Does anyone use or is using topographic maps for hunting?

How can i get a topographic map?

Please throw in your two cents!!

If I had some topo maps I wouldn't get so damn lost when scouting. And no I will not, I refuse to use a GPS

No. I find that knowing the lay of the land is only part of scouting. You need to make sure you see some sign as well, so I just walk the area until I find a spot I like.

http://njstateatlas.com/topo/

 

Link to NJ topo maps. I have used the Cabellas app on my iPhone which uses the GPS and topo map. In my part of south Jersey i manage to keep cell service/3G in many parts of the woods so downloading the maps are easy.

If you venture out of state, most good sporting goods stores will carry topo maps (for example, Dunkelberger's in PA has them for all the state game lands in PA. They will even sell you ones that are waterproof.) There are tons of stuff online these days too. When I've ventured to big woods like N.Y.'s Adirondacks, Vermont's Green and White Mountains or the Maine bush, I've used a Gazetteer from DeLorme. They are invaluable. (This is old school, non-GoogleEarth, pre-GPS stuff.)

http://shop.delorme....kgo1uE%253AS%7E

 

I don't know anywhere in New Jersey where you can't walk out of in a day unless you are walking in circles. In some of the other states I've mentioned you can get lost in a big hurry on a cloudy day or should the weather turn quickly and then you can walk in the wrong direction for days and never see another human. A compass was a handy thing to have before cell phones and handhelds were invented.

Some good trail and topo maps available here:

http://www.nynjtc.org/

 

They cost a few bucks, but are well worth it.

GPS to our rescue my pal! Is there anything more you require?

On the njfish and game site there is an app fr Pocket Ranger, NJ Guide to Parks and Forests. Download and play with it, it is very interactive

You can download maps for anywhere in the US from the National Geoditic Survey (ngs.gov) or order paper copies for a fee.

 

GPS is great as long as it is working. Maps and compasses always work as long as you know how.

 

BTW I have a sextant I still know how to use.

I guess that would be good if you scout an area out to see if you can phsically get to a destination..

 

Fisherman use temperature charts before heading out.. it is illegal to use a plane to find fish.. not sure about topagraphical and weather or not you could spot fish with it..