Forrest has always encouraged searchers to be safe while searching, and to not search anywhere a 79 or 80 year old man would not go. He has also offered searchers other advice about the Chase. As the poem says, ‘hear me all and listen good’- everyone should listen to this advice when going Boots on the Ground.
Below are the many Quotes of Forrest’s, urging searchers to always consider Safety First:
MW Archived Question posted 6/9/2014:
Forrest, You said in the past that the chest is not in a dangerous place; yet searchers are searching along Cliffside’s, raging water, and other seemingly dangerous places. Could you please elaborate or qualify your statement in which you said” The chest is not in a dangerous place” Thanks Edward
Edward, thanks for the question.
The treasure is not hidden in a dangerous place in the normal definition of the word, realizing that there probably is no place on this planet that is safe under all conditions. Bloggers have quoted me as saying that a child could walk up to the treasure. I don’t think that’s an accurate quote because a three year old girl would have a problem without some help. Remember, I was about 80 when I hid the chest, and had to make two trips.f
MW Featured Question October 2014
Dear Forrest, Do I need a 4 wheel drive to hunt for the treasure? And if I did, would it just be seasonally, as helpful in winter months? ~ Linda
Linda, anyone traveling in the Rocky Mountains should ride in a vehicle that can get them out of tough spots, especially in winter. Once a friend and I were in some lonely mountains during a violent wind storm. Trees fell across the narrow dirt road in front of us and behind. We didn’t have a chainsaw but we had a long chain and were able to drag the trees aside and pass. Bad luck is a capable adversary. You can get by without food for a few days but you must have water, warm clothing and matches.f
MW Featured Question October 2014
“… With snow coming on the situation, this changes of course; in which case, if I were the searcher, I’d stay very quiet until spring.f “
Shut your engine off until spring.f
Dal’s Site May 2015
Please don’t look for the treasure in a place where a 79 or 80 year old man could not have hidden it. Be safe please. f
Torg and Elliot show January 2016
Well, I’m not gonna give you a new clue, but there are clues in the poem that will lead you to the treasure. But you want to be careful in the mountains in the wintertime. A lot of the mountains are under snow now. It’s not a good time to search.
MW Six Questions February 2016
“…I will reiterate that the story is real, the chest is where I left it, and it is not in a dangerous place. At age 85 I could go back and get it. But any place can become dangerous for anyone who violates the common sense rules of the chase. Stay out of the mountains in the winter time when it is cold and snow covers the ground.f“
Snowy days are a searcher’s enemy
MW Featured Question June 2016
Mr Fenn, I am reading that several people have been lost while looking for your treasure. On Monday we will go on our first search and we are a little apprehensive. Since you are the only one who knows where it is hidden can you give me some advice that will help keep us safe? ~ Mrs SRM and son.
Yes Mrs. M, your email is timely, and because you are new to the search I will reiterate what has been said many times on blogs and in the media. If you plan to search in a National Forest or a National Park you should ask a ranger to brief you on your particular area. They can advise you much better than I can.
It is easier to get lost or stranded in the winter time because the weather is such a factor. But the spring and summer conditions can be just as unforgiving if you are not prepared.
Please don’t ever overextend yourself. I was 80 or about when I hid the treasure and it was not a difficult task. I will soon be 87 and I could go back and get it if I were so inclined, I think.
If you or your son have any physical limitations please don’t attempt the search. Many flatlanders suffer altitude sickness in the Rockies.
Don’t go into the mountains alone. Two searchers together is an absolute minimum, but three or even four is better. Stay within eyesight of each other. A whistle can be valuable if you get separated.
Food, water, proper clothing, matches, bug spray, and a GPS are requirements. Cell phone service is not available in many mountain locations, but take one anyway. If you do have service check in with a friend at home several times a day, and give them a GPS location. They should know where and when you started your search and when you expect to return.
Wearing waders in fast moving water is dangerous, especially if you don’t have the chest type with a tight belt around your chest that will keep most of the water out if you should fall. The rocks in most moving water are slippery and falling is easy. Your waders should have felt soles and not rubber. Don’t take chances, and remember that in many cases no can be a better answer than yes.
You don’t have to move big rocks, or scale a precipice to get to the treasure. Stay away from dangerous terrain.
The summer sun can sap your strength so it is best to wear long sleeves, long pants, and always a hat, especially in New Mexico. At the first sign of fatigue, turn back. If you are not camping plan to be out of the mountains before dark. If your solve is in the desert, get a new solve, and remember, much of the Rio Grande River is not in the Rocky Mountains.
Generally, black bears are not a problem, and they normally will run at first sight. The grizzly can be a problem but rarely is. If you are hiking, use your whistle so as to not surprise him. If you see cubs quickly move away. It is not a good idea to make eye contact with any dangerous animal because they may see it as a threat. Use bear spray only as a last resort.
Caution and common sense are your best weapons in the mountains. Hope this helps Mrs. M, but you should also do your own research. f
Lots of rain in New Mexico. Some mountain roads are washing downhill. Please be mud aware. f
Westword Article August 2016
Forrest answers multiple questions on safety in this article. He says:
Anyone who goes into the mountains should be prepared, use a GPS and always be aware of possible dangers.
Many people don’t have experience hiking in the mountains, but that doesn’t mean they should stay at home. Just be careful and don’t get overextended.
The experts say that one should never hike in the mountains or the deserts alone.
It’s easy to get turned around in the forest and lose your bearings. One should have plenty of water, warm clothes and a GPS.
There are many places in the mountains where cell-phone service is not available. Using common sense is always an asset.
I recommend that no one look for the treasure when snow or low temperatures are present in their search areas.
I hid the treasure in a place that is not especially difficult to reach.
Don’t ever let desire for the treasure lure you into a dangerous situation. f
Dal’s site June 2017
When I said the treasure was not hidden in Utah or Idaho it was my plan not to narrow the search area further. But in the light of a recent accident, and in the interest of safety, I feel it necessary to alter that plan.
The treasure chest is not under water, nor is it near the Rio Grande River. It is not necessary to move large rocks or climb up or down a steep precipice, and it is not under a man-made object.
Please remember that I was about 80 when I made two trips from my vehicle to where I hid the treasure.
Please be cautious and don’t take risks.
My guess is that in the last 7 years more than 250,000 people have searched for the treasure without suffering any serious injuries. I invite you to add your name to that list. The search is supposed to be fun. f
So that everyone will know, and not just the searcher I replied to this morning, you don’t need to break anything to find the treasure. Please stay safe. f
MW Featured Question December 2017
Hey Forrest, you said we could retrieve the treasure in any season. Well in winter, would we need a snowmobile to get to the spot? ~scout around
Scout around, if you need a snowmobile to get to your solve please stay home and drink hot chocolate. f
Dal’s Site SB 194 October 15, 2018
I woke up to snow on the ground this morning in Santa Fe, and a temp. below freezing. I went out to get the paper and about froze. Hopefully all searchers will stay by the fire drinking hot Ovaltine til about May or June. To me, being cold is a lot worse than being hot. All of the Rockies north of SF are now unsearchable to my way of thinking. f-
Safety should always be the first consideration.f
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