I have been somewhat confused about location a few times.
No threat, just things weren't how I perceived them.
Once, I was truly, no f'n idea where to go, lost.
I wasn't really far from a camp. But it was cold and getting dark.
I was as scared as anytime ever in the woods. Found my own tracks
in the snow, I had been circling the top of a big round knob. I had no idea
what direction to go, and not enough light to follow my tracks around again to
find where I came in.
It was a drive hunting situation, when I disappeared, they knew where I was.
Most of those guys had done the same thing there. (They put me 50 yards from
the top and told me to go straight. A setup knowing what they knew)
Anyway, they sent four wheelers looking for me. When I heard that engine, I dumped
my flashpowder and took off at a dead run.
No big deal. But close enough to learn a few lessons.
#1 Don't panic. Easy to say. But I kinda did.
Because. I missed one of the rules of being lost, one that really applied to me.
#2 Stay Put.
This one doesn't fit every single situation. But I applies to every one
until you at least KNOW what's up and which way to go.
In my case, I had no reason to be scared. I was within a half mile of
their camp. Moving had the potential to put me in much more remote
country. All I needed to do was sit down and wait. Someone was bound to
come looking or fire a shot.
#3
Don't think you have to find your way out.
That's where I went wrong.
It's really embarrassing to have gotten so screwed up in that situation.
I have hunted in remote areas. A long ways from anything.
But really it points to another important thought.
Some like to poke fun, and then talk about how they are prepared.
But that's where things go off the rails.
Experienced guys go "for a little walk", or I'm on a hunt that goes "nowhere really".
So many of the lost stories arent idiots.
They are people who weren't in desolate areas, just a couple hour hike.
Then things went to schidt!
