A Guide to Hunting and Outdoor Survival Skills

Do it long enough, and it will happen to you. You'll get turned around, the weather will shift, or you'll be on a three-day backcountry hunt. As a hunter, you have to be ready for whatever nature throws at you.

That's where survival skills come in. You can focus on the hunt without second-guessing hunter safety when you know how to stay warm, dry, and on track.

In this guide, we'll walk through the hunting and outdoor survival skills you need to know — from shelter building to mental readiness. I'll even share a few personal tricks I've picked up over the years on how to hunt and survive.

Why Hunting and Outdoor Survival Skills Matter

Hunting and camping will take you deep into wild places that will not forgive complacency. Weather turns, gear breaks, and cell service is non-existent. 

Survival skills help you handle the worst-case scenarios. Being able to build a fire, purify water, or navigate without GPS is what will get you home.

I had a good friend who had a hunt in Florida that took an unexpected turn when the canopy was just too thick to see the stars as the dark settled in. The GPS and service on his phone quit. He was okay because he knew he could settle in for the night, hunker down, and leave in the morning.

When he heard the airboats on the Gulf fire up many miles away, he was able to put that sound to his back and walk out just as the sun rose.

Essential Hunting Survival Skills

You don't have to be a hardcore outdoor survivalist, but every hunter needs a few basic skills. Here are some tips to keep in mind every time you head for a hunt.

Take Backup Navigation That Doesn't Rely on Batteries

Always carry a compass. GPS apps are great, and I rely on mapping apps as a primary navigation tool (like HuntWise) — but if you choose an app that doesn't allow access to your maps offline, you may not be able to get to a map if you don't have cell service in the field.

That's when you need a compass. Remember your entry points and keep track of time so you don't get turned around.

Know Some Fire Starting Basics

My pack always includes both a lighter and a Ferro rod firestarter.

In spring and fall especially, it only takes one cold, wet night to realize how vital a small fire can be for warmth and morale. Or one warm bow season night with no fire to keep the bugs away.

Practice at home — don't wait until you need it. Know what materials work for you. It's easy to find lighter wood and fatwood in old pine trees.

Learn How to Build a Simple Shelter

Knowing how to construct a quick windbreak or lean-to will help you stay dry and out of the wind. A few dead branches, some pine boughs, and a bit of cordage go a long way.

An emergency space blanket can make a difference in a true emergency.

Understand Basic First Aid for Hunters

A good first aid kit should cover everything from minor cuts to sprains and hypothermia — but gear alone won't help if you don't know how to use it.

Take time to learn how to treat injuries common to hunters. Focus primarily on cuts, sprains, and trauma that can cause shock.

Know How to Find Food and Water

There is no guarantee that you'll have food in your pack. Make sure you know a little bit about some local wild edibles during the season you'll be out.

Also, make sure that you have tablets or filters for purifying water. You can go a couple of days without food, but a couple of days without water in the heat can prove deadly.

Hunting and Camping: Prepping for Extended Time

Make sure you are prepared for the most extended possible stay while keeping your pack weight manageable. Here are a few hunting and camping tips to keep in mind!

Pack and Plan for the Long Haul

Dress in layers and carry high-calorie food like GORP. A quality backpack will distribute weight better than a cheap one, so invest in a good pack as part of your essential hunting gear.

If I know I'm hiking a long way, I like to pre-pack meals that are easy to heat or eat cold — instant oats, jerky, and rice packets go a long way. 

Bring the Right Knife

One of the best investments I ever made was in a solid knife. Whether you're skinning game or cutting cord, the tool pays for itself every season.

Choose a Smart Campsite

Look for a dry place that's not too close to an existing game trail. Make sure your fire is manageable, and hang food away from any predators.

Remember: You're not alone out there. Store your food properly, ensure camp stays clean, and be safe when making fires and getting wood.

Mental Preparedness in the Outdoors

You must stay sharp if you want to hunt and survive a worst-case scenario. Make sure you're mentally prepared to hunt and survive outdoors.

Keep a Level Head

The first instinct is to panic during trouble, but staying calm is your first and best survival skill.

Take deep breaths and think before you act. Remind yourself that every problem is fixable, and you just need to find out how.

Stay Flexible

Weather changes.

Just recently, I had planned a turkey hunt in a coastal hammock, only to have windy conditions make the birds go silent. I shifted to a creekbed with more visibility and located a bird I could hunt the next day.

Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, pay attention. A sudden temperature drop or darkness causing disorientation under a canopy are both ominous signs.

Don't brush warning signs off — your instincts are tools.

Basic Rescue and Signaling Tips

A core part of hunter safety is knowing when and how to seek rescue.

Always carry at least a whistle. Three short blasts on a whistle are a universal distress signal. Mirrors for signals and flagging tape for marking where you walk are also useful.

Additionally, if you need to signal rescuers from a distance, three small fires in a triangle or a smoky fire during the day can help them spot you from the air or ground.

Let Someone Know Your Plan

Always tell someone where you will be. Leave a small map and a rough description with the folks at home.

Learn How to Hunt and Survive Safely With Hunter-Ed

Having the right hunting and outdoor survival skills is about having fun and making it back home. Confidence comes with practice and training, and knowing you're ready gives you the confidence to go after backcountry game.

If you're new to hunting and camping or just want to make sure you know the essentials of safety before your next hunt, let Hunter-Ed help! Our online hunter education courses help prepare hunters for successful hunts. Plus, our courses help you meet your state's requirements for hunter education.

Improve your hunting and survival skills before your next hunt!
Choose the Hunter-Ed course for your state and start learning.

A reliable GPS hunting app is a must-have for every hunt! 

HuntWise offers offline maps so you can keep your eye on where to hunt, plus get into and out of your hunt locations even when you don't have cell service. 

Take advantage of a Free 30-Day Trial of HuntWise when you complete your Hunter-Ed course and pass the final exam! Visit your student dashboard to claim your free trial.