Colorado Hunter Education Practice Exam

When you become lost while hunting, the best course of action is to stay put and make yourself visible. This approach is rooted in the principles of survival and search-and-rescue protocols. Moving randomly or following a direction you think is correct can often lead you further away from your original location or deeper into unfamiliar territory, which can increase disorientation and danger.

Staying in one place increases your chances of being found by searchers, who will be looking for you, particularly if you make yourself visible by using bright clothing or creating an obvious signal such as a fire (if safe to do so) or arranging rocks in a noticeable pattern. It's important to remain calm and conserve your energy while waiting for help or for conditions to become more favorable for navigating out of the area.

Other options, such as trying to catch a ride back or following streams downhill, can lead to further complications. Seeking a ride may not be feasible in a remote area, and following a stream can be misleading, as water can flow in unexpected directions and may not lead you to safety. Hence, the recommended approach focuses on safety and visibility.