Just because you're lost doesn't mean you are dead, all it means is that you'll spend the night in the bush. Big deal, you were planning to spend the night in the bush anyway, you'll just do it without the tent, your sleeping bag, or your drunken buddies. You should have enough with you so that if and when you get lost, or if you suffer an injury which makes getting back to camp impossible, that you can stay where you are in relative comfort. The means of making a fire is of the utmost importance. A couple of power bars in your pocket doesn't hurt either. If you are the type who is out of his comfort zone in the bush, the chores associated with making an emergency camp, collecting firewood, and keeping that fire going, will give your mind something significant to work on, and will help prevent you from panicking. Your rifle should have a calming effect on you as well, so don't use up your ammo firing signal shots that your pals won't react to. Don't even think about crashing around in the bush after dark, trying to navigate by the stars. Your view of the sky might be obscured, and if its a moonless night, you will barely be able to see your hand in front of your face, never mind being able to negotiate your way back to camp. Stay put, relax, and concentrate on doing what you need to do to stay warm and comfortable. Setting up a camp is much easier if you begin before full darkness overtakes you. The morning light will put a fresh view on things, will bring sobriety to your pals who now realize you didn't make it back, and with any luck you should be back in camp for a hearty breakfast well before lunch time.
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