Originally posted by jonnin:

trying to take shortcuts to find higher level stuff is a recipe for death.

I would partially disagree with this as long as you are fully prepared, have high sneak/run/jump, best food (balanced between health and stam) and, of course, go only in daylight and only on the borders (swamp) or quick in/quick out for mountains. Don't be greedy, and don't stop to mark things on your map.

If you do take these risks make sure and have a fully enclosed and roofed outpost with fire and workbench as close as possible to the area you are scouting/raiding. You might even want to put in earthen walls or moat with plenty of clip space between that and your outpost's walls.

Yes it is a chance but its a calculated one - the rewards for getting things like turnips or obsidian early are huge.