles by 25 miles, the minimum AO recommended, this shouldn’t be too difficult.

Get the general lay of the land firm in your mind. If you don’t already know the area reasonably well, start by studying a few topography maps. Maybe even a year or two, but the advantage you’ll gain over potential opponents will pay off enormously. Everything there is to know about your region. And that means really know it: hills and valleys, rivers, roads and tracks, even the weather patterns. The first job you have is getting to know the terrain you’ve chosen, your Area of Operations (AO).

The long dark preppers cache