Thread: Solo hunting; managing risk

Interesting to read how many people are saying they think the risk is higher with others vs solo. I too have felt that, in particular when taking unexperienced friends out I often feel a pressure to 'succeed' in getting a deer shot for them. On my own I'm happy to be out, to spend the time glassing country and recharging mentally. I would challenge though, that even if we feel safer on our own, the reality is a second person does actually make things safer.

Over the past couple years I've taken out people less, and if I take someone out who I don't enjoy hunting with I won't go again with them. The most recent person who asked to come for a hunt I said I wanted them show me on their fitness tracker that they had run a 5km in 30minutes or less. Yes the fitness is important, but I think if someone can show me that can listen to and follow through with a really simple request they have the motivation and humility to listen to my direction when on the hill.

OP, I smell an Army lad, with the frequent moves and language you've used. I too did my time in the green machine. What I would say about the Army and risk is that I reckon the majority of people paid it lip service. They would say all the right stuff and have their risk management plan but when pressed they hadn't even read it, or tested that it would work. Your PLB is useless if the battery is flat. Telling your Mrs where you're going to be is useless if you decide to go somewhere else. Having your medical kit is pointless if its back in your tent. I get the vibe you are taking it all quite seriously though.

Safe hunting and send me a PM if you get posted to BMC.