Bryan Hendricks, managing editor of Missouri Conservationist Magazine, is among the most knowledgeable outdoorsmen.

His skills were put to a harrowing test a few years ago when a spring fishing trip turned into a bone-chilling brush with hypothermia, a dangerous drop in core body temperature.

A four-foot wall of water washed Hendricks downstream in Arkansas’ Ozark National Forest. It was May and the weather was mild enough for shorts and short-sleeved shirts.

With water raging between him and his truck, all Hendricks could do was wait in soaking wet clothes as his friend went for help. The minutes, then hours seemed endless. Hendricks tucked his arms inside his shirt and gathered leaves around him under a bush in an attempt to protect himself from off-and-on rain showers and a 20-degree temperature drop.

As day gave way to night Hendricks began shivering as his mental ability faded.

“What I remember most about the experience was an inability to think rationally as the night wore on,” Hendricks said.

Finally, about 3 a.m. he was rescued.

“It wasn’t until I was inside my friend’s truck that I noticed the uncontrollable shaking,” Hendricks said. “My speech was badly slurred, and at some point, I fell into this uncontrollable, hysterical laughing fit.”

Hendricks’ experience is among the most common scenarios for hypothermia – an unexpected soaking under cool weather conditions. But any combination of factors that increase exposure to the chilling effects of air or water can lead to hypothermia.

Three-quarters of all deaths occur when the air temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees.

Now Hendricks has added new safety measures to his fishing and hunting routines. He advises anglers and hunters to leave an itinerary with someone who is expecting them to return from hunting or fishing trips. Be as specific as possible about your location, so rescuers can find you quickly if necessary.

Hendricks also recommends carrying a disposable lighter, double wrapped in sealable storage bags to keep it dry.

As hypothermia worsens, victims exhibit slurred speech, stumbling, confusion and drowsiness. People with these symptoms may appear drunk. This is no laughing matter. They need help immediately. Loss of consciousness is the final symptom before death.