Gator Posted October 15, 2004 Report Share Posted October 15, 2004 The numbers are actually the azimuth, east being on a 90 degree azimuth, south 180, west 270 and north 360, or 0. I really don't think the numbers would be of much use to you, unless you have say a "known" point in a certain direction from a known start point. You also will have what is known as magnetic declination, the difference in true north, and magnetic north, that information is usually found on certain types of maps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntingInMaine Posted October 15, 2004 Report Share Posted October 15, 2004 Re: What is the proper way to use a compass? Here is a pretty good site that answers most of your questions.... How to Use a Compass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Schmeck Posted October 16, 2004 Report Share Posted October 16, 2004 Re: What is the proper way to use a compass? Unfortunately, this is becoming a lost art. Do what everyone does these days. Throw it in a drawer and acquire a GPS unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted October 16, 2004 Report Share Posted October 16, 2004 Re: What is the proper way to use a compass? Just make sure you carry extra batteries with it. It is a lost art to find your way with a compass. I am going to learn how because I always wanted to. There are times when the GPS just don't go with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horst Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 Re: What is the proper way to use a compass? Compass are for sissys, I use a technique called dead reckoning.Its where you pick out a landmark that seems to not stay in one place and try to walk towards it.Ive spent many fun hours in the woods trying to find my way out before dark, actually got lost on the same property twice, its not even that big of property and all I had to do was find the river and follow it back to my truck but there was no sport in that.Yep, them compass and GPS are way overrated if you wanna really add some excitment to your hunts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 Re: What is the proper way to use a compass? GPS is fine for some areas, but in deep dark timber, most of them do not work. A compass is the only thing that will let you know what your bearings are. Combine a compass with a good topo map and its just as good as a GPS. Learn to use the tools, and always trust the compass. I remember a hunt for pigs in Kalifornia. We split up and decided to hunt some thick stuff and told everyone to meet at the base of the mountain. One guy walked over to me about half way and asked why I was going the wrong direction. I showed him on the map were we were and he said his compass was operating identical to mine, he did not believe his compass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.