This is the fifth of a weekly blog series that will focus on leadership in the outdoors and how to get the most from the least. Even though the title is called, “Thoughts of a Modern-Day Mountain Man”, it will hopefully cover topics that are useful to everyone.
Chapter 5: Take care of your horse and your rifle.
"Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry!" -1834 poem "Oliver's Advice" by William Blacker
It has often been said that you can tell the measure of a man by the tools he uses. I would take this a step further and say you can tell the measure of the man based on the condition and the care of the tools he uses. One of the things I have always struggled with while working at camps was the constant and persistent waste and mistreatment of tools and equipment. This was certainly not isolated to one camp or camp staff member, but rather it has existed at every camp and facility where I have worked in the past. It was almost as if the staff was saying through their actions, “it is not my money or resources that are being used, so why should I care?” I cannot tell you how many times I would get into a vehicle, or go into a gear storage area, only to find the previous person’s trash and mess left behind. This especially caused me great concern and pain when it came to climbing gear or other equipment that very well may have someone’s life dependent upon its proper use and function. It has always been my professional belief that when it comes to tools, which would include vehicles and machines, respect, care, and maintenance should be of the utmost importance. Having seen more than one chainsaw or piece of climbing gear left out in the rain or snow for weeks on end, that tells me that the staff member that committed these transgressions not only doesn’t care about the time, effort and resources that went into acquiring said gear, but that they didn’t care about their fellow modern-day mountain man.
In the mountain man’s time of yesteryear, the care and preservation of his tools not only meant financial success but his very survival. His rifle had to be kept clean and always ready for immediate use and his gun powder had to be kept dry at all costs. The traps he carried and used must always be serviceable and great care and consideration was given in always knowing their condition and location. His knife, which was typically a Green River trade knife, was always kept sharp and was cleaned after every use to make it readily usable for any future task.
Even though we may not carry a black powder rifle around for work every day or have the daily needs of a large skinning knife, we can still use their knowledge and habits of constant maintenance as a great example of being ever ready for any challenge and the importance of caring for the tools of our trade. Part of caring for your tools also means being organized and being able to account for all of the gear and equipment entrusted to our care, whether it is our personal gear or if it belongs to the company with which we are employed. Replacing or losing tools can be expensive and can also be dangerous for a person’s well-being if the lost or broken tool is needed at a critical moment.
I have tried very diligently with my own children and co-workers to instill the understanding and the need for this level of care and respect for one’s toys and tools. When you are done working and playing, everything is cleaned, sorted and stored to be ready for the next adventure. This is not only a great life lesson on responsibility but can serve a much greater purpose if the need ever arises to be able to grab and go with gear that was made ready for immediate use. In the great outdoors of God’s wondrous wilderness creation, unexpected emergencies are inevitable, they are simply going to happen if you spend enough time outside. No matter how much time goes into proper planning and preparation, there are some things that are out of the modern-day mountain man’s control. The difference between success and failure can come down to the very equipment and tools you have with you at any given time, and how well those tools were cared for. Your tools should always receive the greatest care and maintenance so they are ready to serve you well when called upon. This is the reason why mountain men of yesteryear always carried what was called a “possibles bag” at all times, and never ventured into the field without it. Their comfort, success and very life could depend on the care and preparation of the tools in their bag.
In closing for this week, take great care of the equipment and gear God has entrusted to you and your program. Always keep your knife sharp and well-oiled, keep your powder dry and have your traps set and ready for business. The tools the modern-day mountain man carries and cares for truly tells the measure of the man.
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