How do you use your GPS?

D

driftersifter

Guest
Are you the kind of hunter that uses it for emergencies?
Are you more the type to turn it on all day and map your route?
Are you the type that turns it on and marks great vantage points. So as you return to these areas you have the spot marked you need to be?
Are you the type of hunter thats still on the first set of batteries and haven't put in the time to learn how to use it.

I really learned some great tactics this last fall and really used mine for the first time
 
Well my birthday is today and I will "act" surprised tonight when I get my new Garmin Legend GPS from the family.
Wife forgot to hide it a few weeks ago and I spotted it before it was hid.
Will be spending a lot of time learning everything I need to know and practice with it too.

Brian
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-29-04 AT 10:58AM (MST)[p]I have an older Magellan Colortrak, I use it to mark starting points and places that I've seen Elk or Mule deer. I only turn it on long enough to get a good signal and mark my way point and then turn it off. This way I conserve battery power so that if I do get disoriented I'll have it availible. I will say that is one of my favorite tools in my pack. The first year I was hunting a new area in the Blue Mountains here in OR, I got completely turned around, I was within five miles of a road and I'm sure that I could have eventually got back to the party but with the GPS I simply turned it on, hit the goto feature and walked straight back to camp. I also carry a regular compass and with these two items I feel confident I can get back every time... I hope!
 
I purchased a computer package with all the topo maps of Idaho. I can mark a spring or old mine and then download this to my GPS. I can then walk right to place even if it's across land away from roads. Very handy and fun.

I've also been turned around and my GPS got me turned back around and heading back toward the saddle I had marked once before. I had not been back to the remote saddle for years and probably wouldn't have found it again. It saved me a lot of walking.
 
Used a buddy's last year it was great had to get one this year I have the Yellow Etrex, (cheaper model but good for hunting) I would mark lay points on the trail going in and out just in case.
 
I also have an E-trex. I mostly use it to mark the truck or camp in the morning and then shut it off. I have used it to find property lines, by reading off the coordinates from BLM maps, I go to Topozone and get coordinates from springs, saddles, peaks, etc.. and then load them into the GPS so I can head right to them while hunting. I usually mark springs, ponds, rubs and anything else I find interesting and then mark them on a map. A couple of years ago I shot a buck in a new area, called my brother on the radio, gave him my coordinates and he punched them into his GPS so he could come and help me get it out. They are very useful, but I always keep my eye on landmarks, just incase.

Rut
 
I am like most of the guys are so far. I mark my camp, truck, and different waypoints of interest. I have a topo map program for the computer that I will check out and put good looking spots into my GPS. You can save a lot of time by doing that. And no second guessing myself if I am on the right ridge or not.
 
I've had one for quite a few years now. I keep it right next to me at all times just in case Deerking, BUCKSPY, or OSOK slip up and give out some coordinates. :)

Seriously though, I use it to mark specific areas (wallows, rubs, springs, etc.) when I'm miles away from roads or my vehicle. They are also handy to mark a blood trail at dark so you can return later with lights, etc.

BOHNTR )))-------------->
 
I use mine in my chute plane when I'm flying. I can mark water/springs, wallows, shed horns etc, etc.... and go back and find them on the ground.
 
I also have a Garmen E-trex,yellow it comes in handy while out on the lake fishing, marking honey holes.(winning arguements)
were it is really worth it's weight in gold, is having an elk down,and being able to walk right back to were it is.
 
I have got to get that download computer stuff for mine and I'm sure I will really put the info to good use. I also have used it fishing. I think it levels the field for us oldtimers and short memory. My girlfriend thinks it should have a beeper and a locator when I'm lost for the search and rescue. If she only knew how many fake losts I have racked up in my career. Its getting so that I don't know the difference between the two.

Your most humble and obediant servant,
Michael
 
I don't have one but a buddy of mine uses his as a range finder while out shooting his rifle. Not exactly sure how they work but I'm guessing he marks a couple way points and checks the distance between them until he gets to the distance he's looking for? I thought that was pretty cool. I would have never thought of it.

NvrEnuf
 
This year I purchased a Garmin eTrex Summit to replace the large and old Magellan I have been using the last 6 to 8 years. Mainly only use it to mark where camp and my truck is to make getting back in the dark easier. One thing I have noticed with the Garmin Summit is that it is very in-accurate on it's Go-To screen unless it is held level. In steep terrain what you ( I ) think is level and what actually is level is different. What I did to correct this is use a bubble level, which can be found at any hardware store, and place it on the screen to make sure it is level for an accurate reading. The level is about the size of a quarter around and 3/8 inch tall.

Bill
 
Bill, How level your etrex is held should not make a bit of difference in accuracy. The only reason it helps to hold it somewhat level is that is the position the antennae is designed to work. But as long as you are picking up 4 or more satellites, it makes no difference how you hold it.
 
I mostly know where I've been! So I use mine when in bad visablity or a new area(down loaded an area)!use all the time to see elavation.That's highly under rated!
 

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