More survival tips for big game hunters

This is the last of a two-part series about survival in the Great Outdoors.

Will hunters headed into the Great Outdoors be prepared for the possibility of becoming lost?

We have discussed survival before in this column, but a review before a large number of hunters are headed for the Great Outdoors is prudent. Share the following tips with your hunting partners, with the idea of preventing a hunter from becoming lost.

No matter, hunters can/should take precautions and prepare for an unexpected stay in the woods.

Avoid cotton clothing

It provides no warmth when wet. Many hunters wear denim jeans, but there are better alternatives. Look for synthetic, breathable fabrics like modern “softshells.” They are more comfortable in nearly all conditions than traditional denim. Old-school wool is also better than cotton and modern wool is comfortable and excellent insulation.

Have a fire-starting kit

Whether matches, lighter or other devices, it should be weatherproof. Having more than one device, as well as tinder or fire starter, is also recommended. Know how to start a fire in all weather conditions.

Dennis note: Having matches and tinder sealed in resealable plastic bags works. The best tinder I’ve found is cotton balls and petroleum jelly. Take a resealable bag and place several spoonfuls of petroleum jelly inside.

Add numerous cotton balls and squeeze/mash until the cotton is saturated. When needed, take some cotton and tease or spread apart a bit. This tender will burn immediately. Make sure you try this at home before heading into the woods. This also works as a fire starter at the campsite when not lost.

Also, think about placing matches and the cotton ball tinder in FoodSaver pouches and sealing them, then make sure each member of your hunt party has one of these tinder and fire pouches.

Bring a headlamp and extra batteries

They’re valuable for navigating in early mornings or after dark.

Dennis note: I watched a partner skin a deer while wearing a headlamp. I was trying to help while using a handheld flashlight. Since this experience, I have headlamps in each vehicle, in my backpack and a couple in the house.

Know priorities when lost

If you get lost, warmth, shelter and water should be your priorities. You can go days without food, but you have to stay warm and hydrated. It’s never a bad idea to carry extra food with you.

Dennis note: If on a hunt in a familiar area, consider carrying a box or two of raisins. If headed into an unfamiliar area, consider taking more food, perhaps a MRE or two.

Dress in layers and be prepared for the worst weather

Temperatures can drop 30 or 40 degrees between day and night in the mountains. The weather can also change quickly during fall. It’s not uncommon to go from warm and sunny to snowing within hours.

A light, packable insulated jacket and a waterproof shell don’t weigh much or take up much space, and they provide good insulation in cold and wet weather.

Dennis note: Again, if hunting in a familiar area and hiking just a couple miles from the vehicle, I go light on the clothing, because the vehicle can be reached in less than an hour if the weather changes dramatically.

However, if headed into the mountains in the Colville area, my backpack will hold more extensive clothing.

Survival kits

Survival kits are all the rage these days, but many are overkill. Think about the essentials you would need for an unplanned night in the woods.

Dennis note: Very little is taken along when in my traditional deer-hunting area north of Odessa. However, an extensive survival kit will be along if hunting moose in the mountains around Colville.

Vehicle readiness

Have your vehicle ready for the backcountry and prepared for minor breakdowns, such as flat tires or dead batteries. A separate survival kit for your vehicle is a good idea because space and weight are less of an issue than when items must be carried on your person.

Stay put when lost

If you get lost, admit it to yourself and prepare to spend the night out. Build a fire for warmth and companionship and set up a shelter. Wandering around will make it harder for search and rescue personnel to find you. It also fuels your anxiety, preventing you from thinking clearly and making safe choices. This increases the chance that you could become injured or worse.

Dennis note: When lost, your job is to stay put, make camp and continue to improve the camp.

Take medication along

If you take medication daily for a chronic condition, pack several days’ supply and take it with you. Tell your hunting partners of your medical condition and where in your pack your medication is located. This can make the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening medical emergency.

Final thought

Being prepared for an unexpected night in the wilderness is not child’s play. This is serious business, folks. Educate and prepare all of your hunting partners.