Handheld GPS for hunting

I'm also curious. But I've been considering the Garmin eTrex Venture HC.

I know they (GPS in general) used to be bad about losing satallite signal under the tree canopy. Is this still the case?

Wyman

Lowrance I-Finder works well for me. But now I've got an I-phone too - I'm sure there's an app somewhere I could download that would do everything a GPS unit would do - the Iphone has a GPS signal tracker.

I use the lowest Garmin eTrex model. It's small enough to fit in the Carhartt leg pockets. I mainly use it to mark where my truck is parked and where we spotted lots of deer. You should be able to get one for under $100 now.

I use the lowest Garmin eTrex model. It's small enough to fit in the Carhartt leg pockets. I mainly use it to mark where my truck is parked and where we spotted lots of deer. You should be able to get one for under $100 now.

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That is exactly what I use. I have 15-16 deer stands located across multiple farms in three counties. As long as I can find my way to them and back to my truck. That's all I care about. The high end GPS systems are not worth it in my neck of the woods. There is a county road every mile anywhere around here in any direction. I don't need a map that can tell me where the nearest starbucks is. I have a thermos in my pack

jbkebert, do you ever look at the "hunting prediction" thing? Kind of a funny idea, I wonder if it ever actually helps.

I have looked at it but never thought of it before going out to the feild. It might be fun to compare.

I used to have an etrex, but found it less than worthless when in the woods, or with any sort of cover. The GPS on my iPhone is more reliable and accurate than the etrex.

I use Garmin 60 CSx with a copy of TOPO US 2008. Its fantastic.

I'm also curious. But I've been considering the Garmin eTrex Venture HC.

I know they (GPS in general) used to be bad about losing satallite signal under the tree canopy. Is this still the case?

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No. The original 8 satellite Garmin would-when they went to 12 satellites they were able to keep the signal under trees.

dr. winslow sorry but i cant resist... hopelessly lost in the wilderness? theres an app for that..


we have an oooollllld (3-4 years old) cheap off brand one we use now and then when we take out boat out, it doesnt get much use since it such a piece of junk. id like to get a new nice one that i will show elevation and allow me to set waypoints. that and now that im int he mountains id love to have trails loaded on it for hiking

60 csx for me too

I hunt in several states across the country and having a GPS with a removable SD card is very useful as I can download the local terrain and landmarks instead of having to use the base map which isn't very good. The iFinder is what I use and swear by.......

I have the garmin etrex (the yellow one with the color screen on it). It works pretty well. The only thing that I don't like about it is the price they charge for their software for it. Most software packs are around $100.

eTrex Vista CX here. Like it a lot, especially since it has topo maps loaded on it. No more guessing if I'm on Cinch Creek or Bunny Creek. The little bugger tells me.

I'm using a backtrack. It'll hold 3 spots... one gets reserved for my car. The other two are places I want to return to. I hunt mostly private land, but those plots are so small I don't need a GPS. I'll get lost in a heartbeat in a large plot, so I use one on WMA's. The backtrack isn't superbly accurage (it was 21 meters off of my car when I was leaning against it) but it is accurate enough for me to use. I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for great accuracy or need more than 3 points marked.

I also carry a Spot Locator, usually. It's a GPS-based satellite transceiver that lets me e-mail my position and that I'm OK to anyone one a recipient list, and will summon emergency help if I need it.

Around here, I lose cell coverage when I'm hunting in the hills behind downtown Boise, to say nothing of farther out in the boonies.

Out here in the mountains, the "H" model etrex is the key because of the stronger receiver. And a SPOT is also usually in the backpack...

Out here in the mountains, the "H" model etrex is the key because of the stronger receiver. And a SPOT is also usually in the backpack...

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Absolutely, the "H" stands for "High Sensitivity" and I have never lost signal in the woods with mine and can even get great signal sitting in my house not even close to any windows. You have to be careful because plenty of places still sell the base etrex that is not the "H" model. Last time I checked though the local walmart's around my area have the "H" model for a little under $100. BTW, you can tell if it's an "H" by looking just above the screen and if it is it will say High Sensitivity.

I have a Venture HC. It will sometimes lose a signal in deep, narrow canyons but I have never noticed a loss in the woods. That said, I don't spend a lot of time looking at it and generally use it for marking spots.

I have a pre-H model Garmin Etrex Legend.

It is very easy to lose the signal in woods, or during heavy overcast or stormy days.
In other words, when you need it hunting the most.
It will seldom if ever work inside the house.

The one time I really needed it to find my truck in a heavy snowstorm and it couldn't get a signal. SO now, I also carry a compass.

I plan to up-grade to the new model with the better signal reception if I could get my old one to shoot craps.
So far, it shows signs of lasting longer then I will though!

rc

I recently purchased an eTrex Summit. Topo maps are expensive, but if you're computer savvy you can load some on yourself. I can dig up the links if anyone is interested. Unfortunately, I got one of the few models that makes it a pain to load maps on (the ones w/microSD card slots are simplest).

My research narrowed it down to a few key features:
1) Electronic compass. Having it figure out which way you are facing while stationary is impossible without one. Even walking speed they can sometimes have trouble (depending on your speed). This was a must for me.

2) Memory. If I traveled to a lot of different areas this would be important. I generally don't, so the 24 MB that come with the Summit is plenty for maps. Unfortunately, the ability to load those maps wasn't well-advertised. MicroSD slots are simplest, but others also have what's called "mass storage mode", where you plug it in to the USB on your computer and it's drag-and-drop like an external hard drive. The Summit has neither. There may be other options, but I haven't found them, but haven't exhausted my search yet either. The Topo software is easiest, but there are ways to make other maps based on freely available topo information. At any rate, after using it, I'm not sure how useful the topo stuff would be. The screen is pretty small, so the topo lines would be more of a novelty than anything (atleast for me). I'm more interested in marking spots / keeping tracks anyway.

3) Color screen. It might seem like an unnecessary novelty, and maybe it is, but you certainly wouldn't buy a black-and-white TV at this point. I went for color, and I like the screen a lot. I'm sure b/w works fine though.

I've only had mine a month, but haven't lost signal while in the woods yet. All in all i've been happy with it, and can recommend the Summit if the above features are of similar importance to you. The only bad thing is the games it comes with... they're tempting after sitting in a tree for 4+ hours and not seeing an animal. Must... resist... games... ahhhhh!

Oh, and when you buy one, go to Amazon or Newegg and purchase online. You'll save a decent amount of money that way. Actually the Summit has gone up ~$25 since I bought mine... hmmm. Still $30 cheaper on Amazon compared to a popular outdoors store though.

Be sure and check out free shipping & prices at Optics Planet.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/garmin-gps.html

rc

Be sure to bring a compass and map and know how to use them..... the GPS is only as good as the reception/batteries/hardiness of the unit....

I have one, I don't use it anymore.... it was novel, but it wore off and I prefer to rely on my skills than electronics... that and the fact that it can't replace a map and compass (if you're smart) means it is just extra weight....