The short answer is, you don't have to!  But is that what you really want?

 

Don't be one of the many people in this world who mindlessly listens to their GPS tell them "turn right here" or "keep going" or "turn around".  Don't be a slave to technology.  Know that technology fails sometimes...it is prone to fail.  Then what happens?  

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Understand the world around you and how it works!  You don't have to forgo technology, just don't be totally dependent on it.  Then if something does happen, you'll be ready.  And if nothing ever happens and the technology is always there and it never fails (not likely!), at least you understand the results of the technology you use and can have confidence in it.

 

So if you realize that:

• Even though GPS is a wonderful and useful tool, it isn't always reliable or accurate.

• GPS use depends on things like; weather, clear line of sight, no obstacles that can bounce radio signals, all of which are outside of your control.   

• The marvel of this technological infrastructure is actually pretty fragile.

• Even though you can use GPS without any skill whatsoever, knowing the concepts that it is based upon gives you an advantage in its use.

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     Then you might consider learning some basic land navigation skills.

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Ever wonder why the military still teaches this skill?  The Special Forces and US Marine Corps still teach this!  With its massive (and much needed) budgets and breakthrough technologies the military has at its disposal, they still teach basic map and compass orienteering.  For a short time, the Army stopped teaching this subject and discovered it was a mistake and have since re-introduced it.  Read or listen to the story of why they again teach land navigation and are attempting to increase its reach.

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In short, this skill will make you more effective with GPS and will not leave you in the dark when GPS services degrade or disappear altogether.  It will help you in the field while hunting or hiking, whether you're determining distances from your paces or trying to find your general bearing.  There's a good reason this is part of your competition!  It's not difficult and the time that you spend learning this will serve you well in the long run! 

 

Take some time to find and print a map for your favorite hunting area.  See the Free Map Resources page.  Study it and keep it with you when you're out and about!  You may be glad you did!