Cacher of the Month - January 2011

netleyhunter

netleyhunter

Netleyhunter is another one of those cachers who was initially an enigma. You saw his logs, and heard his name, but you never saw him. Or, did you? Often clad in camouflage, he blends in to the wooded areas quite nicely. This ability was probably developed over the years of being a hunter. The first time I had met netleyhunter was after the first Oak Hammock Marsh "Caching the Marsh" event. Junglehair and I were in search of the easternmost cache of the day. As we approached the area, netleyhunter was leaving the area with a DNF look on his face. He joined us and we soon had the cache in hand. In the vein of "many hands make light work", we found that "many eyes make quick finds". I've gotten to know netleyhunter over the years. He is a great guy to be partnered up with for any of the OHM events as he knows the lay of the land, and a lot of the data on the birds. In the handful of times that I've cached with him, I've always had a great time and have always learned a thing or two.

When did you start Geocaching?

My first geocache was one of OHMIC’s caches, Enjoy the View that I found on June 8th 2006.

How did you find out about Geocaching?

Like many cachers I read an article in the Winnipeg Free Press about geocaching in Birds Hill, I thought it was just a fantastic idea and it looked like so much fun! For me, any excuse to get out and tromp around the bush is a good reason.

What was it about geocaching that got you hooked into the game?

I think it’s because it takes you to areas that you have never been before, little jewels that only the locals know about. Even with in the province I have some wicked spots that I never knew about! When travelling I don’t bother looking at tourist web sites. I look at GC.com and read cache descriptions to see where the coolest places are. Also, going to geocaching events and hanging out with some really great people is another great aspect of the game.

Have you cached in any other provinces, countries?

A few other provinces in Canada, as well as North Dakota. Hoping to expand and cache at least in every province in Canada some day.

Have you ever introduced someone to geocaching? If so, who?

Yes, many people, really too many to list, but the short list is family, friends and youth who attend a summer camp I run at Oak Hammock Marsh. Everyone really seems to enjoy it!

How do you describe the sport of Geocaching to your family and friends who haven't tried it yet?

Really depends on the person, and how best to peak their interest. Normally I just say it’s like treasure hunt with a GPS. If the person is really interested, then I will explain how it works and why it is enjoyable.

What are other interests or hobbies that you have (please go into detail / accomplishments)?

Well, as pretty much anyone who has ever met me knows, I enjoy hunting and pretty much any outdoor activity. I spend most of Sept – November hunting waterfowl as well as deer, grouse and other game. Fantastic eating and a lot better than anything you can get in the store.

What are some things you don't like about geocaching? What are your pet peeves?

I do a lot caching in the winter, since it’s my down time from other activities. The one thing that annoys me are small caches that are hidden in pine trees. I have seen so many really cool and interesting hides, that walking up to GZ and seeing a pine tree is sort of a letdown.

What is the most interesting/unusual place that geocaching has taken you?

On top of a mountain in B.C. that I tried to drive up on a logging road in my rental car just at dusk. Being from the prairies and used to flat land, looking over the edge of the road and seeing like a 2km drop to the base of the mountain with no guard rail is kind of unnerving. With light fading, I turned around and headed back to town. I did however come back the next day when there was more light and drive further up the road and subsequent trips to B.C. I made other trips up mountain road ways, white knuckled driving all the way! Great fun!

What is the most memorable cache that you have found (or tried to find?)?

I really like Lone Island Lookout in the Whiteshell, it gives you such a great view of the lake!

What is your favorite Caching Story?

See mountain story above

What is your most interesting item found in a cache?

Not really sure, maybe a gas card.

What items if any do you carry with you when you go on a hunt?

Normally I take my waders, camo jacket, my shotgun a few shells and a bag of duck decoys, as well as duck calls and my GPS to find my way home….Oh wait you probably meant when I go on the hunt for geocaches.

What kind of GPSr do you use?

Garmin 60csx and Garmin Nuvi 550

What methods do you use to avoid muggle detection?

I’m a firm believer in blending in to the masses and looking like you belong. If you act suspicious and wait until people aren’t looking. That attracts more attention than just doing what you got to do. Most people won’t question someone who looks like they belong. That said with many GPSr look like other electronic handheld devices, it’s pretty easy to be looking at the screen and punching buttons and be passed off as just someone using their iphone or Blackberry.

What is the meaning of your username?

Favorite place to hunt ducks, Netley Marsh.

What was the most memorable travel bug that you have found?

A big ball and chain in a cache in Transcona, I don’t think that TB will be moved very quickly, the thing must weigh 10 pounds!

Which geocachers do you respect or standout to you the most?

All the board members of MBGA, they all do such a great job!

With whom do you normally go geocaching?

I used to go by myself quite a bit, now missionMode, Wagonmaker and myself quiet often team up and go caching together. However I like caching with pretty much anyone!

If you could cache anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?

Iceland or Scotland

Is there a challenging local cache you have in your sights right now? Which one?

Not at this point

Of your placed caches, which is your favorite? Why?

The Caves or Boulder Cache just because I really like the locations and takes the cachers off the beaten path.

How far from your house is the nearest unfound cache?

Maybe a mile or so, there are a couple caches that I still need to find and will get to at some point.

Do you use your GPSr for other reasons other than Geocaching?

I use my GPS for when I go out hunting, it’s pretty easy to get turned around when you’re going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. It also is a real big help when I want to mark trails into a spot and find when sunrise and sunset is. I use my Nuvi when I travel to help get around cities I don’t know, big cities like Toronto, I just don’t think I could drive in. There are so many roads, and express lanes, that it’s impossible not to get turned around