Common Ghost-Hunting Mistakes
Never Trespass: A simple but important rule. Ghost hunters have been arrested and shot for trespassing on private property. Look for no-trespassing warnings and always get permission before entering private property.
Never Litter: Pick up trash, containers and scraps of paper and tape. Wipe off chalk marks and pick up glow sticks unless the site is secluded or private with a plan to return the following day to continue the ghost hunt.
Never Ghost Hunt Alone: Always have at least one partner on a ghost hunt even if the extra person does not know anything about the ghost hunt. The extra person provides safety and can also be a witness if strange events occur.
Never Forget to Carry a Photo ID: Ghost hunters need to carry a form of photo identification.
Never Ghost Hunt in Dangerous Locations: It might be tempting to conduct hunts in condemned buildings or on the edge of a spooky cliff, but avoid dangerous situations. Also, do not conduct ghost hunts in dangerous weather conditions.
Never Forget Outside Communication: A ghost hunter should inform someone outside of the ghost hunt when, where and how long the ghost hunt will last. It is important that someone else knows the details of the ghost hunt in case of an emergency.
Never Forget Etiquette and Ethics: Proper respect, etiquette and ethics should be part of every ghost hunt.
Never Wear Colognes or Perfumes: Do not wear anything that creates a noticeable odor that can interfere or distract the judgments of other ghost hunters. The air needs to be clear to detect abnormal odors. Outside ghost hunts might require bug repellants. Use odor-free bug sprays and log the use in a journal.
Never Travel Directly to an Unknown Site at Night: Thoroughly examine potential locations during the daylight and mark dangerous obstacles that could be invisible in the darkness. Be familiar with the location before conducting a ghost hunt.
Never Record False Equipment Readings: Learn the correct functions and operations of the equipment before taking them in the field. Remember to take background readings and replace batteries as needed.
Never Smoke, Drink Alcohol or Use Drugs: A ghost hunter’s judgments must be clear and precise. Never use chemicals that impair the senses and infect the environment.
Never Forget to Carry a Notebook: Ghost hunts require documentation. Events and details should be recorded and logged.
Never Forget to Wear a Watch: The correct time cannot be documented without a watch. Cell phone clocks can also be used.
Never Whisper: Always speak in a normal voice and never whisper. Audio and video equipment can record whispers that could be mistaken for supernatural voices.
Never Forget to Conduct Research: Too many ghost hunters neglect the crucial process of gathering and analyzing background information before conducting a ghost hunt. Ghost hunts cannot be effectively planned or preformed without the appropriate research.
Never Use a Car’s Headlights as a Main Source of Light: Automobile headlights can come in handy for setting up campsites or equipment after dark, but do not use headlights as a long-term light source. Using headlights for long periods of time drain the automobile’s battery and the automobile may not start when it is time to leave or if there is an emergency.
Never Forget to Bring Flashlights: There should be plenty of working flashlights available. Not every ghost hunter in the group needs to operate a flashlight but a good rule is to have at least one flashlight per team member.
Never Try to Bring Everything: Bring the necessities and the proper tools, but do not try to carry every piece of gear. Use research notes to determine what equipment and items are necessary. Leave storage tote boxes with extra batteries and additional equipment in a locked room or vehicle. Ghost hunters who attempt to carry too much gear often get bogged down and lose focus.
Never Forget to Take Lots of Photographs: Take as many photographs as possible. The more photographs taken the better the chance becomes of discovering abnormal activity.
Never Forget to Bring Food and Drinks: This rule may sound trivial but bring a supply of simple snacks and drinks. It is recommended that ghost hunters drink water. Water is ideal because it prevents dehydration and keeps the mind sharp and alert without the help of sugars and caffeine. Ghost hunters often drink coffee and energy drinks to stay awake and active during long ghost hunts but these drinks are stimulants. Too much caffeine can lead to headaches, twitching, rapid heartbeat, disorientation and delusions.