Back Country Search Techniques

Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of hiking or camping in remote back country areas, but sometimes, if they are unprepared or become disoriented, what started as a pleasant outdoor journey can turn into a dangerous situation. Often when a hiker does not return when expected, it leads to a backcountry search and rescue mission. Backcountry search and rescue teams are highly trained, and use a number of techniques when searching for a missing person.

  1. Grid Searches

    • Usually, when someone goes missing in the backcountry, the search and rescue team has a general idea of when and where the person was last seen. Using that information, they calculate a search area based on how long the person has been missing and the direction they may have traveled. That search area is divided into a grid, and teams walk in a line thoroughly searching the area for the person or clues. In some cases, the team is assisted by specially trained dogs who use smell to track the missing person.

    Vehicle Searches

    • In some backcountry areas, it may be practical to use low-flying aircraft to search for missing hikers. In some cases, all terrain vehicles are used to traverse rugged country. The drawbacks to using these methods is that they generally do not allow the searcher to hear a missing hiker's calls for help.

    Tracking

    • Back country search and rescue teams often try to follow tracks to locate missing hikers. This technique is most effective when the ground is muddy or covered in snow, or if a set of tracks lead off the trail. Also, anyone hiking with a dog or using a walking stick makes distinct tracks that can lead rescuers to their location. The drawback to using tracking to find missing hikers is that it can be difficult to identify their tracks if the trail is heavily traveled. In some cases, the team is assisted by specially trained dogs who use smell to track the missing person.

    Sign Cutting

    • Sign cutting means looking out for signs of disturbance indicating where a hiker may have been. Teams look for litter or personal items that were left behind, as well as areas that look like a person may have passed through recently. For example, someone traveling through an area with thick brush may cut or break branches to get through, and search teams can follow these broken branches.

    Attraction

    • One of the most basic search techniques is to try and attract the missing person. Call their name, blow a whistle, or use a flashlight to get their attention. If they are injured or stuck somewhere, they will respond if they can.

    Interviewing

    • Back country search and rescue teams usually interview other people hiking or camping in the area, to find out information about when the missing hikers were last seen and where they were headed. Back country rescue expert Chris Weddle suggests that search and rescue teams conducting interviews be as vague as possible when interviewing, to avoid the other hikers inadvertently making their memories of other hikers try to fit the description of who needs help and thus providing inaccurate information.