Hunters Guide

BC · topic practice

Survival practice questions for British Columbia

By Hunters Guide. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

These 3 survival questions are drawn from the BC CORE Practice Exam. They are original practice items written from published Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education curriculum topics, with an explanation on every answer.

Survival questions

  1. 1What is usually the first sign of hypothermia?

    1. Uncontrolled shivering
    2. Slurred speech
    3. Loss of consciousness
    4. Flushed, warm skin
    Show the answer

    Uncontrolled shivering

    Shivering is the body's first attempt to generate heat and it appears in mild hypothermia. Slurred speech and confusion come later, and shivering that stops as someone gets colder is a serious warning sign, not an improvement.

  2. 2What is the recognised distress signal in the backcountry?

    1. Two of any signal
    2. Three of any signal, such as three whistle blasts or three fires
    3. One long continuous sound
    4. Four short sounds
    Show the answer

    Three of any signal, such as three whistle blasts or three fires

    Threes read as deliberate rather than natural. It works with whistles, shots, fires, or flashes, and it is understood across North America.

  3. 3If you are lost with a few hours of daylight left, what comes first?

    1. Walking toward where you think the road is
    2. Stopping while you still have light, making shelter, and making yourself findable
    3. Climbing to the highest point
    4. Rationing food
    Show the answer

    Stopping while you still have light, making shelter, and making yourself findable

    Moving in failing light turns a lost hunter into an injured one and enlarges the search area. Shelter built in daylight is the difference-maker.

Ready for the full set? Take the BC CORE Practice Exam.