Wisconsin Hunter's Safety Practice Exam

What should a hunter do if they suspect they are lost?

1. Stop and stay calm

2. Run in any direction to find help

3. Continue hunting and ignore the feeling

4. Signal for other hunters without stopping

The correct answer is: Stop and stay calm

When a hunter suspects they are lost, the best course of action is to stop and stay calm. This approach is crucial because panicking can lead to poor decision-making and further disorientation. By halting their movement, the hunter can take a moment to assess their surroundings, mentally retrace their steps, and consider their options without the added confusion of moving in an unplanned direction. Staying calm also enables the hunter to think clearly about how to effectively signal for help, use tools like a map or compass if available, and employ techniques to remain safe until they can reorient themselves. In contrast, moving aimlessly in any direction, as suggested by one of the incorrect options, may result in the hunter wandering further away from safety and complicating the situation. Continuing to hunt while ignoring the feeling of being lost can lead to even deeper disorientation and increased risk of accidents. Similarly, signaling for help while still moving can make it difficult for others to locate them, as they won’t have a fixed point to guide their search. Ultimately, pausing to collect oneself is the most reliable way to handle the situation.