i usually have a couple of cheapy compasses with me, even out of season, lol....the first thing i was taught was to always trust your compass......but i rarely use them, i try to use the sun as much as possible, but theres always those times when theres no sun, lol.....it's always good for the peace of mind it gives you, at least it does me.....lol...look like my area, went out to bring there today to bring my climber, it is wet.......but thats good, might keep other hunters out of there.....my first hunt is thurs. , i'm so excited.....