How to cross a barbed wire fence (non-electric)

Working in rural areas, an archaeologist must be prepared for everything

Difficulty Level: Average      Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

1. Approach the fence cautiously, examine it carefully before making any attempt to scale it.
2. Is it loose enough to crawl under? Do that--it is not dignified, but easy. 
3. Is there a field entrance nearby? Cross here, you are much less likely to tear your britches. 
4. If there's no field entrance and it's too tight to crawl under, find a sturdy post in the fence.
5. Leaning on the post, test the bottom strand of wire with your foot.
6. Carefully put your weight on it, one foot at a time. 
7. After you're certain it will take your weight, put one foot on the second strand from the bottom. 
8. Press down on the top wires and swing your bottom leg over the top of the fence.
9. Shift your weight onto the inside foot and swing the other leg over the top.
10. Jump away from the fence. 

Tips:

1. Do not damage the fence; you are in the field at the forbearance of the farmer and s/he will not be happy if you do any damage.
2. Look out for electrified fences. These are single un-barbed strands; test them lightly by quickly tapping them with your finger.
3. Look out for bulls. If there's a bunch of cows in a field, it'll normally be fine; if there's only one, it's probably a bull, use caution.