Ranger Handbook as Hunting/Outdoor resource?

Cargo pocket size might seem like a nifty feature, but trust me, if you ever find yourself in need of any of the knowledge... well, let's just say I hope you read the book ahead of time.

For most practical purposes, the online interactive Boy Scout Handbook would be more practical.

The primary knowledge/skills for hunting: How to figure wind and weather. How to walk quietly without marching; moving smoothly and slowly. How to do a good imitation of a rock or stump when sitting and waiting.

Outside of that, everything else about first aid and suchlike oughta already be stored in one's brain box.

There are much better choices for a hunting or survival book...

You will find large sections of the ranger handbook irrelevant for your intended use. Operations order formats OPORD/WARNO, call for fire, battle drills (knock out a bunker, conduct ambush, react to contact, etc.)

The survival and first aid sections are fairly small and basic as well, if not somewhat dated.

I would agree it might be worth reading in the comfort of your home.

Just remember the Important parts.

As for carrying it with you in the woods??
No.

Other then maybe for emergency toilet paper, or fire starter material??

If you need any of it in the field, it's probably too late to set down and read about it in a book!!

rc

I wouldn't expect it to add much value to your hunting experience.

Spend as much time as you can in the woods. The thing that will make you better, faster, is actually hunting. Time in the woods either observing, or hunting game is what will do the most good. The critters will teach you what works and what doesn't.

For most practical purposes, the online interactive Boy Scout Handbook would be more practical.

Click to expand...

I agree with this.

rcmodel said:

I would agree it might be worth reading in the comfort of your home.

Just remember the Important parts.

As for carrying it with you in the woods??
No.

Other then maybe for emergency toilet paper, or fire starter material??

If you need any of it in the field, it's probably too late to set down and read about it in a book!!

rc

Click to expand...

.....couldn't have said it better, nor with so much humor.

Anyone so new to the woods and hunting that they need to take a reference manual along, probably should not put themselves in the situation where they would need it in the first place. One should keep within their abilities and knowledge. Just as one does not take 400 yard shots until they are proficient with shooting at that range, one does not backpack alone in the mountains before they spend a few nights in the tent at the local campground. Someone new to the sport does need to glean a myriad of information and kudos to the OP for trying to be prepared. But if it is not ingrained into your head, what are you going to do if the book falls outta your pocket or you've used the page with the info you need at your last potty break?

BTW...I do take a book with me to the woods many times myself. Generally it's to read as I sit patiently for hours for a Turkey or deer to come along. It helps me sit still for long periods of time without getting bored or antsy.

Interesting question but, no.

Lots of unnecessary stuff in there.

An old Boy/Cub Scout handbook handbook has lots of interesting stuff to read while you're whiling away the day if you're a wait-hunter or in camp.



Todd.

This talk about Boy Scout manuals made me dig out my old 1955 edition of the Scout Field Book. Many things are still relevant but the first aid part is woefully outdated concerning snake bite, burns, and artificial respiration. They use the arm-pulling method in this book, no thoughts about mouth-to-mouth or CPR.

It has a place for listing your merit badges and I found out I had 14 instead of the 13 I had remembered. And they say the knees are the first to go.

Of course the 1955 edition is out of date, duh...

The new version should be checked out. New BS fieldbook link....

Lord Baden-Powell's book had been updated enough in 1946 that its advice on first aid no longer advocated the use of leeches.

Another alternative for light yet relevant reading:

FM 21-76. You'll find them titled "SURVIVAL" and "SURVIVAL ESCAPE AND EVASION" depending upon the date published.

Look her for a clue as to contents:

http://www.equipped.com/fm21-76.htm

Should only be 4-6 bucks.




Todd.

For hunting I would say no. Read it at home but when it's time to go hunting, leave it at home. This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn about first aid, mountaineering, and survival techniques. It will also allow a person to train other people in the tactic of evasion, leadership, demolition, patrols and communication. Very little is applicable in hunting. Also, it is really dry reading and if you aren't familiar with military "speak", it may be confusing.

New hunters looking for guidance would be better off finding a mentor.

Yup buddy up with someone who knows stuff you need to. Pick their brains.

I carried one for many years, but for hunting it is of little use. An old BSA Fieldbook (not handbook) is of more use, even though it is bulkier.