Backcountry Navigator Course

Can I find my way in the mountains efficiently?  How do I plan a stalk on an animal two thousand yards away, across the canyons?  I have a nice GPS watch, now what can I do with it?

If you ever wondered these types of questions, we have the perfect class for you!  We are taking our years of experience in military Special Operations and big game hunting to bring you a practical guide to backcountry navigation.

Join Clay Hergert, Sportsman’s Finest instructor and learn the critical points of map/ compass work and integrate them with GPS technology in this 8-hour course, all focused on applications for the performance hunter.  Additionally, we will have the Garmin rep standing by to answer your specific questions on GPS units.

Topics include:

• How to read a topo map and pick out terrain
• How to read and plot a coordinate (pin)
• Efficient route selection
• Compass work
• GPS set up
• Projecting a point and how to use it in stalking, during a longer shot, or finding game after the shot
• Tools of the trade
• Technology integration
• Lots of best practices learned in military service and guiding hunters

We will provide all the class materials, compasses, protractors, and maps.  If you already own a GPS or Garmin type watch, please bring them with you.  We will have example units to use as well.

The course is broken up into two segments.  The classroom portion will be approximately 4 hours on Thursday, May 16th, 4-8 pm at the Hog Heaven Sporting Club classroom in Dripping Springs. We will have refreshments and snacks on hand.

The field portion will be held at Reveille Peak Ranch on Saturday, May 18th, from 7-11 am.  We will hike approximately 2 miles in that time as we practice the techniques and examine terrain on the map and in person.  Dress for the weather/ sun and have plenty of water and snacks in your hiking pack.  If you own a Laser Range Finder, please bring it.  We will have several on hand as well.