Bearings are lost more easily in unknown terrain, so before you go on any hunting trip it is essential that you take time to learn as much as you can about the land, the weather, the animals, and the dangers particular to the area. Ask the local hunting guides or the hunting operator who is accompanying you for some general guidelines on the area. The likelihood of a hunter getting lost varies with circumstances, and knowledge of the area adjusts the circumstances in your favour.

Should you nevertheless get lost, remeber the “three-rule”. The average man can survive three minutes without air, three hours without protection in extreme weather, three days without water and three weeks without food. When lost, one should always be prepared for the worst. In forthcoming issues I will discuss the necessities for survival.

When you are lost, think carefully about priorities and decide what is really important for you or the group. At night or in cold weather, for instance, it is more important to find shelter and warmth than a main road.

On the majority of hunting trips, neither the hunting guide nor the hunter has a map – they do not need it, as they know the area. If for any reason it is an unknown area for the hunting guide or the hunter, and you get lost, the following guidelines can be of assistance. It is still possible to find your way back to camp although you do not have a map or a compass.

Try to retrace your steps back to the most recognizable landmark. If going back is not practicable, look around for visible landmarks and beacons – e.g. mountains or large trees. Orientate yourself with the four main directions – north, east, south and west. Use the sun as a reference point. If the sky is overcast, use landmarks and look for moss on trees and rocks. Moss grows mostly in the shade. Thus in the southern hemisphere it would mostly grow on the south and south-eastern side, while in the northern hemisphere it would be on the northern and north-eastern side.

Get to the highest possible landmark. This may be a large tree or small hill. Remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, silly as this may sound. Many a lost person, in a state of agitation, did not think of utilising this simple truth to orientate himself. Also, at midday the sun will be due north in the southern hemisphere and due south in the northern hemisphere.

If you are caught in fog, make sure you and/or the party do not get separated, as fog can easily separate people – especially if it catches them off guard. Try to find a spot where you can all stay until the fog is dispersed. If this is not possible, try to follow animal tracks to a waterhole. If it is a known waterhole, you may be able to find your way back to camp from there. Be careful not to walk in circles when you are caught in dense fog. This happens easily.

If you are lost and it is getting dark, the chances are that you might spend the night in the bush. Be sure to be prepared for this. The moon and the stars can also be used as points of reference.

As regards getting lost, then, the following are salient points:

Before you leave camp, make sure that there are people available to come and look for you and that they know which area you are going to
Make use of experienced hunting guides
Stay together
Find a reference point
Know your directions
In an emergency situation, determine priorities

Most hunters and hunting guides are supposed to be knowledgeable and experienced in survival and other skills required in bush emergencies. Be sure that those who are accompanying you have the proper skills and experience.

Until next time, happy hunting!