FATAL REMINDER

[Deleted member 33033]

I am posting this for the benefit of you guys considering or planning an elk hunt sometime. You absolutely must find out of you are prone to elevation sickness first...then plan the hunt that you can handle. I have hunted elk in the Rockies between 10-13,000' and in the AZ mountains under 6000' and at sea level in coastal Oregon...you don't have to put yourself in the deadly situation this guy did:

http://mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2015/10/we_built_so_much_here_albion_f.html

Know your limits, plan your hunt accordingly.

 

[cjack]

Very sad, I know my limit is 10,000 feet. I have gotten very sick several times at 10,500 and 11,000 feet. There are too many options to take a chance, you can get back deep into untraveled areas without going up. Terrible tragedy not only for his wife and kids but also for the group he was with that no doubt feel a sense of guilt.

 

[solus]

I havent had an issue yet. I have gain weight since i hike mt Whitney though so i dont know if i am anymore

 

[Bossbrott]

Truly a sad reminder, but necessary.
We went hunting with a new member at @9000'. By the time the tent was up he was puking, dozing off, complaining of sea sickness and fatigue along with limited vision. I drove him home soon after and he felt better soon. 9000' is not high IMO, but for him, that's the highest he's ever been,,,,and won't go back anytime soon.

 

[cjack]

Truly a sad reminder, but necessary.
We went hunting with a new member at @9000'. By the time the tent was up he was puking, dozing off, complaining of sea sickness and fatigue along with limited vision. I drove him home soon after and he felt better soon. 9000' is not high IMO, but for him, that's the highest he's ever been,,,,and won't go back anytime soon.

Everybody has a different tolerance, no shame just know your limits and plan accordingly as Bruce said. Good for you making the right decision to drive him home!

 

[CA Karen]

Acclimating to altitude is key to high country hunting, as well as reducing/eliminating alcohol and smoking. Staying hydrated is also key as well as checking with your doctor particularly if you have any cardio-pulmonary issues like the guy in the article. And just because you have been at high altitude 100 times does not mean that the 101st time you won't come down with it...