Free Mapping Software
June 4, 2008
By: Mike Adams
    Hunters and Fisherman of Michigan now have a free mapping resource available to them.
     I recently found this new mapping software that allows you to do some cyber scouting for free. They offer topo mapping as well as arieal views. What’s best about this is that it allows you to print your maps for free. Most other sites charge for this feature. It also has mapping for lakes, streams and rivers. It gives you stocking info as well. Give it a shot and see how you like it. Let us know if it works for you!   Michigan Mapping Link
After a little internet searching, reading, and checking up on this stuff I found it’s a pretty well established product in Canada and hails from Quebec where they have this funny habit of speaking a lot of French. Thus the name, Jig-A-Loo, and the company’s claim it derives from a saying they have up north, “I’ve got it!” 
The state of Michigan also does a good job of keeping their county plat books current. For instance, Van Buren County (www.vbco,org) has a online plat book. Not only does it have the same features and sharper clarity than trophy maps, but when you view a parcel of land it will list the acerage and the owners name and address. It is a great way in the off season to find out who owns a piece of land and ask permission to hunt.