Quick Answer
If you lose your way while elk hunting, stay calm, assess your surroundings, and use navigation tools to reorient yourself, ideally before nightfall. Identify recognizable landmarks and try to recall your last known location. If needed, set up an emergency shelter and wait for morning to reassess your situation.
Assessing Your Surroundings
When lost in the New Mexico wilderness, take a moment to assess your surroundings. Look for recognizable landmarks such as mountain peaks, rivers, or distinctive rock formations. Take note of the time of day and the sun’s position to estimate your direction. Use your knowledge of the area and the time of year to estimate how far you are from your last known location.
Navigation Tools
Use a compass, map, and GPS device to reorient yourself. If your GPS device is not functioning, use the compass and map to estimate your direction. Take a reading from your compass and use it to plot a course on your map. Use your knowledge of the terrain to estimate how long it will take to reach a known location. In New Mexico, elk hunters often use the “3-2-1” rule to estimate travel time: 3 hours for every 2 miles in challenging terrain, and 1 hour for every mile in open terrain.
Shelters and Safety
If you are unable to find your way back to your campsite or vehicle, set up a shelter to protect yourself from the elements. Look for natural shelters such as caves or overhangs, or create a debris hut using branches and leaves. Start a fire to warm up and signal for help, using smoke during the day and a fire at night. In New Mexico’s high country, the temperature can drop significantly at night, so prioritize finding shelter and staying warm.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.