If you and your hunting party become separated in adverse weather or terrain, what should you do?

• A. Stay with the group or stay placed safely, use signaling devices, practice staying in a known safe area, and contact authorities if separation persists.
• B. Scatter and try to navigate separately.
• C. Return to the last known vehicle.
• D. Keep moving to find higher ground.

Answer: (C)

In tough weather or rough terrain, the priority is to reconnect with your group at a known, safe reference point. Returning to the last known vehicle gives the team a single, identifiable rendezvous location where you can regroup, share information, and access shelter, signaling devices, and a communication method to contact help if needed. From that point, you can reassess the situation, stay together, and increase your chances of being found or rescued.

Staying with the group is ideal when you’re all together, but if separation has already occurred, guiding everyone back to a shared starting point is the safest way to reestablish contact. Wandering off on your own or trying to press on toward higher ground without a plan can make it harder for rescuers to locate you and can increase exposure to hazards.