Here is a local story: http://www.twincities.com/ci_19196684?nclick_check=1

It just goes to show that even if you really "know" your area and are going just a "little way" it can change very quickly.

I am glad he made it out ok and learned his lesson - I hope that other also learn the lesson too... Never leave home with out it!

This would be a great time to apply the "mark-your-truck-as-a-waypoint" function on your GPS.
1. Turn GPS on and let it get a good GPS fix at your truck.
2. Mark that position as a waypoint.
3. Turn GPS off and put it in your pocket where you won't lose it (like you lost the fore-end of that expensive 28 ga shotgun).
4. Pull the GPS out and use as needed after you get turned around and lost chasing a grouse in the brush.

Edit: 20/20 hindsight being what it is, that was a really expensive grouse. These situations often start out with a hunter/hiker getting lost. It will cost more to replace the fore-end of that shotgun than to have bought a pretty decent hand-held GPS receiver.

Somehting is odd with your link, after I click on it I get redirected to
https://secure.forums.equipped.org/registration/?rPage=login&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.equipped.org%2Fubbthreads.php%3Fubb%3Dshowflat%26Number%3D234511&eRightsSessionExpired=true&forced=true

(I'm at work so stuck in a crappy web browser)

If I copy and paste just the link it redirects to
https://secure.passport.mnginteractive.com/mngi/servletDispatch/ErightsPassportServlet.dyn?url=http://www.twincities.com/ci_19196684?nclick_check=1&forced=true

looks like you have some sort of fancy authentication.

Try this link; it worked for me.

This is a stereotype, of course, but I can't help thinking that hunters are generally under equipped for most emergencies. After all, they are carrying a gun. What else could they possibly need?

And I have to admit that i have been out with just a gun more than once, but not recently.

Flat thick Minnesota forests are tough, terrain, and the trees do all look alike....

Good link. Good lesson. And completely agreed about dropping a waypoint at your truck or the trailhead.

Wife comments (complains) on my "big backpack" when we go out into the woods. But I have myself and her and two kids to take care of. So I have several packs full of clif bars and snacks (I put 4 each into a baggie and then carry a half dozen baggies) plus the 3L of water in the camelbak and my spare socks and lighters and matches and water purifying tables, etc. But i'd rather carry the stuff and not need it than need it and not have it.

I am with you on that. I get that from a lot of people. I have my EDC, but I always carry other stuff just in case, and usually enough for whoever is with me. it took my wife a while to learn the need for it. My kids are pretty good about it too. Other, however, snicker and talk. But there have been several occasions where I have pulled out that extra jacket or poncho, pair of socks or gloves, bug repellant or sun screen and especially that bottle of water, and everyone was very happy that I had carried it. That doesn't mean that they learned and now carry their own, they just make sure I am along and they are near me when they need something.

My son wanted to put stuff in his camelbak last weekend. His is the one that is just a water bladder and no other pockets so he's ready for an upgrade.

My wife used to complain about the stuff I was carrying...right up until she needed something.

Wife: "I'm cold, let me get that jacket out of your pack."

chaosmagnet: "No."

W: "Why not?!?"

c: "Get your own jacket."

W: "It's back at camp!"

c: "I guess you should have brought one."


I ended up letting her have the jacket, but after a few similar events she stopped making fun of me.