Lost Hikers To Pay For Their Rescue In New Hampshire

By Jim on December 29th, 2008

I completely agree with this change to state law:

The state Fish and Game Department has a new and simpler way to go after the intoxicated and unprepared who venture into the woods and require costly rescues.

And the penalties will be more severe than just fines.

Under changes in state law enacted this year, it will soon begin telling some of them they risk losing their driver’s licenses for failing to pay for rescues.

Any license they may have with the state Health and Human Services Department could also be revoked, as could hunting and fishing licenses.

The Attorney General’s Office is now reviewing four cases the Fish and Game Department believes meet the new standard.

The state no longer has to prove someone was “reckless” — meaning they became aware of the substantial risk and consciously disregarded it — to receive repayment for a rescue. Now the state only has to prove negligence.

Officials estimate that of the 140 rescues a year, the state will be able to bill those rescued in about 40 of them.

That’s up from 10 under the old law.

I understand that some will think this to perhaps be too stringent or an expansion of state power or whatever. I disagree completely. If you don’t take the proper precautions when hiking or doing some other outdoors recreation then you should be obligated to pay for your rescure. Yes, unexpected things happen sometimes and that can’t be helped. But quite often it’s the fault of the hikers for not being adequately prepared.

If you aren’t sure how to prepare properly for a hike then be sure to visit the Hike Safe site. It has some excellent information that will help you stay safe and will help you avoid having to pay for your rescue.