Wind up torch good idea. But last 6 years average 6 deaths on highland hills Jan to March. No phone signal and sudden blizzard sorting hinds you are v alone.
S
Wind up torch good idea. But last 6 years average 6 deaths on highland hills Jan to March. No phone signal and sudden blizzard sorting hinds you are v alone.
S
Hereford
Well-Known Member
It maybe worth going up beforehand and/or making acquaintance/contact with local mountain rescue / search team. As daft as it sounds, my father made me do this as a 16 year old before we went on our first exercise around Fort William. To say they were pleased to talk to me is an understatement - they gave me insight into weather patterns in the area and ways and signs to read what weather might be coming - far better to walk out rather than keep on walking in if you spot some warning signs. Also, in my experience it can be harder to read coming weather on wide open ground, for example fog/mist can drop on you quickly on open ground rather than you being able to see it roll up on you over trees - quite disorientating.
A harness has its place on the hill, you just need to be mindful where it is used and obviously not where there is a chance of the carcass taking off such as steep inclines and precipices. Used one myself many times with no issue because its used sensibly.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
Done it several times. As long as you have good map reading skills and sense of mountains you will be fine. Don’t take a guide, yes they may help you get into deer, but the satisfaction of doing it yourself I huge.
Extraction is quite simply. It’s called a knife and a couple of good back packs. Have a look at Meateater on Netflix and watch how they recover meat in the US. It’s hard work, but had a venison the other night that I had carried off a Torridon Mountain 18 months ago - it was magic.
There is lot less work in recovering it on foot, than walking back down, getting a quad, getting it stuck, getting it free and doing that again.
Of course the meat is going into your own freezer.
Extraction is quite simply. It’s called a knife and a couple of good back packs. Have a look at Meateater on Netflix and watch how they recover meat in the US. It’s hard work, but had a venison the other night that I had carried off a Torridon Mountain 18 months ago - it was magic.
There is lot less work in recovering it on foot, than walking back down, getting a quad, getting it stuck, getting it free and doing that again.
Of course the meat is going into your own freezer.
lochty
Well-Known Member
The other thing I would take is a high vis vest, preferably orange. 2 reasons, leave it on the deer and it's much easier to find if you aren't familiar with the ground and you have to leave it to go and get kit, or help. Secondly, if you are unlucky enough to have an accident, you will get found much quicker with one of these. Weighs next to nothing and might just save you...ATB Dave
Can't comment on that as Im not a pro stalker but had to drag reds for over 4km in the past and I have always been careful to use it only where there is no risk of a problem and using common sense, as they say each to their own.
mereside
Well-Known Member
As above but if your doing this kind of thing then a satalite phone is the way so you can contact in an emergency after stalking in different locations around the world the sat phone we found invaluable also a good gps with everying you need marked with a plan before you head out so everyone knows what to do in advance, regards wayne
Leadwasp
Well-Known Member
Other than an immediate medical problem exposure (cold OR hot) will be your number one enemy. CarlW is right when he says to plan that you might be benighted. The other idea of using hi viz as marker panels is good. They reflect torch/lightstick light.
Remoteness can still be found all over this country- anywhere out of sight, where people don't know where you are, or somewhere you can't crawl/limp out of. A simple sprain when alone could benight you. Most mountain accidents are cause by nothing more dramatic than the knock on effects of a simple slip or trip.
Consider weights of everything and perhaps also the following:-
A Perry or lifeboat whistle
Your headtorch can strobe.
Make your sure your compass has a sighting mirror (dual use) and you know how to use it.
Make the map waterproof and the pencil wax/chinagraph
A watch with a barometer altimeter provides additional nav information in poor visibility or uncertainty - provided you use it properly/regularly recalibrate through the day.
Consider a proper bivi bag OR small bothy shelter - nothing is as miserable as a night in a sweaty poly bag. Shelter bags really do work extraordinarily well. You can sit on your rucsac and loosen your boot laces for warmth.
Some paracord
I carry a small plastic cup that fits in a small metal camping pan/mug. 2 or more firedragon cubes as they are multi purpose. Often I put the BCB Crusader bits in instead. After decades and many many other waterbottles the ones that are still going and have never broken are the genuine NATO 58 pattern bottles.
Lifeboat matches and a firesteel
Longlife candle
Long Spoon!
Never underestimate the effect a hot drink can have on morale!
I wouldn't rely on chocolate other than as a treat - 20 mins later your blood sugar crashes. Something more wholesome such as cereal bars.
I always stick 1 freeze dried meal pouch in my bag. The night is longer if you're already wet and hungry. Summittoeat are very good, the ghost of 80's meals laid to rest.
In hot weather electrolytes - a couple of dioralyte, a banana and a packet of crisps goes a long way too.
After a working career using most information and data that a satellite can provide I have to say that I have never HAD TO use a gps on the hill. Batteries and electronics are comparatively heavy and prone to die as sod's law dictates. A radio is only good if someone else is listening. Can you trust your 'partner' on listening watch to be a reliable operator. Hopefully...................but unless people are similarly motivated most just f*ck around with radios. It requires discipline.
6 more rounds than you will shoot with? Louder than a whistle!
Other than that I'd say carry a determined attitude to get yourself out of trouble not rely on someone else. That includes turning round and going home rather than pressing on.
Good luck and have cracking fun. Hope it works out for you!
Remoteness can still be found all over this country- anywhere out of sight, where people don't know where you are, or somewhere you can't crawl/limp out of. A simple sprain when alone could benight you. Most mountain accidents are cause by nothing more dramatic than the knock on effects of a simple slip or trip.
Consider weights of everything and perhaps also the following:-
A Perry or lifeboat whistle
Your headtorch can strobe.
Make your sure your compass has a sighting mirror (dual use) and you know how to use it.
Make the map waterproof and the pencil wax/chinagraph
A watch with a barometer altimeter provides additional nav information in poor visibility or uncertainty - provided you use it properly/regularly recalibrate through the day.
Consider a proper bivi bag OR small bothy shelter - nothing is as miserable as a night in a sweaty poly bag. Shelter bags really do work extraordinarily well. You can sit on your rucsac and loosen your boot laces for warmth.
Some paracord
I carry a small plastic cup that fits in a small metal camping pan/mug. 2 or more firedragon cubes as they are multi purpose. Often I put the BCB Crusader bits in instead. After decades and many many other waterbottles the ones that are still going and have never broken are the genuine NATO 58 pattern bottles.
Lifeboat matches and a firesteel
Longlife candle
Long Spoon!
Never underestimate the effect a hot drink can have on morale!
I wouldn't rely on chocolate other than as a treat - 20 mins later your blood sugar crashes. Something more wholesome such as cereal bars.
I always stick 1 freeze dried meal pouch in my bag. The night is longer if you're already wet and hungry. Summittoeat are very good, the ghost of 80's meals laid to rest.
In hot weather electrolytes - a couple of dioralyte, a banana and a packet of crisps goes a long way too.
After a working career using most information and data that a satellite can provide I have to say that I have never HAD TO use a gps on the hill. Batteries and electronics are comparatively heavy and prone to die as sod's law dictates. A radio is only good if someone else is listening. Can you trust your 'partner' on listening watch to be a reliable operator. Hopefully...................but unless people are similarly motivated most just f*ck around with radios. It requires discipline.
6 more rounds than you will shoot with? Louder than a whistle!
Other than that I'd say carry a determined attitude to get yourself out of trouble not rely on someone else. That includes turning round and going home rather than pressing on.
Good luck and have cracking fun. Hope it works out for you!
CarlW
Well-Known Member
Did you hear about the two Alaskan hunters - father and son - who decided to hunt separate blocks in order to double their chances of success?
It was very remote and so the father made his son promise to shoot in the air every hour on the hour to let his father know that he was OK.
Many hours passed with no shots heard. The loving father went in search of his son. Finally, after a gruelling climb, he found him sitting peacefully on a ridge, eating his supper.
"What happened, " said the father, angrily. "You promised to let me know you were OK by shooting into the air hourly!"
"I did for the first few hours," said the son, "but then I ran out of arrows..."
It was very remote and so the father made his son promise to shoot in the air every hour on the hour to let his father know that he was OK.
Many hours passed with no shots heard. The loving father went in search of his son. Finally, after a gruelling climb, he found him sitting peacefully on a ridge, eating his supper.
"What happened, " said the father, angrily. "You promised to let me know you were OK by shooting into the air hourly!"
"I did for the first few hours," said the son, "but then I ran out of arrows..."
countrryboy
Well-Known Member
The de lorme InTouch things we great but really quite expensive esp if ur only out occasionally.
We recently cancelled my dad's he's had it for years and works in remote areas every day n his own but they keep putting prices up.
There are other PLBs like MC murdo with no monthly fees, might be better suited for occasional use. Not as adaptable as some off the satellite systems which can tie into it smart phone to make it more like a sat phone, more an oh sh#t button if something really goes wrong.
Very popular in NZ and every outdoor user carries them routinely
Dunno if ucan hire sat phones just for ur stalking trips
Plenty of good advice above, have to say wouldnae like to carry it all very often thou.
But many simple things don't take up a lot of room.
In the past u used to have to carry a map compass, torch surv bag, whistle when stalking FC ground.
My advice would be to learn ur ground study OS maps and even satellite photos nowadays, and apply a bit of common sense.
Wot directions do main features on ur ground run , ridges,valleys, burns or rivers.
If u get completely misted in walking downhill and then following a burn is often handy, where do they take u inrelation to ur parking spot
Just to add a walking stick is ur friend in any rough country, even a piece of hazel is enough to give u a 3 rd leg for balance or even pushing up hills. As well as a dragging aid as boggy stated
When u look at hill shepherd, keepers or stalkers most will ways walk with a stick
We recently cancelled my dad's he's had it for years and works in remote areas every day n his own but they keep putting prices up.
There are other PLBs like MC murdo with no monthly fees, might be better suited for occasional use. Not as adaptable as some off the satellite systems which can tie into it smart phone to make it more like a sat phone, more an oh sh#t button if something really goes wrong.
Very popular in NZ and every outdoor user carries them routinely
Dunno if ucan hire sat phones just for ur stalking trips
Plenty of good advice above, have to say wouldnae like to carry it all very often thou.
But many simple things don't take up a lot of room.
In the past u used to have to carry a map compass, torch surv bag, whistle when stalking FC ground.
My advice would be to learn ur ground study OS maps and even satellite photos nowadays, and apply a bit of common sense.
Wot directions do main features on ur ground run , ridges,valleys, burns or rivers.
If u get completely misted in walking downhill and then following a burn is often handy, where do they take u inrelation to ur parking spot
Just to add a walking stick is ur friend in any rough country, even a piece of hazel is enough to give u a 3 rd leg for balance or even pushing up hills. As well as a dragging aid as boggy stated
When u look at hill shepherd, keepers or stalkers most will ways walk with a stick
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Good advice but a word or two of caution regarding following a burn especially in mist,twenty five years in mountain rescue surprised me with how many people got in trouble following a burn, follow a burn by all means but follow it by keeping it in earshot rather than close to it ,too many people have fell into gullies and over waterfalls by following a water course to closely in mist.
countrryboy
Well-Known Member
Aye I can believe that esp further north in Highlands, down here in southern uplands tends to be more rolling hills so less of a risk but still the odd steep 1 to watch
But then again u.could fall over a cliff in many other places apart from a following a burn, at least with a burn u should hear it u less blowing a houlie
All comes down to knowing if area and pre plan for when weather turns bad.
Is there anything u should be able to follow to safety, fence line, trees, ride etc
CarlW
Well-Known Member
As you say, the best survival aid is to know your ground like the back of your hand. Every spinney in which to shelter, every bog or cliff to avoid, every source of water and of fuel for a fire, every little hump on which one fleetingly has signal to send a text. Knowledge is what keeps you alive.
Leadwasp
Well-Known Member
Just a couple of photos of what I tend to carry hillwalking or stalking in winter - minus extra layers. Some variation depending on temperature.
Some head torches (Petzl) have whistles built in.
Oh and a mixture of Solpadiene or bog standard (!) Ibuprofen+Paracetamol (in combo) go into the first aid.
Not to heavy around 6lb and good for an enforced night out less rucsac weight and spare clothes plus sport specific kit.
Some head torches (Petzl) have whistles built in.
Oh and a mixture of Solpadiene or bog standard (!) Ibuprofen+Paracetamol (in combo) go into the first aid.
Not to heavy around 6lb and good for an enforced night out less rucsac weight and spare clothes plus sport specific kit.
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norma 308
Well-Known Member
First bit of advice I got when I first went hill stalking don’t attach yrself to the deer if it goes past you you don’t want to be following it !
diverdave
Well-Known Member
Sounds a bit like some of my ground. I stage kit, we have a place to stay on the ground, so in there we have 2x generator power, heat, food and shelter. It is basic but more than adequate. Its not a hotel, but has everything we need. Alas we have no down hill recovery, so a high percentage of our recoveries are up hill and our bothy is at the top of the hill, and the base of the hill has no access for us. So we use argos, Mine has spare power, in the form of a jump starter and spare fuel. It has tools, a winch, ropes, phone chargers, power snacks and water. It is split into me kit, so midge, tick, first aid, liquid and snacks. Deer kit, so ropes, slings, shackles, winch, remotes and batteries and a mains cable for the winch, gloves, wipes, knife and multi purpose saw. And finally argo kit, so tools, spark plugs, fuel, fuses, a drive belt and a torch. I may have missed stuff but you get the idea. Then on me, i have a delorme in reach, iphone that is linked to it, this makes it so much easier to use, and usual stalking kit, knife, binos, midge stuff, gloves, hat, smock and basic tow kit. Just the usual in a lynks rucksack rifle holder, as i holds it upright and central on my bad back. You gte 10 free tests per month so test it. I think my package is £17 a month, but i can cancel and re start at any time, but is it not a £25 fee to do this?
So a normal stalk is spot deer at range, stalk in, and if lucky, get in and shoot. secure and gralloch deer. Either drag down a little to a recovery point at a mid point track, then get argo and recover, or walk back to argo, and winch into argo or winch deer to argo, and recover to lodge to deal with. I very very rarely stalk on my own, but have my inreach if i do, and have view range buddy beacons for contact. We find remote stuff just needs "what if" planning ( they call it risk assessment now i guess) and contingency planning. And though we must never forget how harsh the environment is, and folks die in our highlands every year we are actually never that remote, just test your kit and plans, check and service, take spares and make sure of contact via a pair of independent means
So a normal stalk is spot deer at range, stalk in, and if lucky, get in and shoot. secure and gralloch deer. Either drag down a little to a recovery point at a mid point track, then get argo and recover, or walk back to argo, and winch into argo or winch deer to argo, and recover to lodge to deal with. I very very rarely stalk on my own, but have my inreach if i do, and have view range buddy beacons for contact. We find remote stuff just needs "what if" planning ( they call it risk assessment now i guess) and contingency planning. And though we must never forget how harsh the environment is, and folks die in our highlands every year we are actually never that remote, just test your kit and plans, check and service, take spares and make sure of contact via a pair of independent means
Agree with the sentiment, but often there's no option to avoid an up hill drag at some point in the extraction, even for the professionals.
In some remote locations, extraction can be virtually impossible, even with mechanical aid such as Argos and quads.
I know several Highland estates where there are self imposed 'no take' areas, which is based on personal experience of extremely difficult extractions in the past.
Chasey
Well-Known Member
Yes but in the bit I shot in West Inverness the darg would be down up down up down up all the way down the side of the hill
Agreed I turned my no go area into a sanctuary, never a bad thing to have in a deer forest
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