==== How do I walk more quietly? ====
    (and, is it possible to diminish the noise enough that I can actually get closer to things
    before scaring them off?)

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A980589  (search for "Walking While Outdoors")


==== What type of footwear is best? ====
    Nothing!        http://www.alberrios.com/albums/073006/index.html
    Moccasins?      http://bravedeer.tripod.com/footwear.html
    Aqua socks      mentioned elsewhere...  the modern approximation of moccasins

==== Lighting ====

Is there a better light to use?  Red, presumably, in order to preserve night vision.  Do any
field-study people use red lasers, in order to let them look very far way?  (eg. possibly out of
earshot?)

    ==== Laser power ====
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_safety#Classification
    lists various laser powers...  can you get a 5mw laser, possibly one that's a little wider beam,
    eg. like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Saber203.jpg ?

Actually, as slow as people talk about moving, and avoiding making *any* noises, or giving off
artificial smells...  lighting probably isn't desired.  At the speed they're talking about moving,
ears are probably more important (along with eyes that have become dark-adjusted long ago, since
you're moving so slowly).
        

==== Things to do once you actually get to them ====

    - slap them on the butt
    - photograph them
    - throw some tupperware over it     http://menletter.org/articles/Stalking%20the%20Wild%20Gerbil-August%202003.htm

==== Is there a cheap way to have an infrared setup so I can view the beasties easily? ====

    Apparently DSLR's aren't easily modified.

    Ahh...  hrm...  some of them can be VERY expensive:  http://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/tsafe/