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Read Thread: Scouting locations to plant a letterbox

Re: Scouting locations to plant a letterbox
Board: New Members' Board
Reply to: #963655 by LadyRisa
Aug 11, 2018 8:59am
Thread (disabled) Board
The advice I’d give you when planting in ANY location, find the most obvious and outstanding landmark there is, go to that location and FROM THERE find a compass bearing to a nearby bland feature to plant the actual box.

That outstanding landmark could be a real huge blowdown, a large and remarkable boulder, a neon sign, a tree in a city park, you name it. Go to where you are attracted, then direct folks far AWAY from that feature to get the box.

I’ve had boxes out there for close to 10 years using this principle.

Good luck!

Warrior Woman
master of misdirection
Re: Scouting locations to plant a letterbox
Board: New Members' Board
Reply to: #963727 by Warrior Woman
Aug 11, 2018 4:44pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Avoid muggle-infested areas. Some boxers won't risk retrieving it and then it becomes a wasted trip for them. Other boxers won't wait until the coast is clear and then the box is noticed by muggles, and sometimes vandals.

Avoid highly groomed areas. Even if you think it is well hidden, someone with hedge trimmers or a rake may see it and consider it trash.

Avoid rotting stumps and logs. I planted in a 6 foot tall rotting stump that became a pile of dirt in less than a year. That made the clue useless.

Hide it well but make it look as natural as possible. A pile of sticks may hide it from view, but an obviously man-made pile can attract a curious muggle.

Lastly consider protection from the elements. If it rains, will this spot provide adequate shelter?

I hope that helps.
Re: Scouting locations to plant a letterbox
Board: New Members' Board
Reply to: #963746 by Stitches
Aug 11, 2018 5:44pm
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Avoid rotting stumps and logs. I planted in a 6 foot tall rotting stump that became a pile of dirt in less than a year. That made the clue useless.

That means that rotting stumps are useless for landmarks too. Northern Utah (where I box) is dry enough that these things stick around for years, while other places (apparently) will go away quickly.
Re: Scouting locations to plant a letterbox
Board: New Members' Board
Reply to: #963754 by Oberon_Kenobi
Aug 11, 2018 8:21pm
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Lots of good things to keep in mind! Thanks all!