davidmil

If you're using a GPS you can preplot some waypointsinto it and on a map in several locations around your area. Then you can always tell where you are in reference to them and take the most direct route to where you want to go. If my GPS tells me I'm400 yards southeast of point B I can pretty much figure out where to go next. If the GPS fails and you're lost on the map, you just have to shoot an azimuth based on your best guestimate to a known road or something like that. When I'm hunting I don't have time to pace off distances and direction to keep up with where I am. If I have a map I'll keep track or orient myself once in a while, but I don't clutter hunting alertness up with Orienteering skills. I'm out there to kill something, not win an Orienteering Test. I never tried to win an orienteer test, but I did guide 200 people around Vietnam for two yearswithout getting them lost or shooting them with our own artillery. Of all skills I would say map reading is the surest way to keep on track. No batteries, cloud coveror heavy canopy to interfere with your maps.[8D] A GPS makes it easier.... when it'll work.

TeeJay

Dude in the real world, you get me within 440 yds of a road, pickup or farm house im in the clear. BTW "THE CORPS" arnt the only ones out there that can navagate!

kenman

Never said they were...prolly why "THE CORPS" sends Marines to Army pathfinding school, cause they are much better at it

Sniper151

Before I hunt in an unfamiliar area I will study a topo map thoroughly picking out unmistakable landmarks as clear cuts, power lines, streams or any other landmarks that will not change. When I decide on a particular hunting area I will mentally note where I will be hunting compared to the landmarks. Should Idrop my topo map or my GPS goes down and I get turned around I will shoot a bearing to the closest and most predominant landmark from my original hunting spot. This will get me back toa familiar and definite starting point to shoot a direct line back to my vehicle or camp. The big thing is to keep your head and don't panic.A topo map is more important to me than a compass or GPS.You can navigate any unfimiliar terrain if youare competentand confident with a topo. A compass is a plus for added accuracy with the topo.

Bulzeye

I love to use topo maps and aerial photos for scouting and getting the lay of the land, but once I'm hunting the maps stay in the car or at home.
I don't hunt huge properties where I could easily get lost, so I can get away with simply keeping track of locations and direction.