Two hunters who became lost in the Longwoods Forest on Saturday night (13 Jul), have been found by Police.

A popular Western Southland hunting, tramping and mountain biking area, the Longwoods Forest covers around 23,000 hectares and is made up of both native and indigenous trees.

Police said they were alerted about two missing hunters at around 5.30pm on Saturday night, which prompted a Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) team being deployed.

The hunters had become lost in the dark after losing a trail near the top of the Longwood Range.

Police were able to make contact with the hunters and establish their exact location via cell phone.

The pair eventually reorientated themselves and made their way out of the forest as search teams arrived on scene.

Sergeant Alun Griffiths said while the hunters were lucky on this occasion, the situation could have been horribly different if they lost cell phone coverage by moving from their original position.

Forests can be harsh and unforgiving during the winter months and the pair were extremely fortunate to get out quickly, with overnight temperatures dropping to -4 degrees in the area, he said.

Griffiths said neither of the hunters were adequately prepared for the bush, lacking a personal locator beacon, GPS, and map, alongside no basic survival or fire lighting equipment.

Police Reminder

Any one-day hunting or tramping trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation and those entering the bush need to consider their preparedness for that scenario.

1. If you are thinking of entering the bush, here are some simple tips to keep yourself safe:
2. Choose the right trip for you - Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
3. Understand the weather - It can change fast.
4. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
5. Pack warm clothes and extra food - Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
6. Share your plans and take ways to get help - Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
7. Take care of yourself and each other - Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.

Personal locator beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

If you have purchased a beacon, make sure you register it at www.beacons.org.nz.

For more information on outdoor safety, helpful free resources and videos, head to https://www.adventuresmart.nz/.