Thread: Tips for beginners on not to get lost in the woods?

Also when you're absolutely hopelessly lost remember water runs downhill, keep following water and you will eventually sort yourself out

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Also when you're absolutely hopelessly lost remember water runs downhill, keep following water and you will eventually sort yourself out

Unless you are on Stewart Island where some creeks run 'inland'

I always carry my phone in its life proof case, if you use a mapping app, make sure it works on flight mode. My iphone will last 4-5 days on flight mode.

Big trips I'll take my garmin 62 as well, and always have a map printed of the areas I'm likely to hunt. Also print off google earth imagery, it can help identify clearings or landmarks otherwise not seen on topo-maps.

If you do get geographically challenged, sit down and have a brew and a think about where you may have gone wrong. Easy to say don't panic, but even the most experienced people, myself included, will have some form of panicked state if we feel lost - especially if tired/hungry/dehydrated.

Always be prepared to spend a night on the hill unexpectedly. Carry appropriate gear.

And always leave your intentions with someone reliable and trustworthy - written down. My wife won't let me leave the house with out writing down where I am going. Be sure to destroy said notes on hunting locations as soon as you get home and before you tell your mates how awesome the trip was...in case they get their hands on it

Originally Posted by JoshC

My wife won't let me leave the house with out writing down where I am going. Be sure to destroy said notes on hunting locations as soon as you get home and before you tell your mates how awesome the trip was...in case they get their hands on it

I have that same problem with my wife always wanting to know where I'm going