How to Survive in the Woods

Getting lost in the woods is something most of us have never experienced. If it happened to you, do you think you could survive? Arming yourself with basic survival skills before your next hiking or hunting trip could save your life. If you get lost in the woods, and can't get a signal for your cell phone, follow these steps for survival.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Knife
• Compass
• Water
• Cell phone

Assessing the Situation

1. Look around to assess your environment. Are you near a river? Can you see any buildings? Are there trees you can use as shelter and for fire?
2. Listen. Do you hear any traffic? Do you hear water running?
3. Decide if you are going to stay where you are or keep moving. Remember that it won’t help you to keep walking if you have no idea where you are going. You will only get yourself even more lost.

If You Keep Moving

4. If you have a compass or a map, use it. Check your cell phone every few hours to see if you can pick up a signal.
5. If you are near a river, follow it downstream. It should eventually lead you to a larger river and ultimately to civilization.
6. Mark your trail. Not only will this help anyone who is trying to find you, it will help you if you find yourself turned around. Look around for big sticks or lots of rocks and create arrows on the ground pointing the way you will be going. Make sure the arrows are set up in a clear bare space so they won't be missed.

Build a Shelter

7. Tree branches are an easy way to create a tent or lean-to. Try to get branches already on the ground, but if needed, cut or break branches from the underside of the tree.
8. Lean the branches against each other, another tree, or a rock to create a shelter.
9. Remember, your shelter doesn’t have to be anything great—just something to keep you dry.

Attract Attention

10. A fire is a great way to attract attention to you. A smoky fire during the day works as well as a bright fire at night. Create a smoky fire with pine branches or wet wood.
11. If you have a mirror, aim it at the sun to create a signal. Mirror signals can be seen for miles.
12. If you have a gun with you and can spare some bullets, fire three rounds quickly and then wait 15 minutes. Shoot three rounds again.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring items that could help you if you do get lost. These include a compass, waterproof matches, flare, knife and water.
• Avoid sunstroke and hypothermia. One way to avoid this is to dress for the weather. If it’s hot outside, wear a hat and bring plenty of water. If it’s cool, dress in layers and wear a hat.
• Be sure to let people know where you are hiking or hunting and when you plan to return.