There is no substitute for a good compass, and the ability to use it. Since getting lost is generally the reason for most wilderness emergencies, stay found to stay out of trouble! A map and compass are basic navigation tools in the backcountry. Many people seem to be very uncomfortable when they cialis no prescription …
Tag Archives: Blake Miller
How to survive a bear attack
What’s the best method for repelling bears? You might need some bear spray. by Blake Miller In my wilderness survival class, I am frequently asked what kind of gun would be the best defense against a bear attack. I am asked “Is a rifle better than a pistol or what about a shotgun?” Rarely does …
Be rattlesnake safe, but don’t let them keep you out of the woods
I learned to respect poisonous snakes when I lived in Mississippi and hunted the swamps and bayous. I’ve seen some big rattlers and cottonmouths, but never came close to getting bit. Navigation expert Blake Miller posted this information on his website, and it contains some good info. – Leon As warm weather returns, the California …
Continue reading “Be rattlesnake safe, but don’t let them keep you out of the woods”
Land navigation: How to keep from getting lost when you can’t see terrain features
Dead Reckoning is an old skill that hikers and hunters are probably not aware of. It allows you to navigate in the dark, when visibility is really limited, or when terrain features obscure land marks. It requires attention to detail and patience. by Blake Miller It’s time to return to base camp. Navigation during this trip has …
Blake Miller: Before you go, use this hunter’s gear checklist
As summer winds down after the end of Labor Day, a new group of backcountry travelers moves into the woods – hunters. by Blake Miller All too often, Search and Rescue teams are tasked to locate folks who are lost, poorly prepared and are not carrying the right gear. Carrying the right gear in the …
Continue reading “Blake Miller: Before you go, use this hunter’s gear checklist”
Communications: Do you need to add to your Ten Essentials?
So you’ve got your Ten Essentials and think you’re ready to head for the wilderness? Maybe. Have you thought about how you would contact Search and Rescue if you needed help? by Blake Miller I listened to John Kruse’s fine outdoor radio program this morning. One of the guests was the Sheriff from Grant County, …
Continue reading “Communications: Do you need to add to your Ten Essentials?”
GPS Setup: Using the right coordinates for safe backcountry travel
Datum? Coordinate systems? To most beginner GPS users, these terms may be confusing, and subsequently ignored or not understood. But before you can navigate effectively – and safely – you must be able to set your GPS with the information on your maps. Navigation expert Blake Miller explains these terms and how to apply the …
Continue reading “GPS Setup: Using the right coordinates for safe backcountry travel”
Learn this wilderness navigation tip to keep from getting lost in the backcountry
A baseball field backstop keeps the ball from going to far. Here is how to create a “backstop” in the wilderness to keep you from going in the wrong direction. by Blake Miller One feature every outdoorsman should pay attention to is called a “backstop.” A backstop is a boundary or a natural barrier that …
Continue reading “Learn this wilderness navigation tip to keep from getting lost in the backcountry”
Recycle your survival gear: Make a sit pad out of your old Ensulite sleeping pad
Home For most hikers, the Ensulite (closed cell foam) pad’s days are numbered. Here is another use for that old pad in your closet. by Blake Miller Click here to buy survival kits Teens under 16 have cheapest cialis from india to complete a Colorado Driver’s Ed Course before they can take the Colorado learner’s …
Continue reading “Recycle your survival gear: Make a sit pad out of your old Ensulite sleeping pad”
Staying Found: Making sense of the declination diagram
Home Topographic map users are familiar with the small declination diagram at the bottom of the map. Here is how to use it. by Blake Miller This diagram is located at the bottom center of the map. Smoking buy viagra online causes hardening of blood vessels, while alcohol affects a user in various ways. The …
Continue reading “Staying Found: Making sense of the declination diagram”