Thread: Hunter Missing

Originally Posted by Sideshow

On a more serious note. Stuck out for the night are you really going to hit the button?

I agree, not if I was alone on a long trek and no one expects me until 3 days time.

But if lost from a group and getting dark then I'd expect a search to be on. Seems right then to activate beacon -- irrespective how comfy I know I am.

Speaking of the group, I'd feel shitty being part of a group that lost a 74 year old colleague. The hunt is second to looking out for each other. What's returning without a kill compared to a return with somebody's loved one missing? Ouch.

Originally Posted by Cordite

I agree, not if I was alone on a long trek and no one expects me until 3 days time.

But if lost from a group and getting dark then I'd expect a search to be on. Seems right then to activate beacon -- irrespective how comfy I know I am.

Speaking of the group, I'd feel shitty being part of a group that lost a 74 year old colleague. The hunt is second to looking out for each other. What's returning without a kill compared to a return with somebody's loved one missing? Ouch.

I think you are spot on. If a search is called then the cost will be tens of thousands of dollars, if you hit the button they will fly a helicopter straight to the location and not put out ground searchers. Ultimately it will save everyone a lot of worry and money.

Originally Posted by Cordite

I agree, not if I was alone on a long trek and no one expects me until 3 days time.

But if lost from a group and getting dark then I'd expect a search to be on. Seems right then to activate beacon -- irrespective how comfy I know I am.

Speaking of the group, I'd feel shitty being part of a group that lost a 74 year old colleague. The hunt is second to looking out for each other. What's returning without a kill compared to a return with somebody's loved one missing? Ouch.

Year I see your point. When I hunted down there with Thames Valley deer stalkers, we all had a 12 o'clock window of the next morning, our call in the search party's. I do the same for the Kaimais as some parts have no cellphone connection. I'm not saying don't press the button our don't carry a plb. All I'm saying is use it when it's needed. They felt it was needed. Cool good out come and happy days everyone's safe. But I'd hate to see this starting to get used for cry wolf situations.
I'll definitely be hiring some for my next trip to the island. At $10 a day that's better than insurance! Especially as some of the party will not have hunted NZ.