Lost hunters use moose hide to keep warm Western Newfoundland couple followed trail of young animal's blood

[Edward Smith]

This story is from CBC News

photo courtesy of Ed smith

"A western Newfoundland couple used the hide of a freshly killed moose overnight Tuesday to keep warm after getting lost in the woods during a hunting trip near Gros Morne National Park.

Stephen and Sheila Joyce said they lost their way after wounding a young moose and began following the trail of its blood.

Shivering and soaking wet, they eventually caught up with the wounded animal.

“My wife thought it would be a good idea to skin the calf and we could use the skin as a blanket. Then we found a place under the root of a tree,” said Joyce

By morning, they were weak and scared.

“It was quite horrific. We really were expecting the worst for a period of time there and we really didn’t know what would happen. The direction we were going was the wrong one,” he said.

He said hope that they would find their way home safely was fading when they heard gunshots in the distance.

Joyce said he fired back in reply.

The shots were from searchers who lit a fire in hopes the lost couple would spot the smoke.

They eventually met up with Joyce, but said that by then, he was so weak that he had to be carried out of the woods.

Back at home, the couple said they want to thank everyone who helped them survive the ordeal.

“We really, really appreciate the effort that was put into ... well, preserving us from perishing in the woods.” "

[Shane Pinsent]

Good idea to vacuum seal the things that can get wet.

[kenneth Griffiths]

That is something i never done was get lost in the woods. But someday i may try it, just to see how i would do.

[kenneth Griffiths]

Yes it is and i allways have the gear on me just in case i do have to spend a night in the woods. I carry a 6" knife, 3 lighters, bandage, glow in the dark sticks, few snares, a poncho and always lot's of food. All of this fit's in a small pouch in my nap sack.

[Peter Emberley]

Thank God they were ok. Would a cell phone work in this area? I know there are lots of places on the island that they don't.

[Fred Woodman]

its a good thing they are ok. But a second lesson here is about chasing wounded animals. Often it is better to back out and give the animal time to lay down and die. Most times they dont go far if you leave them.

Giving an animal time to lay down does two things. One it dont push them to run which they do and cover large areas quickly , secondly it gives time to hunters to calm down and in this case probably keep their bearings.And possible mark their trail so they can find way back.!

[albert linegar]

 I think the greatest lesson to be learned here is the ability to think under stress. It is easy to survive a night in the woods when you are well prepared, but sometimes that,s not possible .  I don't think they expected the animal to travel that far. This is a lesson to all of us , [learn to make do with what you have at hand]. " What next" skinning the animal and using the skin as a blanket . My hat's off to you Stephan and Sheila , you've taken what could have been a tragedy and turned it into an example of  " REAL SURVIVAL ".

          Albert.

[kenneth Griffiths]

If you ask me these people should not be called hunters. They did everything that a good hunter would not do. They chased a moose that was hurt, Had no back pack, No first Aid kit, and no compass. Tell me who on this site that hunts have nothing like that in there bag???? What a joke they spent 12 hrs of darkness in the woods and never had the strenth to walk out COME ON. I have been on the beer for 3 days and walked home at the end of it. Yes don't get me wrong it is great that they are OK. But i think that it is blowen way out there. That's my 2 cents.

 

Kenneth