Risk Management Magazine

Every hunting season brings new stories about successful outings, big trophies and near misses. Unfortunately, it also brings tales of serious mishaps — most of which could have been avoided with a little common sense and proper safety equipment.

On our way to the hunting spot, we crossed a bridge over a very swollen creek. We were amazed at how high the water was compared to normal. We traversed this road often, so we knew the water was sure to be just as amazing farther ahead at the low water crossing. Little did we know! So, we pressed on.

A few years ago, when I was a member of a search-and-rescue team in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, another team asked for our help locating a missing hunter. We responded and I set out as part of a three-man all-terrain vehicle (ATV) team. I recall it was a beautiful, clear, cool, crisp morning as we drove south to the Sangre de Cristo Range.