When do you leave your buddy?

[OneGunTex]

I'm sorry this is grim but the Missing CO Hunters thread got me thinking. Didn't want to clutter that thread as we wait for news.

@TexasCub and others have pointed out that something really catastrophic would have to happen to take out 2 young, fit, experienced hunters at once. It doesn't make sense.

But @dirt_nap suggested a potentially more plausible scenario - they split up, potentially because one went to get help for the other, and they succumbed independently.

So the question I'm struggling with is, if something bad happens to your hunting partner at what point do you leave them to go get help, rather than staying with them and praying someone comes looking for you?

If my buddy cannot move on his own, I doubt I am able to carry him out. On the one hand, assuming we both have a minimum amount of gear (incl first aid), I could probably keep us both sheltered and alive for a couple of days. On the other hand, depending on when someone declares us missing the injured partner could certainly pass while we wait. If you wait to leave until desperate then the likelihood that you get into trouble yourself increases.

Have you talked about this with your hunting partner? Do you have a plan or SOP or rule of thumb for such a scenario?

 

[steelheadmike]

It’s all dependent on circumstances.

Is partner alert/stable?
Weather?
Distance to truck/help/cell service?
Gear/food/water on hand?
Danger to myself if I stay/go?
Do I know where I am or where I need to go?

I’d hope I never have to use it but this scenario is one of the many reasons my inreach is with me every time I leave the truck. Doesn’t matter if I’m heading out for a week or an hour.


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[OneGunTex]

I’d hope I never have to use it but this scenario is one of the many reasons my inreach is with me every time I leave the truck. Doesn’t matter if I’m heading out for a week or an hour.

True, that is definitely a correct answer. Perhaps not obvious to me because I don't own one. My buddy has one, but now I'm thinking I need one too. I remember hearing the opinion once that since this technology exists, it is downright irresponsible to not use it and potentially leave your family in the dark.

 

[mtnbound]

I'm sorry this is grim but the Missing CO Hunters thread got me thinking. Didn't want to clutter that thread as we wait for news.

@TexasCub and others have pointed out that something really catastrophic would have to happen to take out 2 young, fit, experienced hunters at once. It doesn't make sense.

But @dirt_nap suggested a potentially more plausible scenario - they split up, potentially because one went to get help for the other, and they succumbed independently.

So the question I'm struggling with is, if something bad happens to your hunting partner at what point do you leave them to go get help, rather than staying with them and praying someone comes looking for you?

If my buddy cannot move on his own, I doubt I am able to carry him out. On the one hand, assuming we both have a minimum amount of gear (incl first aid), I could probably keep us both sheltered and alive for a couple of days. On the other hand, depending on when someone declares us missing the injured partner could certainly pass while we wait. If you wait to leave until desperate then the likelihood that you get into trouble yourself increases.

Have you talked about this with your hunting partner? Do you have a plan or SOP or rule of thumb for such a scenario?

IMO, everyone needs their own InReach and should know where their partner's unit is as well. Having to leave an injured buddy in the field is not a plan, but buy an InReach or other unit that offers the same features. That's the best plan.

 

[croben]

Carry an Inreach or other similar communication device. Sure, you will likely have to stay put with your buddy while waiting for someone to come help, but you’re talking less than 24 hours instead of days or weeks. That’s a much easier decision to make and a lot easier of a scenario for both of you to make it out alive.

 

[fatlander]

Bino harness always has a means to start fire and my Inreach. Pack always has a rain jacket, insulation layer, more ways to start fire, and salt tablets.

The only way I’m leaving an injured buddy is to get to a point where I need to establish comms to get him life saving aid. God forbid something horrible happened and one of my buddies passed on the mountain, I’d sit right there beside him until the Calvary arrived.

It’s easy to Monday morning quarterback and pick things apart after the fact. I’m guessing these guys ran out chasing elk close to the truck, elk do what they always do and the guys ended up a whole lot further from the truck than expected. They are in unforgiving terrain with little to no equipment, very possibly becoming hypothermic. That’s when really bad decisions start getting made. Or they are in very unforgiving terrain with no real sources of light to navigate and ended up cliffed out. A combination of both scenarios is probably what happened. Sad deal all the way around.

I went hyponatremic on the mountain one year. My own stupidity (little to no sleep for 48 hours, huge climbs, with effectively no food (salt)). If I didn’t have good friends with clear heads with me to feed me, give me electrolytes, and keep me warm, I have no doubt I’d have not come off that mountain alive. When shit goes south, it’s does so in a hurry.


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[steelheadmike]

IMO, everyone needs their own InReach and should know where their partner's unit is as well. Having to leave an injured buddy in the field is not a plan, but buy an InReach or other unit that offers the same features. That's the best plan.

Agree 100%.

I’ll add a couple more things:

1. If I drive, I tell my partner where my truck keys are. If he drives, I ask.

2. I tell my partner where my inreach and first aid kit is. And, I ask as well.

It takes 10 seconds to have this conversation but the information could save either of your lives.


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[Johnny Tyndall]

Can the injured guy self-evac? Stick together. Can't self evac and have communication with the outside? Stick together. Can't self-evac and no communications? Make him comfortable and haul ass to get help.

 

[MuleDeerMike]

Can the injured guy self-evac? Stick together. Can't self evac and have communication with the outside? Stick together. Can't self-evac and no communications? Make him comfortable and haul ass to get help.

This is what I was thinking. If it's the evening I would throw my space blanket over him and stay the night. Then give him my water and head out at first light to get help if he was unable to move and we were unable to get comms out.

 

[Jimmy]

The first time I'm leaning over to pick up something and he farts in my face.

 

[Beendare]

This is common sense....when you can no longer help him [assuming he is incapacitated] and no one is coming for you unless you go get help.

I hunt a lot solo....I have my Zoleo and phone...also a pistol as I'm hoping the younger generation knows what 3 shots close together means.

 

[dirt_nap]

I think in a best case situation you stay with your buddy until help arrives, ideally you have an in reach or cell signal to expedite that process. If not, build a fire or other sos signal that will help draw help your way.

I think that if you are of sound mind, you should be able to sustain your downed friend for a few days, but in the case of the missing guys in 81, I think that a bad decision was made if they did split up.

I really only trust two guys to make good decisions with me miles away from help in the backcountry, and it has taken many years to build that trust, and learn together. We have a policy that everyone makes it out together. Never had to push the SOS button, but on our one close call, I was glad I was surrounded with men I trust, and I know have my back.

 

[rayporter]

8 years ago my bud broke his leg at 9500 ft. no coms.
it took me an hour on a horse to get to coms. sitting there all night with him would have done no good.

i have carried an in reach on my belt since, even for very short hikes and rides close to home.

 

[199p]

Also if you dont want the extra running cost of an inreach just having an old school plb works a treat.
I carry mine everywhere i go even if its just an easy walk. have found other injured people lucky not bad enough to need to set it off.

 

[el_jefe_pescado]

I would recommend a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course to anyone who is serious about extended back country travel and recreation. No two situations are exactly the same but there are some best practices that have been gleaned from years of case studies like the one we have unfortunately watched unfold this week.

https://www.nols.edu/

Education and communication with your partners on these topics will build confidence. Have your plan and work your plan.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I've been over this in my head a few times as I hunt almost exclusively with my wife and we're both 49 years old, the possibility of a mechanical injury is real. My conclusion is this:

In the event no cell signal or ability to call for assistance I feel like time is of the essence and the able bodied person will collect some fire wood and get a fire started and if possible install our DD tarp in a configuration to provide some shelter and immediately go for help. Disabled perso can be dragged or moved short distance or into the tarp shelter as needed.

In the event we're able to call for help just stay put and stay together, filter water, stoke the fire, etc.