Here's another slant on the subject for those of us that are destined to experience the same thing. 1.) Establish some sort of reference point for where you last saw the model. Then use a straight line to that point as a beginning. 2.) Understand the old adage that the model is always further away than you thought. 3.) When landing in corn, expect the model to slither down nose first . It's almost as if they don't want to be found. and 4.) Carry your transmitter with you and when you get to where you think the model might be, move the sticks some to make some servo sounds. It's amazing how well that sound will carry.
'Glad you got your model back.