Before any hunter heads off into the bush they should ensure they have the necessary skills and equipment. One such skill is basic land navigation.

In today’s day and age it could be easy to think I have a GPS (Global Positioning System) I’ll be right! But batteries run out, things break. A guy called Murphy once said if it can go wrong, it will go wrong.

So it’s important for a hunter to take a map and compass with them as a back up system. However a map and a compass will be of no help if you have no idea on how to use them.

Generally speaking the type of maps that a hunter will use will be a topographical map. This type of map will show you the different elevations of the ground. Once you know how to read this type of map, you will be able to find your way by ridges and gullies just like you would roads and streets on a road map.

There are people who run navigation courses and I would highly recommend any hunter taking such a course, as nothing beats hands on, face to face learning in my opinion.

However to get you started on your basic land navigation journey we have found some really good and free online resources.

The first resource is the Geoscience Australia map reading guide which can be found here –
https://d28rz98at9flks.cloudfront.net/102240/Map_reading_guide_v4.pdf

The second resource available is a free web based navigation course by Ashley Burke. Ashley also runs weekend navigation courses, if you are in the Sydney area. His online course can be found here –

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~aburke/navigation.html

We hope these resources help you build your land navigation skills and help you become a safer hunter.

If you would like to buy some awesome navigation gear while helping HSSA grow then follow our Amazon associate links, to some great products. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

GPS unit:
Garmin eTrex 10, Rugged Handheld GPS with Enhanced Capabilities