Patrick, Shane and I spent the past 6 days helping teach Advanced Rescue for Haywood Community College's Wilderness Week program. It rained 4 out of the 6 days we were out but it was an honor and privilege to work with this group of true SAR professionals in Western North Carolina.
Jeff, do you have any info on the orange dragging sled. It looks like it would be handy for dragging a deer out of the woods.
The deer that I shoot are not that valuable! Plus if I shot them they are not going to make out alive. https://skedco.com/product/sked-basic-rescue-system-international-orange/
It wouldn't bother me at all if i was the one being dragged out but a deer carcass don't need that level of luxury.
To echo what Jeff said, the rain and terrain made it epic but I can't say enough about the MSAR pros we worked with...We were all students in this class....My first real SAR training and man, it will be hard to top. Land Nav class in the field. Prussic climb up rock face...this is the NOT steep part. Plenty of water.....everywhere this week...often times running down the trail...on the rare occasion that we were actually ON A TRAIL.... My load out for the week (minus a leatherman MUT tool) we did a LOT of bushwhacking....lots.....and it was fun. taking a moment to take it all in.... Clouds rolling in. The Myth, the Legend....and his ponytail. @Patrick Rollins always knows where the camera is. Gearing up. Plotting the days route.... Jeff and I "hanging out" on a 150' cliff. Our victim....no pressure. Despite some really piss poor conditions we did a LOT of laughing and smiling....you know you are swimming with sharks when everyone is just laughing while we are all shivering, wet, and cold...
no joke man...over the last few weeks my feet and hands have been pruned mORe than NOT....Also if shivering caused weight loss I would be anorexic by now!
Over the years I've had the chance to work with some great rescue techs, but the NC folks seem to be a cut above. When they start applying that North Carolina voodoo to their systems, just stand back and watch the magic.