Going in blind and Getting out Easily

[Clink]

Any good suggestions for navigating through the swamp/marsh/woods after going in blind for an evening sit? Seems like everywhere I hunt is so thick that finding a set of landmarks on the way in isnt always easy do. It all looks the same in the dark.

I don't mind long treks in the dark but it stresses me out just aimlessly following a compass heading only to end up taking a really inefficient route and eating up time set aside for other things besides hunting. Some places are so thick that taking the deer trails is the only way in/out and in the dark its not hard to end up doing cirlces.

[Stanley]

Sounds like you need a GPS.

[bigwoodshuntn]

I agree. Either a GPS or smart phone and google maps. Mornings going in blind are tough no matter what.

[tgreeno]

Sounds like you need a GPS.

I need to get me one of those too! I have an old one, and never really got the hang of how to work it. How do you create the path you walk in on, then follow it going out??? Maybe the newer ones are easier to work?

[nor' easter]

Clink is right, new areas can be tough in the dark. I want to buy a gps for this exact reason. I'm researching brands and models now. Any good tips for guys like us until then?

[Dewey]

Sounds like you need a GPS.

I need to get me one of those too! I have an old one, and never really got the hang of how to work it. How do you create the path you walk in on, then follow it going out??? Maybe the newer ones are easier to work?

They automatically track your path then zoom in and follow the same exact path out. Many apps do the same now as well. Scoutlook just added this feature.

[tgreeno]

They automatically track your path then zoom in and follow the same exact path out. Many apps do the same now as well. Scoutlook just added this feature.

I need this!!! I'm doing this stuff with my wits & a compass right now. In the dark swamp. I'm not very savvy on the smartphone either! I can't even put pics on here from the field.

[Dewey]

They automatically track your path then zoom in and follow the same exact path out. Many apps do the same now as well. Scoutlook just added this feature.

I need this!!! I'm doing this stuff with my wits & a compass right now. In the dark swamp. I'm not very savvy on the smartphone either! I can't even put pics on here from the field.

It helps a ton in marshes and swamps. Helps avoid getting into trouble by heading the wrong way into deep water areas and floating bogs. Sometimes it’s like a maze working thru that stuff. I also pull up an aerial on my phone to see exactly where I am. Helps me plan an easier route.

[Clink]

They automatically track your path then zoom in and follow the same exact path out. Many apps do the same now as well. Scoutlook just added this feature.

I need this!!! I'm doing this stuff with my wits & a compass right now. In the dark swamp. I'm not very savvy on the smartphone either! I can't even put pics on here from the field.

It helps a ton in marshes and swamps. Helps avoid getting into trouble by heading the wrong way into deep water areas and floating bogs. Sometimes it’s like a maze working thru that stuff. I also pull up an aerial on my phone to see exactly where I am. Helps me plan an easier route.

I'll be checking this out. The app i use when scouting to mark spots doesnt do this. Atleast not well.

[Rich M]

I went and scouted some flooded woods this past Saturday - used the GPS to mark every rub and pile of deer poo I found. Also marked 4 possible stand sites. Tomorrow at about 5:30-6:00 am, I will be using the GPS to go to one of those proposed stand sites. There are no trails, down trees and limbs everywhere, pond sized puddles, etc. I do use a pin on bubble compass too - just makes it easier to stay on track.

It is really cool how a handheld unit can place you within 10 feet of where you want to be - in the dark, foreboding FL swamp. I use it for fishing too.

If you get a GPS, you can't go wrong getting in and out - just be sure to have extra batteries.

[Edcyclopedia]

I like the challenge personally.
Maybe the metal plate in my head has magnetic north!...

[elk yinzer]

Don't be in a hurry, that's when you get in a pickle. You don't walk in a straight line in the thick crap mature bucks live in. You walk around the thickest stuff, and you take your time and carefully plot the path of least resistance. Circuitous routes are a necessity. I know because I've been there... stuck in rhododendron, mountain laurel, and jagger patches I thought I may die in. But you take a deep breath and figure out how to get out, then you figure out how to do it smarter next time. A GPS for general guidance and good headlamp help. All part of the fun in due time. Now pea soup fog, no help there, that crap is the devil.

[PK_]

Gaia gps app.

Super user friendly.

[thwack16]

I use HuntStand. I have literally sat on my computer before a hunt, Drawn an access path, synched it to my phone and then followed it in the dark. I hate relying on technology in the woods, but when you're trying to avoid water/deep water, or cross water in certain spots, or make sure you don't step in certain areas, it sure can help.

[Waymore]

Don't know how you guys do it without a gps. I have a app and a small handheld. With the gps it's nice because mine uses 2 aa and easy to have backup. Still have small compass if all fail