#2915166 - 08/21/12 12:27 PM
Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
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BirdDog123
4 Point
Registered: 08/17/12
Posts: 297
Loc: Tennesssee, US
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Hey guys,
I do a lot of backpacking, backcountry camping/hunting, etc.
When possible I try to take a topographic map of the area I am in and use it with a compass/flagging tape.
However, there are times (especially when hunting WMAs) in which my map is very basic and does not give good topography. In these instances, I try use flagging tape and a handheld GPS to pinpoint where I got off the trail and pinpoint any hotspots I find while scouting.
My biggest fear is for the GPS to somehow become unreliable. I often take extra batteries but I don't want to be too reliant on it ya know?
Can anyone provide tips/share experiences for how they keep their directional bearings in the wild?
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#2915257 - 08/21/12 01:37 PM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: BirdDog123]
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Brisco Darlin
6 Point
Registered: 04/24/12
Posts: 989
Loc: East Tn.
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I don't own a GPS. If i'm hunting in a new area, i get topo maps of the area. there is the map store in knoxville, tn. where i get some of my maps. I usually will try orient my map and pinpoint where i start and take a bearing on which way i'm going . if i change directions, i will take another bearing and then reverse it coming out.
_________________________
They ain't a horse in sight, but if one comes along i'll give him the right o way.
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#2915584 - 08/21/12 07:10 PM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: Brisco Darlin]
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Master Chief
8 Point
Registered: 10/11/11
Posts: 1595
Loc: Henderson County
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If you get lost on a wma pick a direction and stick to it. There are enough roads you'll find one if you keep on keepin on.
Carry something like a compass.
_________________________
It's not what you got, it's what you give-Tesla Don't go ridin' on that long black train 
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#2916199 - 08/22/12 09:12 AM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: Master Chief]
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fishboy1
14 Point
Registered: 01/13/03
Posts: 9719
Loc: Warren Co
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I always have at least one compass.
WMA's are pretty simple. Park and figure out which direction you head into the woods from the road. Say North off an East West Road. Wander around in woods North of road. Try and determine if I am going more East or West of my starting point....
Head South back to road and then East or West to parking spot.
_________________________
A gun in the hand is worth 2 cops on the phone. No one can name a single power the government has granted itself that hasn't been abused. Socialism is for losers http://amillerphotoevent.com
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#2922810 - 08/27/12 10:43 PM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: fishboy1]
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AT Hiker
4 Point
Registered: 07/03/11
Posts: 313
Loc: Clarksville, Tennessee
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If your hunting the big areas out west...study the forest/blm maps before you go in and pick out an identifiable land mark i.e. mountain. A good ol fashion compass is a great tool as well!
I hike a lot in the southern appalachian mountains and will tell you first hand it is very easy to get lost there...even on the AT. You wake up early one morning and its raining or foggy and you could head the wrong way very easily, or stride off a spur trail and go 3 miles before you know it. Maps are golden, study them and have them with you at all times. Take a look at them throughout the day as well.
Maps, maps, maps...cannot say enough about them. Study a lot before you head into an area that has potential to be confusing. Not to many in TN, but they are there...I would even say LBL is tricky if you go far enough in to it. Although you can come across a road in 4-5 miles or less in most places of LBL.
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#2924012 - 08/28/12 08:36 PM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: AT Hiker]
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fairchaser
6 Point
Registered: 09/13/11
Posts: 826
Loc: TN, USA
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Have a plan, a backup plan and an emergency plan. I carry my Iphone with google maps so I know exactly where I am and where Im going with a touch of the button. I also have a GPS with the landmarks waypointed in so I can get back without wandering too much. Then have a compass/map and know what direction I need to travel to get back. All else fails, I look at the sun to determine direction which is agood idea to know anyway. If you are traveling beyond phone service, I recommend a satphone for emergencies. Always be prepared to spend the night. Good luck.
_________________________
"I always wanted to do something that was unequivocal" Charles Morris played by Anthony Hopkins in the movie the Edge.
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#2924483 - 08/29/12 08:41 AM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: fairchaser]
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Brisco Darlin
6 Point
Registered: 04/24/12
Posts: 989
Loc: East Tn.
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first rule of survival. redundancy. i like your ideas .
_________________________
They ain't a horse in sight, but if one comes along i'll give him the right o way.
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#2930623 - 09/03/12 02:01 PM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: Brisco Darlin]
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corymhoward
6 Point
Registered: 05/04/08
Posts: 770
Loc: dickson county
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always have extra...."two is one and one is none" learn resections and intersections as far as navigation goes if terrain features permit it
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#2935350 - 09/07/12 11:26 AM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: Brisco Darlin]
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BirdDog123
4 Point
Registered: 08/17/12
Posts: 297
Loc: Tennesssee, US
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first rule of survival. redundancy. i like your ideas .
Yes sir! When I am bowhunting on public land I bring a compass, Topo map, flagging tape, and GPS. Plus I have enough primitive skills to make a small shelter and food to last 2 days. Occaisonally, I will leave a note on my windshield indicating when I plan to come back and my general whereabouts.
A lot of that may be overkill but it is worth it to see your wife and kids.
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#2946144 - 09/17/12 12:12 PM
Re: Proper Navigation Tips: How to not get lost!
[Re: BirdDog123]
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J.Maples
TnDeer Old Timer
8 Point
Registered: 07/31/99
Posts: 2215
Loc: Englewood, TN
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Great subject, especially for new hunters and even old farts like me. Your batteries can go dead (have extras). maps and compass can get lost in rough terrain, etc, Murphy's law,if it can happen it probably will, better have water and a flashlight handy.
I'm local to TN., but have gotten lost off of Cades Cove Rd.
Good Hunting, better not try it in Cades cove tho. LOL
Guess I'm just not Macho enough.
_________________________
The Woods are full of Surprises.
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