yeah... after reading this thread, I'm definitely more motivated now to take some navigation & survival courses. I'm pretty much a city dweller and my ineptitude towards being in nature is unbelievable. Thanks for all the great information and stories so far!
How not to get lost in the bush
- Thread starter John Y Cannuck
- Start date
- Location
- In lalaland, that is Ottawa.
Gps?
Check out http://www.dbartlett.com/ which although is outdated on units now available does cover the basic use and dangers of GPS.
One very important point that I stress is that a GPS does not need to be turned on all the time unless you want to be sure to return the same way that you entered the bush. It is adequate when hunting, to only turn it on and record a way point, then turn off until you desire to have another way point.
A hunter with a unit preloaded with a map of the area may be so fascinated by watching the his progress on the map, he misses out on seeing game.
They are NOT fool proof and the more features that a unit has, the more complex.
Think digital camera. Many people use the "automatic" mode with it, not needing all of the advanced features yet are happy with their pictures. Same with GPS, all units do the basic functions very well and unless a person enjoys delving into the subject, a basic unit will do the job.
Check out http://www.dbartlett.com/ which although is outdated on units now available does cover the basic use and dangers of GPS.
One very important point that I stress is that a GPS does not need to be turned on all the time unless you want to be sure to return the same way that you entered the bush. It is adequate when hunting, to only turn it on and record a way point, then turn off until you desire to have another way point.
A hunter with a unit preloaded with a map of the area may be so fascinated by watching the his progress on the map, he misses out on seeing game.
They are NOT fool proof and the more features that a unit has, the more complex.
Think digital camera. Many people use the "automatic" mode with it, not needing all of the advanced features yet are happy with their pictures. Same with GPS, all units do the basic functions very well and unless a person enjoys delving into the subject, a basic unit will do the job.
OK here is a, how easy it is story. Driving along in the bush and stopped to pot a grouse. Left the door of the truck open and the keys on the seat. shot him, flushed another and so it went for a couple birds. Once I had no more shells I stood there in the black spruce with my socks wet (wearing my driving crocs) and it occurred to me that I had no clue which way the truck was. Finished half a pack of smokes before a water truck driving down the road clued me in. I'd made it about 75 yards and was as lost as I could be!
This was one case where smoking was good for my health, kept me contnet and sitting. I could of moved about abit and might have hit the road or could have shimmied up a spindly tree but knew that my best chance of saving the embarrassment of a search was to listen. I barely heard the truck as it was. Passed the driver at a withdrawl point down the road and stopped long enough to shout thanks!
Another listening saved the day story happened a couple days ago my boy and I headed off after the distant bugle of an elk. we were wet and it was inbetween sun set and end of legal shooting time. Long story short. somehow slipped from one section into another and had no clue why things were not right. Sat and listened eventually some cattle bawling led us to a field, which led to a distant power pole, which led to a road, very long walk 'around' to get back where we started. But in a storm any port or linear developemnt will do!
Both of the above bothers would have been rectified with a compass
This was one case where smoking was good for my health, kept me contnet and sitting. I could of moved about abit and might have hit the road or could have shimmied up a spindly tree but knew that my best chance of saving the embarrassment of a search was to listen. I barely heard the truck as it was. Passed the driver at a withdrawl point down the road and stopped long enough to shout thanks!
Another listening saved the day story happened a couple days ago my boy and I headed off after the distant bugle of an elk. we were wet and it was inbetween sun set and end of legal shooting time. Long story short. somehow slipped from one section into another and had no clue why things were not right. Sat and listened eventually some cattle bawling led us to a field, which led to a distant power pole, which led to a road, very long walk 'around' to get back where we started. But in a storm any port or linear developemnt will do!
Both of the above bothers would have been rectified with a compass
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Only if you either knew the area fairly well, or knew which compass direction you walked when you went into the bush. In either case, you'd know which compass direction to take to get out. Otherwise, the compass becomes a tool for keeping you going in a straight line. Might go towards the truck, might lead you to a road ten miles away, or a lake, or whatever.
Don't get me wrong, a compass is your best friend, but it needs a little prep work from you, for it to be best used.
Sometimes I ask the new guys when I take them into the bush. "Now, what direction do we go to get out?"
At least 90% have no clue. They expect magic from the compass, or GPS IF they have remembered it.
So true. I know of so many cases where the person hasn't taken the compass out of their pocket until they were lost.
I too, have preached so many times to check the compass as you go into the bush, and periodically afterwards.
like I said a compass would have rectified both situations.
No it becomes a tool so you can find your way back to the general area where you originall admitted/discovered your lostness. Once 'lost' (weather,daylight,physical condition,terrain hazards permitting) you need to try and rectify the situation. When your 'best guess' proves wrong or does not provide the info required to orientate you your compass makes sure you get back to the general area you started. Once back to the original area of lostness you can take a second best guess and hope for a feature that straightens you out.
Or just vaguely and have the calmness to think straight. When not lost I generally know where I am in relation to the rest of the world so back tracking memory wise is not much of a challange.
You make a good point though if a guy is bothering to carry a compass he should also bother to know what is in what direction. Even beyond his intented area of travel. As a rule before I head out I like to know what 'I'll hit' if I go too far in any direction. Know what boxes you in and it will help keep the panics at bay.
Being a bit of a map junky and spending alot of my non CGN recreational comp time playing with GIS data has me pretty aware that now adays when you enter the bush (in the majority of Canada) you are simply entering a small box enclosed in corridors.
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- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
A word on topographic maps.
At least in the shield region of Ontario, most flat areas, are swamp, possibly even open water, even if the map doesn't say so. I bet it's about 60 to 80% of the flat areas are swamp. Sometimes there are clues like a bit of swamp shown at one end, but often not.
Point?
Newbie and friend set up in a new area. Newbie says to friend that he'll drive around in the truck to a back road, and then walk through on a compass bearing until he meets friend.
Newbie hits the swamp. WTF? that's not on the map. pulls out map. Nothing looks right. 'Oh s**t, my compass must be f**ked.' (easily the dumbest assumption anyone can make in the bush)
And so it begins.....
Maybe he tries to cross the swamp, maybe he can, maybe he can't.
Probably the best thing to do here, is just to back out, until you know the area better.
How bad can these unmarked swamps be?
My moose camp is shown about a half mile from a creek. That 'creek' is really a swamp, indeed, large parts of it are a swimmable lake. The swamp is miles long, and a good mile across. But the map says it's a flat area, with a creek flowing from both ends.
Expect water between two ridges, even if it's not shown also. This may not be much, or it could be lots.
Beavers make maps have errors too.
Also maps don't show huge blow downs, or clear cut trash from logging. Things that make crossing difficult to the point you may need a large detour to get around it.
Be prepared.
There are good reasons why seasoned hunters scout out even familiar areas.
At least in the shield region of Ontario, most flat areas, are swamp, possibly even open water, even if the map doesn't say so. I bet it's about 60 to 80% of the flat areas are swamp. Sometimes there are clues like a bit of swamp shown at one end, but often not.
Point?
Newbie and friend set up in a new area. Newbie says to friend that he'll drive around in the truck to a back road, and then walk through on a compass bearing until he meets friend.
Newbie hits the swamp. WTF? that's not on the map. pulls out map. Nothing looks right. 'Oh s**t, my compass must be f**ked.' (easily the dumbest assumption anyone can make in the bush)
And so it begins.....
Maybe he tries to cross the swamp, maybe he can, maybe he can't.
Probably the best thing to do here, is just to back out, until you know the area better.
How bad can these unmarked swamps be?
My moose camp is shown about a half mile from a creek. That 'creek' is really a swamp, indeed, large parts of it are a swimmable lake. The swamp is miles long, and a good mile across. But the map says it's a flat area, with a creek flowing from both ends.
Expect water between two ridges, even if it's not shown also. This may not be much, or it could be lots.
Beavers make maps have errors too.
Also maps don't show huge blow downs, or clear cut trash from logging. Things that make crossing difficult to the point you may need a large detour to get around it.
Be prepared.
There are good reasons why seasoned hunters scout out even familiar areas.
Yup - done that. Helps to trust it if you don't buy Canadian Tire's cheapest. My current compass is more expensive than my gps. And, when using your compass, shift your radio to your back pocket.
Aslo don't be intimidated by orienteering - it can be complicated and the details can be important if you are competing or something. But 99% of getting unlost requires little more than knowing the general direction of the nearest road, railway, river or lake, and managing to go in that direction, give or take 30 degrees or so.
RG
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