This is definitely a skill I've been wanting to get back (used to be able to use a compass and map together while I was in the Boy Scouts over 30 years ago).

I've been wanting to get a tritium G.I. compass (much like the compass in the link SA Firday posted, but the tritium version) for more than 20 years. Perhaps that'll be what I get myself for Christmas this year.

All of my hunting partners and I use GPS devices. As stated above, batteries die and the devices fail too. To top it off, what if something happened to the satellites that our devices rely on? Every one of those satellites could be taken out in less than 10 minutes. Then what?

On my laptop (I'm on my families desktop now), I've got several files that I need to print off and put into a binder that take you through full orienteering skills. I found all of the info online. If I added the URL's I got the files from into the files themselves I'll post them in this thread. They tend to be a bit more advanced than the information Stu provided. I like the link Stu provided since it can aid the novice and get them to the point that the more advanced stuff can be understood.

While I haven't purchased any of them yet, there are many plastic templates that (as I recall) they call "computers" that you can use for more advanced compass to map orienteering. If I have the links for those I'll post that as well.

I've been wanting to go do a little advanced recon and set up an orienteering course with little rewards at waypoints to the final destination with a bigger prize. I'll be providing the teams with the training data I've obtained so that they can learn how to use the map & compass effectively. Once I have the course laid out I'll be setting a date for a campout weekend. Each team will be responsible for having their own compass(es) and map(s) for the pre-identified area - NO GPS devices will be allowed. The plan is to then bring all of the teams together and provide them all with a different starting waypoint (to keep one team from cheating off of another and keeping them from tripping all over themselves). Each waypoint will have a little something as a prize (candybar's, drinks, etc) and the next waypoint. Every team will eventually hit all of the same waypoints which will bring them all to the final destination. The first team to reach the final destination will receive the grand prize.

The plan is that this will teach everyone how to use the tools in more than just a book environment, test those skills, & make it fun as well.