Some people seem to be incapable of navigating on their own. Even guys who have hunted a long time.

I'm like OT. I carry a flashlight, but almost never use it unless I'm tracking a hit animal or signaling to another hunter.

When I was little Dad would have me find my way back to the truck. Sometimes I'd mess up, but usually he'd play along and let me figure it out on my own or provide enough help to get me corrected and then let me figure it out. I suppose it's a skill people could learn if they took the time to.

I got turned around a couple years back coming out of a swamp after dark. I couldn't find the place I crossed a creek that wandered through the swamp. And ended up having to follow it a ways (twistier than a dying snake) before I was able to cross. By then I was all twisted around. But still managed to orient myself after a while.

What gets me is guys use these markers to get to permanent tree stands. Places they should be able to return to again and again. But can't.

-Jake