Another Hunting GPS Post

[dust_101]

Ok, so there was just another topic on if a GPS is needed, don't need thoughts on that in here

Already decided on buying one, and wanted to see what models you all are using and why. Checked out the Garmin eTrex basic GPS, and looking at others but wanted some real world folks who have used their model and what you like/don't like about it.

 

[countertop]

Good post idea.

While I disagree on whether THEY ARE ESSENTIAL I do see how they have the potential to be useful (my current one is way to complicated to fit in that category, but I imagine they have become more user friendly).

Anyway, was wondering if folks have thoughts on this Magellan Explorist 300 at overstock.com

How easy is it to use? How good on the maps that are included with it - do they show you contor lines and are they good enough to get to your stand in the early morning hours?? Or would I need to get a more detailed topo map to load onto it in addition to the base maps?

Are other GPS's easier to use? Have better features? Cheaper?

 

[Lennyjoe]

Lets just say they are essential to me. LOL

We use the Garmin Rino series of GPS's. I have the 120 as does another hunting buddy. A 3rd in our group has the 130. I also use the Firefox voice mic cause its easier to talk rather than keying the mic with your finger.

Reason we use them is to help in finding each other should we get seperated. The Rino series will pinpoint where your buddy is and give you coordinates to his location. Great to have when your walking ridges and washes out here in the desert.

Be aware though, some states do not allow you to have that capability when hunting so check your states laws on such.

 

[Polishrifleman]

I have a Magellan Gold. It works but I have had it for a while. Here's what I would look for.

Smaller
Backlit
Power on Lock
Shows friends locations

I think the power on lock function is the one I would find most useful. I can't tell you how many times I have pulled it out of my pack, pocket, etc.. to find it turned off. Then you have to sit there and find the sats again, and it shows you a straight line from the last "on" position.

 

[JayTee]

I have the Garmin etrex, the basic one, you speak of. I think its a great beginners GPS. Inexpensive ($79 on Walmart.com) and easy to use. Although, it doesn't have the mapping capabilities, it works great for my hunting purposes. Very useful for scouting, etc.

Once I've mastered the GPS basics, I may upgrade. But for now, I'm very happy with the etrex.

 

[dakotasin]

i use the garmin... but not sure of which one. it is a step or 2 up from their most basic model, but is still pretty basic. very happy w/ it. ease of use was my biggest concern, and it is easy to use. lights up nice and bright, battery life is great, can be powered from a cigarette lighter in your truck (sometimes finding the hunting area is a bit of a challenge), and has gotten our sorry backsides out of one jam we otherwise couldn't have backed out of (miles from the nearest house, utter black outside, about midnight and maybe -5 or -10... w/o the gps and its lighting, i'm convinced we'd still be out there).

 

[gunhappy]

E trex Legend...

dirondacks this past weekend for Bear Season opening 2 days...Excellent! I have no topo or streets loaded, but I would like to. This thing is amazing! I took it out today to a new area I have been given permission to hunt, and I have a bunch of likely spots to see deer come season. The only bad thing, which affects all GPS' is if you don't have clear sky (think leafy overhead branches), you can lose signal. If this occurs, move to an area that is open, reorient yourself(which way is the triangle that is me pointing?), and go. Best Fathers Day gift that a Dad could get. I think that you would be better served by a Legend than the most basic or cheapest, because you could download the maps, whereas on the basic models you cannot.

 

[dust_101]

Excellent, thanks for the posts guys. There are so many choices out there for models I may go myself with that etrex basic Garmin model. The reverse route feature seems useful, but regardless having a nice topo map on hand for the area and a good compass are just required.

For the higher end models, the downloading maps, are these maps just ones grabbed off the internet from places like topozone.com or do you buy CDs of maps designed for that GPS unit?

 

[Lennyjoe]

Best bet is to by the topo CD's sold by Garmin or another reputable company. The one I use is Garmin's and it has East/West US as well as Alaska/Hawaii.

If your planning on downloading maps be sure to get a GPS that has the memory capability. I have 75% of Arizona on my Rino and it takes up about 1.5mb of storage. The 120 has 8mb of storage.

 

[stolivar]

like em

I have the old meridian gold and just bought the explorist 400. boy I love that one. bought the new topo 3d on ebay for $62 and loaded it right up. I am thinking of selling my meridian gold and the old 3d topo software, but kind of hesitant. It is still a good unit.

You buy the mapping software for your unit.

steve

 

[salthouse]

Its very easy to overbuy when it comes to handheld GPS. (I have personal experience in this area) There are a lot of really cool features that you are really not likely to use. My 3rd GPS is the Garmin etrex basic model. I need to know where I am, where base camp is and how to get there. (and maybe mark some hunting spots) For me everything else is overkill. I know others that use the additional features, but I never did so I went with the basics. Plus its very light and if I should lose it or break it, its easily replaced.

 

[12GA00buck]

I use a magellan explorist 100, they can be had for about $80 online. Pretty basic, but it does everything I need it to. Its waterproof and has a handy orange backlight for night. I've found it to be a rugged reliable unit, I've always been able to get a signal and the bright orange color makes it hard to lose. My only complaint is the lack of the ability to connect it to a computer to download or upload waypoints.

 

[grizz]

Garmin Rhinos are awesome GPSs. The combo GPS/ walkie-talkie feature is outstanding. By keying the mic you are able to transmit your exact location to your Rhino equipped hunting partner(s). This allows for safe/ effective drives, and easy locating should one of you shoot an animal, or get lost.

Great product.

 

[Hook686]

I use the Magellan Explorist XL, because of its large screen. My eyes are not as young as they once were, so the large screen is a good thing, I'm thinking. I like the fact that I can copy a portion of the topomap (separate purchase), installed on my desktop computer, onto a SD memory card and keep trails, Points of Interest, tracks made ... stored on SD cards. I'm happy with it ... I even mount it on a cell phone base in my car, for trips.

 

[MacPelto]

Etrex legend, but if I were starting over, i'd have got the rhino.

Mac