GPS for hunting

Rembrandt

Anyone have experience using GPS (Global Positioning System) while hunting? Any particular brand that stands out? Would like to hear some imput...thanks. Rembrandt

ref44

You probably know the GPS has to have a clear view of the sky. Here in southwestern Colorado with all the tall Ponderosa pines, it is often difficult to get good readings. On the altitude, I have found mine gives much better numbers if the GPS can "see" some of the lower satellites around the horizon. This is particularly tough in some wooded areas.As far as latitude and longitude, mine will pinpoint a location on a map closer than one can read the map. And it is an older model.

timberbeast

I have an Eagle. As I have my land pretty well memorized, I don't find much use in hunting, especially since my woods are mostly conifer, which blocks the signal sporadically, however it is neat to see where you are in relation to the boundaries, etc, and find out that you "guessed" for thirty years that it was 1/2 mile from point to point and find out it's only 1/4. Main thing I bought it for was fishing, so I could find the spot where they were hitting the day before, which succeeded greatly. Fun toys, though! They even tell you how fast you are walking!

oldguide32

Mine is a Magellan 2000. It isn't worth 2 cents. Paid 200 bucks and have spent 2 years trying to make it work. I know of 3 others like it in town and they have never made them work either. Cannot pick up any satellites. I've had Ph.D.'s in physics spend 4-5 days trying to make them work. We go to open areas, high spots, everything. I have read and re-read the books, called the company, bought their video,used new batteries, and the Magellan 2000 still won't even get started.

steve45

Ive got a Magellan blazer 12, doubt they make these anymore but its a simple easy to use model. Works fine and unlike above poster has no problems in tall trees. My suggestion would be to buy the cheapest unit you can find, they have fewer features and are much easier to learn. My friends have high end GPS units they dont seem to be any quicker than mine and friends dont use any of the extra features.

Rembrandt

My brother had a Magellan and used it in Colorado to pin point a downed elk....they went back to get the elk and the GPS readings were'nt accurate....took them 5 hours to find the critter. I've had other friends who like Garman. I'd like to get one for marking downed game but am a little leary after hearing some of the negative results. Are these companies getting the bugs worked out...or how much is operator error? Also heard some parts of the U.S. don't have good satellite coverage...

NEEDCOLD

I use a Magellan 2000 and haven't had a problem with it. Takes me about 5 mins. and I'm locked into satelites. Map Datum is WGS 84. I also carry a map and compass to cross reference. I just don't trust some things.It used to be that you couldn't get an accutate link (+/- 150 yards) because all the satelites were military (natl. security stuff), but that was lifted not too long ago. Now, you'll get better, more accurate readings.I've seen the Garmin GPS 12 in action and wish I had one of those instead, but I get by with mine.

Redleg

I use mine all the time. I hunt back deep in the woods, and instead of leaving the surveyer's tape, I just punch in the waypoints. That way, I can find my way in the dark to my precious stand without having to worry that somebody ripped me off.Also useful in pre-season scouting. You can get aerial photgraphs, mark the locations of rubs and scrapes and you will start seeing trends.I have a Garmin GPS II+ with moving map display. I use military maps and UTM/UPS coordinates. If you can, find a GPS reciever with MGRS coordinates as they are much easier to read.Brian

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Crush your enemies, drive their horses before you, hear the lamentation of their women.--Genghis Khan

biggreg

I have been using a Garmin 12 for the past 3+ years. Its a pretty basic unit and easy to operate. Its probably considered out of date by now, but 4 of us now use the same model and all are happy with the results. Seems to me the last guy found one for $134. I hunt elk on the western slope of Colorado and has worked great for me. By all means its no excuse for not paying attention to where your at, its man made and battery operated, so Murphy's Law applies. But mine has not failed me, I carry an extra set of batteries with as it only runs @9hours if left on. I usually mark the main camp, where I leave my truck and shut it off until its time to return or if I down an Elk mark it so I can return to it. I have argued with the silly thing but so far it has been right and I've been wrong. I still carry orange ribbon tape but I hate seeing that stuff left behind by others, even the biodegradeable stuff seems to hang on for a couple of years.

Rembrandt

Thanks for the info guys, think I'll go shopping for one.....

in2b8u

I never worry about getting lost. I figure eventually someone will find me. However I worry more about becoming incapacitated to some level, in which case the gps is of no use. I spent the money on a pilots handheld radio. I figure that if I am in a real pickle, I'll use the faa emergency freq, let them come get me, and then pay the fine. until magnetic north runs out I guess Ill still use the US army compass.

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