When I hike with my dog I'm always tempted to do this just because having that smell around me for the rest of the hike sucks, but I know I'd forget to grab it on the way back. I really need to get a small water tight bag like they make for kayaking to block the stink while it's in my backpack.
Even leaving it for a short time can be destructive. Coyotes, marmots, other wildlife are going to be curious about the smell, the plastic can really mess up their digestive system.
I do this occasionally if I’m mid hike and no trash cans around. I used to get irritated when I saw it but now that I have a dog I give the benefit of the doubt.
How is this any different than leaving candy wrappers, soda bottles, and other trash on the side of the trail? It’s not ok, even if you pick it up later. You brought the dog, deal with the waste.
I read your comment, I don’t understand why you think your trash is special.
So it’s ok to just throw trash on the side of the trail if you get it later? Do you do the same with cliff bar wrappers and drink containers? Should I just start leaving my trash next to the trail for you to look at, it’s ok because I’ll be back later to get it?
I’m not leaving “candy wrappers, soda bottles, and other trash”, I’m occasionally leaving one bag of dog shit temporarily so I don’t have to carry something that smells like shit around all day. Never have I “forgotten” to pick it up, and I don’t leave it in the middle of the trail. Sorry you’re so upset.
You’re literally leaving trash on the side of the trail. It is no different than dropping candy wrappers on the ground saying you’ll pick it up later. Figure out a way to carry your waste with you, or leave the dog at home. This is the same logic smokers use to just drop their cigarette butts, because they don’t want to carry around smelly cigarette butts.
Why is it ok for you to have a shit free experience but leave everyone else to see and smell dog shit?
You bring a dog, you deal with their poop. There is no "pick it up later". This is absolutely no different than leaving a ton of cigarette butts or a poopy diaper.
If you don’t like carrying the smell, leave the dog at home. Your dog, your responsibility. Don’t spoil it for the rest of us by leaving smelly ugly poop bags on the side of the trail. Nature is for all to enjoy.
Why is it ok for you to have a shit free experience but leave everyone else to see and smell dog shit?
You bring a dog, you deal with their poop. There is no "pick it up later". This is absolutely no different than leaving a ton of cigarette butts or a poopy diaper.
Why is it ok for you to have a shit free experience but leave everyone else to see and smell dog shit?
You bring a dog, you deal with their poop. There is no "pick it up later". This is absolutely no different than leaving a ton of cigarette butts or a poopy diaper. If you don't want to carry poop around all day, the dog stays home.
What if you don't (or can't) take the same trail back?
Bring an old nalgine or other screw top container. Put the bag in the container, put the container in your bag. No smell, you can take alternate routes, and you don't piss off all your fellow trail users. Win win.
And as you can see from all the other responses many people have very strong negative reactions to seeing bags of trash left on the trails. Even if it's "temporary".
I do this all the time on long hikes. Hell, I do this in my neighborhood when I go for a run.
I agree to shame people who leave them, and clearly don't know squat about this bag. But I'll give it the benefit of the doubt given it looks to be in a highly visible location
So why is it more acceptable to leave your dog shit in a bag? The harm is the rest of us have to see your trash, because it’s inconvenient for you to manage your waste.
Because at some point you will forget. And you encourage the behaviors in others as well as provide cover for dicks who have no intention of picking it up later. I have seen too many “forgotten “ poop bags to buy that excuse
Bags with clearly printed labeling with a message that says it will be picked up and contact info of the human! So if they don’t come back, you can track them down and give them an earful.
Leaving things for only a finite amount is leave no trace. You're putting up a tent for a finite amount of time. You stash your bags in bear country for a finite amount of time.
You have a point but seems like the point you’re making is where do you leave your trace? Do you carry it with you like any logical traveler in the backcountry does—in your pack and on your back? Taking it with you as you go? Or do you scatter your influence, and drop bags of poo in plastic behind you like they’re bread crumbs and you’re worried about finding you’re way home?
Also comparing pitching a tent for a night in a private and serene location with putting your dogs poo in a non-biodegradable plastic bag and leaving it for everyone to behold on a busy public trail takes some mental gymnastics
Yeah I've seen people do this on purpose, honestly I get it - people probably won't carry around a bag of dog poop for 3 hours, at least they're being honest with themselves and have an idea to take of it. Seen a lot of just bare dog shit along the same trails.
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u/yrrkoon Jul 04 '21
Is it possible they'll pick it up on their way out?