The Single Greatest Piece of Gear
Maps elicit participation, and really that’s why we ultimately do this isn’t it - to participate? Sincerely, maps are the greatest piece of gear that we get to use; no other single item gives us this much information or drive to reach an end goal. Here is a little tidbit that I’m not even sure I should be telling you about because I love his work so much, and selfishly I don’t want him to get too busy! Ben Harshyne of Hunterra makes all of my maps and they are incredible, beautiful and functional pieces of art. Ben didn’t ask me to write this and Ben doesn’t sponsor me. In fact, Ben doesn’t even know that I am writing this… I order my maps from Ben just like everyone else, but I feel strongly that this is information that every outdoorsman deserves to have at their fingertips.
Ben believes that maps are so much more than pieces of paper, rather they are images of our lifestyle and blueprints for becoming better land stewards and creating a legacy of sorts - I couldn’t agree more. I order maps of hunting properties I have here in Wisconsin, of rivers that I’ll be floating, of mountain ranges that I’ll be hunting…and lately, in an effort to try and keep better journals and memoirs, I’ve been ordering maps of past hunts (and they make great gifts, ok I’ll stop!). I want to be better at my craft, be a better hunter, a better fisherman and conservationist and up until recently I didn’t realize how much I was using maps. If you’re interested, give it a shot! I promise it will make you a better outdoorsman, and make you ask better questions.
Donnie Vincent
12 Responses
Tommy Richmond
Donnie your right on the money as usual, to many hunters claim this and that as being the greatest one piece of equipment to own (sponsor driven). But you and I both know that maps are where all adventures begins. I have a storage bins full of maps from all the years of hunting/hiking. Love your articles and pictures of your adventures, keep up the good work!
keeblerhunts
I couldn’t agree more! I LOVE reading maps. It’s a game to figure out where the animals might favour roaming or hang out at different times of the day. Plus, I try to memorize the lay of the land I’m going to hunt in so I’m less reliant on using my GPS Garmin Rino or my papermaps I bring with me. That means more time to hunt! Also, there have been times where re-reading the map after a day in the woods helps tie it all together like the proverbial golden moment when opening a mystery box.
Kathi
With all your love of the outdoors and adventure, have you ever tried diving?
Derek Gentile
Not surprised to learn you value them as art as much as a necessary tool. I too can stare at a map for hours. I’m religious about studying where I hunt in advance. Google Earth is awesome and I have bought everything I can get my hands on over the years. I download data into my GPS and mark waypoints during the hunt. I then print out the map after the hunt and consider additional possibilities given my experience. It’s a great way to relive the hunt. I also started collecting rare and antique charts and maps years ago and have a nice collection. A few have expedition routes marked on them from early explorers. Totally awesome to see the changes in map data and consider what true pioneers would have experienced 150-200 years ago or more. Love it!
Brad Maxwell
The best fishing I have ever had came from mapping with my ultra light . I remember the first time I looked at a topical I was lost but with hard work I am now having way to much fun with it . Thanks for the post Donnie !
Rick Boucher
Way to go, Donnie! I am an old fashion “Maphead” & I love it.
Clayton
Thank you for your service, man. And I think we all live through guys like Donnie!
marshgooding
Thanks Donnie- Well put. I’d recommend reading ‘The Mappist’ by Barry Lopez for all of you who love maps. You can find it here: http://www.pugetsound.edu/files/resources/7040_TheMappistLopez.pdf
Alex
Another decent way to study terrain and get a feel for an area is to use Sketchup – which can be downloaded for free. Going to File>Geo-location you can select an area and input an image from a map. Then by going to File>Geo-location>Show Terrain the image turns into a topographical map. You can also make contour lines set at whatever interval you want. It’s too involved to be explained here, but is quite easy and can be done in minutes once you get the hang of it. Google ‘contour lines in Sketchup’ – there’s a good youtube video of it. I believe the map images are pretty up to date too, but obviously do not show the detail that Hunterra’s seem to. Still good for people on a tight budget. That said, I’m saving up for Hunterra maps.
Jeff Pauly
I could not agree more, even before I read the article it is what came to mind for me. Today we see more people relying on a GPS and many who can’t read a topog. The other essential piece I take also is a basic compass. No batteries required, it will work in all kinds of weather and for the fue today that can use one, you will never get lost.
Kelly
You are not alone. I am especially drawn to maps when cabin fever peeks (mid winter). I plan, plot and pour over every detail topographic line and trail. People that love maps can see the country and imagine themselves there already!
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Tony
February 11, 2016
Great stuff Donnie. Getting more proficient at reading maps is definitely on my list. I am sure the places you go maps are an essential tool.