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Monthly Tips:

Compass Use:   A way to insure you are walking a straight line, is once you see which way you want to go, pick an object in your desired direction, then walk to it.  Once you are at your point, again hold the compass steady and level, pick an object in the direction you wish to go and start walking to that point.

Fire Starting:   Fire needs fuel and air to light and stay lit.  If it is windy, find a low spot out of the wind.  Making your fire next to a rock wall or large tree will help reflect the heat back to you.  Three types of "fuel" are needed for you fire.  Tinder (twigs, wood shavings), Kindling (small dead branches), and Fuel (larger dead branches split into 10" pieces is ideal).  Each type is larger than the previous.

First Aid:   For basic cuts and scrapes, Stop the bleeding (apply gentle pressure if needed), clean the wound (use clean water at a minimum), apply an antibiotic oitment (decrease the likelyhood of infection), bandage the wound and watch for infection (look for redness, swelling or drainage then see a doctor).

Survival:   Exposure is likely the number one killer in a survival situation.  In the priority list of needs in a wilderness situation, there is (1) moving away from immediate danger, (2) treating life threatening injures and (3) reducing your exposure to the elements.  This can be heat and sun or cold and snow.  Next in line are (4) staying hydrated and nourished and (5) being found.  Though some experts may argue the order, all agree that these are important priorities.  We at Wilderness Specialists agree.