Lost in the Field? Why Every Fox Hunter Needs an Emergency Communication Plan

Because “somewhere past the third fence” isn't an address.

There's something special about riding across open countryside, following hounds through fields, woods, and places most people will never see.

But there's one thing that can turn a beautiful day in the hunt field into a serious problem: an emergency when nobody knows exactly where you are.

A rider falls. Someone suffers a medical emergency. A horse gets loose. And suddenly, the most important question isn't what happened.

It's “Where are you?”

The Problem With “We're Near the Big Oak Tree”

Fox hunting takes us into places where traditional street addresses don't exist.

You might be several fields from the nearest road, deep in the woods, or on private property accessible only through a farm gate.

Calling 911 is an important first step, but getting emergency responders to the right location can be challenging.

And telling dispatch you're “behind the old barn, past the creek” probably isn't going to help as much as you'd hope.

That's why every hunt should have a plan for communicating during an emergency.

Your Phone Is a Great Tool—Until It Isn't

Modern smartphones offer several useful emergency features, including GPS location sharing, mapping applications, and emergency calling capabilities.

Before heading out, consider:

  • Is your phone fully charged?

  • Do you have reliable cellular coverage in the area?

  • Do you know how to share your GPS coordinates?

  • Can you access your location without a cellular data connection?

  • Does someone else know your intended route or general hunting area?

Remember, your phone's GPS may still determine your location without cellular service, but communicating that location requires a working connection or another communication method.

Know How to Share Your Location

If an emergency occurs, accurate location information can help dispatchers and responders find you.

Depending on your device and available service, you may be able to share:

GPS coordinates: Latitude and longitude provide a specific geographic location.

Dropped map pins: Mapping applications can allow you to share a point on a map.

Nearby access points: Farm entrances, gates, roads, and recognizable landmarks can help responders identify the best way to reach you.

When speaking with 911, provide the most accurate information available and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

And remember: Where the injured rider is located and where an ambulance can access the property may be two very different places.

What About Areas Without Cell Service?

Some hunt territories have unreliable or nonexistent cellular coverage.

That's where satellite communication devices can provide another option.

One example is the Garmin inReach, a satellite communication device designed to support messaging, location sharing, and SOS communication in areas beyond traditional cellular coverage, when used with an active compatible service plan.

Devices like these can be particularly useful for hunt staff, field masters, or riders traveling into remote areas.

However, satellite devices have limitations. They generally need an adequate view of the sky, an appropriate subscription, and users







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