Chapter 8: Outdoor Preparedness
If You Get Lost (continued)

Drink Water

Even in cool weather, you need two to four quarts of water a day. Under most conditions, people can last only about three days without water.

Most bowhunters usually carry a water bottle or canteen. Don’t panic because panicking tends to make you thirstier.

• Pure drinking water is rare, even in the most remote regions. Clear mountain streams, as well as most surface water, is often contaminated by Giardia lamblia, a parasite that causes serious intestinal illness in humans.
  • Boiling is the best way to purify water.
  • Chemical purifiers, such as iodide or chlorine and filter systems, can be used; but some may not be satisfactory.
  • Never make survival problems worse by drinking unsafe water.
• In northern climates, don’t eat snow because it can drop your core body temperature. Pack the snow into your canteen or water bottle, and then melt it by setting it close to the fire. Be careful not to melt your water bottle.

Find Food

Humans can go for two weeks or more without food. Although the need for food is not that urgent, you’ll be more comfortable and clear-headed if you eat.

• Anywhere there is game, there is food, but probably not what you’re accustomed to eating. As a general rule, anything that birds and mammals eat will be safe and have some nutritional value.
• Before you head into a remote area, it’s a good idea to read up on what’s edible in that particular region. You may be able to harvest the bulk of your food with your hunting equipment.