Hunting with a Personal Locator Beacon

[27hand]

I picked one up a couple years ago and just asked my hunting buddy if he had gotten one yet.

I'll be 70 in a couple weeks. He's a youngster at 66.

We don't hunt extreme distances from roads or camp but looking for each other if one doesn't get back could be difficult.

I have an ACR Res Q Link PLB 375. It's a one use device that would be replaced at no charge if you have a valid reson to activate it.

Anyone else use these?

[Walleye Hunter]

I don't go out where one would be needed but kudos on getting one for yourself, if you need to use it it'll save your life.

[gghbi]

About 10 years ago we got cell coverage in my main hunting area, so we never felt the need. We once did give a guy who came out of the woods a ten mile ride so he did not have to hike two miles back over the mountain to get back to where he needed to be.

[27hand]

About 10 years ago we got cell coverage in my main hunting area, so we never felt the need. We once did give a guy who came out of the woods a ten mile ride so he did not have to hike two miles back over the mountain to get back to where he needed to be.

That's good.
Our area does have some cell coverage but it's limited to being about halfway up the hill and almost none back at his camp.
We used to use walkie talkies but same deal. Very limited line of sight use.

I feel better to have it and hope I never have to.

[STBear]

Wise move. I wish they had this stuff when I used to go way back and into unfamiliar areas.

[DukeConnor]

I had a system when i fished lake erie. Can't remember what it was. SPOT ?

The best system is to hunt with a buddy.

Falling from a stand and breaking a leg is a very real possibility. Always have a way to maintain body heat. Space blankets, hot chic, whatever.

Laying in the woods, because of an injury in freezing temps, is a life taking event.

Leave loved ones a map and location of where you intend to hunt. (ensure they are not recipients of a large insurance policy). do not deviate from your plan. We aint Jeremiah Johnson.

Establish a check in time. If you aren't heard from by the check in time call authorities should be called.

Don't let your manly ego get you killed. Everyone needs help sometimes.


Accept the reality we are not young tough kids anymore. know your limitations.

I hunt from my sisters back porch. Pancakes ummmm.

[Delkal]

Sounds like a good idea but how will your hunting buddies use it to find you? I assume you need some type of receiver. Is this something local cops would have?

[Walleye Hunter]

Sounds like a good idea but how will your hunting buddies use it to find you? I assume you need some type of receiver. Is this something local cops would have?

I don't know all about that model but the personal locator beacons operate like the emergency locator transmitters (ELT's) in airplanes, they emit a signal to a satellite that is monitored non-stop. The transmitter transmits the GPS coordinates so you can be found. The older versions of those just emitted a signal on an emergency frequency and they had to use directional antennas to find you.

I have a pair of Garmin Rino's that are FRS/GMRS and they will send your coordinates to the other people you are on with so you can locate them but those radios are pricey.

[27hand]

Here is the one I have. Nice and small. floats. No plan to buy.

Dpwn side is no one can track your location and there is no communication with this unit.

I don't recall the cost. I reregistered it a few days ago ( every 2 years).

2019-09-29_02-55-02 by poofy27, on Flickr

[Palerider]

Good idea. I’m almost always out with someone else when I’m off property so don’t use one.

I always carry a whistle in my packs. I imagine it far easier to blow the whistle versus trying to yell and yell for someone to locate me if needed.