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A 16-year-old South Dakota boy who became lost while hunting in Black Hills National Forest says he was scared but still managed to hatch a survival plan.
Austin DuVall, of Rapid City, became lost on Nov. 3 while hunting with his father. He says his hunter's instinct kicked in and he chased after a deer, and soon found himself alone and without his bearings.
Austin says he relied on skills he learned in a hunter safety course and from Gary Paulsen's teen-survival story "Hatchet." He eventually found a stream and followed it to an occupied cabin, finding safety after 16 hours.
Austin says he hopes others learn from his experience. He says make a plan and stick to it - and keep a level head.