10 Things to Do When Lost at Night While Hunting (and How to Search for a Lost Hunter)
Introduction
Getting lost while hunting can be disorienting, especially at night when darkness amplifies feelings of confusion and vulnerability. Now, think of getting lost as a 16-year-old on your very first solo hunting experience. This happened to my oldest son recently on a youth hunt.
When this happens, staying calm and making clear, decisive choices can be the difference between getting found quickly and a longer ordeal. This article covers a few things to help educate your kids when stepping out on a solo hunt.
Part 1: What to Do When You’re Lost at Night While Hunting
When you realize you’re lost, it’s crucial to act wisely. Jett sat in the blind alone in a new-to-him spot. Previously, I’d sit him in a spot within sight of a road and is highly visible from all directions.
His spot this time, though, was in rough terrain that has some easily identifiable features, but at night if you don’t have previous knowledge or the right tools can be downright confusing.
He spotted a deer around 6:00 pm that he decided to shoot. Once the shot was broken, Jett figured out very quickly that he’d jerked the trigger low. This shot placement caused the deer to buck and flee NE of the blind at breakneck speed.
Not thinking, Jett evacuated the comfy confines of the Double Bull blind and pursued on foot. He took his gun. That is it! He traversed the sketchy terrain, which is a mixture of mesquite thickets, washouts, and mesquite draws. He figured out that he probably should return to the blind, but after buck fever and adrenaline began to wear off, he realized he was lost, and darkness was upon him.
He tried to stay calm, but the mind plays tricks on you, and you begin to second guess everything. He was lost, without a phone, flashlight, or any other navigational tool that would prove useful.
Here are a few important things to remember:
1. Stay Calm and Assess Your Situation –
Why: Panicking makes it hard to think clearly and worsens the situation.
How: Stop moving, take a few deep breaths, and try to remember how you got there. This is crucial for orienting yourself.
Quick Tip: If I find myself in this situation…and it has happened. I stop and say a quick prayer. It help calm me and reminds me I’m not alone.
Jett’s Lesson – He really started to beat him up with negativity. He needed to stay positive given the circumstances.
2. Mark Your Location –
Why: Marking where you are ensures you don’t end up going in circles. Jett went in multiple circles according to him.
How: Use visible markers like strips of bright cloth, glow sticks, or scratch marks on nearby trees.
Quick Tip: If you don’t have marking tools, create a small pile of rocks or branches to mark your location.
Jett’s Lesson – Understanding the skyline. In Jett’s situation, he should pay attention to skyline and direction. He could have easily identified where he came from by following key landmarks made by the skyline.
3. Use Your Map and Compass (or GPS) –
Why: Traditional tools like maps and compasses can provide direction, while GPS devices can offer precise coordinates.
How: If you’re unsure about reading a compass, remember to orient it to true north. For GPS, try to determine the direction you came from and retrace your steps.
Quick Tip: Keep spare batteries for electronic devices in case of emergency.
Jett’s Lesson – He took nothing. He ran out so fast that he left any signaling device or compass or messaging device that would have prevented this.
4. Call for Help if You Have Signal –
Why: Immediate communication can lead to a quicker rescue.
How: Use your phone or satellite communication device to call for help, providing any details about landmarks, your estimated location, and physical state.
Quick Tip: Send your location and switch to low power mode to conserve battery.
Jett’s Lesson – Words have meaning. He had no signaling device so he used his voice. A great idea, but you’ve got to yell the correct thing. Jett yelled, “HELP, Somebody!” That’s a very scary thing to hear in the pitch dark hours as a father. Jett should have said, “over here” or “this way”. Do not yell HELP unless you’re injured or in fear for your life.
5. Stay Put –
Why: Moving without a plan can make it harder for searchers to find you.
How: Settle in an open area where you’re visible. Use reflective gear or bright clothing to make yourself more noticeable.
Quick Tip: If you see lights or hear voices, only move toward them if they are nearby to avoid getting deeper into unfamiliar territory.
Jett’s Lesson – He moved in what he thought was a straight line. As he did that, he moved further away from his location or went in a big circle. Plus, it helps the person searching if you’re in one spot rather than moving.
While Jett was wondering lost in the woods, I had no indication that he was missing. I arrived to pick him up at dark and the Life360 app assured me he was still in the blind. I had told him to wait in the blind until nightfall if deer were still in the area. I believed he was doing what I told him.
As time marched on, I began to wonder if he thought I was going to pick him up in the stand. So, equipped with only a phone flashlight I went to get him out of the stand. I’m normally the guy that is always prepared and has the tools on himself to get whatever the job is accomplished.
Imagine my surprise and shock to arrive at the blind with no kid or firearm inside. I found his bag, cookies, knife and phone located inside the blind. We all know there isn’t a teenager on this planet that would dare leave their phone behind. That’s a big clue that something went wrong.
Part 2: How to Search for a Lost Hunter
From my perspective, the approach should be systematic and strategic:
1. Organize a Search Team
Why: Coordinated efforts increase the chances of locating the lost person.
How: Establish roles within the team, assign specific search zones, and maintain communication among members.
Quick Tip: Use radios or satellite phones to keep everyone connected.
KJ’s Lesson – I immediately notified a buddy that was down there hunting to the situation and got him headed that way.
2. Take What You Need
Why: You never know what gear you will need, but basic items like high-powered flashlight and signaling devices should be considered.
How: Gather them up quick and make sure all batteries are fully charged.
Quick Tip: Utilize Lithium batteries. They’ve got a much longer life than alkaline.
KJ’s Lesson – I went out with the least amount of gear I could imagine. In hindsight, I should have brought two or three flashlights and a whistle or signaling device.
3. Use the Last Known Location as a Starting Point
Why: This provides a logical point to begin a grid search.
How: Start with the last place the hunter was seen or where they made contact, expanding the search area outward in a systematic pattern.
Quick Tip: Mark searched areas clearly to avoid redundant efforts.
KJ’s Lesson – I knew the area well enough to know the direction of the shot. From that, I deduced which direction a wounded deer would escape. I immediately headed that way in order to locate Jett.
4. Search Methodically
Why: A structured search is more efficient than a random approach.
How: Use a grid or sector search, breaking the area into sections that can be covered thoroughly.
Quick Tip: Use GPS devices to track searched areas.
KJ’s Lesson – On ground you know, use past history of the property and how animals use it to be your guide.
5. Look and Listen for Signals
Why: The lost person might be making efforts to signal.
How: Look for signs like smoke, reflective materials, or disturbed vegetation. Listen for shouts or whistle sounds.
Quick Tip: In quiet moments, use calls or whistles yourself to provoke a response.
KJ’s Lesson – Even if they’re yelling the wrong thing prepare for the worst, which means going in ready to act fast.
An abundance of learning took place within a short couple of hours both by father and son. A cool, calm mind solves many problems without much effort. I’ll never forget the feeling of walking up to that blind. I hope my life lesson serves as a heads up to all the folks heading to the field this fall.
Whether you are the one lost or searching for someone who is, preparation, awareness, and a calm approach are key to survival and success. Being lost at night while hunting is a daunting challenge, but by following these guidelines, you can improve your chances of staying safe and getting found. Similarly, searchers equipped with the right knowledge and mindset can make a significant impact in finding the lost hunter quickly and safely. ~ KJ
KJ Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a different venture often. His early career had him working with one of the finest PR agencies in the outdoor industry – Blue Heron Communications. Before that, KJ molded the minds of business school students at the University of Oklahoma. Quickly learning he had to grow up sometime, KJ dedicated himself to the outdoors no matter what it took.
Sporting his flat-brimmed cap, KJ traverses the country in pursuit of the greatest game and best adventures. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, KJ always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind. KJ is a skilled communicator and connector in an industry that he has loved since a child.
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