Texas Hunter Education Certification Practice Exam

What should you do if you become lost while hunting?

1. Keep moving and look for help

2. Use your cell phone to call for help, if possible

3. Stay put and make yourself visible

4. Follow animal tracks to find water

The correct answer is: Stay put and make yourself visible

Staying put and making yourself visible is the most effective action if you become lost while hunting. The rationale behind this choice is grounded in safety and recovery strategies. When people wander while lost, they often move away from potential rescue routes, making it harder for searchers to locate them. By remaining in one spot, you increase the chances of being found, especially if you make yourself visible, such as by using bright clothing or laying out items that can catch attention. Establishing a visible presence can include creating signals for rescuers, which is vital since searchers will typically look for you in the area where you first noticed you were lost. This strategy works well particularly in wilderness areas where movement could lead you further into danger or off designated paths. The alternative strategies, such as following animal tracks or using a cell phone, may not always be reliable. Following animal tracks can lead you to unfamiliar territory and possibly away from safety. Similarly, while using a cell phone is helpful if service is available, in many remote areas, cell reception can be spotty or nonexistent, making it less trustworthy in critical situations. Keeping that in mind, the best approach in the event of becoming lost while hunting is indeed to stay put and make yourself visible.