(Traverse City, MI) Only one day after the Coast Guard issued a press release urging northern Michigan hunters to take pack proper survival gear, Coast Guard helicopters assisted local DNR and Beaver Island EMS personnel located and rescue a 62 year-old Michigan man from deteriorating conditions. As 40-knot winds pounded Beaver Island with sleet and snow, an H-65B Dolphin helicopter from Traverse City searched with Night Vision Goggles while DNR and Beaver Island EMS personnel searched on the ground. Although visibility was less than ½ mile, LCDR Marshall Branch, LTjg Brendan Evans, AMT3 Hannah Pecue, and AST2 Noel Hutton were able to locate the hunter within minutes of arriving on scene thanks to a flashlight. Night Vision Goggles can pick up even the smallest light source from miles away, but hunters without a light source are very difficult for air crews to spot in the woods even in the best of conditions. As the snow storm increased in intensity, DNR personnel were vectored in to the hunter’s position by the crew of Coast Guard Helicopter 6530. EMS treated him on scene and the air crew returned to Traverse City.
AS A REMINDER CONCERNING HUNTING SAFETY……
Hunters should take the necessary precautions before venturing out into Michigan’s wilderness. Weather during this time of year can change dramatically in a very short period of time. Hunters should know their limitations and be in good physical health if heading out into the woods. It is also recommended hunters leave a hunting plan with family or friends, outlining locations and time of expected return. DO NOT file hunting plans with the Coast Guard.
To better the chance of detection by rescuers, the following survival equipment is strongly recommended:
· 2 Way VHF-FM radios and cell phone
· Cold weather survival gear
· (GPS) Global Positioning System
· Bright Orange Reflective Clothing
· Flashlight, strobe light, or other form of Illumination for Night Vision Goggle Detection
Despite the lack of leaves on trees this time of year, detecting a hunter on the ground can be quite difficult from overhead. Hunters should maximize the amount of orange clothing worn to increase their chances of detection by rescuers.
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