A GPS is a must now a days

[NRA4LIFE]

Nathaniel,

Which side? I know what you mean. There's some areas in that part of MT where you think you're sitting on a 5 square mile pool table. There's not even a washout to hide in because the rain water has no place to go, it just pools up and then dries up. I'll be out there in 5 weeks, GPS at the ready.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think GPS units have great applications. For hunting in places I go, I usually just study the topo prior to going and take a copy along with me. It isn't like I'm 10 miles from the nearest highway. Been always interested in maps, compasses, etc. But, I have been out on the water in fairly large lakes and things look much the same.... add rain or fog, GPS would be great. I'll probably buy a GPS one of these days. I love gadgets! It is just a matter of $$ priorities.

 

[Lennyjoe]

A GPS makes sense, so you can avoid bureaucratic problems

Like crossing over the border into Mexico

Closest I've gotten was 50ft off the border and my GPS showed every step of the way.

 

[TrapperReady]

Another great thing about GPS...

With minimal effort last year, I've got a record of every location that I shot grouse and woodcock. It could be done with a topo, but it's quick and easy with the GPS.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

"Which side?"

I'm not sure...every direction I turned, it looked the same, like some of those rooms in the old Castle Wolfenstein.

Seriously, I was just passing through while on vacation, on my way to Devil's Tower (now *there's* a cool place).

 

[Thin Black Line]

A GPS is great to have, but knowing how to use a compass is also good.
Knowing how to backtrack without either is even better. Paying attention
and not drinking alcohol --should come before any gadgets.

There are people who get "lost" snow-mobiliing in MI's UP every year and
it seems one too many beers prior to/during the trip seem to be a big
factor in their disorientation......

 

[Lennyjoe]

Ok then, a GPS is essential for me.

 

[Biker]

I dunno, the sun and remembering landmarks has always been enough for me.
'Course, I ride a 1949 Harley and my main carry piece is a revolver.

Biker

 

[Lennyjoe]

Definitely old school

I too use reference points but the GPS makes life easier.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

During the Viet Nam war, especially in Northern I Corps, we had mostly orthophoto maps -- scaled off of stereoscopic ariel photos. When an honest man made your map, there were white spaces -- clouds on the day the mission was flown. When you got a map with no spaces, you know it was made by a lyin' sacka ****.

The maps near Khe Sanh were made by real liars. My brigade was operating there in '69, and I had led my company through a map reading nightmare of jungle and hills to like up with Walt Haddigan, another company comander.

Just then we got a call -- the Brigade Commander was coming. We popped smoke, and his little OH-6 came down through a hole in the trees. The first question he asked was, "Where are we?"

Walt jabbed the map without hesitation, "Right here, sir."

"Walt, that's amazing!! I flew in and don't know where we are. How do you do it."

Walt didn't even crack a smile. "Dead reckonning, sir. I don't reckon right, and we're all dead."