Here's the 4th episode of Backcountry College from the good folks at http://www.backcountryhunters.org
This is the first of two parts covering map and compass navigation. It's pretty basic, but all you seasoned woodsmen may pick something up. I'm just heading out to film the second part. Check it out and give it a thumbs up if ya learn anything. ch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4yli86dgFDw
Great video, Clay! I appreciate you covering many of these topics. Though I have spent a lot of time in the wild country, I sure can use refreshers or even new tips I didn't know. Getting older and harder to hike the hills , so sure don't want to have unnecessary problems.
Man I love these!
:archer:
Great refreshers, one of the clearest, easiest to understand instructionals I have seen on map and compass use. That is for that. Looking forward to part two!
Again clay, great video and very well done.
Im ashamed to say I never knew the declination scale changes over time. But very glad I watched your video and learned this.
Thanks again for making it and keep up the great work.
Good stuff. Thank you!
Clay,
I really enjoy your woodsmanship videos. Thanks
Awesome video, I look forward to the second one!
Very good introduction video. I am trying to make it a point get comfortable with a compass this offseason. Thank you for the good start. Look forward to the next one.
Brandon
could be a life saver for sure ... really enjoy all your videos
Well done!
Clay, these videos are excellent. I have known of the BHA from its inception, but your videos were what made me sign up just now.
Now, when you are triangulating, are you using the declination printed on the map or the updated actual you have found. I never knew it changed over time. Seems like it would make a difference.
Very, Very, well done. Thank you!!
Good stuff! Keep em coming. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
That was excellent! :archer:
Thanks fellas, and gals. Steve O, now that's what I like to hear. As far as declination goes, I'm always using the current setting for the area. Your map is oriented to geographic north, which doesn't change. Magnetic north is always shifting, but it shifts pretty slowly, depending on where you're at in the world. NOAA has a declination calculator on their website, but it seems to be down for the past few weeks. Not sure what that's all about.
Good stuff, keep it coming!
Clay, do you have recommendations on a quality compass? Did a quick search on this site and it seems some of the "newer" compasses may not be as well built as older models...ie, built in Indonesia, etc.
Thanks
Good Stuff! Question though, if you orient to magnetic north can't you ignore declination?
I like these classes. Refreshers, or new stuff, doesn't matter. Well presented, well done.
More Please
CHuckC
Thanks for taking the time to put these together and share them with us. Well done!
Really enjoyed that - I really need to bone up on my compass and map skills. Haven't really needed them in the Midwest whitetail woods, but it is definitely a good skill to have.
QuoteOriginally posted by Matt Fowler:
Good Stuff! Question though, if you orient to magnetic north can't you ignore declination?
Matt, I'm not sure exactly what you're saying. once the declination is set, I don't worry about it. If you oriented your map to magnetic north without compinsating for declination, the map would not lay same as the earth. The purpose for declination is to get a true north reading even though the needle doesn't point there. Does that answer the question?
Recurve3, the one I'm using in the video is a suunto. This is the first one I've owned and I like it. But, I've only had it for a few months. I've owned a few silva rangers that developed bubbles large enough to throw the needle off.
Thank you for posting these. My hunting now takes me further out (in the Blue Ridge), and I appreciate the basic skills - definitely needed this!