There are no landmarks. Everything looks the same around every turn. And to make things even worse, there are no people to ask questions to and no cellphone reception.
Even if there was, what would you say when you call emergency services, and they ask you the million dollar question: where are you calling from? While they are trained to give professional answers, a cheeky officer would ask you where your GPS is.
A precious navigation tool for hikers and outdoor adventure lovers, the best hunting GPS receiver acts as a real personal assistant.
Compared to conventional GPS, which is indeed useful for navigation, a hunting GPS offers much more detailed maps and information. Some even have satellite imagery. In addition, they allow you to easily insert new waypoints and plan the route directly to the device without a computer.
You can also pin a position and get back to access that exact point at a later date.
If you hunt in the woods, then you definitely need one of these best hunting GPS units on the market.
Read more:
Top 7 Best Hunting GPS On The Market 2023 Reviews
1. Garmin Foretrex 401 Waterproof Hiking GPS
As you might have noticed, this device is a GPS watch. This wrist style design offers the use of your both hands during a hunt, which is great! And it is not at all cumbersome at 3 ounces, and you can wear it very easily on your wrist.
The Garmin Foretex 401 is equipped with a technology that allows you to retrace your steps. As you proceed, a dotted trail shows on its screen. This is the most basic to read and can be used by anyone very easily.
The GPS readout is also not at all complex. You are provided with two location formats and audio that lets you know exactly where you are. Even in a thicket, you will get reception as this hunting GPS is fitted with HotFix technology for improved performance.
And, that’s not all…
This GPS watch is waterproof and can withstand rainy and snowy weather. It’s therefore very practical for outdoor use. Its battery provides up to 17 hours in GPS mode, so, you need not worry about it dying on you.
In comparison to a simple watch though, its screen is naturally larger. Thus, you can read correctly any information even on the darkest of nights.
All the information you could ever need…
Also able to sync with other same-type GPS devices to share and receive information, it is not difficult to share your experiences with friends and family. For even more detail, you can connect it to your laptop. This will show you sunrise/sunset times, all previously entered hunting/fishing information and all of your routes.
It has an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter, so you can never get a location wrong with the Garmin Foretrex 401. Also equipable with a heart monitor, it will even tell when you are stressing yourself out too much and need to stop.
Pros
- HotFix technology is inbuilt for great reception at all times.
- Allows you to use both hands.
- Lightweight for comfort.
- Easy to read and understand.
- Long battery life.
- Allows for sync and share with similar devices.
- Very precise with locations and waypoints.
Cons
- The two standard AAA batteries required are not included.
- The included manual is not very detailed.
2. Garmin Montana 680t
The Garmin Montana 680 is a very sophisticated hunting GPS. And, it is slightly larger and heavier than the other models tested. But this is understandable due to the fact that it has a larger screen and a better resolution. The touch screen supports a dual orientation and is “Glove-Friendly.” This is not the case for standard touch screens.
This GPS has a barometric altimeter, a digital compass, an 8 MP camera, information about the sun and the moon, a hunting/fishing calendar, tide tables, and a step by step navigation.
Will tell you EXACTLY where you are…
As the device tracks the GPS and GLONASS satellites, and also uses the HotFix and WAAS features, it retrieves the signal very quickly and shows the location precisely – +/- 1 meter to be exact.
It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery but can also work with three standard AA batteries. The life of the lithium-ion battery is about 16 hours, and the life of 3 standard AA batteries is slightly longer – about 22 hours.
Good to go straight out of the box…
Waterproof, this hunting GPS is ever ready, come rain, shine, or snow. Plus, you get a free 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription with this model. Hence, you are good to go straight out of the box.
If you have waypoint or route information to share or to receive, it is no problem. Anyone with a similar device can wirelessly receive from and send information to you.
Pros
- HotFix and WAAS wired to give the most precise results.
- Long battery life.
- Waterproof and all-weather compatible.
- Dual screen orientation.
- Functional screen touch with or without gloves.
- Free 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription.
- High-resolution display.
Cons
- Bulky in weight and size.
- Batteries not included.
3. Garmin eTrex 20x
As a complete contrast to the Montana 68ot we’ve just reviewed, the Garmin eTrex 20x is the lightest and smallest handheld GPS in this review. Making it perfect for hiking, mountaineering, trekking, and other outdoor activities. Because you can easily put it in your backpack or in your pocket.
It also fits perfectly in your hand and offers great resistance to water and shock so is a great choice for hunting expeditions.
Fully equipped…
Even at 2.2 inches, the display is easy enough to read. It features a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and can display 65,000 colors. The Garmin eTrex 20x is equipped with a three-axis electronic compass, barometric altimeter, WAAS, HotFix, and wireless connectivity.
The electronic compass indicates the direction even when the unit is not fully leveled. The barometric altimeter shows how high you are above sea level and can also be used to predict the weather. The WAAS and HotFix functions make positioning fast and accurate.
And so much more…
Cards can be easily added to the MicroSD card. GPS eTrex 20 also supports satellite images, but a BirdsEye subscription is required to use this feature. You can pair the device with various accessories such as a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, and an external thermometer via its wireless connection.
This is great for multipurpose use, but is even greater, as it lets you know when to stop.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for easy handling.
- Water and shock resistant.
- High-resolution display.
- Precise location features.
- Can be paired with other monitoring devices wirelessly.
Cons
- The base pre-installed maps are not very helpful.
4. Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide
The Garmin GPSMAP 64s is equipped with a slightly larger screen than the Garmin eTrex 20x. And, it’s buttons are placed under the screen instead of along the sides, which obviously increases the length of the device. This, however, makes it easier to work with. With gloves or without them, the buttons will respond easily, and they are easy to view.
The Garmin GPSMAP 64s is equipped with an axial helix antenna that simultaneously tracks GPS and GLONASS satellites, increasing positioning accuracy. Moreover, the GPSMAP 64s offers one of the best precision on the market, namely a precision at 3 m.
Integrates seamlessly with your smartphone…
Other features included are a 3-axis electronic compass, barometric altimeter and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to connect it wirelessly to other Bluetooth devices – for example, your smartphone. It also supports notifications such as missed calls, text messages, and other alerts on your phone and displays them directly on the GPS screen.
To conclude, the Garmin GPSMAP 64s is an amazing device as it can easily withstand harsh conditions while providing excellent accuracy. Fully waterproof, it holds up well in both snow, fog, and rain.
As proof, you get a 90-day warranty with this product.
Pros
- Easy to use front buttons.
- All weather compatible.
- Excellent accuracy.
- Allows for Bluetooth connectivity to show phone notifications.
- 90-day warranty.
Cons
- The antenna and buttons make it longer than most models.
- Not lightweight; weighing 1 pound.
5. Garmin Oregon 650t
Rugged and waterproof, this powerful navigation tool has been designed for hunting in both rain, sun, or snow. It offers GPS and GLONASS functions. In just a few clicks, you’ll have access to the map and your precise location.
In addition, it embeds an 8-megapixel camera to immortalize your favorite landscapes and animal kills. The camera feature eliminates clutter as you do not need to carry an extra camera with you. It is not only clear, but it also has an LED flash and zoom, so, no worries there.
Fancy a very long treck…
It has a battery life of up to 16 hours. So, you will have all the time needed to store and navigate geocaching points, your current routes, or your planned routes. Depending on your user type, in addition to the 4 GB internal memory, you can further expand the memory with an additional microSD.
Thanks to its lane manager, you can record your routes and know your current position at a specific time. The Garmin Oregon 650t features an altimeter and a three-axis electronic compass. Navigation with this tool is compatible with anywhere in the US, as the whole US topographic is preinstalled.
Share and share alike…
This unit is compatible with other similar GPS devices. This allows you to share data and your routes, and your waypoints. You can also receive valuable data from other users. And, thanks to the unique software, you can organize your hikes by obtaining 2D and 3D images with all possible details. The resulting images can be stored in the internal memory for later use.
Included in the pack are a user manual, AC adapter, USB cable, a carabiner clip, and a battery pack. Straight out of the box, you can start to use it to find your way!
Pros
- Water and shock resistant.
- Clear camera with flash and zoom feature.
- Large memory space with the option for expansion.
- Lane manager feature for easy navigation.
- Allows for sharing and receiving detailed navigation content.
- NiMH battery pack included in the box.
Cons
- Only preloaded with USA maps.
- Several users complain about having received refurbished items.
6. Garmin Oregon 600
This Garmin Oregon 600 device has a 3-inch dual orientation screen, optimized for outdoor use. The screen is sunlight readable, so you will have no problem with it on your hunt.
Create activity profiles…
This hunting GPS has a barometric altimeter, a three-axis electronic compass, and GPS and GLONASS receiver. One of its many features, highly appreciated by its users, is that it allows you to create activity profiles. You can easily access previous information or get new ones from other users by sharing over Bluetooth.
It also works in reverse, as you can also send navigational details to other users too.
To facilitate and meet up to your demand, it can work up to 16 hours with a lithium battery or 22 hours with a AA. Its memory is 1.5 GB, so it will hold a lot of content.
Around the world in as long as it takes…
This unit is designed to withstand the weather because it has a housing that protects it from shock, water, dust, and dirt. With this hunting GPS, you could be anywhere in the world and use it immediately. It is preloaded with a base map of the whole world!
Pros
- Sunlight readable screen for optimized outdoor use.
- Dual orientation feature.
- Allows for navigation detail sync with other users.
- Long battery life.
- Shock and waterproof.
- Preloaded with the worlds base map.
Cons
- The base map does not hold any detailed content.
- No batteries included.
7. Garmin inReach Explorer+
Like all devices in the inReach range, the Garmin inReach Explorer + has an IPX7 protection rating and is therefore extremely shock-proof. Also, rugged and waterproof, this GPS device powered by a rechargeable lithium battery.
While we believe that you mostly hunt on the land, it is great to know that this hunting GPS is also suitable for use at sea or in the air, just in case you fancy hunting some fish or birds??? And, it comes with preloaded TOPO maps, a USB cable, a carabiner clip, and a user guide.
Ergonomic, the Garmin inReach Explorer + is equipped with a perfectly readable screen even outdoors, while its keys are intuitive.
But how do you stay so reachable?
Even if it does not allow calls to be made, the Garmin inReach Explorer + is still a tool with a lot of possibilities to communicate wherever you are in the world. It uses for this purpose the Iridium satellite network whose global coverage is deemed reliable.
To access and communicate with your inReach Explorer + device, you must subscribe to an annual plan or opt for a flexible monthly plan. This gives you the ability to communicate via satellite to not only send and receive SMS, but also to exchange messages with all mobile numbers and email addresses.
Also connected to the GEOs (Global Search and Rescue Coordination Center), this device allows sending an interactive SOS message.
Share your adventures with the world…
In addition to a digital compass, a barometric altimeter, and an accelerometer, it has preloaded maps for instant use and is able to follow your steps. However, it can also share your journey with your loved ones or on social networks. Similarly, a connection with other inReach devices in range allows interaction with them.
From the free Earthmate app installed on a compatible mobile device, it will be possible after pairing to access downloadable maps. Hence, many other possibilities are made available to you at no extra cost.
Pros
- Shock and waterproof.
- SOS feature and remote satellite 2-way messaging.
- Sunlight readable screen for optimized outdoor use.
- Allows for navigation detail sync with other users.
- Preinstalled TOPO maps.
Cons
- No batteries included.
- Does not function at all, without subscribing to a plan.
Best Hunting GPS Buying Guide
With so several hunting GPS devices available, you quickly notice that they all have different advantages and features. So, to help you select the best hunting GPS for the money, we have listed below the most important things to consider before you buy one.
Design
The design of a hunting GPS is vitally important. Indeed, the device must be robust and made of materials offering good resistance to shocks and abrasion. A GPS device must also be at minimum water resistant so that you can use it safely in rainy weather.
Autonomy
The autonomy of a hunting GPS must be at least 10 hours, so you do not have to change batteries too often. If you like to hunt for several days, then you must equip yourself with a device with very long battery life to avoid the clutter of having to carry bags full of batteries.
Receiver
In addition to the US Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, some devices also support GLONASS – a Russian GPS alternative. Devices that support GPS and GLONASS locate your location faster and more accurately and are more likely to locate your GPS position on difficult terrain (narrow valleys, dense woods, etc.)
In addition, the positioning accuracy can be increased with the WAAS function which provides GPS signal corrections. The positioning speed can also be improved with the Hotfix function which calculates and records the satellite positions for the next three days.
However, not all units have all of these, so they are well worth looking out for.
Viewing
For a good overview of the map, a portable GPS device must be equipped with a screen of at least 2 inches with a good resolution. And, many modern GPS devices are equipped with touch screens. While not all are perfect for hunting in cold weather or at high altitude because they are difficult to use with gloves, some are glove compatible.
However, touch screens allow you to operate the device faster and easier.
On the other hand, GPS units with buttons are generally more reliable than touch screens in extreme weather conditions.
Size and Weight
Hunting requires light equipment because it allows you to walk faster and hunt easier. You already have a few heavy basics like your gun and water bottle. As for size, it goes without saying that a compact device can be transported more easily.
Cartography
If the hunting GPS comes with mapping software and a preloaded map, this is the best option. The software allows you to easily create routes and waypoints to plan your trip. If it does not come with it though, they can be imported into the device.
Checking to see the price plans is a great idea too, so you can prepare your mind, and your “pocket.” It will help you make the best pick.
Additional Features
Modern GPS devices not only indicate your location on a map but also have other useful features, such as an electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. A compass and an altimeter work even if the GPS signal is not available.
This is therefore useful when hunting in dense areas, where it can be difficult to get a signal. Some GPS devices are also easily connected to other devices such as cameras (e.g., the Garmin Virb Action Camera), smartphones, temperature sensors, and heart rate monitors.
These devices are then controlled directly from the GPS unit. This can then also display different information from each of the devices (for example, the heart rate of a heart rate monitor, notifications from a smartphone, etc.). These are, of course, extras that extend the functionality of your hunting GPS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the advantages of using a hunting GPS?
Portable hunting GPS devices have several advantages over conventional smartphones or GPS units that are often used by hikers for navigation. The hunting GPS is more robust and have a much longer battery life.
They are usually powered by rechargeable batteries that can be replaced by disposable batteries if charging isn’t possible, for example, in remote and uninhabited areas.
But above all, it offers much better accuracy and comes with many more customization options.
What is the best brand of hunting GPS?
Garmin is the world leader in GPS navigation tools for the automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor, and sports markets. The brand was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao (Gar + Min = Garmin).
Today, Garmin’s main production site is in Taiwan, and its global headquarters are in Olathe, Kansas, USA. The Garmin hunting GPS is the best brand of GPS. By the way, if you see a model of this brand, you can completely trust it.
To make things even easier for you, we listed here their best models for hunting and general outdoor use.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a treasure hunt. In order to find the caches, just enter the coordinates on your GPS. Generally, caches are boxes containing a surprise.
Internet users are free to create caches (the place where a “treasure” is deposited). To find it, just enter the coordinates in your GPS and go on an adventure. This adds some spice to your hunting as it makes your trip a lot more fun.
There are all kinds of caches, but one of the most common forms is a “box” containing a little surprise. The catch, however, is that you must deposit a new surprise after retrieving of the one you found.
Geocaching is a free activity that can be done in the forest, in the mountains, in the city, and even at the beach. It is practiced at any age and is a way to spice up activity with friends, or alone.
To use this feature, before departure, search on your phone or computer for “caches.” Then, export it to the GPS. On the map, you will find traces or waypoints. In any case, make sure you have a replacement item for your find.
So, What’s The Best Hunting GPS?
Getting lost is no fun, and you leave a lot of people dead worried about you. While you are very likely to be found, being out of the comfort of your home for so long is no joke. For all of your adventures, you need the best hunting GPS unit. Packed with features, you will always find your way home.
While these are the best hunting GPS systems on the market, we suggest that you go through our buying guide. In it are tips that will help you make the best out of your purchase.
Our best pick, however, is the…
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Aside from all of its basic features, this best Garmin GPS hunting has a satellite receptor that enables you to send and receive messages.
While an emergency is never wished for, in any case, you can be sure that with this unit in hand, so you will find help. On its own too, it’s impressive topographic and precise location features are enviable.
Also sunlight readable and offering you proper buttons, you are sure that this unit is built for the outdoors. All the more so, as it is also shock resistant and IPX7 fully waterproof.