Fernie Search and Rescue has wrapped up another busy summer season with callouts ranging from false alerts to injured mountain bikers, as well as a major recovery operation near Kimberley that involved multiple SAR teams. While crews hope the pace slows as summer winds down, attention now shifts to one of the busiest times of year for volunteers: hunting season.
Each fall, “overdue hunter” calls become some of the most labour-intensive rescues Fernie SAR responds to. These operations can consume hundreds of volunteer hours and often involve aircraft, road searches, social media alerts, interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, and investigative support from the RCMP. In some cases, rescuers don’t even know which province the missing person may be in when the search begins.
To help reduce the burden on search crews—and to keep hunters safe—Fernie SAR is asking everyone heading into the backcountry to follow a few simple steps. At the very least, let someone know where you’re going. Even a note left on the fridge with a rough area marked can save hours of searching. Ideally, carry a satellite communication device such as an InReach or SPOT unit. These tools not only allow rescuers to find you quickly in an emergency, but they also let you communicate if your plans change.
“Without those basic steps, overdue hunter calls can tie up resources for days,” notes the team. “With them, emergency response can be fast and efficient if you truly need it.”
Fernie Search and Rescue operates in collaboration with 911 dispatch, neighbouring SAR groups, and helicopter partners Ascent and Bighorn. As the hunting season begins, the team wishes everyone a safe and successful fall—and reminds backcountry users that a little planning goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Fernie Search and Rescue is a wilderness emergency response group that acts on behalf of Emergency Management BC.
The group is comprised of volunteers who assist people in emergencies in the backcountry. Fernie Search and Rescue can be tasked by various agencies, including the RCMP, the British Columbia Ambulance Service or BCAS, Fire /Rescue, local municipalities and the Department of National Defence.
Members of the public needing a SAR response should call 911, ask for the RCMP or BCAS and state that the nature of the emergency is in the backcountry and needs a SAR response.
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Image: Fernie SAR
