A flare gun in that environment is a good way to set the woods on fire and cause a much worse situation. If you are going into the backwoods, or even if you are going to be driving out in the middle of nowhere in winter conditions, spring for a 406 Mhz PELT. I keep one in my flight bag, but I also carry it when I go skiing, on overnighter hikes or anytime that I think I might need it. A simple signal mirror is another good way to show your position without causing a wild fire.
Thanks, I'll look into that.
As far as the flare gun goes, I've kept mine from my days as a boater. Where I'm from there's usually not much danger of fire, at least not like in the West anyway.
But I'm the paranoid camper type. I've got a signal mirror, a whistle, some pen flares, and a large marine type smoke flare in my pack.
L
I've heard toilet papering a tree is a pretty good way to get attention, since they're a pretty rare occurance in nature, or using some of that bright orange plastic construction zone tape, like the kind police use to mark off crime scenes. I know ounces count when backpacking but something more permanent than flares would be good.
From what I remember there aren't many woods in the desert. There are Cactus, Jimson Weed, Mesquite and a few scrub oaks.