GI Hunt and Camp Gear Info

Are You Lost?

Sometimes you need to know more than just the cardinal point of travel (North, East, South, or West). Being able to navigate by map and compass are skills that require both knowledge and a lot of practice. Depending on the circumstances, the art of Map Reading can be both fun and extremely rewarding.

Map Reading proficiency will give the hunter, camper, or trekker the self-confidence needed to get off the road and behold nature not frequently seen. A small hand-held Global Positioning System should never be the only method to determine your location. These devices are not 100%, but, they are extremely good for quick reference or use during emergency situations and periods of limited visibility.

There is no substitute for the combination of a good topographical map, compass, and proficient map reading skills. Map Reading and Land Navigational courses are offered by some educational programs within the community, at colleges, or through Land Orienteering clubs. The US Orienteering Federation has a list of clubs and scheduled activities by State in the USA.