December 30, 2002

A Compass Can Help One From Getting Lost
by James L. Cummins

In the past several weeks we have witnessed fall and a slight hint of winter. The deer season is in full swing and thousands of wildlife enthusiasts are taking to the woods to enjoy another hunting season.

Each year we hear of someone who has gotten lost and had to spend a night or two in the woods. Not too long ago, two such incidents happened. A young hunter was squirrel hunting on a National Forest and became lost, but with assistance from another hunter, managed to find his way back to camp, however, it was over 24 hours later. On another occasion, two hunters on a National Wildlife Refuge split up to hunt. One hunter failed to meet his partner at the truck at the designated time. After several days of searching, he was never found.

These incidents, however unfortunate, are certainly a reality. Each time you enter the woods, especially in unfamiliar territory, you run the risk of becoming lost. One way to put the odds in your favor is to carry and know how to use a compass. In fact, it is best to carry at least two compasses in case one becomes damaged or lost. It is also a good idea to carry a map of the area, if one is available.

A quality compass can be purchased at most sporting good stores and they are fairly inexpensive, ranging anywhere from $7.00 to $30.00, depending on the features. Some recommended features include nighttime luminous points, a graduated 0-360 degree azimuth dial, declination scales and scaled protractor base plates (for use with maps).

Once you have purchased a compass, learn to use it; practice by using your compass in areas where you are familiar. Try taking a bearing to get to a specific spot and then getting back to your starting point by just using your compass. These types of exercises will give you the confidence needed to trust your compass.

If used properly and accurately, a compass is an invaluable tool. But, unfortunately, it does not guarantee that you will never get lost. Often, there are other factors that can cause you to lose your bearings and eventually become lost.

Being lost is a problem that can be solved if you react in the proper way. First, you must admit to yourself that you are lost. At that point sit down and think about your situation. Do not panic. Calmly go over in your mind what you have done since leaving your vehicle or camp. What land marks did you notice along the way? Are any of them visible from where you are? Can you backtrack your trail?

Do not wander around looking for landmarks or familiar areas as this may make you more confused. Do not attempt to travel in the dark without a flashlight as this may also add to the confusion. If you are truly lost, sit and wait for help.

Some tips you may want to remember are to never venture out alone if possible. If you are going alone, try to let someone know exactly where you will be and when you plan to return. And finally, be observant of your surroundings.


James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi