GPS

[brent73]

Anyone use them? What would be a good one to get that is not to expensive ?

[brent73]

sorry hand held gps

[Big58cal]

I've got a Garmin Astro and a DC30 collar that I use on my little squirrel dog. It helps me keep track of the little dog when we're out. Plus, the Astro I can use as a regular GPS.

I'll have to look on my desktop computer and get the link and post it up for the people on here. There's a site where you can download free maps for Garmin GPS units. They aren't as high detail as the ones you can buy, but they're free.

My opinion, I like Garmin, but most now days will do everything you want them to do. Also, instead of a stand-alone GPS, you may want to consider some of the apps you can get for your smart phone.

[brent73]

Ok thanks for the info. I'm just thinking of getting one so i can always make it back to my car, and be able to find my stand..
I don't have a smart phone , just a reg. cell phone. Had one but i really did not use it.. I have one in my car but was looking for a hand held . I think i'm going to go with the Garmin eTrex 20 2.2" Portable GPS $199 a bit pricey but oh well lol wife will have to get over it lol

[LongCarbine]

Have a bushnel back tracker it's the size of a large compass and has 3 way points super easy to use and runs about $59

[Big58cal]

There are some now that have cameras on them as well. At least that way, you'll always have a camera with you, and will eliminate a separate piece of equipment to keep up with. Don't know the specific model numbers on them, but a quick look around the Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops web sites should give you all the ideas you'd want.

[j.krug]

I have a Garmin Map 75 that I've had for a few years now. It's pretty handy and no to hard to use although I still can't use it to it's full potential. I went with this one because at the time I bought it it was one of the only ones that floated. I use it mostly when I'm canoeing and kayaking so having one that would float was a must.

[bigredopie]

I swear by Garmin products personally. I use a pair of rino 60 units that not only work great as a gps but they also have built in 2way radio which can send your position to the other unit as well. They have helix antennas as opposed to the patch antenna in the etrex models. I had a much harder time getting a fix and holding it under heavy brush cover with the patch antennas. They don't get as much use as they used to as I think we have walked by every tree around and can find our way blindfolded but they still come in handy in a new area or for tracking deer trails. Another way would be to get one of the nuvi units that is made for travelling but would still work well for hunting with the right mount.

[Dash]

Ive used many brand handhelds over the years for gold prospecting. But for what you want to do with it, and for ease of use, batterylife etc, I would get one of the cheaper compact garmin or magellan units. Mapping isn't necessary just for backtracking like that, and even cheap units have backtracking and other good features as standard now.

[VixChix]

Have a bushnel back tracker it's the size of a large compass and has 3 way points super easy to use and runs about $59

I bought Tim one of these for Christmas this year. He has an older GPS which he'd bought used, but rarely carries. I sometimes worry when he's up north in the hundreds acres of woods & swamps we have access to. He's bush-smart and has a great sense of direction, but if you get caught out after dark, or in a fog or storm it doesn't take much to lose your landmarks.

The BackTracker is small and gets the job done for 99% of what he'd use a GPS for. It marks up to 3 points to find your way back to them. Inexpensive and very compact. Simple & effective. He has no excuse for not carrying it... and for not coming home!

[CanuckBen]

I would say that unless you don't have to venture very far in the woods to your tree stand, ground blind or food plot, a GSP is a must!

They can do so much for you:
- Safety in getting back to your starting point.
- Ability to pin point very accurately signs of game activities (scrapes, tracks, etc)
- Sightings & shooting/kill spots of different games during the current and past seasons
- Elevation, weather forecast w/raising and sunsets

Such a great tool to have – on par with a high quality pair of binoculars, you really can’t go wrong imo.

[brent73]

thanks for the info i was just thinking in lines of Safety. but i would see where all the other things would help too

[the elf]

I use the Bushnell Backtracker with the 5 point system. The directional arrow is much larger than on the older 3 point system.I find this much easier on my old eyes. I carry mine on a lanyard around my neck with the machine in my inside pocket.I also like the automatic turn off feature after so many minutes [when I forget]. Simple to use;easy on batteries; weighs next to nothing; a real useful fun toy/tool. Besides it makes my wife feel better when I am "out doing my thing" as she says.

[Morangus]

I have a Garmin Oregon 550T and honestly it sits in a drawer since I picked up my IPhone 4 and got the Accutera app. I moved away from Garmin just because my IPhone has everything in one (GPS, Phone, Camera), and the battery lasts longer to be honest. I can even pinpoint waypoints up a mountain to keep me on track to where my stand is. Maps are on demand for terrain or Google Maps.

If you don't have a smart phone, then Garmin is the way to go though.

[VixChix]

Just want to jump in here again and recommend that in addition to a GPS you also pack a compass. Toss it in your pack for the season. You just never know when technology might fail. It's a small, simple and inexpensive bit of insurance.

(A good topo map and orienteering skills should also be essential!)