We were looking for a campsite alongside the tumbling mountain creek. It was a brook trout creek. However, rainbows had been stocked without any fish’s consent and now made up the bulk of the trout population in the valley. We, along with the native brookies, were higher up in the hollow. It had been a great winter hike along the South Carolina/North Carolina state line in a vast wilderness area. The mild southeastern temperatures and thick pine forest betrayed the month on the calendar.
Moving the requisite distance off trail to set up camp, we began to look for a flat parcel of ground for our small tent. Navigating 100 feet was simple enough. Locating a smooth, debris-free plot involved moving up small outcrops and looking behind boulders. It is in one such spot that we came across the still.
Moonshining in the Appalachians is certainly more than folklore. It was a part of life in many communities. And, as is the case with many industries, there was competition. But rivalries in this industry weren’t settled with litigation. Firearms were the mediators in these backwoods arbitrations. Proactively, there were other measures taken to protect manufacturing and product.
I was confident from the state of the copper in that still that there was a good span of time between ourselves and the last proprietors of the location in question. Personally, I assume most folks engaged in quasi-legal distilling are just good old boys – never meaning no harm. However, that is not a blanket statement for everyone involved in off the books agriculture and/or chemistry.
In fact, there are some dangers that you should be aware of when venturing out with rod, rifle, or backpack. The usual dangers of snakes, falls, and drowning should be on your radar. But, without being paranoid, in this world there are other considerations for which one should keep an eye out. Here are three I’ve encountered while fly fishing:
It’s a Trap
It is a fact that illegal hooch, pot, and meth operations go down in the deep woods. Curiosity may overtake you if you see a bunch of Home Depot buckets and tarps miles away from civilization. Not only might they contain hazardous materials, but there could be some deterrents to investigations in place. Treble hooks on tree limbs and razors on trip wires are not campfire fables. The best thing you can do is back up the way you came and give the area a wide berth.
Stay Sharp
Urban angling can be a real blast. In fact, some of the absolute best carp fishing can be found in the shadow of our nation’s cities. Forgive me for skirting political correctness, but it is also the case that drug use and vagrancy are problems in nearly all medium and large cities. One particular danger for anglers is the ubiquitous scattering of used needles and broken glass. Best case scenario you puncture your waders. Worst case scenario? The sky is the limit. Avoid wading if you can, and always be mindful of where you’re stepping as you explore under bridges and along well-trodden paths.
Moth and Rust
Much less nefarious that the previous two, the byproduct of time and manmade structures is no less dangerous. Random rebar, jagged culverts, and crumbling concrete can be found in incredibly random places. I’ve been far from modern bridges only to encounter the remnants of a mid-century crossing. I’ve been wading the shoreline only to run up against the frame of some half-submerged structure. Again, you may only damage some gear. Or, you could be facing a nasty cut or fall.
None of this is intended to cause paranoia. But I’ve always maintained that I’d rather take my chances with a bear than a stranger up to no good in the woods. Keeping your head on a bit of a swivel is the best first defense to safely enjoying wild places. Even if they’re within city limits.