Whether you work or play outdoors, Montana’s winter months can sorely test your survival skills with blizzards, black ice, below zero temperatures, and ice jammed rivers and flooding. As a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warden, much of my work is done in winter’s snow and cold, so I’ve learned some first-hand survival lessons.

For example, exposed skin can freeze, or become "frost bitten," in a matter of minutes when exposed to wind and sub-zero temperatures.   I experienced this when I jumped out of my truck, working on a late hunt in the Fort Benton area.   I left my hat and scarf in the vehicle thinking I’d only be out a few minutes. About 45 minutes later, I was still outside in zero degree temperatures with a light breeze. My face became numb and bright red.   Two days later the outer layer of skin on my face, the layer that froze, felt like sandpaper.

Now I take everything I could possibly need with me every time.  

I also consider the weatherman a work partner. If I have to be outdoors against his advice, I make sure I tell someone where I’m going, what route I’m taking, when I expect to get there. And, I stick to that plan. Remember, when we gamble with the weather and lose, so do the rescuers who have to come after us.

Here are some other common sense steps I’ve relied on:

* Layers made of wool, silk or synthetic fibers wick moisture away while cotton absorbs sweat and then chills you.   Wearing several layers gives you options when you heat up or cool down, one heavy outer layer doesn’t.

* A warm hat does more to keep you warm than any other item of clothing.   In snow and ice, wear boots you know you can walk in for long distances.  

* Your vehicle must be in good winter condition with a proper tune up, timely oil changes, and plenty of wiper fluid.

* Make sure your vehicle is loaded with the basics including: auto emergency repair tools; hi-lift jack; rain pants or coveralls to wear when digging out; road flares; matches or a lighter; a shovel; sand or kitty litter to give you traction; jumper cables; and a heavy-duty windshield ice scraper.  

* Bring chains and make sure that they fit your tires. Don’t start out in four-wheel drive with your chains on. They are a last resort.   If you get stuck, then use the chains to get moving again.

* Be sure your tires and windshield wipers are in good shape. These two items are as important to you as your own hat and shoes in a bad weather--as anyone who has had them fail to perform knows.

It is essential to keep the same survival gear in each vehicle.

I also like to have a blanket or sleeping bag, a warm hat, gloves, matches, a flashlight, food such as candy bars or granola bars, a can and a candle.   The candle can be used to melt snow in the can to provide water.  It also helps to warm your hands.  

A cell phone can be useful, but don’t depend on it. Coverage in many areas of the state is spotty, and batteries don’t work well when they are cold.

If you do get hopelessly stuck, stay with your vehicle.   You have a better chance of survival than if you try to walk out.   Run the engine intermittently to stay warm and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.   Crack your window to allow any exhaust fumes out and to let in fresh air.

I’ve found this routine essential to my own survival and to my ability to help others. I like feeling secure, but it is the best feeling in the world to be able to help someone else in a dangerous situation.
 

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