What is the best method to signal for help while in the woods?

Using three blasts of a whistle or three shots after dark is considered the best method to signal for help while in the woods because it is widely recognized as a distress signal. This method is effective as it creates a clear and distinguishable pattern that can be easily recognized by rescuers.

Three blasts of a whistle or three shots are not only loud but also distinct enough to carry over long distances, making it easier for others to locate you. Additionally, the use of a whistle is preferable to yelling, as it conserves energy and can be repeated multiple times without straining your voice.

In contrast, while waving a bright cloth or lighting a fire can also attract attention, they may not be as effective or discernible as the distinct signal of three blasts or shots. Yelling may not carry as well, especially in dense woods or windy conditions, and may lead to fatigue. Using three shots at night is especially effective as gunshots can travel much further than voices in remote areas, and they often prompt immediate attention from nearby hunters or rescuers.