You Alone in the Maine Woods ©

“A practical guide to woods comfort, safety, and survival” You Alone in the Maine Woods, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education.

I know I have asked you this before, but do you like reading survival manuals?  Because if you do, I have a good one for you.  First published in 1972, by the Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, it is titled, You Alone in the Maine Woods.

This manual was originally compiled and written by Recreation Safety Officer Gareth Anderson and Warden Colonel John Marsh, with the help of many wardens, guides and old time hunters.  Warden John Ford illustrated it.   

This booklet was written to provide you with information about what to do before you go out into the Maine woods and by extension any wooded wilderness area within the same general latitude as Maine.  Maine covers four degrees of latitude, from 43:05 to 47:14: other places located within those latitudes are southern France, northern Italy, Romania, Mongolia, Manchuria in northeast China, Vladivostok in eastern Russia, and the northern Japanese Island of Hokkaido¹.  In addition, this manual was written to teach you the steps you should take to aid in your own rescue if you have an “unexpected adventure” in the wooded, wilder parts of the world, and to make yourself more comfortable while you wait for the searchers. 

 

Some areas in the eastern US, within the same latitude as Maine.  From Google Maps.

I have always taught the “72 hour rule” which states that, in the United States, most “misplaced” people are found within 72 hours of being reported missing.  In fact, experts note that 85% of “misplaced” persons are found alive within 12 hours and 97% are found alive within the first 24 hours of being reported missing.  The key statement is “of being reported missing”; it is very important to always tell someone when you are leaving, where you are going and when you will be back.  Never, never, never, ever change your plans without telling someone.

I like You Alone in the Maine Woods.  I like that the authors included this disclaimer in their booklet was not “a guarantee against getting lost”.  I like this statement because everyone who goes into the woods will someday become bewildered and possibly “misplaced”: hopefully, if you ever become bewildered and then “misplaced” you do not panic, because then you will be truly “lost” (for more on “misplaced” versus “lost” read, “You Are Never Lost, Only Misplaced…”, HERE). 

Another thing that I liked about You Alone in the Maine Woods was that it was originally written in 1972, with the assistance of old Maine guides and wardens, when old knowledge was still common knowledge.  This is important, because by the late 1970s and early 1980s, as exploring the outdoors became increasingly popular and more mainstream, people began to rely on expensive, hi-tech gadgets and gear, which can break, get lost or run out of batteries, at the expense of learning outdoor skills.  Also by the 70s and 80s, many of the old-time guides and wardens would have passed away.  What do you do when you are alone in the wilderness and you don’t have your gadgets, if you have never been taught how to do things the old-fashioned way?  As a bonus, the State of Maine has kept You Alone in the Maine Woods current with advances in modern gear and technology, like synthetics, light-weight waterproof fabrics and GPS, by updating and releasing ten editions with the most current one being released in 2003.

Read this manual before you trek into the woods and then carry it with you on your journeys in the wilderness.  The authors covered many different topics and designed the booklet to be a guide, to use until help arrives, if you become “misplaced”. 

The contents of You Alone in the Maine Woods, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education.

The authors pointed out that “This manual may not contain all there is to know about survival”.  No one source can cover every situation that can occur in the wilderness, the best that you can hope for from a survival manual is that it paints with a broad brush and covers concepts, generalizations and a few specific details and tips.  You Alone in the Maine Woods, does just that.

Here are some examples of the tips that you will find in You Alone in the Maine Woods…

“This is your personal survival manual.  Read it thoroughly before your trip into the Maine woods, and then carry it with you when you go.”

 

You Alone in the Maine Woods, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education, page 4.

You Alone in the Maine Woods, from the the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education, page 5.

“[the items in the survival kit above] These items, even in moderate amounts will help prevent hunger and create a sense of well being if you become lost.  The amount of each is up to you.  There are other things that may be added, but try to keep the package small and light at all times, so it will remain easy to carry. (page 5)”

“Along with your survival kit, you have another obligation to fulfill before entering the Maine woods.  Make sure you tell someone where you are going, including a written itinerary, and when you plan to return (page 6)”

“…woodsman of old…knew that wool, even when wet, retains warmth far longer than flannel, cotton or man-made fabrics…(page 6)”

 

“The Clothing Worn by an Old Maine Guide”, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education, page 8.

“Today’s lightweight garments have a remarkable ability to withstand penetrating winds.  In addition, the better garments such as the climate control fleece ones, can handle perspiration buildup equal to or better than wool.  This moisture can amount to one and a half pints of water every 12 hours.  Trapped moisture can be a serious problem in a survival situation…(page 9)”

 

You Alone in the Maine Woods, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education, page 10

“It is a good practice to carry an extra pair of socks when traveling for a day…A dry pair of socks will feel like a million dollars if your others get wet…(page 11)”

“One final rule with compass work: Believe your compass under all circumstances (unless it is obviously broken)…(page 19)”

Author’s Note: always bring two compasses, a main one and an emergency spare: compare them for peace of mind, for more on this read “Getting Lost And What To Do About It”, Circa 1915”, HERE.

These tips and many, many, more can be found in You Alone in the Maine Woods: you can download a free PDF copy HERE or you can go HERE to order a free hardcopy booklet, by emailing the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Information & Education, on their “Contact Us” page.

Read it, study it, use it and most importantly enjoy it!

Notes:

¹ “Maine An Encyclopedia, Latitude and Longitude” https://maineanencyclopedia.com/latitude-and-longitude/, accessed May 25, 2019