Anyone use a GPS while scouting new areas? I'm looking at hunting some new land this spring that covers a massive area and I'm thinking a GPS might not just be beneficial but also helpful in getting back out.
I have no clue where to start on them though.
I use a Bushnell back track
Sent from the Strut Zone
I bought one a few years back thinking I could use it here in the NF. Truth is, the dang thing is too smart for me.
When I first started hunting the Mark Twain in Missouri I always took a GPS. and several times I was glad I had it. When I get to chasing a gobbling bird I pay very little attention to where I am going. But after 25 years of hunting the same ground ( which is huge) I have learned how to get around. Every now and again I will find a old log road this I did not know was there.
I have also used Bing maps to look at satellite images, it helps hunting elk in Idaho
I've got two different units. One is a garmin eTrex H and the other is a garmin astro 220. The astro is used while hunting my dogs. It helps me keep track of their location as well as get me back to the truck if needed. When we first started hunting the public land, I'd get turned around quite often. The garmin was a life saver. Been in ther long enough that I don't need it now but still nice to have in case I venture into some other part of the property. I hunt with a couple friends that are much more in tune with geography than I am. One guy I turkey and deer hunt with quite often. The other I used to get to hunt and fish with quite often when I lived closer to that area. Still try to get to his camp once a year. Been going there since 1998. Until last year he'd ask if I knew what direction the camp was in. I'd always point to where I thought it was and he'd start laughing and say he'd race me back then start off in another direction. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of a good handheld GPS unit. Just figure out what bells and whistles you need. If just looking to get back to the truck, get the bushnell backtrack. If you want to program waypoints, I'd look at a used eTrex. If you need a color screen, garmin has tons of other options.
I have used several GPS on my "Out of State" hunts, great for marking, locating and finding your way in & out when its dark and unfamiliar ground. I also been able to share these spots with buddies when they are heading out too. I will say Garmin is the easiest units I have used. I like the touch screen versions, runs like a smartphone. Look for a unit with the topo already installed, later you might want other maps but you will have a map for the whole U.S. I skipped the camera feature. I always have my cell and a camera along. New units will have a 3 axis compass option as well. Garmin's web site is a great source to help you narrow it down.
MK M GOBL
I use backcountry navigator on my phone. Works awesome and doesn't need a signal. Battery life is really good in airplane mode
I got a bushnell that I use to scout deer and turkey on public ground pretty handy little tool to have if you hunt a alot of public ground.
Garmin 62S. = game changer
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use an old Magellan GPS. Probably 15 years old or so, but it still works. Everyone says Garmin and I saw one in use last week that was the cat's arse.
A GPS is a handy thing to have in new territory, especially where a cell phone won't work.
I am a recently retired forester and I prefer the Garmin units as far as ease of operation, map coverage,and support . These things can mark any turkey sign that you find, get you back to your truck if you first mark your truck position, etc. and much more.Then if you have Google Earth or some equivalent on your phone you can download your position. A map, compass, good flash light, mirror, GPS , and cell phone are worthwhile items to have with you, especially if you hunt alone.
I use my phone
I carried and extensively used a GPS in conjunction with a UTM outlined Topo map. I was constantly going back and forth between the GPS co-ordinates and the map to determine where I was, where the gobbler was and the best way to get position on him.
I now only use the "Topo Maps" app by Phil Endecott ($7.95, I believe) on my iPhone. You can download any USGS topographical map in the US. It shows you where you are on the map. You can mark waypoints and give them useful names. You can measure distances and determine compass headings. You can use either UTM or regular latitude/longitude co-ordinates.
My only complaint with the app is that you can't draw property boundaries (I get around that by placing waypoints at the corners; not perfect, but workable). I carry a rechargeable battery in case my battery gets low.
There may be better apps, but for my hunting and the sole complaint, I wouldn't know how to improve Topo Maps.
I did get one this fall to help learn new leases quickier and plan on using it this spring.
We hunt some pretty rough country, sometimes in teams and sometimes separately. The nearest ranch houses can be 8-10 miles away and it can be miles between cell chances. As old guys, our GPS units can be pretty handy, like giving the user the shortest route back to the truck or camp. Additionally, if one of us goes down and can raise a partner on a radio, we can give a precise location instead of having to resort to, "You know that ridge where we saw the wolf tracks 3 years ago? Well, from there go two canyons west, and then..."
The able party can enter the injured guy's coordinates and go right to him, or go find a cell hit and vector in additional help.
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 13, 2016, 05:29:44 PM
I use backcountry navigator on my phone. Works awesome and doesn't need a signal. Battery life is really good in airplane mode
How does it work without signal or anything?
YUP MY OLD I PHONE DID THE SAMETHING
DOWN LOAD THE AREA TO THE PHONE
AND THE PHONE HAD A GPS CAPABILITY
I am admittedly get turned around easily in the woods. I got a Garmin etrex 20. Its a middle of the road unit but I really like it. I mark the truck when I get out in the morning and put it in my pocket. It gives me confidence and peace of mind to venture out as far as the turkeys take me and not worry about getting back to the truck.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 14, 2016, 02:42:57 PM
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 13, 2016, 05:29:44 PM
I use backcountry navigator on my phone. Works awesome and doesn't need a signal. Battery life is really good in airplane mode
How does it work without signal or anything?
I have not seen an actual "GPS" smartphone on the market, they may have an app that can track you based off of signals from Cell Towers but not "True GPS" receivers in them. Not saying they are not accurate, mine is surprisingly accurate but if it loses all cell signal it's done... and my maps are way more up to date, I do use the smartphone but don't rely on it.
MK M GOBL
No they are true gps signals. Been around for a pretty good while now. Don't need any service. Just download the map of the area your going to ahead of time if you have no service there.
I use high mode but it automatically uses gps since I have no service. By no service I mean I got to drive 45 minutes to even send a text. It's extremely accurate
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/ce92ff2be7fa1415d949dda6ec99b9d4.jpg)
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 14, 2016, 05:35:32 PM
No they are true gps signals. Been around for a pretty good while now. Don't need any service. Just download the map of the area your going to ahead of time if you have no service there.
To the best of my knowledge and not to say this is wrong... and my phone also has "GPS" also... but there are many forms of said GPS... It is a very widely used term, I know at the store we sell the Garmin GLO which "gives" a true GPS signal to cell /smartphones, pads and laptops through a Bluetooth signal. From what I have learned cell phones use a particular kind of GPS called "Assisted GPS" (AGPS), and there are several levels of assistance used but not a true stand alone GPS receiver but a GPS chip.
MK MGOBL
Quote from: MK M GOBL on February 14, 2016, 06:57:34 PM
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 14, 2016, 05:35:32 PM
No they are true gps signals. Been around for a pretty good while now. Don't need any service. Just download the map of the area your going to ahead of time if you have no service there.
To the best of my knowledge and not to say this is wrong... and my phone also has "GPS" also... but there are many forms of said GPS... It is a very widely used term, I know at the store we sell the Garmin GLO which "gives" a true GPS signal to cell /smartphones, pads and laptops through a Bluetooth signal. From what I have learned cell phones use a particular kind of GPS called "Assisted GPS" (AGPS), and there are several levels of assistance used but not a true stand alone GPS receiver but a GPS chip.
MK MGOBL
How is it any different if it tracks you with no service? I can even view how many satellites are in view and in use. How is it different than a dedicated gps unit? Notice I'm in airplane model with all service cut off. Even gives gps coordinates and altitude
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/b24a4e6bcae2d18aa7fc863570165c52.jpg)
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 14, 2016, 07:40:27 PM
Quote from: MK M GOBL on February 14, 2016, 06:57:34 PM
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 14, 2016, 05:35:32 PM
No they are true gps signals. Been around for a pretty good while now. Don't need any service. Just download the map of the area your going to ahead of time if you have no service there.
To the best of my knowledge and not to say this is wrong... and my phone also has "GPS" also... but there are many forms of said GPS... It is a very widely used term, I know at the store we sell the Garmin GLO which "gives" a true GPS signal to cell /smartphones, pads and laptops through a Bluetooth signal. From what I have learned cell phones use a particular kind of GPS called "Assisted GPS" (AGPS), and there are several levels of assistance used but not a true stand alone GPS receiver but a GPS chip.
MK MGOBL
How is it any different if it tracks you with no service? I can even view how many satellites are in view and in use. How is it different than a dedicated gps unit? Notice I'm in airplane model with all service cut off. Even gives gps coordinates and altitude
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Hmmm you might have me with that, I don't think I have ever seen that screen on my cell... If it's not an App it looks like GPS.
MK M GOBL
What apps are you fellas running for IPhone?
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on February 14, 2016, 08:15:21 PM
What apps are you fellas running for IPhone?
Apple is communist when it comes to their apps. They finally allowed you to use your gps in airplane mode. GAIA is one my buddy uses and it's just like my backcountry navigator. I think it's $20 in the app store but does work with no signal. There's one other map but I can't think of it right off hand. If I do I will post it
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk