The recent story of the experienced hiker who got lost and survived six days in a California national park brought back memories of a post that I made last year which seemed to get a few folks upset. I'm sure much of this sentiment was the result of my referring to those reflective trail markers that some hunters seem to depend on as "bread crumbs". My point was, and still remains that with so much technology being available to hunters today, there's no excuse for depending on "bread crumbs" to find you way out of the woods, even when hunting an area that is new to you. This past weekend I made a three-mile walk through the Davy Crockett National Forest using nothing more than my knowledge of a satellite image of the area, and a compass that I used only once to get started. After that, I just used the sun and my own sense of reference to hit a distant road.

Simply put, there are no reasons for using bread crumbs to find you way out of the woods. That is, if you're someone who is willing to take the time to learn how to use all the tools that will easily keep you from getting lost.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hiker-20101001,0,2411903.story

ive been lost most of my life along with most of the fools on this forum....lol

Toilet paper works great for all emergencies!

another annual know your land and don't get lost thread lol. yeah hunters should learn basic compass reading and have a map when in unfamiliar and vast territories.

Hand held Garmin GPS and fresh batteries work for me.

While hunting in Colorado one year, a buddy of mine was leading me to this spot he had found. Along the way I kept pulling down all these orange markers that someone has left. We got about half way to his spot and took a break. He turned to talk to me and his eyes got huge when he saw that pocket full of flagging I had. He had put them up just so he wouldn't get lost. I explained to him we had walked north the whole time so just go back south to the camp. He had no since of direction and I'm sure he never made it back to that spot again. He followed me back to camp.

Ah Dan, you're just tryin' to start up trouble again! I'll stick with my "bread crumbs". When I'm trying to get to my stand in the dark back in the woods a mile and a half, I can't afford to waste time getting lost.

I have used toilet paper and a GPS. They both work great

Only if the GPS has batteries from last year.

I've yet to go somewhere where getting lost can happen. Every deer lease or managment area I've been on, has always been surrounded by roads.

Knowing which direction is north has always told me what direction to start walking to get where I left the truck.

Now, if I went some place like Big Bend, there would be a lot of planning and I'd make real sure I had everything I need to get unlost if I were lost.

What ever happen to paying attention !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

don't know that i've ever been lost never had to be found so i guess not seems kinda dificult to get lost

I have been in the woods at night following hounds countless times and I have never been lost. I always knew where I was I just didn't always know where the truck was.

I hunt the SHNF and it always kills me when I go in the woods from an access trail and the woods light up with reflectors. They are going every which way you look how in the hell do know which ones are yours?

Till someone needs it out in the woods!

Seriously, I understand what you are saying. My bil was raised on a ranch and basically taught me how to hunt. Our lease was 1700 acres and I was amazed we could start on on side and walk all the way thru! Then he taught me how to do it..... learn which way the draws run and use the sun. Keep it in the same position when walking and you'll stay in a fairly straight line.
All this was fine and dandy, till I found myself one day in the middle of the pasture and a front came in and walla no more sun! I finally made it, just a little later.

I tried that once but got them mixed up and wiped my butt with the GPS.

What a contradictory statement all in the same breath, you say don't use them and then you say use them. Those bread crumbs ARE tools, it all boils down to what a person chooses to use, so what does it matter what a person uses as long as it work. Hope your arm gets better.

I have a Garmin Etrek, just don't know how to use it

Trail markers are for those who don't see the need to use a compass, or a GPS, or to become more familiar with a given area by looking at satellite images that show roads, changes in terrain, and other points of interest that can be used when getting from point A to B.

I believe you're confusing "Don't stir the pot" with "Don't touch my cheese."

I carry a compass at all times with me. I also use the stars, rivers, the sun, landmarks to navigate when I find myself a little off course. Its nothing to be afraid of. If you keep in mind your training and past experiences of life you will be fine. I always use the motto of the boy scouts "BE PREPARED".

I just have an excellent memory.

That sir is a great answer. You never will get lost if you remember exactly which way you come from.

Could it be????

Two places you can't hunt without a compass; the South Texas brush and the Red River. Both are their own type of wilderness.

i always just tie a rope around my waist and to something from where i start at. works like a charm evertime!