It is the off-season. Trout fishing in the local rivers and streams closed in October. Ice fishing will not kick off until after the first of the year. So I am studying map and compass skills. I go outside and navigate to a landmark. I plot several locations on a map using UTM and then check them in the field with my GPS unit. I have been practicing using paper maps and compass as well as my Garmin GPS unit. You really do need a map and compass even with a high tech GPS unit. I think I have gotten pretty good at it.

I have read several books on the subject as well as numerous YouTube videos. This is what has begun to bother me. All the content providers state that one of the most important things to do is to leave an itinerary with someone. This is to give rescuers an idea of where to look for you if you don’t return when you should. A great idea. In older books, it is recommended that you leave the same information on your car even leave a map of your plan and any changes you might have made. Another great idea, rescuers would use your parked car as a starting point. However, in the newer books and videos, the authors strongly advise you not to do this. Why, because theaves will know that you will be away for a while and steal the contents or even have time to steal the car.

A similar issue came to light back in New Jersey. A fellow angler advised me to remove the Trout Unlimited and fishing company brand stickers off of my truck. When I asked why he stated unscrupulous people will use that as a clue as to the value of the stuff in your truck and break in.

All this makes me think that shitty people are staking out trailheads and fishing parking spots just waiting to rip you off. I thought that all us outdoors folk stick together and I was safe from this stuff out away from the city.
I guess not. What in the world is going on out here?