which GPS to get for christmas?

[deermaster1]

my parents said they would get me a gps for christmas, but im not sure what one to pick out.  i want it for marking stand sites, deer trails, and for getting in and out in the dark.  i would also use it for blood trailing, should i have to track for some distance.  250.00$ is the limit, so please DO NOT suggest anything more expensive than that.  i am looking at the lowrance ifinder hunt, is this a good choice?  what would you choose in that price range?

[JAG]

The cheap Garmin e-Trex, @ $100.00  I get a new one about every 2 yrs.  Thats about their lifetime in the humid south, and the swamps and river bottoms I hunt.  They'll do all you are asking, and still reasonable cost.  If I were planning an extended hunt out west or n.w., I'd invest in a more complex unit. (plus a sat. Phone).
The e-trex is in your price range, and will serve well.

[sendero25]

I don't have any experience with the ifinder hunt, BUT, I do have an ifinder H20, which I not only use in my boat but it makes a great gps for land use, (even if it an ugly blue). The only drawback to the H2O is the base map is coastal, but I can still follow back trails and mark locations. I think the hunt would be ideal.
The lowrance units are very easy to use, I am considering an ifinder hunt myself so I can keep the H20 in the boat where it belongs.
Hope this helps,
John

[James Wrenn]

You can find a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx in your price range with a little shopping.I think that is one of the best without jumping up in price a lot.It will do everything you want and will not loose the signal in the thick stuff.With the sd card it gives you room for other options and maps if you want them later on. jmo

[deermaster1]

http://www.tigergps.com/garminvistahcx.html
 http://www.tigergps.com/loifhuhagpsu.html

they both have a 2 year warrenty, and are both nearly equal in price.  so which one ya think is the better?

[Aggie1993]

Yes! The Garmin eTrex Vista HCx is the way to go.  I have worked with a bunch of them and all of the Garmin Mapping Software and I currently use this model; it has everything that I need.  I use the Topo and Blue Chart maps and you can use  MOAGU if you want to use satelite imagery.

[deermaster1]

first off, i will prob just get the etra vista hcx without the garmin mapping software, due to the cost.  can the software be purchased seperately?

[melsdad]

I would reccomend a garmin for sure. I have a more expensive model (60csx) so I won't go into details. Any of the cheaper garmin models will do all you are looking for. For that price you will get a nice unit with more options than you will probably use. I had a magellan in the past and did not care for it at all. Go with the garmin, you will not be dissapointed.

[J-dog]

I have a garmin 60Cs Love it as it works great. They have a new verion out know called 60Csx. It is a good simple to use GPS.

Jason

[caleb7mm]

garmin 60 csx, i also have a etrex, the 60 is much better. but if your just looking to get in and out of the woods go with the cheaper etrex, make sure you get the one with waas. the bottom of the line etrex does not have waas. they have a deal for the vista etrex with upgraded maps for 150$ in most areas right now.

[centaur]

You can get the Garmin topo maps of the entire US of A that you can download into an Etrex; about $100, and well worth it. In my Vista HCx I can get pretty everywhere I hunt, fish or camp in my home state (Wyoming) and some of the area I frequent in Arizona as well, and it's in color. You can't go wrong with a Garmin.

[pdk25]

I agree with caleb7mm and J-dog about the garmin gpsmap 60csx.  Great GPS that doesn't lose the sattelite signal in the canopy like some others and has as nice sized screen.  It is a little out of your price range, but if you look carefully on e-*** you might get lucky.

[Soilarch]

Don't know what they cost now but an automotive GPS would work for what you described.  (I use mine to mark stands...well, more like funnels and natural blinds).  Easy to mark where you parked the truck as well.

Not sure if you can get the topo stuff for it. I have a garmin nuvi and LOVE it.  It could pull double duty (and they're a god-send in big cities) and I think I gave right at $250 for mine about 8 months ago.  It wasn't the cheapest in the series at that time and prices may have dropped some.  Don't pay extra for the "text-to-speech" feature if you go this route.  I never use it...even in the truck.

[zilla]

I like the Garmin units.   I currently use a MAP 76, which I believe will fit your budget.  The Etrex is also a great entry level unit.  Here is a link to a place that I found that has the best prices and carries most brands..  The 60 series is a great GPS but is probly pricier than you'd like..
  GPS Onsale

[deermaster1]

here is what i decided on...i think...lol.
i am going to pay the extra 50$ to go ahead and get the software, as it is a huge savings.  so here it is, is it a good choice?
 http://www.tigergps.com/garminvistahcxpk.html

[caleb7mm]

good choice, i also have an hcx and it will do everything you will need it to do.

[metsastaja]

I have 3 different garmins and prefer the 60csx due to its chipset and ability to work in dense coverage. Your choice should work fine.

you might want to look at a program called expertgps just google it. It is an excellent track, waypoint manager that allows you to download topo maps and ariel maps. You can time cooridinate your digetal camera with the gps and it will place photos at the points you took photos.    It also allows you the ability to view your work on google earth.you can download a 30 day trial. The print map features are great after you have been scouting.

As soon as you get the gps start playing with it in your neighborhood. become very familiar with features and what it can and can not do.  I always carry a compass, extra set of batteries and a topo of the area I am going to.
BE Safe
There are wild stories of gps users getting lost in the wilds.

[zilla]

Yes that is a good price.  The GPSonsale site has the same unit for the same price it looks like.
Another good way to learn to use your GPS unit is called GeoCaching.  Look up the website to see what it is all about.
  Etrex Vista.

[heydeerman]

Interesting. In my own experience, I am moving down in draw weight. My latest bow is a Widow PSR that is 48@28. I use to make fun of guys shooting under 50# (in a nice way). I am capable of shooting much heavier but I have found great control shooting around 50.

[James Wrenn]

Good choice.You will be well served by that unit.A good mapping gps and being able to use it with google earth makes hunting even more enjoyable.It allows you to find and hunt new places without worries and can save you many,many steps.