GPS Navigation

Mlopez · Feb 26, 2019

Im in the market for a GPS to take along on hunting and hiking trips. Ive borrowed a Garmin eTrex before and was pretty pleased with it. Im considering purchasing one of these or something similar. Ive also heard a lot about the OnX hunt app for a smart phone. Just wondering what your guys experience is with the app or GPS and get any recommendations or input on these

thank you in advance

BigChiefJ · Feb 26, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Feb-26-19 AT 03:49PM (MST)[p]I use both because I like having a backup plan when I have a tag that cost hundreds of dollars and was potentially very hard to draw. Plus you can offset the cost of a GPS unit because they last for years.

I like the handheld GPS with the chip because it's rugged and just switching AA batteries when it dies. I like that my phone has a bigger screen, but recharging batteries can be an issue in the field.

I also buy paper maps of hunt areas too.

Bowdeadly · Feb 27, 2019

Save your money and stay near the truck! Lol

BigChiefJ · Feb 27, 2019

>Save your money and stay near
>the truck! Lol

Or just road hunt.

Of course a good GPS helps know if the critters are on public or private land.

RoughCountry · Feb 28, 2019

Both work good. With the phone app you need to have the maps where you will be at downloaded if you don't have cell service . The gps I have never loses its service so I can move and never have to be without the gps . I like the way the phone works when it has service but I like the dependableity of the gps. In NM you can lose cell coverage pretty easy in the high country and if you don't have it downloaded on your phone your on your own . When you have service or you've got it downloaded the phone apps are great. I have both .

Muleman · Feb 28, 2019

I like the phone version better. larger screens easier to manipulate. You just have to plan ahead and download areas you will be hunting for when you don't have service. Try the phone first since its a cheaper route,$30 for a year isn't much risk. you can always buy the GPS later if you don't like the phone.

hntbambi · Feb 28, 2019

Don't just rely on a GPS unit. Always have a backup. I have a Garmin 61 that I have used very successfully for many years. This year it took me on a hike no where near the location I wanted to go. I shut it off and restarted it and it still had a bad location. I walked a few extra miles but finally used my phone to get me where I wanted to go. I also carry a compass (fail safe) in case electronics fail me.

Mlopez · Mar 1, 2019

thank you all for your replies. I downloaded the app for now. Your right $30 a year is a great start. Ill invest in the GPS later as a backup. Cant go wrong with having both