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I did a search and I didn't find a thread that dealt with this subject specifically. So..
Let's see if we can provide a thread that lists things you've learned about staying safe in the "wilderness". I think it would be ideal if the tips are ones you'd personally proven.
Tip: Keep that fanny or day pack on that contains your compass and emergency gear! I took mine off in 1985 (Kremmling, CO) and 2006 (north of Ft. Collins, CO). BOTH times I ended up "turned around" for an hour or so each time.
-------------------- If the mind wanders, so too will the arrow.
Member of various archery organizations. Posts: 3858 | From: Kentucky | Registered: Jan 2004
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Always try and get a map or areal photo of the area you are planning to hunt. And always leave a copy of your hunting plan(detailed with times and dates of the hunting area you plan to hunt) with someone who is not hunting with you(family) and one in your truck(just in case rescue finds the truck it will help them).
Always have a small survival kit(foil blanket, string, waterproof matches,and extra medication) and keep it on your body(small change purse works). Do your homework!
-------------------- Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don’t have that problem. —President Ronald Reagan Posts: 7953 | From: NJ to GA back to NJ =Lost ;) | Registered: Sep 2009
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I always have fire starting gear and a compass on my person. You never know when you might get separated from your pack. I never want to spend the night in the woods unless I can start a fire.
Posts: 380 | From: Indiana | Registered: Sep 2006
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My compass goes around my neck and does not come off until I am home. Carry a space blanket and a couple cliff bars that are for emergency use only. others have mentioned fire starters already, but when the woods are wet try and find a dead pine tree where the needles have turned brown. In my opinion that is the best kindling in existence if you hunt the pine forests.
-------------------- Malachi C.
Toelke Whip 62" 55# @ 28" drawn to 32" GT 7595 full length: 365 grains up front Posts: 556 | From: Missoula, Montana | Registered: Mar 2011
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All of my extreme experiences in the mountains have been the result of rapidly changing weather. Always have fire starter, Always have a rain shell that covers all of you. In my mind a poncho lets your legs get wet and doesn't make a good wind breaker. Deciding when to take/make shelter and start a fire is probaly the most important descision when it gets bad. MAP
-------------------- Map Posts: 237 | From: Tucson, Az | Registered: Jun 2008
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Tip: Keep that fanny or day pack on that contains your compass and emergency gear! I took mine off in 1985 (Kremmling, CO) and 2006 (north of Ft. Collins, CO). BOTH times I ended up "turned around" for an hour or so each time.
Any time i drop my pack for any reason, my gps, knife and fire starter goes with me. The gps has gotten me back to my pack many times.
-------------------- TGMM Family of the Bow Nothing on God's earth has a price so dear and profound as Freedom. Nothing on God's earth is worth such a price but Freedom. Posts: 2559 | From: Coalinga, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
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A big heavy duty (4mil) plastic trash bag can be a life saver. It doesn't take up much room in your pack and it can be used for many things from protecting meat to an emergency solo shelter.
If you are in the mountains, it also wouldn't hurt to carry a signal device (mirror, whistle) in case someone has to come look for you.
+1 on the hunt plan
Posts: 2693 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Jul 2004
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Ditto on map, compass, cell phone, and the usual essentials, including the trash bag/space blanket, AND telling folks where you are. And there are three things I carry in pockets on me in addition to what's in my packs: a Kershaw Onion, 20' or so of parachute cord and a Bic lighter. (I can build a Taj Mahal with those.)
Here in the northern Cascades, it's helpful to think in terms of creek drainages. You are either in one or you're on a ridge. I memorize the creeks and pay attention and check the map when I cross the ridges. That way I am less distressed when I don't know where I am.
Also, if I walk very slowly, I've found I get less lost than when I walk fast.
But mainly, it's most important to practice getting lost so that when it happens you aren't freaked out by it. (That is serious. Panic is what kills people. Not knowing where you are just makes your hunting trips longer than you originally planned.)
And.. two more... creeks know how to find roads and it's also a good idea to hunt in an area where you are "trapped" by roads.
-------------------- Pat McGann
Bob Lee Exotic Stickbow, 51# Bob Lee Signature T/D recurve, 55# Howatt Palomar recurve (69"), 40#
"If you leave archery for one day, it will leave you for 10 days." --Turkish proverb Posts: 820 | From: Twisp, WA | Registered: Oct 2006
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Read a book and talk to people who have area specific experience and knowledge. Once your educated your less likely to doubt yourself when the ugly gets uglier.
Books by Tom brown and the les stroud are great. Personally I stay away from the antics of bear grylls
Posts: 223 | From: canada | Registered: Jun 2010
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Don't like "space blankets". Carried one for I don't know how long till I decided to open it up. Was like potato chip bag, you couldn't tear it but a stick would poke right through. Then once it's ripped, forget it. I like a military poncho or heavy trash bag.
Posts: 232 | From: PA | Registered: May 2005
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All good suggestions. I also try to carry the ability to utilize the "survival gear" and that means that you have practiced under good conditions how to make a fire with your emergency fire starters. Made an emergency shelter and tried it out. For example a small candle a poncho and a long boot lace can keep you toasty warm in very cold weather if you know how to utilize them. If you don't then you can freeze with your legs hanging out the bottom of the poncho with an unlit candle in your hand.
-------------------- Pete Darby Posts: 512 | From: Manasses VA | Registered: Apr 2003
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Carry a SPOT. Push the button and rescue comes. Not all creeks lead to roads, or at least not to ones any where near you. I use space blankets as waterproofing for shelters. They are useless for body heat retention. They also work great as a reflector at the back of you shelter. Used properly you can achieve 70 degrees with a fire and the reflector on a very cold night. Always have a knife, cord, two methods for starting a fire and water on your person. Know the cardinal direction you need to travel to get out and always have a compass.
Most important stop and sit down! Eat a bit and just calm down! Think through your steps to the last place where you knew where you were. You can normally retrace your steps. If not get out your map and compass and resect into prominent land marks. Get your cardinal directions set and you should already know which way to go to get out.
A good hunter is never lost, he always knows where north is and which continent he is on. The rest is just foot work.
-------------------- Clay Walker Skill is not born into anyone. It is earned thru hard work and perseverance. Posts: 3246 | From: Vancouver, WA. | Registered: May 2009
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Matt, come to think of it, I don't think I've ever opened my space blanket.
Clay, our creeks are smarter than yours. But you're right.
-------------------- Pat McGann
Bob Lee Exotic Stickbow, 51# Bob Lee Signature T/D recurve, 55# Howatt Palomar recurve (69"), 40#
"If you leave archery for one day, it will leave you for 10 days." --Turkish proverb Posts: 820 | From: Twisp, WA | Registered: Oct 2006
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Excellent tips! I'm guessing a "Kershaw Onion" isn't for making bad breath to keep back the bear?
I've never included a big trash bag, I will next time.
Funny, both those "turned around" times I laid down the pack with all my stuff, I thought I'd be right back. Once I was headed down from camp to intercept some early elk. The other time I laid the pack down to carry an elk quarter to the parked truck which wasn't 200 yards away!
Both times were very embarrassing.
-------------------- If the mind wanders, so too will the arrow.
Member of various archery organizations. Posts: 3858 | From: Kentucky | Registered: Jan 2004
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But you're right.
