What is declination in relation to navigation?

Declination, in the context of navigation, refers specifically to the difference between true north (the direction along the earth's surface toward the geographic North Pole) and magnetic north (the direction that a magnetic compass points towards the magnetic North Pole). This difference is crucial for accurate navigation since magnetic north is influenced by various factors, including geological variations in the Earth's magnetic field.

Understanding declination helps navigators adjust their compass readings to ensure they are accurately orienting themselves to true north, which is essential for map reading and safe navigation in the field. Different locations on the Earth's surface can have varying declination values, so it is important for anyone using a compass to check for local magnetic declination to navigate effectively. This concept is vital when hunters are relying on navigation tools in unfamiliar territories during their pursuits.