Hi MossyOak02,

A compass can be used in a number of ways to assist with navigation. Of course the most basic method is to determine a "general direction" of travel and then "reverse it by 180 degrees" to return to where you started. But this is a very general "approach" to navigation.

Another, somewhat more specific approach, would be to travel on a magnetic bearing for a specified distance. And each time you are required to change your "bearing" you also start a new "pace count" and establish a distance traveled for each individual "new bearing" that you travel. This requires you maintain a record of each "bearing and the distance traveled on that bearing". When it is time to return to your "Start Point"....you'd reverse all bearings by 180 degrees and travel each of them the same distance as was originally travelled. (And in case you are not sure the compass has 360 degrees. So anytime you want to reverse your bearing it is a simple matter. All bearings of less than 180 degrees - you'd add 180 degrees to get the "reverse bearing". And all bearings of greater than 180 degrees - you'd subtract 180 degrees to obtain the "reverse bearing".) As you can see....this method of navigation is both time consuming....and requires good "note taking skills", (ie: record keeping).

Perhaps the easiest, and certainly the best way to use a compass for navigation.....is in conjunction with a good topographical map. (Yes, now you need to know map reading skills.) When you couple a good compass...with a recent map....and the knowledge to use them both. You should be able to navigate anywhere in the world....with strict confidence that you can know where you are at any time. (Did I say "coupled with knowledge in their use"?) Actually, after you have some experience at "reading" a good, recent, topographical map.....you can nearly "picture", or "envision" the terrain and landscape prior to ever setting foot on it. A topographical map represents symbolically what the ground actually "looks" like. Get good at "reading" the symbols....and it will translate into a "picture in your head". You need to understand the nuances of map/compass work. Like declination diagrams...what they are...and how to convert. You must know the differences between magnetic North, true North, and grid North. And there are other things as well. But learning these things can be as easy....or as hard....as you'd like to make it on yourself.

Either pick up a clearly written book on the subject. Or join an Orienteering group. Or simply find someone that has already learned these things, (not full of poop either), and spend sometime in the woods. Purchase a good compass and mapsheets can be found in numerous places...to include online. Get a good topo map and learn the "language" of maps. The symbols in the legend, and the features of topography. It takes a little time and effort. But few things are as rewarding as knowing that you are self sufficient when it comes to land navigation.....and able to not get "totally lost" in a patch of woods. (Besides, reading terrain features can help to make you a better hunter. It enables you to recognize things like natural funnels and paths of least resistance.) So it pays for itself in many ways.

Any how...good luck with your learning!

P.S. A GPS is a very good tool.....but never entirely depend upon it with your life. Signals sometimes are difficult to receive....and even spare batteries eventually run dry!