Trail etiquette question - found a tool...

[MrsTuffPaws]

We are new to off roading, so not sure about some trail etiquette. Let's say we were at a popular OHV area, but it was approaching sunset (does this matter? end of day presumably?), and we found a bag of tools (air compressor etc) in the middle of a dirt trail, a strap was rotted, probably fell off an ATV or dirtbike... Should we leave it in middle of road? Move it to the side of the road? Bring it to the staging area? Take it to the ranger station 10+ miles away? Finders keepers?

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[Xjeepowner]

I would take it to wherever you check in and pay your entrance fee.

 

[Tricky Mike]

Andddd now I'm putting my name and number on all my gear....

You kind of need to approach it on a case by case basis depending on the situation.

 

[Firewrench]

I would lean toward the ranger station, if you leave it, the one who takes it might not be the one who lost it…

 

[HoosierDaddy]

As mentioned, any entrance shacks?

I definitely would not just leave it.

Beyond that, at most I'd ask around ..."any body lose something off an ATV or dirt bike?"
Don't say anything about a tool bag, make them describe what it is they lost.

Hell, if it's the little bag that is typically stored under the seat, they may not even know that it is missing for quite some time.

So, turn it in, ask around or finder keeper it.

I always try to make some amount of effort to return it to the proper owner.

 

[MrsTuffPaws]

This particular OHV area is free, and does not have a entrance hut. And while it is popular, we only saw 3 other vehicles/groups on the trails we were on during our 4 hour ride, and there were maybe 7 trucks with trailers at the staging area as we left. The actual ranger station is 10+ miles away in the middle of a suburb. This added to our confusion to as what where the right place to take or leave the bag of tools.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

I would secure it. When I got back to the staging area I would ask anyone there. If no one claimed I would take it home and post on the local forum that covers that area.

 

[BlueWaffle]

Does the area you visited have a popular social media page? Perhaps post something there

 

[cbrenthus]

I would certainly take them seeing as how they are now litter. As a motorcycle rider who nearly hit a ladder on I4 on a foggy morning, I have no sympathy for anyone that doesn't secure their load. that being said, there is a bit of a difference between loosing a ladder on a major interstate and loosing something on a low speed trail where obstacles are expected, and therefore, while I would take the tools because they are now litter, I would post on some local groups and try to find the owner

 

[HighVelocity]

Leave it at the side of the road where you found it. If you run into anyone and they ask if you've seen it, let them know where it's at.

I wouldn't take it with me. For all I know, they are already backtracking looking for it.

 

[Ggerobb]

Make some effort. Local forums, ask around etc. Then finder keeper.

 

[indio22]

Hard to say. If the owner has an idea where he dropped the item, then moving it could cause him not to find it. Unless you can put it somewhere for sure where the owner will look.

I once lost an item and couldn't find it retracing my steps, because someone had moved it. Only reason I found the item was because in passing, the guy asked me if I lost a backpack, and showed me where he move it to.

 

[604Bronco]

Andddd now I'm putting my name and number on all my gear....

Don't forget to label your underwear too

I'd throw an Apple Air Tag or Tile or something similar in my bag if it had the ability to fall out of my vehicle.

 

[Tricky Mike]

Don't forget to label your underwear too

I'd throw an Apple Air Tag or Tile or something similar in my bag if it had the ability to fall out of my vehicle.

Bold of you to assume I don't go commando.

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