Search and rescue captain offers advice on safe and sensible hiking

Montana – Nothing compares to taking a pleasant trek in the vast outdoors. But despite the possibility of peace, danger is also a possibility. There are many measures you should take to prevent unsafe circumstances, regardless of whether you have hiked for your entire life or are just getting started.

It’s simple to criticize, but you can find yourself in a difficult situation later on too, said Robert Jach.

Jach has spent a lot of time hiking throughout Montana. He claims to be at ease on the trails, but it’s simple to get too at ease.

Even on the Bozeman M Trail.

Jach explained, “For instance, I have food and water by my bike, but I’m not carrying any of that food, water, or a change of clothes with me on my hike.

However, Jach stated, “I’m going to be closely watching the weather and not go any further than my initial plan,” to lessen that.

In fact, one family’s intentions for the day at the M trail on July 2 changed drastically.

Gallatin County Dispatch learned that a family of six was missing while hiking the M trail at noon. The family was stranded on a rocky section of the mountain after running out of water.

Before they were fortunately located, Gallatin County Search and Rescue teams conducted a foot search for the family.

“It’s easy to say, ‘How do you get lost on a local trail like that,’ but it can happen to anyone, and in no way, shape, or form should we point fingers at someone calling for help,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Captain Scott Secor.

You disregard a sign or choose a game route over a human trail, for example.

You’re lost the next thing you know.

Many individuals, according to Secor, believe that the majority of the persons they must rescue while hiking are from outside the city.

But Gallatin County residents make up the majority of our rescues, according to Secor.

He claims that technology is a major offender, giving those with little expertise the confidence to travel into the backcountry.

Previously, you needed to know the area or be able to read a map, according to Secor.

However, Secor argues that modern technology, such as cell phones, might also be useful if you ever get lost on a route.

According to Secor, having a charged phone or a GPS communication gadget is very helpful to rescuers.

In addition, if you’re unfamiliar with the area you’re hiking in, he suggests that you always stick to your plan and always go in pairs.

Jach, though, is an expert on the M path.

Stick to your goal and consider the potential repercussions if it doesn’t work out, advised Jach.