Hunting can be an exciting and rewarding activity, but it requires a lot of preparation and planning. One essential tool for any hunting trip is a reliable GPS device. A hunting GPS can help you navigate through unfamiliar terrain, mark your hunting spots, and keep track of your location.
When it comes to choosing the best hunting GPS, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the device’s accuracy and reliability. You want a GPS that can provide you with accurate information, even in remote areas with poor reception. The second is the device’s battery life. Hunting trips can last for several days, so you need a GPS that can last for an extended period without needing to be recharged. Finally, you want a device that is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
We spent hours researching and testing several hunting GPS devices to identify the ones that meet these criteria and provide the best overall performance. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best hunting GPS devices on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, our recommendations will help you find the right GPS for your needs and make your next hunting trip a success.
Best Hunting GPS Devices
Products Reviewed:
- Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking Bundle
- Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera
- Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS Navigation
- Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
- Garmin GPSMAP 64st
- Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator
We know how important it is to have the right gear when you’re out in the field. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best hunting GPS devices on the market. These devices will help you navigate your way through the wilderness, track your prey, and get back to camp safely. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below and get ready for a successful hunting trip!
Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking Bundle
If you’re looking for a reliable hunting GPS, then the Garmin Astro 430 is a great option. It’s easy to use and provides real-time tracking of your dogs. However, it does come with some drawbacks.
Pros
- Quick and accurate tracking of your dogs using the Garmin T 5 or T 5 Mini collar device
- Sophisticated Hunt Metrics help monitor your dog’s hunting patterns and behaviors to optimize your training opportunities
- High-sensitivity GPS and glonass satellite reception has the ability to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
Cons
- The screen is quite fragile, treat it like a phone
- The battery life is only 20 hours
- The BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription is only free for one year
We’ve been using the Garmin Astro 430 for a few weeks now and it’s been a great addition to our hunting gear. The device is easy to set up and use, and the tracking is quick and accurate. We also appreciate the Hunt Metrics feature which has helped us optimize our training opportunities.
However, we do have a few complaints. The screen is quite fragile, so we’ve been treating it like a phone to avoid cracking it. Additionally, the battery life is only 20 hours, so we’ve had to recharge it frequently. Finally, the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription is only free for one year, so we’ll have to pay for it after that.
Overall, we recommend the Garmin Astro 430 for anyone looking for a reliable hunting GPS. Just be aware of its drawbacks and take care of the screen.
Garmin Oregon 650t 3-Inch Handheld GPS with 8MP Digital Camera
If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed hunting GPS, then the Garmin Oregon 650t is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The touchscreen display is large, responsive, and sunlight-readable, making it easy to interact with maps and navigate through menus.
- The dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning system provides fast and accurate location data, even in challenging environments.
- The built-in 8MP autofocus camera takes high-quality photos that are geotagged with location data, making it easy to remember important spots and share your adventures with others.
Cons
- The battery life of 16 hours may not be enough for longer hunting trips, especially if you’re using the camera or other power-hungry features frequently.
- The device is a bit on the bulky side, which may make it less comfortable to carry around for extended periods of time.
- The price point is higher than some other hunting GPS devices on the market, which may make it less accessible for budget-conscious hunters.
In our experience, the Garmin Oregon 650t is a fantastic hunting GPS that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. The touchscreen display is easy to use and provides plenty of detail, and the dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning system ensures that you always know where you are. We also appreciate the built-in camera, which takes high-quality photos and makes it easy to share your adventures with others.
That being said, the battery life could be better, and the device is a bit bulky compared to some other hunting GPS devices we’ve used. Additionally, the higher price point may be a barrier for some hunters, especially those who are just starting out or who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Garmin Oregon 650t to any hunter who is looking for a reliable and feature-packed GPS device. While it may not be the most affordable option out there, it offers a wide range of capabilities that make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters who want to take their adventures to the next level.
Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS Navigation
If you’re someone who loves to go hiking, backpacking, or hunting, the Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS Navigation is a must-have. With this device, you can capture your trip or waypoint using GPS technology, so you can easily guide yourself back to your starting position. The device is waterproof and rugged, so it can handle anything you put it through. The battery lasts up to 35 hours, and you can charge it with any Micro USB. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can view and sync trips and waypoints to the Bushnell Connect app on your smartphone.
Pros
- The device is rugged and waterproof, so it can handle anything you put it through.
- The battery lasts up to 35 hours, and you can charge it with any Micro USB.
- With Bluetooth connectivity, you can view and sync trips and waypoints to the Bushnell Connect app on your smartphone.
Cons
- The instructions enclosed were poorly written and hard to understand.
- The buttons are hard to push, even when not on a wiggly horse.
- The device doesn’t have many features, such as an average and max speed.
We recently took the Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS Navigation on a hiking trip, and we were impressed with how easy it was to use. The device is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry around. The display is easy to read, and the large, glove-friendly buttons make it easy to use even with gloves on. We also liked that the device gives you elevation gain and decline, as well as barometric pressure. It also gives you the day’s sunrise and sunset, as well as moonrise and moonset.
However, we did find that the instructions enclosed were poorly written and hard to understand. We had to figure out most of the features ourselves, which was frustrating. We also found that the buttons were hard to push, even when not on a wiggly horse. Finally, we wished that the device had more features, such as an average and max speed, which would have been helpful during our hike.
Overall, we would recommend the Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS Navigation to anyone who loves to go hiking, backpacking, or hunting. The device is rugged, waterproof, and easy to use, making it a must-have for hitting the trail.
Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
If you are looking for a reliable and durable GPS navigator for your outdoor activities, the Garmin Foretrex 401 is worth considering.
Pros
- Lightweight and slim design makes it easy to wear on your wrist and use with both hands.
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix provides improved performance and reception even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons.
- TracBack feature allows you to retrace your path back to where you started, so you never have to worry about getting lost.
Cons
- The display resolution is only 100 x 64 pixels, which may not be as sharp as some other GPS devices.
- The battery life is up to 17 hours in GPS mode, which may not be enough for longer trips.
- The device uses standard AAA batteries, which may not be as convenient as rechargeable batteries.
We recently used the Garmin Foretrex 401 on a hiking trip and found it to be a reliable and accurate GPS navigator. The device is lightweight and easy to wear on your wrist, and the high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix provided excellent performance and reception in various environments.
One of the standout features of the Foretrex 401 is the TracBack feature, which allows you to retrace your path back to where you started. This feature was very helpful during our hike, as it gave us peace of mind knowing that we could always find our way back to our starting point.
Another useful feature of the Foretrex 401 is the ability to create and store routes to all of your favorite places, as well as providing other helpful information such as a trip computer, sunrise/sunset times, and hunting and fishing information. The device also supports dual position readout, so you can view your current location in multiple formats.
Overall, we would recommend the Garmin Foretrex 401 to anyone looking for a reliable and durable GPS navigator for their outdoor activities. With its lightweight and slim design, high-sensitivity GPS receiver, and TracBack feature, the Foretrex 401 is a great choice for hikers, skiers, and campers alike.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st
If you’re looking for a reliable hunting GPS, the Garmin GPSMAP 64st is a great option.
Pros
- The 2.6-inch sunlight-readable color screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight.
- The high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver with a quad helix antenna provides superior reception.
- The preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps and 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription make it easy to navigate even in remote areas.
Cons
- The price is a bit high compared to other hunting GPS options.
- The device can be a bit heavy to carry around all day.
- It takes some time to learn how to use all of the features and functions.
We recently took the Garmin GPSMAP 64st on a hunting trip and were impressed with its performance. The sunlight-readable color screen made it easy to see our location and navigate through the woods, even on sunny days. The high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receiver with a quad helix antenna provided accurate location information, even in heavily wooded areas.
The preloaded TOPO U.S. 100K maps and 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription were also very helpful. We were able to easily navigate to our hunting spots and find our way back to camp at the end of the day. The 3-axis electronic compass with barometric altimeter was also a nice feature, providing accurate elevation information and helping us keep track of changing weather conditions.
While the price of the Garmin GPSMAP 64st is a bit high compared to other hunting GPS options, we feel that it is worth the investment for serious hunters who need a reliable and accurate GPS device. The device can be a bit heavy to carry around all day, but it’s a small price to pay for the level of performance and features that it provides.
Overall, we highly recommend the Garmin GPSMAP 64st for anyone in need of a reliable hunting GPS device.
Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator
If you’re looking for a reliable GPS navigator for hunting, the Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator could be a great option for you.
Pros
- The upgraded display offers increased resolution, making it easy to read even in sunlight.
- With 3.7 GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot, you can load a variety of maps, including TOPO 24K, HuntView, BlueChart g2, City Navigator NT, and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
- The eTrex 20x has a high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction and GLONASS support, so it locates your position quickly and precisely, even in heavy cover and deep canyons.
Cons
- The device is a bit complicated to use, and the instructions could be clearer.
- The buttons can be a bit finicky and may take some getting used to.
- The device doesn’t have a touch screen, which may be a downside for some users.
In our experience, the Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator is a reliable and durable device that can handle the rigors of hunting and outdoor activities. The upgraded display is a great feature, as it makes it easy to read even in sunlight, and the large internal memory and microSD card slot allow you to load a variety of maps. The device is also very accurate, thanks to its high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction and GLONASS support.
However, the device can be a bit complicated to use, and the instructions could be clearer. The buttons can also be a bit finicky and may take some getting used to. Additionally, some users may prefer a touch screen, which the eTrex 20x doesn’t have.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate GPS navigator for hunting, the Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS Navigator is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best hunting GPS, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you choose the right product for your needs:
Durability
Hunting can be a rugged activity, so it’s important to choose a GPS that can withstand the elements. Look for a device that is waterproof, shock-resistant, and has a sturdy construction.
Battery Life
Since hunting trips can last for several days, you’ll want a GPS with a long battery life. Look for a device that can last at least 10 hours on a single charge, and consider purchasing spare batteries or a portable charger to ensure you don’t run out of power in the field.
Accuracy
Accuracy is crucial when it comes to hunting GPS devices. Look for a product that has a high level of accuracy, preferably within a few meters. This will help you navigate through the wilderness and find your way back to camp.
Display
A clear and easy-to-read display is essential for a hunting GPS. Look for a device with a high-resolution screen that is easy to read in bright sunlight. Some devices also offer customizable displays, so you can choose the information you want to see at a glance.
Mapping
Mapping capabilities are another important feature to consider. Look for a GPS that offers detailed topographic maps, as well as the ability to download additional maps and waypoints. Some devices also offer real-time mapping, which can be helpful for tracking game and navigating through unfamiliar terrain.
By considering these factors, you can find a hunting GPS that meets your needs and helps you navigate through the wilderness with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate GPS you can buy?
When it comes to accuracy, it’s hard to beat a GPS with GLONASS and Galileo satellite support. These systems provide more accurate and reliable location tracking, especially in areas with poor GPS signal coverage.
What is the best offline GPS for hunting?
For offline use, we recommend the Garmin GPSMAP 64st. It comes preloaded with topographic maps and has a long battery life, making it perfect for extended hunting trips in remote locations.
What is the best handheld GPS for finding property lines?
If you need a GPS specifically for property line mapping, the Garmin eTrex 30x is a great choice. It has a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, making it easier to navigate and track elevation changes.
How do I choose a GPS for hunting?
When choosing a GPS for hunting, consider factors such as battery life, durability, and ease of use. You’ll also want to look for features such as topographic maps, waypoint marking, and tracking capabilities. Think about your specific hunting needs and choose a device that fits those requirements.
What are the top features to look for in a hunting GPS?
The top features to look for in a hunting GPS include long battery life, rugged design, waterproofing, preloaded topographic maps, and the ability to mark and navigate to waypoints. Consider additional features such as tracking capabilities, satellite support, and compatibility with other devices.
Can a hunting GPS be used for hiking as well?
Yes, many hunting GPS devices can be used for hiking as well. In fact, the features that make a GPS suitable for hunting, such as topographic mapping and waypoint marking, are also useful for hiking. However, if you plan to use your GPS primarily for hiking, you may want to consider a device with additional features such as a built-in camera or Bluetooth connectivity.
