GPS?

[Linwood Hines]

I KNOW THAT I SHOULD KNOW THE TERRITORY THAT I GO HUNTING IN, KNOW IT WELL, but doggone it all, I want to venture into the Virginia mountains next year, and figured a GPS would be a handy thing to have, particularly because I sometime wander a little farther than I figured on - you know - just because this "spot" didn't have any deer walking by me this morning, and maybe I should go a little deeper in the woods this afternoon.  I also know about bread crumbs, and the Indian idea of breaking branches (hey, I watched those movies), but with the modern age we're in, maybe that electronic thing would be good to have and learn.  Do y'all use one, and if so what is a good one for Santa to bring me?

[karrow]

i have a "Ifinder hunt" by lowrance (not usre on spelling) it does what i want and much more. there handy and fun. my is 4 to 5 years old. 400$ dollar range.

[joe ashton]

I've got the basic bear bones gps,  like $99 and it is great--- but I would not consider going into new country without a map/topo and compass.... and extra batteries for the gps...

[Bjorn]

I have a Garmin 60 csx-a bit complicated but OK. Whatever you get practice with it, bring extra batteries and map and compass especially going into brand new territory.

[McDave]

It really depends on how much you want to learn about the thing. The basic GPS units will tell you how to get back to your truck.  The more advanced ones have a display with a topo map that shows you where you are, and a bunch of other things too.  The difference between the bottom of the line and the top of the line is about $400: they range from about $99 to $500 or so.  If you want the top of the line, I would consider the Garmin Oregon.  I think the top of the line models are actually a little easier to use than the mid-range ones, which is probably part of what you pay for.  But the easiest ones of all to figure out are the $99 ones that tell you how to get back to your truck, and they work fine too.

[Overspined]

Love love love the garmin 450+. Use it in the mountains all the time for elk. Topo, color, long battery life, great reception. Like using an iPhone with the touch screen (use your fingernail).

[centaur]

Garmin makes great units. My current one is an Oregon 450, and it  is one of a long line of Garmins that I have used over the years. Easy to use and very accurate.
However, don't let a gps do all your thinking for you. A good topo map and compass and how to use them should be a good part of your navigation education.

[stykbow67]

The Garmin Etrex series are very good low to mid-range priced GPS's. Most GPS units come with micro SD card capability which allows you to download topo maps right into the unit, it's really nice to be able to compare where your GPS shows you and where your topo shows you. With the topo map being much larger you can see which direction you want to head to to get to a certain bench or drainage you want to check out. Filedepot.com has a ton of topo maps available for free download to a SD card i've used it several times.

Steve

[goingoldskool]

When I go to Canada, I use a Bushnell Backtracker.
Cheap and lets me know how to get back out of the Canadian bush.

Rodd

[Supercracker]

I know people are going to discount this, but I have the Accuterra Backcountry Navigator" app on my phone. Navigation wise, I haven't found anything I can do with my $500 Garmin that I can't do with this $20 app.

The only real drawback is the battery doesn't last as long, easily solved with a small external battery, and it's slightly less precise. I have to be satisfied with knowing my location to within 15' or so rather than 3'. lol

[Sam McMichael]

Are there any reception issues deep in the woods there? I agree that map & compass (complete with competence) should be part of your navigation system. Sounds like fun.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Garmin Etrex 10. Basic, but adequate. I used the Etrex in the Cabinet Mountains in Montana. The Etrex performed well. I use the 10 for deep trips in and out of midwest hardwood forest and the GPS works great.

[ron w]

A Garmin Etrex is all you need to find your way back to the truck. But a map and compass should back that up at all times. I would also study your maps before hand and that will give you an idea of where you want to go. It's almost like doing a pre-hunt. You can even find things on the map that will draw you to them, saddles on ridges, creek junctions and thing like that. Good luck!!

[azhunter]

I bought the Garmin Oregon 450T a few months ago when they had a great sale on them at Cabelas. I replaced my old units. Love this new unit. So user friendly and great features. For safety reasons I always use a gps unless I am in a very familiar area that is easy to get back out at night.

[Easykeeper]

I've had a Garmin GPS Map 60csx (no longer made) for several years now, wish I would have bought one sooner.  I still have an analog compass in my pack just in case.  The GPS lets me get in a lot faster and quieter in the dark, same for coming out.  It's just a lot easier negotiating rough ground and thick brush or swamps with the GPS than without it.

If you get one, make sure it has an electronic compass so it functions when you are not moving.  Many require you to be moving at 2-3 mph. for the compass to work.  I like the ones that work all the time even if you aren't moving.

[hvyhitter]

take a compass too........and get true GPS not your cell phone, the phone uses towers and they may be few and far between and eat up battery life..........

[John Scifres]

Garmin Oregon 450 with an Indiana topo map is one of my favorite things.

[MikeS]

I love my Garmin 60csx.  Wouldn't hunt without a gps anymore, but you still need a compass just in case!

[Supercracker]

Originally posted by hvyhitter:
the phone uses towers and they may be few and far between and eat up battery life..........

Not necessarily true anymore. I can download all the maps (same ones as the Garmin) ahead of time and use it when there's no signal. Just like the Garmin.

I have an S4 and if I turn the app up to the highest battery usage settings (but phone in airplane mode) it eats about 10% of the battery every hour. Then I plug in my external battery (about the size of an Altoids tin) and get another 6-8 hours of time.

[Linwood Hines]

Thanks to everyone for answering (and sorry that I'm so late getting back to y'all - been away from the computer).  I appreciate the insights!  Yea, compass and topo are definitely required even with the gps, I understand (and the competency to use them).  Hopefully I can convince Santa to bring one down my chimney (maybe he can use the gps to find my house).