Paper Maps for Hunting

Overview

In a world that’s overblown with digital devices and services, paper maps are still an invaluable tool for hunters.

Why Paper Maps are Still Relevant

Paper maps offer some big advantages over their digital counterparts. First, and most important, they don’t lose charge in the field. Second, paper maps portray a much wider field of view when trying to see detail of a big hunting area. There’s power in spreading a big paper map on your kitchen table and getting the “big picture” of a hunting spot. Digital maps can feel too zoomed in.

Sources for Printed Hunting Maps

Paper maps were once available at local government offices, and you might still see advice on hunting forums to check there for good paper hunting maps. But, those maps have mostly been trashed as government agencies transition to online mapping software. If you need a paper map fix, your best bets in Oregon today are the following:

• RAM Maps
  These print maps are a staple for serious Oregon hunters. RAM maps are available for each Wildlife Management Unit in Oregon and can be purchased online or at sporting goods stores such as Cabela’s or Sportsman’s Warehouse. Great paper map resource.
• KARTA
  A new company, KARTA maps offers custom print maps for hunters and other outdoor adventurers.
• Hunterra
  Another custom mapmaker, Hunterra provides custom hunt maps with some unique features such as magnetic dry erase maps, waterproof field maps, and stick-on maps.
• MyTopo
  This company has been around for a while and makes custom printed maps for your hunt areas.