Best Hunting GPS – Which Garmin Hunting GPS Is Right for You?

GPS units are becoming very popular with hunters these days, but it may be confusing choosing the right unit for your hunting needs. Many people may be looking at the newest designs thinking they are the best GPS they can buy but it may not be right for them.

Let’s compare two of the newest Garmin GPS models the Dakota 10 and the Oregon 400T to three of the best Garmin Hunting GPS units; the eTrex Vista HCx, the GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Rino 530 HCx.

New Touch Screen Models

· Garmin Dakota 10 GPS – This is the newest model from Garmin. It is more compact than the Oregon 400T. It is waterproof and impact-resistant which are two features many hunters look for in a GPS unit. It also is equipped with Hotfix technology which calculates the user’s position faster.

· Garmin Oregon 400T – This is also a fairly recent model from Garmin. It is a little bigger than the Dakota 10 but it is also a touch screen model. It allows users to share information with other GPS users, wirelessly, which is a nice feature to track other hunters in your party. It comes pre-loaded with topographical maps and has both a barometric altimeter and electronic compass. Hunters really appreciate these three features.

The new technology of these two GPS units is appealing at first many people are reporting that the screens are difficult to read in the sunlight and they are more difficult to use because of all their features. This is why the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Rino 530 HCx are still the best hunting GPS units available.

Best Hunting GPS Units

· Garmin eTrex Vista HCx – This one is great if you are looking for a compact unit. It fits in your shirt pocket, has a clear color screen, and is waterproof. It has a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass which allows hunters to position themselves even when standing or sitting still.

· Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx – This GPS is a little bigger but is the most popular among hunters. They like the larger, color screen makes it easier to view topo maps in the field. It also gets great satellite reception in heavy cover and deep canyons.

· Garmin Rino 530 HCx – The Rino has a radio build in to it so you can contact fellow hunters who also have a Rino or have a FRS/GMRS radio. It also has a color screen making it easy to view maps and has the ability to pinpoint your location while sitting or standing still because of its electronic compass and barometric altimeter.

So, as you can see, many people may think that the new technology of the touch screen models would make the best hunting GPS units but after you consider the poor screen visibility and the difficulty in use you may want to consider either the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Rino 530 HCx for your hunting GPS needs.

Hunting GPS Q and A - What is the Most Important Feature to Look for in a Hunting GPS Unit?

Q. What is the most important feature to look for in a hunting GPS unit?

A. The most important feature to look for when shopping for a hunting GPS is an electronic compass.

The electronic compass in the GPS unit allows the user to get a bearing while standing still. This is extremely important for the hunter in a ground blind or tree stand or even in a spot and stalk situation. When hunting it is not always convinent to take a few steps in one direction so the GPS can tell where you are heading before it gives you an accurate reading. This is what you will need to do with a GPS without an electronic compass.

Hunting GPS: 3 Other Uses for Your Hunting GPS during the Non-Hunting Season

A GPS unit is very useful when hunting or scouting for a hunt. But now that it is the off season for hunting in most areas what other activities can you use your GPS for? Below is just a few activities that you can use your GPS for.

· Snowmobiling – In most parts of the country it is snowmobiling time. You can use your hunting GPS to mark your vehicle or place of origin before you start snowmobiling. You can also make a track so you can follow the GPS waypoints back home. This is especially helpful if it is snowing a little or windy so your snowmobile tracks get covered up.

· Geocaching – Geocaching is a fun, new activity that you can do with the whole family. You can go to http://www.geocaching.com/ and get waypoints of caches in your area. Then take your family or some friends and go treasure hunting. It is a good practice to bring along some trinkets to leave in the cache if you intend to take something from the cache.

· Shed Hunting – Soon the deer and elk will be loosing their antlers and you can use your hunting GPS to mark where you find shed antlers. This will help you next year to look around in the same spots for sheds. Of course, it is also a good idea to mark your vehicle before you start hiking looking for sheds so you can easily find your way back.

So, as you can see these are just three activities that you can use your hunting GPS for while you are not using it for scouting or hunting.

Hunting GPS – 7 Reasons the Delorme PN-40 Makes a Great GPS for Hunting

The Delorme PN-40 is a great GPS unit but it also makes a great hunting GPS. The 7 main reasons it is great for hunting are:

1. Waterproof – The Delorme PN -40 is waterproof and can operate in very humid conditions. This is important for any hunter using a GPS in the field when the weather can turn rainy or snowy while hunting.

2. Electronic Compass – The PN-40 also comes with an electronic compass. An electronic compass is essential on any GPS that will be used for hunting because it allows the hunter to get a bearing while sitting still in a tree stand or ground blind.

3. Topographical Maps Included – Delorme includes topographical maps with the purchase of a PN-40 so the hunter will have the proper maps needed to look for popular hunting areas such as waterholes, ridges, and possible funnels that animals use.

4. Bright Color Screen – The Delorme PN-40 has a bright, color screen. This makes it easy for hunters to view topographical maps of their hunting area while out in the field.

5. Large Internal Memory – The PN-40 has 1GB of internal memory. This allows hunters to store 1,000 waypoints of areas of interests such as tree stand and blind locations, points to glass from, and truck/ATV/camp locations. Delorme has also included a SD card slot so hunters can put different hunting areas on different memory cards for easy access to their hunting spots.

6. Rugged Construction – The Delorme PN-40 has a impact-resistant rubberized housing. The rubberized housing allows the hunter to get a firm grip on the unit while out in the field.

7. WAAS-enabled – The PN-40 is WAAS-enabled for accuracy within 3 meters. This allows for precise pin-point locating which is especially helpful when using a GPS unit to document a blood trail and recover an animal.

So, as you can see the Delorme PN-40 makes a great hunting GPS. With it’s electronic compass, included topographical maps, and rugged construction is would make a perfect GPS for any hunter.

Hunting GPS – What Accessories are Needed for Your GPS You Received This Past Holiday?

GPS units were a very popular gift this past holiday season for hunters. But now you will want to get the right accessories for your GPS before your next hunting trip. There are a number of different accessories available but only a few are must-haves when hunting.

First, you will want to get a carrying case for your GPS unit. It will protect you new hunting GPS unit from getting scrapes and scratches on it. Most carrying cases have a clear, vinyl area which protects the screen while leaving open areas for the control buttons. Make sure to get the proper carrying case for your specific GPS unit.

Second, you will want to get a 12 volt adapter for your hunting GPS. This will allow you to charge you GPS in your vehicle while driving to your hunting location. This will ensure that your batteries are fully charged and your GPS is ready to navigate when you start your hunt.

Third, I would recommend getting additional MicroSD memory cards if your GPS unit has this option. It is very helpful to place your topo maps for each hunting area on separate memory cards. Then you can switch the cards depending on which area you are hunting. For instance, if you are going to hunt elk in Arizona you can put all your Arizona maps on one card, while having all your deer hunt maps for your own state on another card.

And finally, an instructional DVD for your new GPS unit will help you learn how to operate it before you go to use your unit for scouting or hunting. If you know how to operate your hunting GPS before you get out in the field you will get the maximum benefit from your new GPS unit.
So, as you can see these are just a few of the accessories you will want to get for your new hunting GPS unit. Having the right accessories make using your GPS much easier.

Hunting GPS Q & A – What Accessories Should I Use for My Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX When Hunting?

Q. What Accessories Should I Use for My Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX When Hunting?

A. The best accessories to use while hunting for the Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX are a good carrying case, holster or lanyard, 12 volt adapter, and extra MicroSD memory cards.

Carrying Case -A carrying case is especially important when using any GPS for hunting because it will protect the GPS from accidental scratches and scrapes. The Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX has a carrying case available for it which has a clear, vinyl area to cover the screen and has open access to all control buttons.

Holster or Lanyard – When hunting you will want to have a convenient way to carry your GPS with you. You want it accessible yet out of the way when glassing or making a shot on an animal. Check into the various options for the Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX and find one that works best for you.

12 Volt Adapter – A 12 volt adapter for your GPSMap 60 CSX will come in vary handy when you are traveling to your hunting area. You can plug in your GPS unit and charge it on your way to your hunt to save your battery life.

Extra MicroSD Memory Cards – The Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX has a MicroSD memory card slot. This allows you to hold extra maps and hunting areas on separate cards. It is very helpful to have a memory card for each of your hunting areas. For instance, if you have an elk hunt in Arizona and a deer hunt in your home state you can keep the maps for each hunt on separate memory cards.

Hunting GPS – Top 3 Garmin Hunting GPS Units for 2008

Do you know what the top 3 Garmin hunting GPS Units for 2008 were? Read on to find out.

The end of the year brings about many top lists, so why not a top Hunting GPS list. Hunters are using GPS units more and more these days for scouting, hunting, and animal recovery. Each hunter probably has his or her personal favorite but we found the following GPS units to be the most popular for hunting in 2008.

3. Garmin Rino 530HCX – Hunters love this model because it also has a radio in it. It reduces the amount of equipment you have to carry while hunting having your GPS and Radio in one. You can communicate with other FRS/GMRS radio users as well as see fellow “Rino” users in your hunting party using the pinpoint positioning feature. Its MicroSD card slot and great satellite reception capabilities also make this GPS unit popular among hunters.

2. Garmin eTrex Vista HCX – This is a favorite among hunters because of its compact size, color screen, excellent satellite reception, and MicroSD card slot.

1. Garmin GPSMap 60 CSX – This is by fair the most popular GPS unit used by hunters. Many hunters like the larger, color screen for view topo maps, the MicroSD card slot, and it’s excellent satellite reception.

Hunters usually like a GPS that has a MicroSD card slot for additional memory, a color screen for easily viewing topo maps, and excellent satellite reception in heavy cover or deep canyons.