I almost always hunt alone and it is a concern: I hunt on property I own in the country where cell covereage is non-existent except on the top of the hill. Since I am getting up there (51) and there is a family history of heart problems (my Dad had a heart attack at 59), I anticipate one day not too many years from now when it will be a hazard to hunt alone.

Of course, there is also the possibility of accident since I hunt from ladder stands and a climbing stand. However, I am very careful to use a safety harness and use common sense.

One thing that reassures me is the fact that I work hard to be in good shape: if I walk 10-15 miles a week around home it is less probable that a heart attack will take place when I am away on a hunt.

I also am careful to let my wife know when I will be hunting and where I expect to be. I call in at lunchtime to let her know all is well.

On the other hand, since I am self-employed and can choose my hunting trips to take advantage of weather and fewer other hunters (and no one else that I know is in the same circumstances), I plan to continue to hunt alone for the time being. Maybe someday a better phone or emergency alert device will be available.