Remember that the correct operation of the compass is dependent on the action of the magnetic needle. Lots of items in a pack and clothing can affect the needle.

The hunting season is over. I bet you have some small packages of game meat that you’re not sure what to do with. Here is the answer….a wild game pie. by Blake Miller I made several pies yesterday and “re-learned” a few lessons. It takes time to put this together, several hours. You have to use current [...]

I have no problem justifying spending money for hunting tags and fishing equipment.   But my wife thinks it crazy that I hesitate at the thought of purchasing an air ambulance service membership.   by Blake Miller I mean- how many extra shells and lures could I get for that same expense?  I argue that [...]

The Holiday Season is a great time to start looking for a new GPS. by Blake Miller Manufactures are offering discounts and coupons can be found on line. Search the internet for sales promotions and search the ads in the Sunday paper. I will occasionally use www.walmart.com to establish a price baseline. Keep in mind [...]

Topographical maps have many parts, and if you’re going to use one effectively, understanding how the pieces fit together is really important. In this article, navigation expert and teacher Blake Miller discusses the map scale information, and makes some suggestions about what scale is best for your needs. By Blake Miller Dictionary.com defines map scale [...]

To many beginners, a topographical map is a mass of squiggles, lines, colors, graphs and confusion. Land navigation expert Blake Miller explains how to read the three norths diagram at the bottom of the map, and how to adjust your compass accordingly to use this information.

Here is a wonderful site to check out on Topo Maps!!! By Blake Miller I am currently teaching a Navigation Class (a three credit class) at my local community college. While preparing for my class on topographic maps I came across this fine power point presentation from the “World of Teaching.” The power point presentation [...]

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Ever wished you could find someone to answer your land navigation questions? Like some of the most basic starter queries, such as How Do I make Sense of a Topographical Map? or  How do you find your way around, when there are no roads? Land navigation is the topic of this special SurvivalCommonSense.com weekly update. [...]

There is no substitute for a good compass, and the ability to use it. Since getting lost is generally the causal factor in most wilderness emergencies, it just makes sense to stay found to stay out of trouble!