Sean Dempsey
Member
I watch Les Stroud on Survivorman, so I'm pretty well educated on what to do, thanks though.
Hunter survives five nights of cold, hunger in Idaho mountains
- Thread starter Jeff White
- Start date
- Status
I went for a 7 mile hike this weekend. It was an easy stroll close to a major highway and plenty of people around. I will not list all the contents of my pack and pockets but they included:
nalgene water bottle
bic lighter, matches, proforce fire flint
whistle
first aid kid
SAK w/saw, Buck 110 folding knife
walking stick
6 granola bars/bags of skittles
cell phone
Safe Light Super Brigh Flashlight and back up Photon Freedom
hat, gloves, polar fleece jacket
The wife's pack had similar items. At the end of the hike, I realized I was almost out of water. Note to self pack more water or way to purify it. I passed several other groups of hikers. Only two of them had packs a few carried water bottles. Did I regret carrying all this stuff, only once when hiking up a steep incline. I stopped regretting it when I got to the top and chugged half my water and ate two granola bars. I always figure it's better to over prepare than to under prepare.
nalgene water bottle
bic lighter, matches, proforce fire flint
whistle
first aid kid
SAK w/saw, Buck 110 folding knife
walking stick
6 granola bars/bags of skittles
cell phone
Safe Light Super Brigh Flashlight and back up Photon Freedom
hat, gloves, polar fleece jacket
The wife's pack had similar items. At the end of the hike, I realized I was almost out of water. Note to self pack more water or way to purify it. I passed several other groups of hikers. Only two of them had packs a few carried water bottles. Did I regret carrying all this stuff, only once when hiking up a steep incline. I stopped regretting it when I got to the top and chugged half my water and ate two granola bars. I always figure it's better to over prepare than to under prepare.
ID_shooting
Member
"I always figure it's better to over prepare than to under prepare."
Yup, agreed. An old First Sergeant tought me, Prior Planning Prevents P*ss Poor Performance; Pray for the best but prepare for the worst; finally, You are only called paraniod till somthing happens, then you are considered well prepared.
Yup, agreed. An old First Sergeant tought me, Prior Planning Prevents P*ss Poor Performance; Pray for the best but prepare for the worst; finally, You are only called paraniod till somthing happens, then you are considered well prepared.
dragongoddess
member
You know I've never hunted but it seems to me this guy hadn't hunted before either. I would at least have checked the weather report and carried the required items to deal with the expected weather if I chose to go after knowing how the weather was going to be on my trip.
I'm glad the guy was alright but it seems that he didn't even take the simplest of precautions which is only asking for trouble.
I'm glad the guy was alright but it seems that he didn't even take the simplest of precautions which is only asking for trouble.
FYI: dangers of eating local flora and fauna.
If you aren't used to eating dandilion leaves and pine needle tea, etc. they can give you a serious fit of dissentary. (see toilet paper on essentials list)
Which is a bad thing in a survival situation.
Knowing what you CAN eat = good, but don't resort to them unless you have to.
If you aren't used to eating dandilion leaves and pine needle tea, etc. they can give you a serious fit of dissentary. (see toilet paper on essentials list)
Which is a bad thing in a survival situation.
Knowing what you CAN eat = good, but don't resort to them unless you have to.
USMC - Retired
Member
This guy was most definately a rookie hunter. I'm curious as to how he planned to get his elk out if he shot one. Two day hunt with no fire starting material? No shelter? No food? No sleeping bag? No water? Hmmmm... musta been because there was something else he didn't have.... Brains!
ID_shooting
Member
DG, not sure what he did in planning for this hunt but somtimes in our state you don't have a choice.
Some of our seasons and draw dates are only two weeks long, couple that with trying to match the migration patterns and you can only have two or three days to get your critter. Somtimes you go no matter what the weather is.
Some of our seasons and draw dates are only two weeks long, couple that with trying to match the migration patterns and you can only have two or three days to get your critter. Somtimes you go no matter what the weather is.
dragongoddess
member
But given that knowledge would you not already have the gear ready. Would not that gear also have items for survival if the weather changed? In other words are you prepared for changes in the weather or other conditions.
I only ask because when I make those trips home to Kentucky from El Paso Texas. I'm watching the weather for a week before I leave. I've packed weather specific clothing for the trip. I pack enough food and water for 3 days for the dog and I along with tools,duct tape and xtra water for the car if needed. If I'm traveling in the winter there are extra blankets and food along with the sleeping bag if for some reason I breakdown at night. And of course I can always throw up the tent.
My excursions home are like military field exercises. I prepare for the worst. Now with my interest in weapons I can add a few weapons with ammo to my packing list.
I only ask because when I make those trips home to Kentucky from El Paso Texas. I'm watching the weather for a week before I leave. I've packed weather specific clothing for the trip. I pack enough food and water for 3 days for the dog and I along with tools,duct tape and xtra water for the car if needed. If I'm traveling in the winter there are extra blankets and food along with the sleeping bag if for some reason I breakdown at night. And of course I can always throw up the tent.
My excursions home are like military field exercises. I prepare for the worst. Now with my interest in weapons I can add a few weapons with ammo to my packing list.
Dr Rob ~
True enough, but one minor addendum. I know what is safe for me, and how much, because I've sampled an awful lot of it on day trips, or gathered for sampling at home.
Incidentally, if the guide book says, "Edible, but not palatable," you can take that as meaning Crocodile Dundee's statement applies.
pax
That? You can live on it, but it tastes like sh... -- Crocodile Dundee
True enough, but one minor addendum. I know what is safe for me, and how much, because I've sampled an awful lot of it on day trips, or gathered for sampling at home.
Incidentally, if the guide book says, "Edible, but not palatable," you can take that as meaning Crocodile Dundee's statement applies.
pax
That? You can live on it, but it tastes like sh... -- Crocodile Dundee
mbs357
Member
I don't believe this story.
If he was stranded in Idaho there should have been a billion potatoes laying around for him to eat, build into shelter, and set fire to for warmth.
pfft.
If he was stranded in Idaho there should have been a billion potatoes laying around for him to eat, build into shelter, and set fire to for warmth.
pfft.
MD_Willington
Member
On the radio this morning there was another hunter found, she was trapped under here ATV...
Moscow/Pullman daily news link;
Missing Princeton woman located in Camas Creek area
http://www.dnews.com/
Unfortunately you have to be a subscriber to "read more"...
MD
Moscow/Pullman daily news link;
Missing Princeton woman located in Camas Creek area
http://www.dnews.com/
Unfortunately you have to be a subscriber to "read more"...
MD
USMC - Retired
Member
X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,657
There is a great deal of difference in lost or injured. If only lost you still have full mobility and retain the ability to travel, build shelter and fire or search for food. One should try to pack a kit that they can survive from if they are unable to move. And it should give them capability to stay for a couple of days until hopefully found.If you are prepared for this the gear you have should carry you well if you are only lost. Dry Warm Hydrate
Tougher than most think....
To those who dismiss the notion of approximately 24 miles as being not that difficult, I must beg to differ. The terrain in what we refer to in Idaho as the "back country" - the "Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area" is no regular hike. Look at the topo maps; it's all extremely steep, heavily wooded, rocky, and utterly devoid of humanity for miles and miles in any direction. That's why the .gov re-introduced wolves there in 1995 - little likelihood of there being any human contact. Being a wilderness area, it is not, nor has it ever been (except the easily accessible border areas) logged. It is the area where Lewis & Clark turned back from on their westward quest and sought an "easier route." Storms come up out of nowhere, and more often than not, Stanley, Idaho is the coldest spot in the nation, year round (at least in the entire lower 48).
Was he foolish for not being prepared? Absolutely. He won't ever make that mistake again, either.
Was his survival for days, and a 24 mile hike in that terrain something to be impressed about? An emphatic YES!!
It's different terrain, tougher terrain, and higher in elevation than what most folks who dismiss his survival as no big thing have ever encountered, especially during this time of year. It ain't the same as traipsing around in the foothills around the country that many mistakenly refer to as "mountains."
To those who dismiss the notion of approximately 24 miles as being not that difficult, I must beg to differ. The terrain in what we refer to in Idaho as the "back country" - the "Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area" is no regular hike. Look at the topo maps; it's all extremely steep, heavily wooded, rocky, and utterly devoid of humanity for miles and miles in any direction. That's why the .gov re-introduced wolves there in 1995 - little likelihood of there being any human contact. Being a wilderness area, it is not, nor has it ever been (except the easily accessible border areas) logged. It is the area where Lewis & Clark turned back from on their westward quest and sought an "easier route." Storms come up out of nowhere, and more often than not, Stanley, Idaho is the coldest spot in the nation, year round (at least in the entire lower 48).
Was he foolish for not being prepared? Absolutely. He won't ever make that mistake again, either.
Was his survival for days, and a 24 mile hike in that terrain something to be impressed about? An emphatic YES!!
It's different terrain, tougher terrain, and higher in elevation than what most folks who dismiss his survival as no big thing have ever encountered, especially during this time of year. It ain't the same as traipsing around in the foothills around the country that many mistakenly refer to as "mountains."
All of the above seems right, not enough prep, not enough experience in back country living, good for him to make it out,
RE the suggestion of using 12 guage flares in a shot gun, Please understand that they will stick in any choke and melt the barrel down to a blob. seen it on a guy who was playing an melted a superposed down to club.
RE the suggestion of using 12 guage flares in a shot gun, Please understand that they will stick in any choke and melt the barrel down to a blob. seen it on a guy who was playing an melted a superposed down to club.
scout26
Member
Admit you're lost and build a fire because:
1. It gives you something to focus on/and to do other then being lost. (Finding kindling, wood, getting it started, keeping it going, etc.) Fire becomes your friend, especially at night. It keeps you warm, and can be used to dry out wet clothing.
2. It also anchors you one spot. You're easier to find if you stop moving around.
3. It makes smoke and light. Which people (rescuers) can see and smell. (Hey Jim, wonder why there's smoke over on the other side of hill, ya think maybe that guy that's lost is over there ????) Animals tend to shy away from fires.
Ants - high in protein, and also challenging to catch. Makes for nutritous and entertaining meals that take a while. (Remember you waiting to be rescued so anything you can do to pass the time, again WITHOUT PANICKING, is a good thing.) Build/improve your shelter. Stack firewood. If I ever get lost, my goal is to offer my rescuers a piping hot dandlelion cappacino from the balcony of my split level lean-to, while I finish preparing a nice dinner of deer steaks with a side of wild rice and persimmons. Roasted apples for dessert.
If you stay dry, warm and hydrated you can last 15 to 30+ days before food starts to become a real issue. The real issue is keeping your mind focused on NOT PANICKING.
1. It gives you something to focus on/and to do other then being lost. (Finding kindling, wood, getting it started, keeping it going, etc.) Fire becomes your friend, especially at night. It keeps you warm, and can be used to dry out wet clothing.
2. It also anchors you one spot. You're easier to find if you stop moving around.
3. It makes smoke and light. Which people (rescuers) can see and smell. (Hey Jim, wonder why there's smoke over on the other side of hill, ya think maybe that guy that's lost is over there ????) Animals tend to shy away from fires.
Ants - high in protein, and also challenging to catch. Makes for nutritous and entertaining meals that take a while. (Remember you waiting to be rescued so anything you can do to pass the time, again WITHOUT PANICKING, is a good thing.) Build/improve your shelter. Stack firewood. If I ever get lost, my goal is to offer my rescuers a piping hot dandlelion cappacino from the balcony of my split level lean-to, while I finish preparing a nice dinner of deer steaks with a side of wild rice and persimmons. Roasted apples for dessert.
If you stay dry, warm and hydrated you can last 15 to 30+ days before food starts to become a real issue. The real issue is keeping your mind focused on NOT PANICKING.
kart racer
Member
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2004
- Messages
- 482
I was taught to test plants by,1-inspect it,some plants when old become toxic.2-smell it,take a little portion and crush it,if it smells like peaches or bitter almonds don't eat it,3-check for skin irritation by rubbing or squeezing some juice onto a tender part of the body like you elbow or the underside of your arm between your armpit & elbow,4-if there's no irritation,place a small portion on the tip of your tongue,lips,corner of the mouth,underneath tongue and chew a small portion.If there's any dicomfort don't eat it.If it passes those tests,eat a small portion and wait a few hours without eating or drinking anything else-if there's no problem it's safe to eat.
If you do have stomach problems after eating it drinking hot water will help.Eating charcoal will help,also white wood ash mixed into a paste with water will help.
Alot of seeds and grains contains poisions,they can be tested the same way,but never swallow any until you know for sure if they are safe.
Be especially careful of fungi/mushrooms,there are some that are easily confused with edible ones.One of the worst ones is death cap,normally in 8-24hrs you violently sick-nausea,diarrhea,convulsions,etc.,a day later you seem to recover then about 90% of the time the person will die in 2-10 days from liver failure.
If you do have stomach problems after eating it drinking hot water will help.Eating charcoal will help,also white wood ash mixed into a paste with water will help.
Alot of seeds and grains contains poisions,they can be tested the same way,but never swallow any until you know for sure if they are safe.
Be especially careful of fungi/mushrooms,there are some that are easily confused with edible ones.One of the worst ones is death cap,normally in 8-24hrs you violently sick-nausea,diarrhea,convulsions,etc.,a day later you seem to recover then about 90% of the time the person will die in 2-10 days from liver failure.
No argument Pax, but for the novices out there... I watched an episode of "Survivorman" where that guy chunked up a root ball he really didn't have to eat. He also has no idea how to cook small game.
There are tons of books on the subject, but books are heavy and make lousy toilet paper. I suggest you do your reading in the comfort of your own bathroom, well before you get 'out there.'
Just on a side note, I know a woman that could point to a hillside most people saw as weeds and sticks and scrub, and point out what you could eat, but also what made good medicines. She made me re-think everything I THOUGHT I knew about being 'woodsy.'
So on that note... there is ONE natural food that never goes bad, contains no bacteria and is a great source of energy and can be used as a field dressing. The answer? HONEY.
Sure in cold climates it gets thick... but carrying a small well sealed squeeze bottle in an interior jacket pocket could be useful.
There are tons of books on the subject, but books are heavy and make lousy toilet paper. I suggest you do your reading in the comfort of your own bathroom, well before you get 'out there.'
Just on a side note, I know a woman that could point to a hillside most people saw as weeds and sticks and scrub, and point out what you could eat, but also what made good medicines. She made me re-think everything I THOUGHT I knew about being 'woodsy.'
So on that note... there is ONE natural food that never goes bad, contains no bacteria and is a great source of energy and can be used as a field dressing. The answer? HONEY.
Sure in cold climates it gets thick... but carrying a small well sealed squeeze bottle in an interior jacket pocket could be useful.
Cosmoline
Member
Dr. Rob is right about honey! I love the stuff. Even when it gets really cold and clouds over it's still a nice energy boost. Honey and oatmeal are among my favorite survival foods. You guys can keep your beans and rice Also, a bottle of hard liquor and some baccy are nice to have around to calm the mind. A pipe or chaw will help keep your mind off food, and has been used for this very purpose by folks for centuries.
Also, a bottle of hard liquor and some baccy are nice to have around to calm the mind. A pipe or chaw will help keep your mind off food, and has been used for this very purpose by folks for centuries.
X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,657
Honey energy bars candy bars all are good to have in your pack.As far as living off the land a person had better make a habit of doing so all year long and keep your body conditioned to the different foods you will eat in the wild or you may just increase your discomfort.If your lost you can expect the max. time out to be three days to a week at most, keep a fire shelter and water and save the foraging for the critters. Besides at times of the year like this what little edible plants will be roots making identification more difficult.If your armed and hunting try to shoot game keep some salt and pepper just in case.
FilJos
Member
A couple of energy bars, a decent knife with maybe a saw blade, like a leatherman, and one of these
--->http://www.duluthpack.com/product_detail.aspx?product=Survival%20Kit%20in%20a%20Can I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet. The Sardine can survival kit. Of course you can make your own little kit with a wide-mouth nalgene bottle and the right contents. And it should float, I believe.
I'll add my name to the list that thinks that honey is a good idea. It is the only food that won't spoil and it functions as an antibacterial/antiseptic treatment for wounds.
On second though, slathering honey on a small cut in bear country might cause you to lose your arm.
Oh, and don't forget your towel. A towel is about the most massively useful thing a hiker can have. Partly it has great practical value—you can wrap it around you for warmth; you can lie on it; you can sleep under it beneath the stars; use it to sail a mini raft; wet it for use in hand-to-hand combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes; you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough. More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value.
--->http://www.duluthpack.com/product_detail.aspx?product=Survival%20Kit%20in%20a%20Can I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet. The Sardine can survival kit. Of course you can make your own little kit with a wide-mouth nalgene bottle and the right contents. And it should float, I believe.
I'll add my name to the list that thinks that honey is a good idea. It is the only food that won't spoil and it functions as an antibacterial/antiseptic treatment for wounds.
On second though, slathering honey on a small cut in bear country might cause you to lose your arm.
Oh, and don't forget your towel. A towel is about the most massively useful thing a hiker can have. Partly it has great practical value—you can wrap it around you for warmth; you can lie on it; you can sleep under it beneath the stars; use it to sail a mini raft; wet it for use in hand-to-hand combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes; you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough. More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value.
WayneConrad
Member
If lost or incapacitated in the desert, food will kill ya'.
How so?
Because your body uses water to digest food. And water is a big, big issue out here.
Those quart drinking bottles that joggers and hikers carry? In the middle of summer, that could be less than an hour of what your body is sweating out.
Unless water isn't a problem, avoid food.
How so?
Because your body uses water to digest food. And water is a big, big issue out here.
Those quart drinking bottles that joggers and hikers carry? In the middle of summer, that could be less than an hour of what your body is sweating out.
Unless water isn't a problem, avoid food.
FilJos
Member
Good point. My brother just got back from Iraq a couple of months ago and he told me that the standing order there was to consume 1 liter of water per hour.
Lonestar.45
Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,077
If I go hunting anywhere outside my own backyard, I've got the basics on me (compass, fire making ability, space blanket, saw/knives, water tablets, etc.). If there is any kind of game whatsoever where I'm at (which there should be as I'm hunting, eh?) I'd be eating, and drinking if there was water nearby (and if not I'd have brought some). I don't carry tons of gear, just a fanny pack with the essentials, which is all I'd need.
Anyone can get lost, unforseen circumstances and Murphy can ensure that rather quickly. Knowing that is half the battle. If you know it's a possibility, then you have no excuse when you're not prepared when it happens.
Anyone can get lost, unforseen circumstances and Murphy can ensure that rather quickly. Knowing that is half the battle. If you know it's a possibility, then you have no excuse when you're not prepared when it happens.
grampster
Member
I envy those of you who live in the West. You have grand country. Here in Meechigan, at least in the lower P, you'd have to seriously plan and try real hard to get lost. In the upper, there are places that are remote.
Still, I carry a supply of useful things in a fanny pack when I go into the woods.
One of the things that I learned a long time ago was how territory changes over time. Years ago, I used to hunt in a large tract of state forest in southern Michigan. I discovered that if one doesn't continue to frequent areas that you thought you had learned well, the terrain changes, things grow and reconfigure, and you can get turned around fairly easily if you're not paying attention.
Heh. I remember one opening day going into an area that I had not hunted in several years, that I knew very well. I had not scouted it because I was comfortable with the terrain; so I thought. It was pre-dawn and misting rain besides. I had a small light and was pretty sure I knew exactly where I was going. I like to hunt thickets and pot holes. I found my tree, crawled under it and when on high alert for daylight and a big buck. Finally, it got light and I discovered I was not sitting under the pine that I thought I was. I had been quietly waiting for my buck overlooking about a 10 acre pond that was about 10 feet in front of me. Good stand for bluegills, but lousy for deer.
My point, after this ramble, is that being prepared does not always mean having "stuff". It's also about not being overconfident and knowing that things change, even in areas you think you know.
Still, I carry a supply of useful things in a fanny pack when I go into the woods.
One of the things that I learned a long time ago was how territory changes over time. Years ago, I used to hunt in a large tract of state forest in southern Michigan. I discovered that if one doesn't continue to frequent areas that you thought you had learned well, the terrain changes, things grow and reconfigure, and you can get turned around fairly easily if you're not paying attention.
Heh. I remember one opening day going into an area that I had not hunted in several years, that I knew very well. I had not scouted it because I was comfortable with the terrain; so I thought. It was pre-dawn and misting rain besides. I had a small light and was pretty sure I knew exactly where I was going. I like to hunt thickets and pot holes. I found my tree, crawled under it and when on high alert for daylight and a big buck. Finally, it got light and I discovered I was not sitting under the pine that I thought I was. I had been quietly waiting for my buck overlooking about a 10 acre pond that was about 10 feet in front of me. Good stand for bluegills, but lousy for deer.
My point, after this ramble, is that being prepared does not always mean having "stuff". It's also about not being overconfident and knowing that things change, even in areas you think you know.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked