Any of you carry either a SPOT Messenger vs. ACR Personal Locator beacon when hunting

[Sheepdog1968]

Do any of you carry them? Do you have a preference for either the SPOT Messenger vs. ACR personal locator beacon (PLB)?

My wife and father in law worry when I go out hunting alone. I stick to the kiddy pool areas of the forest near their cabin/logging roads we've done together. I always tell them where I am general going (and I stick to it) and when I will be back. I do also carry some survival gear just in case.

I thought a PLB might add some sense of security to them and me. I like the fact the the SPOT allows you to hit a button every so often that sends an email/text saying "I'm ok" and provides GPS coordinates on a map of where you are so it gives them updates when I'm out and about. Having said that, the ACR seems to be a bit more powerful in terms of reception.

I look forward to your thoughts.

 

[TNboy]

I haven't used one for hunting but I have several friends that use the SPOT riding motorcycles in remote areas. One friend recently rode to Alaska and back from TN and we were able to track her progress on the fly it was pretty neat. It is also handy because you can send preprogrammed text messages with it from areas no where near cell reception. So you could send a message back home every few hours or daily just saying "Just checking in, everything is okay."

 

[Art Eatman]

Never occurred to me. Folks know where my hunt camp is, but I've usually hunted over several thousand acres, solo. Been hunting solo all my life; some things I've just never worried about.

The vegetation doesn't show from the air, but this is part of my playground:

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=543&d=1042925259

The thing is, I could get into just as much trouble around my 400 acres as in the back country...

 

[cottswald]

Like many I usually hunt alone. My ex used to tell me to make sure I parked the truck in an obvious location. If something did happen, she figured eventually they'd get around to looking for me, but she definitely wanted the truck back.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks for the input. I've ordered the SpotMe 2 and will give you an update after I use it. Art, I'm jealous, 400 acres where you live. Very nice.

 

[g00dv4rmint]

A friend of mine has a SPOT that he uses when fishing. I have gone fishing with him a couple of times in Wyoming and some of the places are fairly remote, miles from cellular coverage. He is from California and his family appreciates the "I'm OK" check-ins during the day. Additionally, after the trip he sent me aerial photos from the areas where we had checked in during the trip. That was cool.

It is very easy to use and I have thought about getting one for my dad who hunts by himself in some remote areas in Montana for a week at a time. I know my mom would appreciate the "check-in"

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I had the opportunity to take the SpotMe out this weekend and put it through its paces. Overall I am pleased with the product. I would definately buy it again. Before I review, I should say that it doesn't replace the other safety stuff you do or carry.

With rebate, the device costs $100. The service I obtained (mandatory basic @$100, tracking @ $50, 100K or rescue insurance @$10) costs $160 annually. Getting the service and setting up the device is done over the internet. The website is fairly straightforward (if you are reading this article online you likely have the skills to set up the device).

It's obvious how to use it. It has 5 communication buttons that allow for customization. The messages allow for some custmization when online setting it up. Once out in the field (unless you have laptop which has coverage) the device itself can't change the messages you set up.
- "I'm OK" It will send texts and emails with your GPS location to those you designate on a list. If you hunt alone it likely will add peace of mind to your loved ones.
- "Tracking" This was the $50 service upgrade. It bascially takes your GPS coordinates and puts them onto google maps on a webpage that you can invite others to see or look at later.
- "Non-emergency help" It will send texts and emails with your GPS location to those you designate on a list (which can be same or different than the I'm OK list). I've set mine up to indicate that "I've likely bagged game and need help or the car is broken down."
- Customized message. It will send texts and emails with your GPS location to those you designate on a list (which can be same or different than the other lists) plus a customized message. I've set mine up to say "+1 hour to prior ETA" That way I can come home later than I planned and told my love ones without them worrying.
- SOS. This is the true emergency feature. It goes to a dispatch organization which then does the magic to get you rescued. I decided to pay the $10 annual fee to get $100K of rescue insurance.

I really like the tracking feature as allows my friend to follow along and for me to later review and store where I've been. It overlays your GPS coordinates onto Google Maps which is nice.

The device is slightly larger than a deck of cards and weights slightly lighter than a deck of cards. If you're on the fence (like I was for over a year) I think you will be happy with it. Where I hunt has a good portion of tress and some small fields. It seemed as if the signal was getting through.

 

[rcmodel]

Otherwise known as Yuppie 911!

See this:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2010171491_trhikingemergency01.html

rc

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

Spots do work well. I keep the most basic service for emergencies and the Spot 2 has the capability for a custom message so I can notify another person I need help to pack an animal out.

 

[gbran]

My biggest fear is being lost or hurt after dark. I carry a strobe, I tell my loved ones the areas I'd be hunting. I usually hunt in the mountains and there is no cell reception at all.

Do these devices work without cell reception and if so, how? Are they sat?

 

[Sheepdog1968]

My biggest fear is being lost or hurt after dark. I carry a strobe, I tell my loved ones the areas I'd be hunting. I usually hunt in the mountains and there is no cell reception at all.

Do these devices work without cell reception and if so, how? Are they sat?

They work off of satelites. I have the same situation in that my hunting areas don't have cell phone signals.