A day outdoors can seem to pass by in a blur of memorable moments but provide little useful information to reflect upon later when all your gear has been cleaned and put away. Take note of that unusual change in wind direction, the unanticipated wet spot on a trail, that unexpected drop in temperature and write them down in a very short field journal entry or two to rely upon for future reference.
Start with the question the notes should answer
Start with the question that your notes are supposed to answer. Did tracks become easier to read after rainfall? Did a previously satisfactory access route suddenly become noisy when its frozen ground softened up? Are animals using different cover now as a result of a temperature change? Why did animals behave differently today? By writing down your notes to answer these types of questions in your journal, your impressions will be more solid than if you had written down the same information for no reason.
Include the following information about the day's activities:
• Date
• Location (in as much detail as you think necessary)
• Time that you left and returned from the location
• Activity(ies) conducted whilst at location. Remember, activities should be recorded in sufficient detail so that future reference is of value.
It is best to aim for a repeatable record that can be compared against later records, rather than an entertaining account of a day's activities. Use short phrases instead of full sentences.
Record wind as a changing condition
The direction of the wind needs to be recorded, and that can be simply as an arrow. Then the main points where the wind changes as a result of a shift in weather need to be noted, such as a change in a front moving through, or even a change in a local breeze within a hollow. The shifting of wind up a ridge and how it changes at the slopes ends compared to the lower ground can also be very useful to note.
Rather than write down a compass reading of the wind direction, write down a description of how the wind felt. Note whether the wind was steady or variable, whether it was swirling round you or pulsating. If you sat in a particular seat or used a particular approach then note how the air moved in relation to that. The following note records useful information about the wind: "A Northwest breeze on the ridge, variable below the cedars."
Remember one shift in conditions does not make a rule. There are many variables that influence wind, such as terrain, vegetation, time of day, and access points. It is only by compiling similar observations from subsequent excursions that you can eventually start to recognize useful patterns and thus arrive at some meaningful conclusions.
Track temperature changes without false precision
Temperature changes affect a number of things and should be noted. A rising temperature affects the life forms you are hunting, as well as the gear you bring with you. Note changes in moisture, especially the wetting and softening of layers. Also note when clothing becomes too hot. Note the temperature of shaded areas and how they compare to open areas.
Keep the same method of measurement from one instance to the next. For example, take all temperature readings in full sun, in your pocket, near your vehicle, etc. Even the best of record takers will get this wrong if they do not have a good system in place to begin with.
Likewise with temperature changes affecting your comfort or safety. One must record how wet layers feel as the wind picks up. Also, how the easy start of a hunt changes into something harder as the ground beneath your feet becomes snow, mud or scorching heat. Noting the point where you start to change into extra clothing, rehydrate or alter your route can prove to be very valuable for future reference.
Make rainfall tracking useful on the ground
Note down the ground conditions and whether it has been raining. Note the time of any rainfall and whether it was falling when you set out. Describe the ground in terms of being dry, damp, saturated or even and note if it is crusted over and starting to drain. Note down whether leaves and grass are wet and whether water is running along the ground or down trails. Note any signs of runoff or erosion on managed ground and describe how any tracks are looking (sharp, blurred or absent).
Note the onset and duration of rain prior to your arrival and also note the onset and duration of any rain which occurred while you were on the ground. Describe the condition of leaves and grass and whether or not water was running along trails. Describe the condition of tracks on trails: sharp, blurred, absent. On managed grounds note any signs of runoff or erosion on trails and describe conditions on roads and elsewhere on grounds.
This is different from how the trail looked on a dry day. Rainy days can make the best trails look poor but be safe to travel and others that look safe but be treacherous. Mark your caution in the journal, not just the weather. (e.g. "South trail muddy at the drainage crossing" not "wet day").
Keep a separate line for field safety
Record Conditions and Safety for the Field – This section of the Journal should cover the same basic ground as the above section and help you track similar information, but be organized for use in the field when safe conditions change. Note reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, rising water, lightning, extreme cold, and heat. Also note when you changed your route, or were forced to return early, or had to shorten your outing. Record the reason for your actions.
Journal entries should NOT be used as an excuse for not following current conditions. Previous entries will give you an idea of what happened before, but will not tell you what is currently safe. Check current weather forecasts, local alerts and follow all relevant land-access and hunting requirements for the area you're in. Outdoors safety information changes regularly so make sure you check for the most up-to-date information from official sources.
Remember to include the reason for your actions in relation to bad field conditions. For example, instead of writing 'bad conditions' note 'returned before dark because fog had covered the open section'.
Choose a recording method you will actually use
I suggest a simple pocket notebook. When cold, in the rain, or with gloves on, your phone may not be the most convenient item to pull out. Pencil or weather-resistant ink pens are best for this type of log keeping as they don't run and won't break in the cold. Just be sure to leave a few lines for notes taken while on the move.
Go for a hybrid system that works for you. Jot shorthand for notes in the field, then transfer only the important details to complete the entry later. Use the prompts listed above as a starting point and cross off any that aren't useful for you in planning your future outings.
– Start and finish conditions
– Wind direction and behavior
– Temperature trend
– Rainfall and ground condition
– Wildlife sign or habitat observations
– Route, clothing, and safety decisions
Remove these promts that don't help make future decisions.
Review patterns before changing your plan
These connections can be developed into working hypotheses over time by reviewing your journal entries after several outings on similar terrain and under similar conditions. Note repeated occurrences of noisiness after thawing, low areas that remain wet after light rains, and stands of cover that remain good shelter even when surrounding terrain is exposed and windy.
You will use these relationships as working hypotheses. These weather notes are different from predictions. The habitat may change, the season may change, wildlife or human disturbance may occur, or your own actions may influence results.
For a practical review look at your previous outdoor excursions, review the same locations and the conditions under which you went there. Note the relationships between the various observations, i.e., that the scent of a recently thawed trail may become that of a noisy animal a day or so later, that low-lying areas may remain wet for days after a light rain, and that thick stands of cover remain unchanged even when surrounding ground is windy. Use these working hypotheses to make wise choices for future forays into the great outdoors.
