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Official Montana Hunting Safety Course Link to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Hello, hunter! Montana's online hunting course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Montana course—the official hunting safety course of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Go to the new Montana course

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Montana certification.

Survival Skills

Oops, You’re Lost!

It’s getting dark. You’re cold. You’re wet. And you aren’t sure where your hunting camp is. What do you do now?

The best way to survive a potentially dangerous situation is to avoid it. Any time a person is hunting, there is a chance that he or she may become lost especially when hunting in an unfamiliar area. If you don’t feel comfortable hunting in an area, or if you feel unprepared, don’t do it. Don’t take the chance. As a rule of thumb: the greater the chance of becoming lost, the more detailed your preparation needs to be.

Rules of 3's

Seven Survival Rules

  1. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
  2. Try to hunt with someone else whenever possible.
  3. Take enough food for several days in case of an emergency.
  4. Take a compass and map and know how to use them.
  5. Wear proper clothing and equipment.
  6. Plan your hunt so that you will return before dark.
  7. Carry a survival kit with shelter and fire starting materials.

S.T.O.P.

If you are lost or injured while hunting, admit you are lost or injured. Remember S.T.O.P.

S=Sit

T=Think

O=Observe

P=Plan
Stop, think, observe, and plan

What S.T.O.P. Means

SIT down and try not to panic. Being calm helps you to THINK more clearly about your situation. Are you really lost? If you are, then accept that fact. OBSERVE the area around you. Do you recognize any landmarks that might help you find your way out? PLAN what you should do next. Should you find some sort of shelter, find something to eat, or try to signal for help?

By following these steps you are more able to evaluate your situation realistically, and being realistic about your situation increases your chances of getting out of it.

Even the best hunter can get lost.
But the best hunter doesn't stay lost for long.

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Montana Fish, Wildlife,
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Official hunting safety course for Montana hunters last modified: November 16, 2011
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