Locater Beacons

[Timothy]

They have a use and can be abused.

A few years ago, there was a report on one of the network "news" programs, 20-20, 60 Minutes, don't remember which since I don't watch many.  Anyway, it was about the Grand Canyon and how many people walk to the bottom only to find that they have to walk back up!  DOH!  

It wasn't necessarily about GPS but about the "yuppies" as Ichiban stated that are costing the taxpayer money for their own inexperience and stupidity!

I'm an adventurous guy (or was in my yoot!) but I had my limitations and reasoning, common sense and enough backwoods experience to not kill myself.  Had I had the money back in the day to heli-ski in some of the back country like they do today, I may not have survived though.

 

[Dakotaranger]

Even the most experienced people get hurt, and not necessarily their fault.  Shoot, I almost got hit crossing the street with the little white guy and some idiot turning right where I was.  IF I spent alot of time in the backwoods I would probably get one, especially with the number of mountain lions we have roaming the whole state.

Kinda the same reason we all have for strapping on a pistol before we hit the door.

[MikeBjerum]

Send them on a hiking trip to Iran!

If you want to enjoy God's gift of the wilderness prepare yourself and act responsibly!  I am sick of techno geeks that are great naturalists, but because of electronics have decided they are the world's best frontiersmen.

[tombogan03884]

The solution is simple. 

Fools should not be allowed near them.

Rational folks should never leave home without one 

Seriously, if you are not a "fool", take one with you.  No matter how experienced or how careful and qualified you are, you can find yourself in a situation where it will be needed.

The story of the guy who got his arm pinned in a crevice and had to amputate it to free himself and get back to civilization is a good example.  Yeah...maybe he shouldn't have gotten in that situation, but it could have been a rock slide or other event beyond his control. 

Had he been carrying a beacon he would still have two arms....of course he wouldn't have had his moment in the spotlight and a book deal.

We need "beacon control", We should start with a $500 registration process in order to get your "Beacon Carry Permit".
After all, "It's for the children" !   

[Magoo541]

We need "beacon control", We should start with a $500 registration process in order to get your "Beacon Carry Permit".
After all, "It's for the children" !   

HA! LOL!  I like it, start registering freeze dried food, camp stoves and REI purchases while were at it so we know who the likely violators are.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Don't laugh, DHS is already trying to keep track of people who make bulk purchases of emergency supplies, especially if they pay cash.

[Dakotaranger]

Don't laugh, DHS is already trying to keep track of people who make bulk purchases of emergency supplies, especially if they pay cash.

I know but somethings you have to laugh at, no matter how much they tick you off or you'll go crazy

[tombogan03884]

I know but somethings you have to laugh at, no matter how much they tick you off or you'll go crazy

Agreed, laugh or go postal.
If you go postal on them they have cops, and troops etc just sitting around dying for something to relieve the daily boredom.
But they can't do anything but get PO'ed about people making fun of them.   

[JC5123]

Personally I think while they are a really cool thing to have when you REALLY need it. Most of the time you can get cell service. Also, most of the trips I take every ounce is critical. I'm not going to take anything that will weigh me down anymore than I already am. It's hard enough climbing with a 40+ pound pack on, I'm not going to add more that MIGHT be of use. Especially when I have already managed to get myself out of 20 years worth of bad situations without it.

[tt11758]

We need "beacon control", We should start with a $500 registration process in order to get your "Beacon Carry Permit".
After all, "It's for the children" !   

Don't forget the training requirements, and the requirement to show proficiency with the device before your permit is issued.