GO or No GO

You are in the backcountry and in a survival situation.  You need to make a decision.  Do you remain in place or "self rescue" and head out.

My friend Peter Kummerfeldt has a great article about what to consider in a survival situation.

"GO – NO GO Decisions

Does anyone know you are missing? If you left a “trip plan” with friends or family members, and you did not deviate from the plan, a search will begin as soon as the trip plan expires and the authorities are notified.  The plan should include, at a minimum, your destination, departure and return dates and times, the names of those traveling with you, the kinds of clothing and equipment carried and the outdoor experience of the party.

If someone knows where you've gone, that will expedite the search!

If someone knows you’re missing you can take heart in the fact that SAR forces will be looking for you.  Your job as the survivor then is twofold: to keep yourself alive until they get there and to expedite your recovery by drawing their attention to your location by signaling.

If you have not left a trip plan and no one knows where you are or when you are supposed to return, making your own way out may be your only choice.  Leaving a trip plan and sticking to that plan is without question, your best option for a quicker rescue."

Read the rest of his post here.

I have posted a suggested hiker/hunter trip plan at my web site www.outdoorquest.biz.

The plan is a simple .pdf file.  A link to the plan is here.

Your feedback is welcome.