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!
 

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.    

That was excellent!  

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?