What should you do if you become separated from your hunting partner in the field?

• A. Stop and retrace your steps, use signaling devices, stay safe in a known spot, and contact others for help.
• B. Continue wandering and hope others find you.
• C. Turn off your phone and wait.
• D. Move to the last known location of your partner and assume they found you.

Answer: (A)

When you’re separated in the field, the priority is to get yourself safely found again as quickly as possible. The recommended approach is to stop moving, try to reestablish your position, and use signals to attract attention while you arrange help.

Stopping maintains your location so you’re not drifting farther away. If you can safely backtrack to a point where you and your partner were together, do so; that can increase the chance of reconnecting. At the same time, move to a safe, open spot where you’re easy to see and hear, and then start signaling. Use every available signal you have—a whistle, bright clothing or gear, a flashlight or flare, and your phone or radio if you have service. Let others know where you are and what you’re doing, and ask them or anyone nearby to contact help if needed. Staying put in a known safe location while signaling is the most reliable way to be located by your partner or searchers.

This idea works because it reduces further disorientation and keeps you in a place where rescuers can find you. Wandering off without a plan makes you harder to locate. Turning off a phone cuts off a quick way to call for help, and simply moving to the partner’s last-known spot assumes they’re there or that you’ll meet them there, which isn’t guaranteed and can put you both at risk.