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Lost in the Woods. Don’t think it can’t happen!. Expert skier lost five days in North Cascades without Essentials, map and compass Body of missing hiker who grew up in Yakima recovered Lost Father & Son Hunting Near Pompey’s Pillar Search continues for Minnesota hunter missing in Montana
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Don’t think it can’t happen! Expert skier lost five days in North Cascades without Essentials, map and compass Body of missing hiker who grew up in Yakima recovered Lost Father & Son Hunting Near Pompey’s Pillar Search continues for Minnesota hunter missing in Montana STATE POLICE RESPOND TO 5 LOST HIKERS IN MOUNT WASHINGTON STATE FOREST The Mountain Rescue Association which has chapters in 20 states launches about 3,000 SAR missions annually!!
Avoidance Before entering unfamiliar bush, be well acquainted with the lay of the land. (study topographic maps, familiarize with dominant terrain features and any natural or man made landmarks.) Get a weather forecast. Don’t hike alone. If you do, notify someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Take a compass!! Get a heading often (at least every half hour.) Travel on marked trails or well worn paths. Stay with group (team leaders: be aware of how far out your group is strung. Wait up!! Your group is only as fast as the slowest member.) If the group must split up travel in pairs.
If you become lost… Stay calm/Stay put!! Think: (how long since last trail sign, what memorable features were past, will anyone notice/search?) Observe: (time of day, compass heading, tracks, vistas, listen, survival/signal gear) Plan: (stay or go?)
Other considerations… If it is within an hour and a half of nightfall and you are still uncertain of a way out, begin making provisions to bivy. In extreme cold you may have to guess the best direction and go for it. If the decision is made to go, leave a sign indicating direction of travel. Once a direction of travel is chosen stick with it to avoid back tracking.