Just a Q. not a right A.

[lawnmowwer]

What do You do if you are lost in the woods. I started covering this in Scouts Tuesday. The answer depend on your knowledge. So lets hear some.


I should add just because you read somthing here does NOT mean you should try it. Only you know your skill or knoledge level.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Well, don't try an use your not compass-equipped GPS to try and find your way out... I made that mistake one day (sorta on purpose) in Sipsey around the Eagle Creek drainage while attempting a shortcut. I popped out nearly a mile down Cranal Rd. from my car. What I discovered is that you cannot walk fast enough through brush to get a directional indication from the GPS.

The other time I tried it while bushwhack was also in the same area, when I had successfully gotten out of the drainage by using the stream bed, and was within earshot of the road, but walked in 50-foot circles because I wasn't fast enough to generate a directional indication to my car. I ended up beeping my car horn with the key fob to find the car... I was THAT close to it.

The moral of the story is that a GPS can tell you WHERE you are, but if you don't have a compass and map, you won't know which WAY to go.

NOTE: The upland areas around Eagle Creek are really ugly forestry impacted mixed forest, the dips in the terrain there are particularly steep, and the area along Cranal Rd. is covered in sticker bushes, so avoid bushwhack up there. Nothing to see anyway.

[Fiddler]

By you saying Scouts I will assume they (the scouts) are pre-teen to mid-teen, but this should apply to any age group. You should always let someone know you are going, whether an individual or a group, both when and where, and expected return. Each person carry at least a whistle. Once you realize you are lost, blow the whistle occasionally and stay where you are if possible, or move to a safer spot if necessary. Don't wander around, if a search has begun you could enter an area that has already been searched. There are many other points such as seeking shelter or water, but in my opinion the above is the most important.

[Joshua Szulecki]

To go along with what Fiddler has said, here is what I do regarding leaving notice.

I tell somebody generally where I am going and the exact places I intend to visit if I can, when I will return, and the name and usually number of local law enforcement agencies. I also leave a note on my desk with the same information, in case anything happens to the other information, so that law enforcement or family will have another copy if I am gone for long. Any time I travel more than 1/2 a mile from my car, I generally leave a note on the dashboard that says where I am going, when I expect to return, and leave an emergency contact number.

NOTE: I am striking the above text regarding leaving a note in your car. -Jo7hs2

[lawnmowwer]

 Boy Scouts is correct. The instructions I gave are very close to the directions above. I told them if they found themselves apart from the group to get out their whistle and blow it afew times and wait for a return call. If a repley was not heard to sit down beside the trail, get comfortable, and wait right there. Then blow your whistle at regular intervals a few minutes apart and don't stop until you hear a reply . The reason for this is that the first place that would be searched was the trail we were on and all connecting trails close by. If you are on the trail you are easy to spot. If we are crosscountry hiking the instruction was the same but to get out you tent parts or any bright colored thing and hang them in the trees around you to make yourself as visible as possible. Also stay in a group. Never to divide into smaller group because then the searchers are looking for two or more groups and don't know and if you divide someone moved. As a Troop We have a CD with current Photos of every Troop member on it so a current pic is always around. We figure that in a large search (where some searchers don't know the lost people) we will have a computer and printer to use. We also divide the adults among the boys on the hike so hopfully if there is a group seperation an adult is in every group.

Myself I always stay on trails in popular areas when alone. I leave directions to where I am going along with a trail map also. I tell atleast two people where I am going before I leave. I have extensive outdoor time and have always found my way out on my own. I started reading maps before GPS and almost never carry one. GPS that is. They always seam to get me confused and I break out the map and compass anyway.

 Another major thing is to stay calm and relax and think about your situation. If you are panicing you will make bad choices. Most people care enough gear, food, and water on an overnighter to last several days with little discomfort if you are calm and think things through.

Lets hear somemore answers.

[Rob]

       Be very cautious about leaving a note in your vehicle, If it is left visable for all to read, the could be would be theif will know your exact itinerary and provide them with helpful information in a possible attempt to take your property or even worse. It is very important to let friends and family know of your plans, especially when you plan to return (be sure to give them an update of any plan changes!). If possible, register with the attendant or rangers at the park or wilderness area you are visiting, these people will often be involved in a search or rescue attempt and usually know the terrain. This will also let them know that you actually arrived at the park! Stick to the trail and stay in one place as many have already mentioned (probably the most important advice). I always try to carry a couple of days reserve food when doing a solo. Make sure you have ample first aid supplies. When packing think saftey over comfort, be prepared for all situations and climate.
        Probably one of the most common sense things to do is practice PREVENTION ! Plan your trips well, review as much information as possible about the area you are visiting. Make sure you have the correct and most useful maps available, especially for extended trips. Don't try bushwhacking if you don't have experience, staying on established trails will insure a greater possibility of NOT getting lost.  Now, go out and have some fun!   Happy Trails,   Hopalong

[Joshua Szulecki]

Be very cautious about leaving a note in your vehicle, If it is left visable for all to read, the could be would be theif will know your exact itinerary and provide them with helpful information in a possible attempt to take your property or even worse. - Rob

That's a really good point! Knowing plenty of stories of stolen, robbed, and vandalized vehicles (and worse) out of Red River Canyon Gorge and a few other areas, I should really know better, but apparently I haven't been thinking all that clearly. I will not be leaving a note in my car anymore.