Does anybody SELL Paper USGS Topo Maps anymore?

[SteveMcD]

#6497

Sorry I’m not a big fan of GPS devices. I was hunting with a friend in Allegheny National Forest area several years ago. And he bought a new fangled $300.000 plus GPS thingamajig with him, which basically drew a line that followed him around as he hiked. Several hours later I get a call on my walkie talkie “Where the hell am I!!” :shock:I told him follow the sun you’ll make it to the road I’ll find you. 😆

No I am not afraid of numbers and a little math now and then, and my Silwa and Brunton compasses have never failed me. But I am somewhat frustrated about the internet download services for “Official” USGS Paper Maps. Are you kiddin’ me – 50 Bucks!!! :roll:The sports shop use to carry USGS Maps for a couple of dollars a piece.

Maybe I am old fashioned, but proven reliable methods work, and I like a compass and a official map. Maps just seem harder to get. Reasonably. 🙄

[SteveMcD]

#51902

Ah, answered my own question – I found the source for “Official” paper maps and ordering in case anyone else is interested.

http://topomaps.usgs.gov/ordering_maps.html

P.S. I love digging through maps during the “off-season”. great way to plan pre-season scouting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – I found that on the USGS Website the State / COunty Map Locator is somewhat limited. But, if you use the “Map Locator” function and follow the directions, it pretty easy & quick. Once you establish an account, ordering is very simple.

[William Warren]

#52068

I have not seen any map drawers like that since the River Runner’s Emporium closed down in the late 1980’s. I used to hang out there for hours going over those maps and buying the ones I needed. Just give me a good map and a good compass and if nothing else, I’ll take the good compass.
I was going to mention that link you posted. I use it in my line of work at times.

Duncan

[Clay Hayes]

#52138

I just go down to the Forest Service/BLM office and pick out whichever quad maps I need. I think thy’re around 6 bucks a piece.

I love maps. I can spend hours looking over squiggly little lines imagining what those draws and saddles hold.:D

[SteveMcD]

#52159

Me too Clay. The USGS pricing on the website is about the same, depending on the type of map you’re looking for. Which is good. But, I’m the same way, before I go into an area, I study maps intimately. Happy Trails!

[Bert]

#52175

I have an old(over 6 months) Garmin gps that I’ve played around with but never really seriously used for hiking or hunting as there’s just something about totally relying on batteries and satellite positions that leaves me somewhat dubious. Not that I don’t think it could be useful but call me somewhat paranoid, if I know where I am by satellite do the mysterious powers-that-be know and can track me? Cellphone too?
There’s still a few independent sporting goods shops here in the PNW that have the old map drawers- just makes you want to get out and explore doesn’t it?
Think I’ll stick to the Silva and map- remember the map is not the territory and your’re not lost, just geographically challenged!
Good exploring and where is that sextant and slide rule I stored away?!!-Bert

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