Signaling and Getting Found!

**book** · 01-11-2013, 06:30 PM

It used to be that on western mt. fires, one of the best ways to signal a helicopter as to your position was throw dirt into the air. The dirt would fall back down but the dust from the dirt would remain in the air and form a dust drift cloud that was easily seen because of the movement. It was a darker color than smoke and would give the pilot an indication of wind speed and direction.

**Joe Willson** · 01-12-2013, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by BushMetal

I agree that is basic firearm safety

But when lost for a few days with out food or water people can make poor decisions as if they were brain damaged.

You hear something, jump up and blast 3 rounds off to make sure its not too late but oops..

that kind of thing

Is there any evidence that in the entire history of people getting lost and being looked for that this has ever happened?

**Panzer** · 01-12-2013, 02:09 PM

Is there any evidence that in the entire history of people getting lost and being looked for that this has ever happened?

The initial comment about safety it just that safety. It's a reminder that if you are going to fire off a gun in an emergency situation to be aware that there might be folks looking for you and they could happen to be in harms way if you don't exercise good judgement. That is all. Nothing more or less. Keep it on track.

thanks

**BushMetal** · 01-12-2013, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Willson

Is there any evidence that in the entire history of people getting lost and being looked for that this has ever happened?

rescuers have been shot by rescuee yes

**Panzer** · 01-12-2013, 03:45 PM

I have worked with guys who have been shot at by land owners.

Searching can be dangerous that's for sure.

**Mr.Black** · 01-12-2013, 04:15 PM

There is alot I want to do on this I will try to get some pics ASAP of some radios, flares, mirrors,VS-17 sig pannels,signal tarps,Buzzsaws and improvised stuff Ive done
Till then Check this Out This Guy is a former SERE Specialist and this vid is a real eye opener and might make us re think a few things I will get back soon with some pics

Great thread

**Mr.Black** · 01-12-2013, 04:26 PM

Thoughts.
-Someone has to do a demo on using orange drank powder in the snow thats a good'n
-the flaming spitting dragon lol
-"Aim the mirror center of air craft not the cockpit and my face" yelled the CAP pilot over the walkie as I signaled him from a ridge on San Gorgonio
- I have no idea how the Sea Dye Marker made it into the fountain Sir... OMG!...

**Das_Sheep** · 01-12-2013, 04:32 PM

Bring extra bacon. The smell of bacon carries very far, and potential rescuers are more likely to be motivated to find you once they smell delicious fire roasted bacon.

But on a serious note, those space blanket tarps with orange on one side and silver on other are pretty good. Or like, a GPS beacon. Or GPS...bacon.

**Crafter** · 01-12-2013, 05:01 PM

Kite.

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/-skite.html

**DPris** · 02-19-2013, 02:34 AM

I have an ACR PL beacon, a GLASS military-grade signal mirror, and a couple serious strobes (Streamlight & ACR), besides a decent small but bright LED flashlight, that go along.
Passengers in the ATV are checked out on the PLB in case anything happens to me.

Fire starting materials are always toted. Whistle.
Frequently a blaze orange handkerchief or watch cap.
Cell phone that's charged (frequently works in higher elevations out here in the West, but can't be entirely counted on).

Kids are given basic equipment & taught how to build fires, and some basic rules such as staying put unless they're absolutely sure where they are & how to get to a road where they can run into other people.
Denis