by Robin Tidwell

Created on: July 26, 2008   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Experienced outdoorsmen know that there are a few things one should absolutely have in their possession before venturing into the woods: plenty of water, a sharp knife, and a book of matches. Anything lacking can be compensated for and nature itself can be adapted and adopted to fill in the gaps.

Assume that an outdoorsman, or hunter, has become separated from his group or possibly has simply undertaken this expedition alone. Presumably he would have his weapon, be it bow or rifle or shotgun, and the other aforementioned items which are typically carried in one's pockets.

The absolute first, imperative undertaking that the hunter must engage in is to remain right where he is at the moment he determines he is lost. Simply put, the first priority is to stop wandering and therefore increase the chances of being found. The hunter must find a spot which gives adequate shelter from the elements and is preferably near water, not tomention visibile. This can be a tall order.

A lost hunter should aim for higher ground, which allows for a drier campsite as well as making it easier to be spotted by air rescue crews. While a shelter can be built or arranged almost anywhere, a hunter should attempt to find an open area nearby to again increase the chances of rescue. Shelter is very necessary not only from a physical standpoint, and the harsher the elements at that particular season the more vital that necessity becomes, but from a psychological standpoint. Just as a bear feels safer and more comfortable in his den, just as a bird heads for his nest in the evening, so too must a human have a "place" that is enclosed and safe.

Dehydration is a very real danger in the wilderness; one's sense of having a dry mouth is actually the last signal that the body is in need of replenishment. By making a habit to carry water at all times, the odds of complete dehydration when becoming lost are greatly lowered. Streams can be found by listening carefully for the sound of running water, by observing small animals and other wildlife, and by noticing heavier vegetation growth. Running water is preferable to standing or stagnant, for health reasons; anything will do in a pinch.

Fire has many uses: warmth and heat, a sense of safety, a signal, and of course cooking. A fire in an open area will allow the smoke to rise in a more linear fashion, thereby increasing the chances that one's location can be pinpointed. However, just like at any other time when dealing with and living in natural

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