If you are a hunter or a hiker, particularly in the deeper, more dense woodlands and forests of the north, invariably at some point in time you are going to get turned around and not know exactly where you are, particularly if the woods you’re hunting are not completely familiar to you.
Most of the time you’re going to find your way out with minimal fuss and muss, but what if you don’t? Are you prepared for the eventuality of having to spend a day, or even a night outside without heavy gear?
Hiking trails can prevent losing your way if you stick to them.
Heaven forbid you’re going to be lost enough to not be able to find your way out but being prepared for that eventuality, particularly if you’re hunting in mid winter, is going to save your life.
There are a few things you can do PRIOR to becoming lost that will help. Make it a habit to do these each time you enter the woods and it will make a big difference, even if the woods or forests you are walking in are well known to you.
A few simple rules of thumb before heading into the woods are:
ALWAYS take a compass with you
If possible, carry a pack that contains water, a couple candy bars or energy bars, and an extra sweater or emergency blanket.
Carry a lighter or matches.
If you haven’t done those things, there is still a good chance that you’re going to be able to make it through. Many people have survived several nights in a cooler environment with just the clothing on their backs.
The things you can do to assure your survival and being found are:
# DON”T Wander.. Stay where you are.. this will save energy for you, and make you far easier to find. Searchers are looking slowly, trying to find clues. If you are moving and they are too, you’re going to be a lot harder to spot.
# If you have a cell phone, now would be a fine time to call 911. Don’t laugh. We’ve actually searched for those who hadn’t called and had a phone with them. Be embarrassed later but its far easier when you’re warm and safe.. and alive.
# If you have spare clothing, put it on. Do up collars, shoe laces, and put on your hat. Sitting is going to make you chilly, but it is the best way to be found. Yet staying warm and hydrated are your priorities
# If you have a lighter, make a small circle of stones and light a fire. This will warm you and also help search and rescue folks to locate you, by either light or smoke.
# Find a spot that is shelted but NOT hidden. Look for a nook below a tree, a tight spot in ground brush or a wind break of some sort. Use piles of branches, vegetation or brush around you to shelter you from the wind. Do not enter caves or other unknown areas to take shelter unless you have no other options.
# When seated sit on your pack or cushion, or failing that use a log. Don’t sit on bare ground
# Try to conserve your water supply, drink only what you need.
# If you must stay out overnight DO NOT LIE ON BARE GROUND! Cover it with dry leaves, limbs or vegetation to keep you away from the ground which will sap the heat from you.
# If you aren’t wearing a hat, cover your head with your coat or jacket, pull it up to prevent maximum heat loss.
# Conserve heat in your body, conserve energy, water and fuel, or food.
## DO NOT EAT, anything you aren’t familiar with. Teaberries, blackberries and so on are common in the woods and will feed you and provide liquid however if you aren’t certain whats what, don’t put it in your mouth.
# Get water from small stream sources, not larger bodies of water. There are twofold reasons for this, among them, the chance of becoming immersed in the larger body of water and secondary to that, the odds of the stream or brook being clean are better than that of a larger body of water such as apond or lake.
If you take some time before entering the forests or woods to prepare yourself for any eventuality, or at the least to learn what to do if it happens, chances are you’re going to be able to cope if the unforeseen does take place.
Popularity: 1% [?]
|
|
