Getting Positioned

Handheld Global Positioning System units keep improving.

Earlier models as well as some moderately priced ones today only indicated longitude and latitude, leaving it up to you to determine where you were on the map. Today's units show maps with city, county and state boundaries as well as lakes, rivers and highways. Some models even allow the downloading of detailed information from optional CD-ROM's.

Global Positioning System (GPS) units use the Department of Defense's navigation system of 24 satellites 12,000 miles above the earth. The GPS receivers triangulate signals from the satellites and allow us every-day citizens accuracy down to 50 feet.

Some of the top names are Magellan, Lowrance and Garmin. Prices can range from about $100 for basic systems, about $350 for units with maps to more than $1,000 for ones that send and receive e-mail.

Getting Mapped

If high-tech gadgets make your head spin and your wallet emaciated, there are other alternatives.

Ferguson's Map & Travel Center, at 610 W. Sunset Road can provide you with a copy of the USGS quadrant containing your favorite hunting sites. These are detailed topographical maps, containing information on roads, elevations, canyons and landmarks. Costing less than $10 each, they are quite affordable.

Another option is DeLorme's state topographical atlas. This is a large, easy to read book that is just about as good as the USGS maps and includes everything from highways to dirt roads, detailed city road maps and a gazetteer listing features and activities.

The Texas book costs about $25 and can be purchased at Ferguson's and other locations.

Keeping in Touch

For blind-to-blind chitchats, sightings or emergencies, small, two-way radios are quite popular with hunters.

Family Radio Service (FRS) banded radios are currently edging out the Citizen's Band. Set aside by the Federal Communications Commission, use of the FRS band does not require a license.

These radios operate for up to 2 miles with little or no interference. Some FRS units have a range of up to 5 miles.

Motorola, Midland, Cobra and Kenwood are some manufacturers to consider. Prices can range from around $50 to around $225 per unit.

Staying Sharp

For about $8 you can purchase what could very well be the best, most convenient and easiest to use knife sharpener made.

The Accusharp, made by Fortune Products, Inc. in Marble Falls, is available in most sporting goods stores.

Watching Your Fingers

Gloves are a must in cold weather hunting. However, you don't want a glove that is too bulky for shooting.

Look for tight-fitting gloves made of neoprene and nylon. They are warm, waterproof, and thin enough so they don't have to be removed for most tasks. Many of them even have slits for two fingers and a thumb for more intricate manipulation. Look for these gloves, costing under $10, at most sporting goods stores.

Top