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While traveling through woodland and swamp, which was well known to me, I suddenly came upon a cornfield that shouldn't have been there. Since my childhood I had explored every inch of the surrounding countryside and felt at home in the varied wilderness. While I quickly realized where I was, I also began to understand how it felt to be lost. I had simply gotten turned around as I wriggled through dense vegetation twisting and turning to gain passage to the other side.

With many urban residents now taking to the outdoors to experience hiking, camping, and hunting, the chances for getting lost or stranded have increased as their lack of knowledge about the wilderness can cause disorientation. In most cases this is a short lived but frightening experience, but in some it may also be life threatening.

Although nothing replaces experience, knowledge about the particular area in which you are visiting can make a huge difference in chances of survival. Recognizing the different plant and animal species in the forest is not a common attribute of most city dwellers. Neither is a sense of direction.

Whether you are in Missouri, Georgia, California, or any other state, some things are the same. Some survival techniques will work no matter what the circumstances. The ability to find shelter, food and water being the main essentials required until rescue comes.

A good quality knife is the most important tool you can possess. Better yet, a muti-tool containing not only a knife, but other useful implements is even better. Waterproof matches or a disposable lighter will furnish a way to make a fire and also a signal fire to alert rescuers.

A compass will also help you find your way to safety but only if you know in what direction you started out in. It is important to practice using a compass before you actually have to use it. It surprises me at how few people actually have the knowledge to make use of one.

Hypothermia is one of the leading causes of death or injury for many lost or stranded persons. Being able to find or construct a suitable shelter against cold or rainy weather is an important asset. Trying to build a satisfactory covering is not something to learn on a whim.

Evergreen branches and fronds can be used to cover a framework of limbs to keep the rain off and also give a modicum of insulation from the cold weather. Do not expect to be comfortable in these shelters as survival is the objective. A knowledge of prevailing winds helps situate the entrance.

A person can

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