Ammo cans in state parks

[zuma]

I had a chance to talk to one of the managers at the central DNR office today about geocaching in the state parks. In general, the DNR likes caches in the state parks, and they see it as a positive way to get kids and families into the parks and enjoy the parks.

However, one thing came up that was a bit of a surprize to me, and I wanted to share that with everyone. The DNR is leery of ammo cans in the state parks due to concerns about public safety. They prefer clear Lock N Locks or other plastic containers.

There is currently no rule against ammo boxes in state parks so dont feel you have to rush out and swap out your containers. But in general, I feel that we should respect their concern and try to use plastic containers in the future. Once the snow melts, I will be going out and removing my ammo boxes, and change them over to plastic containers.

Given the importance of DNR lands for geocaching, I hope our membership chooses to respect this preference, and use plastic containers for caches in state parks. We really want to maintain as good a relationship with the DNR as possible, and this is one way that we can all do our part.

Thank you,

zuma

[Barry Butrymowicz]

Other states have this rule also, and I have seen a ammo box that had the side cut out and a piece of lexan siliconed and pop riveted to the side, seems like a lot of work, but it makes the ammo can be able to be seen into and still water tight.

[-cheeto-]

I most likely will not replace my only ammo box in a state park. It’s ahhhh ‘unique’. It was approved with full description of what the container is written on the DNR form.

It’s an interesting request considering many think of a geocache as an ammo container but I understand.

If I am contacted to change out the container by the park, this particular cache would be archived.

[zuma]

@-cheeto- wrote:

I most likely will not replace my only ammo box in a state park. It’s ahhhh ‘unique’. It was approved with full description of what the container is written on the DNR form.

It’s an interesting request considering many think of a geocache as an ammo container but I understand.

If I am contacted to change out the container by the park, this particular cache would be archived.

Yeah, I know of the cache you speak, pretty obviously not a bomb. I believe Pete and I were lucky enough to get the FTF there.

I am just passing along their preference, which is just that a preference, not a rule.

z

[labrat_wr]

I think that some of the leeryness regarding the ammo cans may be that some are not repainted or the military markings are still highly visible.

from the GC guidelines:

To reduce confusion and alarm when a cache is discovered accidentally, clearly label your container on the outside with appropriate information to say it is a geocache. Cover over any military markings with paint or a geocache sticker.

In any case, if the WDNR prefers clear lock-n-lock type containers in the state parks to put the concerns at ease, it should be supported. We live in a different world today. Safety is of great concern.

Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.

[The Crippler]

I live in an area bordered to the South by Flatlandia, I cache frequently in the surrounding counties. Most of the park districts have this rule and it really is not a problem as most of the containers are covered by bark or other vegetation anyway. The regulation is in place for two reasons, the most obvious is the muggle factor but the second is that the wardens actually go out and check the containers themselves and are looking for items that do not belong, like drugs or other contraband.

[gotta run]

Thanks for the heads-up. Because eventually this thread will get buried, I’m wondering if this should be added to the “hiding a cache” page–not as a rule, but as a “please be aware that the DNR prefers clear containers in State Parks.” ❓

As an aside I also think this is a good idea. An ammo box or a clear container are just as safe from accidental discovery if they are well hidden to begin with. And I think we all know that sometime’s it’s nice to know what’s in the box before we open it. 😯 (But yeah, I do still have a stash of ammo boxes left to use too.)

On the Left Side of the Road...

[zuma]

@gotta run wrote:

Thanks for the heads-up. Because eventually this thread will get buried, I’m wondering if this should be added to the “hiding a cache” page–not as a rule, but as a “please be aware that the DNR prefers clear containers in State Parks.” ❓

probably a good idea.

z

[cheezehead]

Or Stickyed or whatever it called.

[bartrod]

I can understand their concern, but I didn’t have any problem getting mine approved by the park manager 😀 I had spray painted it camo colors, but also stenciled “Geocache” clearly on the sides, and took/sent a couple of photos of it. I’d don’t intend to change it over but would if I had to.

Oconto...the birthplace of western civilization:)

[EnergySaver]

I too can see the logic and if that becomes the decision I would not have a problem with it. But as another example, I have 4 ammo cans at Harrington Beach … not only does the head ranger know about them, he helped place them. Each one is labeled on the outside with the ranger.s name and the park office phone number and states permission for placement.

[Trekkin and Birdin]

I guess I like an ammo can in the woods as much as anyone, but am willing to make the trade-off to clear containers if it will help us create better partnerships with our park rangers. Better partnerships ultimately lead to more cache placement opportunities. I guess I can see in this day and age why this might be a concern. I have seen some city parks that state the containers must be clear, too. I think some of the caches in Wisconsin Rapids make this statement in the cache listings.

[Mister Greenthumb]

I’m OK with clear containers for State Parks. We’ve found a lot of caches in State Parks that were’nt well hidden and could easily be stumbled upon by unknowing visitors and cause a stir. I’ve never labled an ammo box yet, but after this topic posted I ordered labels to add to some existing ones and for future hides. I think it’s our obligation to cooperate to protect the future of geocaching.

[elfdoctors]

I think ammo cans are less likely to result in unwanted trash in the woods because bears don’t seem to damage these. Bears have destroyed some of my caches for unusual items (my last one was destroyed because of a packet of wet-wipes). I’ve had one ammo-can have its seal partially melted from a DNR fire (but still remains water-tight) but otherwise no problems with any of my ammo box hides. I try to put official Groundspeak labels on my caches. I would hope that for non-metro regions of the state, ammo cans would still be allowed.

[K0rpl]

I do have to say, that I do like to find a good ammo can in the woods as much as anyone, and coming from FilmcanVille, they are a really nice change of Scenery. If the DNR does want clear containers, than we should comply with their requests. We do not want to hurt the good working relationship with them that we presently have.

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