A hunter shared one of his most terrifying experiences. What started out as a typical moose hunt quickly turned into a life-or-death situation. Learn what went wrong as well as how this hunter and his guide managed to survive 10 days trapped in the Canadian wilderness.
The Background Story
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The hunter who shared this story started off with a direct warning to the reader. In an issue of OutdoorLife, they wrote, "Don't ever leave camp or walk off a trail in wild country without a map, compass, and matches in a waterproof container." While it may seem like basic knowledge to someone who is well-versed in the wilderness, it can be easy to forget when your confidence is high.
Remember, accidents can happen to the best of us, which is clearly detailed in this story. This was no first-timer. This hunter shared that he had been hunting all of his life. "I had hunted since I was a kid — foxes, deer, partridges, and ducks — and loved it," he shared. Additionally, with his background as a Marine and a job at the Fish and Wildlife Service, I'd say he was well-versed in the wilderness.
Nevertheless, a simple moose hunt led to him being trapped in the Canadian wilderness for over a week. He had opted to hunt near "the area northeast of Lake of the Woods, in western Ontario, left Pentwater." Despite having made reservations in advance at a hunting camp, this hunter's luck was sour from the start. He shared that " an early freeze had forced it to close three days before." However, even unfavorable weather could not dampen his spirit.
Hunter Shares His Story Of Being Trapped In The Canadian Wilderness For 10 Days
Going off local recommendations, he found a man who "operated a bush-flying service, does some outfitting, and maintains tent camps on a few remote lakes." The two made the necessary arrangements, gathered their gear, and headed off for the hunt. Once they landed in the appropriate area, the pair found a guide who had grown up in the area. It seemed like the perfect team.
Once the pair was settled, the man with the plane left "the guide and me with a good outfit, plenty of provisions, and a big chunk of roadless bush" with a promise of checking in every other day or so. The trip appeared promising when they woke up and saw a moose just outside their tent. However, they were all cows, and this hunter wanted a bull moose.
The guide suggested, "a hike to a small bog lake he knew about." Seeing as it was only a two-mile hike, the hunter agreed, fully anticipating finding his moose and being back at camp in time for lunch. Little did he know this was the start of him getting trapped in the Canadian wilderness.
Why It Always Pays To Be Prepared
"The idea of making any special preparations never entered my mind," the hunter admitted. After all, they had only planned to be gone for a couple of hours. The duo paddled across the lake and pulled their boat up on the shore. Despite both of them being semi-appropriately dressed, neither the hunter nor the guide thought about survival gear on that warm October day.
Nevertheless, you should always be prepared. As fate would have it, that warm day quickly turned to overcast and raw wind. Upon the weather change, the guide suggested returning to camp, but suggested going a different way. The new path would apparently "keep out of muskeg and swamp." After an hour of walking, it began to snow. The hunter was sure they must be close to the lake by now, but when they reached the top of the ridge and looked down, they saw the same bog lake they had left an hour ago; the pair was completely turned around.
Two hours later, with much more walking, they arrived at the same bog lake once again. The two men were officially lost and trapped in the Canadian wilderness. Despite eventually finding another lake, the pair continued to walk in circles until they had no idea which direction their camp was in. Now, with wet matches and a mix of rain and sleet, the pair had to start a fire. Luckily, they were able to, using their last match.
Surviving Being Trapped In The Canadian Wilderness
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They did a bit of hunting and continued to look for a camp the next day, but to no avail. Upon realizing they were lost, the hunter felt defeated. "It was a tough thing to face," he admitted. "I'd heard and read about it but had never thought it would happen to me." What truly would have saved them at that moment were a map and a compass.
Fortunately for the men, their pilot had flown over every other day as promised and noticed their abandoned camp. Additionally, he noticed the boat pulled up on shore, and when it was there the next day, he knew the two were lost. The pilot returned to town and "picked up an experienced American Indian guide." Then the pair returned for the manhunt.
The two's experience in the wilderness is surely the only thing that kept them alive. Knowing how to build shelter and live off the land. Fortunately for them, the search parties finally found the two men trapped in the Canadian wilderness. However, it was not until after surviving 10 days in freezing temperatures and harsh conditions that the men feared they would not make it.
Let this be your reminder: no matter how simple the trek seems or how experienced you might be, always bring the gear.
