Trout,

I teach hunter safety education here in IL. One thing I will tell you is that 99% of field incidents (not "accidents") are the direct result of a persons actions or inactions.

Try to never get yourself in a position that will require you to hurry or take some sort of short cut. Look, gather all info, weigh your options and then act accordingly.

Put together a safety & survival kit and always keep it with you. Include things such as compass, cell phone, signal mirror, whistle, firestarter, first aid, space blanket, etc..

Most important is that someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.

Take the hunter education class. Try to find a first aid class and take that too.

Uncle Matt (in IL)