Proper use of a compass

[moleman]

This weekend im gonna finally take the time to learn to use a compass properly, as there is far more to it than simply N.S.E.W.
Im gonna head into some familiar territory with topo and compass in hand and learn triangulation as well as the basics so that if the skills are ever required to find my way in or out, ill be ready.
With GPS readily available im sure a compass is considered old school, but if properly used it might be a good skill to learn, not only that, it might be fun.
Any other compass users out there?  

[ChuckC]

Remember. . . North Is Not Always North (Exactly)
chuckc

[jebeckjr]

I do, and enjoy it.  I really learned military, and have continued to practice through the years.  The LL Beand near me did a basic compass course for free which I attended.  It's pretty basic, but worth the time to get a foundation.  They did a nice job.

[Charlie Lamb]

I love my GPS and think it's invaluable for many applications, but it will walk you right off a cliff.

Learning to read a map and compass is still an essential outdoor skill.

[greenbear]

I prefer map and compass over gps.  As posted above, be sure you know the appropriate declination adjustment between true and magnetic north for your longitude.  USGS quads include them and many compasses have a tiny adjustment screw to "set it and forget it" for that location.

Have fun!

[bicster]

I started hunting when I moved to West Virginia. I quickly learned not to go into the wood without a compass. Once you walk over a ridge or two covered in rhododendron and laurel you can get turned around pretty quick.  I never hunt or scout without one.

[Sharpend60]

There is a book called 'Basic essentials: Map and compass'

Its cheap, easy to follow and a good place to start.

Photo copy a section of your topo and sit at the kitchen table running through all sorts of scenarios. Use colored pencils also, that way you dont get confused with crossing lines.

I dont own a GPS, just common sense and a compass.
Have yet to get lost.

[goingoldskool]

I learned in the Army back before GPS and found out that you can be VERY accurate with it and a topo map. Gotta spend alittle time, but well worth the effort!

Have fun with it and good luck!

[Orion]

What's a GPS?       Compass and a map are all I've used for the past 50 years.  Probably too late to change now.

[RC]

Hunting the deep swamps as I do you learn a compass is the tool to have. I carry two in case I think one is telling a lie.....RC

[Marc B.]

I learned how in the scouts and its a skill that has stayed with me. The batteries never go dead on a map and compass  

[moleman]

I just have to say, Im impressed with the number of you that know how to use a compass, and use it right.  

[Pete McMiller]

I have used a compass and topo for the past 45 years but about 7 years ago, going into a new territory, I was advised to get a gps.  I do find that the addition of a gps is beneficial if nothing else for altitude.  I have my topos printed with UTM coordinates which I think are easier and a bit faster when your gps is set up for them.

Compass and topo orienteering are a skill that everyone should learn and THEN see what a gps can add to the experience.  Being able to find your way back to camp with just a compass could save your life.

[Roadkill]

Marine Corps  and Army artillery school over 40 years ago pounded that skill into me.  I have a GPS but use a map and orienteer my hunting area.  Good on you for taking it on!

[Bear Heart]

This is a site I have sent many folks to.    http://www.landnavigation.org/Pages/default.aspx

[awbowman]

Call me a modernist, but I sure do like marking feed trees and getting back to them  by way of the CLEANEST AND QUIETEST ROUTE in the early morning - with just the light of the GPS if I can.

That being said, I will NEVER leave the camp without a compass and I know enough to get me out of a place it, but my GPS is my first line of defense.

I figure if the tool is there YOU IT!

[Shinken]

I always carry two compasses plus a back up!

Lot's of stories about why one needs to have and know how to use a compass, but here is a fun one.

Hunting in the Eagle Cap Wilderness one Fall, I got into a timbered basin after sundown and could not figure my way out.  Turns out that it had an abundance of magnetite that affected my compass(es) and in the dark I could not see any landmarks that were on the map so I ended up hunkering down until the sky began to lighten as the sun started to rise in the East....

It was an ADVENTURE!

Keep the wind in your face!

Shoot straight, Shinken

   

[VictoryHunter]

This is something I would like to learn as well.

[Knawbone]

I use a GPS to mark tree stands,trails, ect. 15 yrs of hunting the same hilly terrains don't call for a compass, but I do know how to use one for when I hunt large or unfamiliar tracts of land. An essential skill for serious outdoorsman.Being lost is no fun, and could even prove fatal.Go prepared.

[Hopewell Tom]

The compass is all I know as I don't have a GPS unit. Here in Nova Scotia, it's the law when hunting to carry a knife, waterproof matches and a compass. Perhaps future regs will mention the GPS.
I always have 2-3 compasses on board. Real good Silva model with lanyard and plate, ball compass clipped on my jacket and one in the top of my waterproof match case.
And of course, they're all useless if you don't know how to use them...