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Be prepared for unexpected night in the woods |
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October 28, 2016 |
By Michael Meier
Boundary County PIO
Every fall, hunters get lost in the woods, and
while most escape no worse than tired, chilled
and hungry, the hazards of being lost in Idaho's
woods shouldn't be underestimated. Hunters can
take precautions and prepare for an unexpected
stay in the woods.
* Don't rely only on electronics. Items like GPS
receivers, cell phones and two-way radios are
handy, but dead batteries or other malfunctions
render them useless. A map and compass are low
tech and less likely to fail, but you also have
to know how to use them.
* Know the area you're hunting. Always be
conscious of your surroundings, prominent
points, river or creek drainages, and
occasionally turn around and look behind you so
you will remember what it looks like when you're
coming back. If you're on a trail, don't
hesitate to put a temporary marker at
intersections. Things can look different on your
return, especially if you return in the dark.
* Let someone at home know where you will be
hunting and when you expect to return. Often
hunters are out longer than expected, especially
when they are pursuing big game animals far from
a road. You may want to set an absolute deadline
and have someone who can alert the authorities
if you haven't returned, or contacted someone by
that time.
* Ditto for your hunting partner. Hunters often
get separated, so set up a rendezvous time and
place and decide in advance when a third party
will seek help if you or your partners do not
return in time.
* Watch the weather. You're more likely to get
lost or turned around in poor visibility when
it's raining, foggy or snowing, which are also
conditions under which you don't want to be lost
in the woods.
* Avoid cotton clothing. It provides no warmth
when wet. Many hunters wear denim jeans, but
there are better alternatives. Look for
synthetic, breathable fabrics like modern "softshells."
They are more comfortable in nearly all
conditions than traditional denim. Old-school
wool is also better than cotton, and modern wool
is comfortable and excellent insulation.
* Have a fire-starting kit. Whether matches,
lighter or other devices, it should be
weatherproof, and it never hurts to have more
than one device, as well as tinder or fire
starter. Know how to start a fire in all weather
conditions.
* Bring a headlamp and extra batteries. They're
valuable for navigating in early mornings or
after dark.
* If you get lost, warmth, shelter and water
should be your priorities. You can go days
without food, but you have to stay warm and
hydrated. But it's never a bad idea to carry
extra food with you.
* Dress in layers and be prepared for the worst
weather. Temperatures can drop 30 or 40 degrees
between day and night in the mountains. The
weather can also change quickly during fall, and
it's not uncommon to go from warm and sunny to
snowing within hours. A light, packable
insulated jacket and a waterproof shell don't
weigh much or take up much space, and they
provide good insulation in cold and wet weather.
Keep them in a daypack and carry it with you.
* Survival kits are all the rage these days, but
many are overkill. Think about the essentials
you would need for an unplanned night in the
woods.
* Have your vehicle ready for the backcountry
and prepared for minor breakdowns, such as flat
tires or dead batteries. A separate survival kit
for your vehicle is a good idea because space
and weight are less of an issue than when items
must be carried on your person.
* If you get lost, admit it to yourself and
prepare to spend the night out. Build a fire for
warmth and companionship, and set up a shelter.
Wandering around will make it harder for search
and rescue personnel to find you. It also fuels
your anxiety, preventing you from thinking
clearly and making safe choices. This increases
the chance that you could become injured or
worse.
* If you take medication daily for a chronic
condition, pack several days' supply and take it
with you. Tell your hunting partners of your
medical condition and where in your pack your
medication is located. This can make the
difference between a minor incident and a
life-threatening medical emergency. |
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