Using a compass and aerial printouts
In the long run I know my local backwoods routes and local swamps like a urbanite knows city streets and have no need for a compass. Would I go very far into a strange wetland or woods without a compass ? I probably could, but really would rather not. A compass is much faster & more accurate than any other method and I have used them on occasion and glad to have one. I have been on searches for namely experienced but lost hunters who should have brought a compass and wished they had. I will never venture into an unknown swamp or woods without one. The best tool I have are web pages which feature aerial photos of swamps and woods There's enough open lakes and towns so that a printout makes navigation much easier. I know many will say that's one of those modern crutches that real woodsmen shouldn't need but the best skill I ever learned from my experience is to use any and every tool avialable that makes your endeavor into the wilderness safer and simpler. There's no shame in using a compass or aerials in a strange environment.
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