FIND SHELTER
Locate shelter as nearby as possible. It it's wet, it becomes doubly important to plan a night's stay right where you are. Look for materials which will protect you from wind and rain, such as boughs from trees, windfalls which span a hole you can crawl into. Dry leaves will make good bedding to keep you off the ground. Get a fire going if possible and during the daylight hours try to develop smoke to indicate your location.

SETTLE IN
By staying put it is much easier for you to be found by a search party. Expect them to look for you during daylight hours, which is another reason get under cover and stay warm and dry for the night. Considering the conditions, protecting yourself from the elements is what's important now.

MAKE NOISE
If ammunition is available, fire three shots in slow succession. This is generally understood as a sign of trouble. Carfully listen for return shots. Consider the direction and loudness. This will give you an idea of how far away searchers are. Remember to stay where you are. Then, after five minutes time, fire another three shots and wait. This will allow searchers to find you.

COLLECT FOOD AND WATER
Once you have a site which protects and warms you, you will need to seek food and water. You must not stray too far from your newly established campsite, but there may be a stream nearby which you can hear. Set your fire to "smoke" and circle your campsite in search of water first. Survival is more certain with a source of water than food. You can go several days without food, but dehydration becomes more serious as time goes by. Clean snow is okay to melt and drink, but boil ground water if possible, whether it comes from a clean looking brook or a swamp. You may need to strain the water through a porous fabric if it is really unhealthy looking. But keep in mind that the only thing worse than being lost is being lost and sick. If you can't find water, look for plants or other foods which contain it. Remember, nutrition is not as important as hydration.

SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST
-proper clothing (be prepared to spend the night)
-waterproof matches or lighter
-ligther
-compass
-a good knife
-nylon string
-a bottle of water
-signal mirror
-large hankerchief
-axe, hatchet or saw
-flashlight
-survival or space blanket
-tin cup
-multi purpose hand tool
-water purification tablets
-durable high calorie food (candy bars)

Your survival kit should fit inside a fanny pack and weigh just a little over four pounds. A good fanny pack or a pocket in a rucksack is all you'll need

Published in 7th Annual Edition Hunter's Handbook A Comprehensive "How To" Guide for Today's Hunter