How a Hunting GPS Can Help You Track and Find Game Complete Guide

Do you ever feel like you’re aimlessly searching for wild game? With a GPS tracking system, you can finally get the edge on your next hunt.

A hunting GPS provides you with the ability to easily track and find game, allowing you to make the most of your hunting trips. You won’t have to worry about not finding what you’re looking for- this guide will show you how a hunting GPS can help!

Hunting GPS technology has become increasingly popular in the last several years due to its versatility and ease of use. A hunting GPS allows you to use your handheld device for app-based and mapping applications that can enhance your hunting experience. These GPS-enabled apps can help you locate game, set waypoints, check weather information, get maps and more.

Whether you’re hunting hogs, deer, elk or any other game, a good Hunting GPS will make sure you find it quickly and safely while maintaining the highest standards of ethical hunting. Furthermore, with the right model and equipment, you’ll be able to chart coordinates on topographical maps as well as navigate terrain like a guide with no need for an offline map or compass.

In addition to being an indispensable tool in the field this season, a Hunting GPS can also help protect wildlife by providing precise information on game sightings and migration patterns that can be shared online with scientists studying animal behavior. Now more than ever before hunters are armed with more information than ever before to ensure they’re making informed decisions about their hunt — all thanks to a handheld Hunting GPS!

Features to Look for in a Hunting GPS

When you’re looking for a hunting GPS to buy, there are several features to consider. Different devices may include different features, so it’s important to decide what features are must-haves and which can be left out.

Screen Size: A hunting GPS with a big screen will be much easier on the eyes than one with a small screen. Bigger screens also allow you to view more detail when zooming in on maps and satellite images. If possible, check out the device in person before making your purchase decision so that you can get a better feel for how large the display actually is.

Topographic Maps: Good topographic map coverage is essential for any accurate hunting GPS device. Look for detailed maps that offer up-to-date information about terrain, game trails, and water locations in your area. Heading off into unknown regions? Make sure your device is equipped with tagging points that allow you to plan trips in advance and document the details of each route.

Battery Life: One of the most important considerations when deciding which GPS unit to buy is battery life – make sure your device will last long enough to get you through an entire outing comfortably! Also investigate any specific charging instructions for each unit as it may require solar or car chargers instead of traditional AC adapters.

Durability: Rugged pursuits like hunting often take place in extreme conditions, so look for devices designed to stand up against rain, snow, ice and heat without breaking or malfunctioning. Many outdoor GPS receivers will list an IP (Ingress Protection) rating on their packaging that indicates how waterproof they are – be sure yours has at least an IPX7 rating before heading out into inclement weather.

Accuracy

When hunting, accuracy is paramount. In order to be successful and make sure the game you are tracking is in the right place and is within reach, you need to have GPS technology that can be trusted. Fortunately, modern GPS devices are quite accurate.

When determining how accurate your hunting GPS should be, the most important thing to consider is the accuracy of the coordinates you are getting. Most handheld units provide coordinates that are accurate down to three or four feet (1m). This level of accuracy ensures that you have a good fix on where your target is relative to your current location.

In addition, it’s important to determine if your GPS can maintain its position once acquired or if it is prone to losing it if there is interference from radio waves or other sources of electromagnetic radiation. Look for models that offer strong signal stability, so you won’t have any problems when using them for tracking game over long distances or in areas with high levels of interference. In some cases, having dual-frequency technology guarantees even greater reliability in situations like these.

Durability

The durability of hunting GPS units is one of the most important features to consider when investing in this form of technology. After all, you don’t want to spend your money on a device that won’t last the season.

Hunting GPS units are usually constructed with tough materials such as high-impact plastics, rubberized exteriors, and stainless steel and aluminum components. This ensures that these devices can handle even the most extreme weather conditions they may experience while tracking game.

Additionally, some models also feature a MIL-STD 810 rating which guarantees that they will operate normally in temperatures ranging from -14°F up to 140°F and are shock and drop rated for falls from up to four feet onto concrete or rugged terrain.

With this level of durability, you can ensure that your hunting GPS unit will be able to provide many years of service.

Battery life

An important aspect to consider when choosing a hunting GPS is battery life. The battery life of a small, handheld device, such as the Garmin eTrex models or the Oregon 600t, typically ranges from 8 to 16 hours with minimal use on a set of alkaline batteries.

If you plan to be out on long trips away from civilization, it is wise to purchase several sets of extra batteries or a solar charger. Higher-end GPS units may also offer rechargeable Li-ion batteries which save money in the long run and a device that can be plugged into your vehicle for ease of use.

Additionally, many hunting GPS models are now featuring inbuilt solar chargers which are an ideal solution for remote areas where access to electricity sources is not available. It is always prudent to ensure there is sufficient battery power before leaving on a hunting trip so that you can use the device throughout the entire outing.

Mapping and navigation

Mapping and navigation are the foundations of hunting with a GPS. By integrating mapping and navigation data, hunters can easily see what areas they have explored and determine the optimum routes to follow. A hunting GPS device with both functions will enable you to precisely plan your hunt and ensure you find game.

The mapping function levels the playing field when you’re out in unfamiliar areas, displaying precisely where you have already been in relation to known features such as roads, trails and structures in the area. By understanding where you are relative to these features and how far away from home base, water sources or other desirable points, hunters can make better decisions about how much-covered ground to cover in a day for an effective hunt.

Navigation capabilities include tracking movement over time with an internal clock and navigation points that enable hunters to return quickly back home or move stealthily when hunting game. Hunters can track their trails online or on-screen maps by following digitally marked coordinates on topographic or aerial maps displayed right on the device. Many advanced hunting GPS devices come with barometric altimetry that allows for precise tracking of elevation changes as well as displaying digital compass arrows for direction determination. With all this information at your fingertips, it’s a breeze finding your way around even the most confusing terrain.

User interface

A well-designed user interface can be the key to success when using a GPS for hunting. Easy access to data and an intuitive display will make your hunting trips that much more enjoyable. Look for a device with a backlit display and menus that allow you to adjust various settings.

You should also check that the device is both waterproof and dustproof so that you don’t have to worry about it becoming damaged in the field. Many devices are also designed with rubberized grips, buttons, knobs, or other features that allow you to keep control of the device while wearing gloves or while handling items in wet weather conditions.

III. How to Use a Hunting GPS

Using a GPS to track game can be an invaluable tool both while in the field and while planning your next expedition. To use it correctly, you should follow the steps below.

Choose a Hunting GPS: Select the right unit for your needs. Factors to consider include user interface, power requirements, map detail, size of display screen and available features such as floating compass or wireless compatibility with other devices.
Acquire Maps: Make sure you have the correct maps for your location and type of hunting. Many units include pre-loaded software with maps, but other options are available to purchase separately or via downloads from third-party providers like Garmin or Lowrance’s Hunt Me mapping software.
Track & Find: Gain confidence and peace of mind by using GPS to track and find game in unfamiliar terrain or during times when visibility is low due to weather conditions (such as fog). Make sure you have a way to mark individual game trails (like waypoints), so that you always know where they are located in relation to other game tracks.
Measure & Share Data: After tracking with your hunting GPS unit, measure distances traveled and calculate elevation changes along paths traveled by researching information logged on your device over time periods set by the user (i]e., per day/week). You can also share this data via cellular connection if appropriate equipment is available – this will allow multiple users in one location simultaneously!
Plan Future Hunts: Take full advantage of all the data collected by researching and analyzing trends within past trips using various layers and viewing avenues such as split screen/map view/hybrid view/satellite view[iv]. Besides helping predict future successful trips, studying details of past hunts can help identify areas for longer-term management strategies since facts about prey migration will be much more clearly known than before!

Setting up the GPS device

Once you have chosen the right type of GPS device for you, setting it up correctly is key to accurately tracking and finding game. To get the most out of your GPS device, here are some key tips to keep in mind when setup.

It is important to calibrate your GPS device correctly with relation to its location on the earth’s surface. One way to do this is by carrying out a static calibration test that compares readings from the satellite receiver with data from an established reference, such as a beacon or base station. This ensures the accuracy of readings that the GPS device receives from satellites, thus improving its ability to pinpoint locations accurately even under difficult terrain conditions: especially mountains and forests, which can block or reduce satellite signals.

It is also necessary to set up trapping points for particular locations and specify what details should be collected once it has been found. Parameters such as animal size and type, terrain features, hunting tactics and other information should be mapped in order for your GPS device to effectively help you track game animal movements and provide comprehensive reports afterwards.

Marking waypoints and creating routes

A hunting GPS device can track, record and store your hunting activities by using different navigational features such as waypoints and routes. Waypoints are predetermined points of interest where you can establish places for game targets, potential waterhot spots, or meeting points with your hunting buddies on the field. Routes help you map out your walking trail throughout the area and provide step-by-step directions during your hunt.

When establishing a waypoint, you can save a precise location that contains its specific longitude and latitude coordinates. This will give you a precise pinpoint location of where you have seen game or attracted fowl in the past. In addition to setting waypoints manually, most hunting GPS units also offer a “go to” feature that allows you to quickly reach key locations by entering their coordinates into the unit’s memory. You can also save up to 10 preset waypoints of the areas where animal sightings have been frequent or that provide ideal shelter in case of bad weather.

Creating routes is another useful tool in order to navigate through vast areas by visually seeing them on a map before pursuing them in real life. Waypoints placed along these trails indicate important geographical landmarks as well as stops for rest or interception points before continuing on down the trail route. It also gives real-time feedback on distances traveled as well as visual cues from each waypoint, ensuring an easier and more efficient journey throughout your hunt. Lastly, many GPS devices feature auto route creation tools that allow you to automatically detect trails based off their characteristics such as shape or size for easily traversing unknown regions.

Following a trail

Hunting usually involves tracking game by following a physical trail. Trail markers are often found as scat, hoof prints, tufts of fur, and other physical signs that the animal has been there. GPS devices can be instrumental in helping hunters track these trails and find their quarry.

Many handheld GPS devices come with display mapping software that will allow you to literally follow the breadcrumbs of your prey straight to it. With this technology, you can track and map the movements of wild animals in real time, enabling you to anticipate where they may go next – allowing you to set up traps or hunt them down.

It is also possible to save particular hunting areas on your GPS – allowing you to revisit these areas if necessary. Knowing exactly where your prey moved will help increase your chances of success on any hunt!

Locating and tracking game

A hunting GPS can be an invaluable tool for locating and tracking game. Some of the most important features to look for in a hunting GPS include the ability to track your position, store maps and aerial images, provide information about local weather conditions, alert you when you get too close to boundaries on public or private land, and support other features that can make your hunting trip more successful.

When it comes to locating game, a good hunting GPS will help interpret geography and terrain data with pre-loaded maps that are either vector based or satellite based. Vector-based maps provide topographic features such as contour lines to give a better understanding of the lay of the land so hunters can determine where deer travel during different times of day or year, as well as secure routes between points. Map layers showing land ownership and boundaries can also assist in tracking down game – especially on public lands in regions where access is limited due to fences or special regulations.

Satellite-based maps use imagery from high-resolution satellite photos which allow hunters to more easily identify areas of vegetation where game may find refuge from predators. The latest generation of hunting GPS devices also incorporate tools created specifically for navigating through challenging terrain and are capable of using multiple map types simultaneously, making navigation easier than ever before. Many devices can even show high-quality 3D depictions of hillsides so you can quickly find vantage points with an elevated view over potentially hidden terrain features. Simply put — whether it’s hunting deer, elk or hogs — utilizing real time map data combined with knowledge gained through scouting will help ensure that you are never far away from optimal locations for finding success during your hunt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a hunting GPS can offer lots of advantages to the avid hunter. By providing navigational capabilities as well as access to maps, satellite images and tracking features, it can help you locate and stay on track of game.

While these devices have a lot to offer, you must keep in mind their limitations. Be sure to purchase one with a quality display and adjustable settings that are suitable for your specific purpose and environment. With the vast selection of products now available, finding one that meets your needs should be easy – just remember that the price tag doesn’t always reflect quality.

Once you’ve found the ideal model for you, take it out for a spin in the wild – you’re sure to see a difference in your hunting success!

FAQ’s

Why do we use GPS hunting?

GPS hunting is used to navigate and track locations while hunting, making it easier to find hunting spots, mark trails, and locate game animals.

What GPS is easy to use for hunting?

Garmin eTrex 10 is a popular choice for hunters due to its user-friendly interface, affordable price, and durability.

Can I use my phone as a hunting GPS?

Yes, there are several hunting apps available that use your phone’s GPS capabilities to provide location data and maps for hunting.

What is the easiest to use Garmin handheld GPS?

Garmin GPSMAP 64st is considered one of the easiest-to-use Garmin handheld GPS devices due to its intuitive interface and advanced features.

How does GPS work?

GPS works by using a network of satellites in orbit around the Earth to send signals to GPS receivers on the ground, which then use those signals to calculate location and provide navigation data.

Which GPS is most accurate?

Currently, the most accurate GPS system is the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which includes GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

How accurate are GPS devices?

GPS devices can be accurate within a few meters to a few centimeters, depending on the type of device and the number of satellites being used.

Can Garmin track GPS without phone?

Yes, Garmin devices have built-in GPS receivers that can track location and provide navigation data without needing to be connected to a phone.

Does Garmin GPS work without signal?

Garmin GPS devices can work without a cellular signal or internet connection, but they do require a clear view of the sky to receive signals from GPS satellites.

Why Garmin is the best GPS?

Garmin is considered one of the best GPS brands due to its reliability, accuracy, durability, and range of features, including advanced mapping and navigation capabilities.

How a Hunting GPS Can Help You Track and Find Game