S.T.O.P.: stop, think, observe, plan

Sometimes hunters get lost despite their most careful precautions. But if they are adequately prepared, the misadventure will not last very long. The first action you must take is to stop and sit down. The word S.T.O.P. is an acronym used in survival.

S: Stop and sit down. Keep a positive mental attitude.

T: Think about your surroundings. Could you find your way out, or are you going to spend the night?

O: Observe what is around you. Can you hear vehicles? Can you hear farm animals or farm machinery? Can you see radio towers or logging roads? Use your senses to find out where you are, and always refer to your hunting maps.

P: Plan what you do. The time of day and the weather will influence how the plan will be set in motion and what you will do first.