A little map and compass tutorial

[trashwood]

Spectra, I didn't mean to pick on Idaho.  It is just the only mountains that I have hunted DIY.  

Idaho was a bit rough but the most exciting place I have hunted.  Mule deer, b, bear, elk and GROUSE.  I love grouse   .  I'd drive all the way  to hunt them in good grouse year.  IN in good grouse year ya might get lost but ya'd not strave  

rusty

[Spectre]

I didn't think you were picking on Idaho at all, I was agreeing with you.
 I miss that place a lot....I'll be back for elk, though.
 Virginia certainly has its perks, too.

[Spectre]

Well, hunting season is here. Maybe its time to revive an old thread.

 Be careful out there.

[Siloutemirage]

first link gave me a 404 error. pity.  :(

[Spectre]

No worries, the next ones all work.

[straitera]

Lot's of compass interest so soon to the season in most states. I tried the link also w/o luck. If you have any further connections & links I'd like to see them. I've used a compass for years but raggedly at best. Thanks in advance.

[Spectre]

Here is a good one.

 http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/army_board_study_guide_topics/land_navigation_map_reading/index.shtml

 Read on into this thread, there is some pretty decent stuff here. I was flu-bugged and bored, so I put a bunch of stuff up.

[straitera]

Mucho Bueno! I'll study it. Just want to orient myself in the wild. To put me at the head of the parade would be a mistake. Thanks, b

[lpcjon2]

TTT for those who need a little training.  

[lpcjon2]

Well I remembered this thread and thought it would serve some well to learn something in the off season.Tim

[wooddamon1]

Good stuff here.

[ksbowman]

I liked it the first time I read it and still do. Spectre you out there?

[stickbowhntr]

Some really good info and help...thank you

[Roadkill]

Recommend we practice in the winter.  Read the terrain now and without foliage you can see and understand what the map says.
I have a GPS but have a compass at all times.  USMC taught me that a compass is a key to survival
Good thread

[wooddamon1]

[Kentucky Jeff]

I've navigated hundred of miles in the desert using nothing more than a map and compass and when I ran out of map just the compass by itself.

Here's the thing.  So much of land nav is being able to remain aware of your major landmarks and keeping your map oriented to those landmarks.

What if you don't have any landmarks?  Well, then it comes down to being able to maintain a bearing and know your pace count (if you are walking) or make note of your odometer if you are mounted.  

As a former Cavalryman I can tell you we needed to read a map in the turret of our tank as we maneuvered over the wooded hills and valleys of Germany or the vast deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.  This was in the days before GPS.

But you always needed to know where you were.  ALWAYS.  No excuses.   If I called you on the radio and asked for your location you better call me back and give it to me within 100 meters (6 digit military grid coordinate) and it better not take you 2 minutes to figure it out.  

So you navigate by paying attention and not losing your reference points.  

True north, magnetic north, grid north are fine.  But the map is the tool you use.  The compass really only tells you which way to go or to get a better idea of where you are if you are unclear.  But if you are paying attention you should never get into a position where you don't know where you are.

[joe ashton]

ttt

[stickbowhntr]

almost forgot about this thread thanks for bringing to the top.

[Roadkill]

Join the Marines, you WILL know how to navigate, day or night  
Seriously find some military manuals and read them.  and the best thing then is have someone demonstrate the basics

[toddster]

Compass, Map, protractor, parachute cord, ahh the memories of navigation in desert's,jungle's, wood's, calling for fire.  Yes Land Navigation is a great skill and one that once mastered like shooting a bow will stay with you forever.  I served as an 03 in the Marine Corps for 9 years.  And tried some of the first GPS's, and to double check used my Lensetic compass.  In Desert Storm had one and after batteries did slid it in my cargo pocket and used the compass and map (only thing I trust).  some basic rules, one a good compass is never wrong, plenty of young LT's and attest to this.  Two, Orientate your map and use declination diagram, then get a resection.  Three a ten digit grid will get you anywhere.  Four, one often overlooked, know your pace count and keep tract (parachute cord for knots every 100 meters/yards).