Hey /out/, I just tried my first solo bush whack around Ottawa Canada with a map and compass, and I have some questions.

How should use my compass properly? I was using my mirror compass and tried to use the mirror to be as accurate as possible. I basically used a tree as a landmark and walked to it. But the problem was i would have to do this every 10-20 meters, so it made the hike very slow. Also, should I just do inaccurate readings where I don't use the mirror and just pick a land mark in the general direction to make it faster?

Is it usually this hard to bush whack? There were so many young trees close by each other that I had to constantly try to find detours as there's barely space to squeeze by.

Do you guys bushwhack on hilly forests? I was having an extremely hard time. Also it freaked me out as I couldn't see very far as the hills and trees covered too much view.

Do you guys every use bear bells? I forgot to get some so I would sing or whistle as I hiked.

Does anyone else solo bush whack? I'm thinking it might be too dangerous for me as it's very hard to navigate, searching for tracks or droppings of bears, observing my surroundings on a constant basis for wild animals, watching my footing, and whistling and singing to warn animals that I'm near by.

I'm still terrified of being attacked by wild animals as I'm alone and bush whacking. I do have bear mace but I feel like a charging animal will get the better of me as it will probably catch me by surprise and be bloody fast. E.g. this bear running, https://youtu.be/Dhccgc7VYvw

As well, I want to get a high quality hatchet where it's also light weight. I hear the blade should be thin for slicing. What do you think of this hatchet? http://www.sail.ca/en/browning-hache-197237