DO:

  1. Carry survival gear and especially

  waterproof matches. A fire may be

  the only companion you will have

  during your ordeal.

  2. If you hear a search plane

  overhead, do have a fire going and

  throw some green branches on it to

  make a visible smoke.

  3. Carry a mirror in your pocket in

  case you have to signal a search

  plane or searchers a distance away.

  The mirror will reflect the sun's light

  up to the search plane and you'll       

  stick out like a "sore thumb."

  4. Get out in a clearing and interrupt 

  the terrain by placing clothing items in

  a string or forming a big X with  

  branches and whatever else is

  available. Also build a fire in a

  clearing. If you know you've been

  spotted by a search plane, stay put. 

  Let the ground units come to you.

  Don't make them "chase" you.

  5. Dress appropriately for the

  weather. Remember that fall storms

  can come up abruptly. Dress to stay

  dry. If you get wet and have no fire,

  your biggest enemy is hypothermia.

  6. Tell family members of your plans

  and where you are going.

DON'T:

1. Don't leave your survival equipment anywhere, even for a few minutes. Our experience has shown that if you get separated from your survival gear, your odds of being found alive go down greatly. KEEP SURVIVAL GEAR WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.

2. Don't run into the timber if you hear a search plane in the area. Stay out in the open.

3. Don't panic for any substantial length of time. It's normal to panic, but survivors are the ones who sit down on a tree stump and compose themselves. After a few minutes, you will begin to think clearly again and be a help, and not a hindrance, to your search.

4. Don't go hunting without telling someone where you are going to park your vehicle and generally where you are going to hunt. Make sure they have a description of your vehicle and the license plate number.

5. Don't even think about hunting without taking survival gear (matches, mirror, a candle, water purification equipment, emergency food and strike-type flare). Also take fire starter, available at local hardware or sporting goods stores. And take a flashlight.