Being Prepared in the Woods

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Created on Tuesday, 16 October 2012 15:52

Written by Jessica Walsh

ST. JOHNSBURY - Last week a hunter from Danville went missing after heading out into the woods. He had called his girlfriend and told her that he was lost and his cellphone was about to die.

His cellphone died, and he was lost and alone; wearing only a tee shirt...at night. Linwood Smith, a retired man from St. Johnsbury, runs a hunting safety course that helps hunters to be prepared for a situation like this one.

"You should dress in layers of clothing, three or four layers in a pack that you can either take off or put on", said Smith of the situation. Here in the North East Kingdom, temperatures can drop twenty degrees in no time. Those freezing temperatures would be detrimental to a unprepared hunter. Along with layers of clothing, Smith rattled off a few other key items a hunter should always have when heading out into the woods.

A compass would certainly help if you were lost, but be careful using one when holding a cellphone because they hold a magnetic charge. Extra cellphone batteries, make sure that they are charged, to change out when your current one dies. A water bottle and pills to use to purify any stream water to make drinkable is a necessity especially if a hunter is going out for more than a couple of hours. Matches are also important for if you need to make a small fire to stay warm or cook. Last but not least, a hunter should have a wind breaker or a blanket because Smith says it won't only block the wind, but it will keep you warm.

"It helps on the wind coming through you, because wind coming at you can take all the moisture right out of your body real quick," says Smith. Luckily for the hunter from Danville, he didn't have to deal with harsh wind, or a freezing cold night but not everyone can be so lucky. Having all of these items and knowing about the environment around you can save your life, and when it comes to hunting, preparedness is key.

"You gotta be prepared when your going outside wether your hunting or hiking...because it will get you," says Smith wholeheartedly. This Friday is the beginning of moose season so hunters here in our area have one week to go out in the woods and get one. Convenient for them, Smith is holding a hunting safety class this Saturday at 8:00am at his archery shop in St. Johnsbury. He usually sees about one hundred avid hunters each session, and although it may be a little full, he welcomes anyone to come by. Who knows, it may just save your life.