Think before you hike.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Sgt. Wayne Saunders said the typical hiker in northern New Hampshire is well-prepared, but a small number misjudge the challenges of the state's tallest mountains and end up calling 911.

On May 7, for example a Massachusetts man got stuck on Mount Madison; his only piece of emergency equipment was his cell phone, which he used to call for help.

“I am fed up, and it just doesn't get through to people,” a frustrated Saunders said at the time.

He said bringing a flashlight on a hike can make all the difference, as can extra food and water. And it really helps to read the trail descriptions in the AMC White Mountain Guide.

He cited the Castle Trail on Mt. Jefferson. The AMC guide describes it as “rough with some difficult rock scrambles”

“It's not your normal hike,” Saunders said.

The most recent rescue of unprepared hikers was Saturday on the Franconia Ridge's Little Haystack Mountain. The summit is 4,760 feet, above the tree line and exposed to the full force of the weather.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials had to assist three hikers down the trail after one of the hikers, Mark Wilson, 29, of Manchester, called 911 around 7:15 p.m. Wilson was hiking alone and, according to officials, mistook the Shining Rock Trail for the Falling Waters Trail near the summit of Little Haystack.

Conservation officers got him back on the trail by giving directions, but hiked up to meet him when darkness fell. Then they came across Corey Robertson, 25 and Analia Olivia, 20, both of Bedford, who they also assisted down the mountain.

Col. Martin Garabedian, chief of N.H. Fish and Game's Law Enforcement Division, said that it's too early at this point to determine whether or not they meet the negligence threshold to charge them for the rescue.

For those who don't want to risk having to pay the costs of a rescue, Fish and Game is holding a free beginning-level map and compass navigation skills workshop at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center on Saturday, June 16.

Jane Vachon, public affairs officer for Fish and Game, said Tuesday that the workshops are successful skill-building sessions, and useful to all those who participate in outdoor recreation. In the classroom session, participants learn the parts of the compass and how they work, and learn how to read topographical maps. During the outdoor session, participants use their new skills. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 536-3954.

Vachon said www.hikesafe.com is a good resource. The site lists the 10 essential items hikers should always take with them when heading out to the trails.