Having grown up in the rural areas of the South (Arkansas, Missouri, and the Carolinas), I spent a great deal of time hiking, fishing, hunting and exploring the swamps and mountains. When I went to University, I continued these activities and worked as a Fire Fighter for the U.S. Forestry Service, putting out forest fires and helping with searches for lost people. Now I am a guide in the Caribbean, teaching survival techniques and looking for the occasional lost tourist. Few people plan on getting lost or needing to survive in the wilderness, but all should be prepared in case it happens.
Surviving in the wilderness is not as difficult many think, all one needs to do is remember a few basics, and, as the Scout Motto goes, "Always be prepared". This applies to the wilds of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri down into the islands in the Caribbean. Being prepared means telling people where you are going, as well as always carrying a good First Aid Kit, waterproof matches (or a waterproof container) and lightweight rope. Throw in dental floss and a few fish hooks, a small compass, and a basic understanding of the area where you will be traveling; survival becomes not only possible, but simple.
First rule if lost: Don't Panic! This is important as when people panic they tend to get excited and not think clearly. One becomes careless, runs in circles and uses up a lot of needless energy, becoming even more confused. Instead, sit down, relax, eat a snack bar and try to remember where the last familiar place was. This way you won't mess up or create false trails; also people think better sitting down eating.
No idea of where you are or incapable of getting back (I once slid down a cliff when a ledge suddenly collapsed under me, the trail was exactly 30 ft above me, but no way up)? Relax, you have options.
Option one is to sit where you are. Hopefully you told people where you were going (Proper preparation) and, unless you are really obnoxiuos, some one will look for you when you don't come back on time. This is best if you know searches will begin in a day or two. Of course if "on time" is three weeks later, you need to consider option two, surviving or getting out by yourself. Option two depends on where you are.
If you are just lost (and not on the side of a cliff), start by resting the compass on a level surface so the needle "floats", sight upon a fixed object, then head to that object. The object can be a tree a few hundred yards away or a mountain top a mile off. When reaching the object, sight on another object in the same direction. This helps go in a straight line, sooner or later coming across a road or stream, then just follow the road or stream to civilization.
Maybe you are injured and the terrain is too rough to navigate safely. Still find a stream, you will need the water, and to set up camp. Using the rope, tie a long stick between two trees, then pile on branches and create a lean-to, the quickest and easiest type of shelter to build. Find dry wood, raise branches are best, then use the matches to light a fire. Once the fire is going, it should never go out. Rescuers will see the smoke during the day or the light at night. You can even make a large tripod shelter to keep it dry during rain. The fire is used for signaling as well as drying both you and additional wood out, care should be taken not to start a forest fire!
The dental floss is great fishing line, with the hooks, should help with food if the stream has fish. Of course if you are a good hunter with ammunition, food shouldn't be a problem. Only eat what you know is safe, or what the birds eat. Many plants contain toxins, but the birds will know! Termites and crushed ants are always safe and high in protein just in case ammunition runs low, you lose the hook or there is just nothing else available. If you can purify the water, do, but drink it anyway as dehydration weakens and kills faster than disease that doctors can cure when you are safe!
Surviving in the wilderness? Easy, just remember the basic: Food, water, shelter, and don't panic!