Friday, September 24, 2010
Best Handheld Hunting GPS - Best Garmin Handheld Hunting GPS Units for the Fall 2010 Hunting Season
1. Garmin eTrex Vista HCx– Hunters rated the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx as one of the best garmin handheld Hunting GPS units for the fall 2010 hunting season because it is small, lightweight, and easy to use. The color screen makes it easy to view in sunny conditions. The eTrex Vista HCX gets a great signal in heavy tree cover and deep canyons. One hunter really liked the compactness of the Vista and carries it in his shirt pocket for easy access.
2. Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx – This hunting GPS unit is very popular again this season because it has a larger, color screen which makes viewing GPS maps in the field easier on the hunter’s eyes. It also has a SD card slot which allows the hunter to have a special MicroSD card for each of his hunting areas. The GPSMap 60 CSx maybe a bit larger of a handheld GPS but hunters still love it for it’s great reception in the field.
3. Garmin Rino 530 HCx – The Rino remains popular with hunters because it has a build in radio that you can use to communicate with other FMS/ radio users. The Garmin Rino will also allow for fellow Garmin Rino users in your hunting party to pinpoint your current location. This popular hunting GPS also has a larger, color screen and gets a great satellite signal.
So, as you can see, the best Garmin handheld hunting GPS units for the fall 2010 hunting season are the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Garmin Rino 530 HCx.
Customer Review - Garmin eTrex Vista HCx - Best Handheld Hunting GPS

I got this eTrex Vista HCx to use for hunting and I've found it is useful for much more than just hunting. You can lock on waypoints when you find deer poo, watering holes, trails, rubbed bushes, etc...then you can come back and look at the computer and almost visualize the deers movements thus allowing you to put a stand up in a great place. I also use it to drive in unfamiliar areas. It's not as good as a car GPS but for a good overall use for everything it's great. However, you will need to buy the topographical and city navigator maps on the chip. Its easy because you just plug it in and go. The darn thing is almost idiot proof and tough as nails. I live in the mountains and it works great here in NC!
By: Bruce Moore
Customer Review - Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS - Best Handheld Hunting GPS

No matter what you are into the GPS 60CSx delivers. I use it for hunting, fishing and auto navigation. With its electronic compass it works extremely well in the woods, even in heavy cover. Load the lakemaster data card into it and get extremely well detailed maps of your fishing spots. Put the city navigator maps in it and get turn by turn directions with auto routing and re-routing on missed turns. Geocache friendly. There simply is not a handheld on the market with all these capabilities. Did I mention the unit locks on to satellites in extremely dense cover? I can turn this on in my house in my basement sitting 6 feet away from the window and it locks on. Truly well worth the investment. I have had mine a year now with no troubles. I have tried the others and they do not hold a candle to this unit.
Customer Review - Garmin Rino 530 HCX - Best Handheld Hunting GPS
I purchased the Rino 530HCx about two weeks ago to use while deer hunting in East Tennessee. Everyone in our group has GPS and two-way radio to find our way around and communicate when we are in unfamilar territory. I have been searching for a device that will take care of both needs, without having to handle two seperate pieces of equipment, and the 530HCx has worked flawlessly so far. | By | J. D. Lane (White Pine, TN USA) |
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Best Hunting GPS – Best Garmin Handheld Hunting GPS Units for 2009
1. Garmin eTrex Vista HCx– Hunters rated the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx as the Best Hunting GPS for 2009 because it is small, lightweight, and easy to use. The color screen makes it easy to view in sunny conditions. The eTrex Vista HCX gets a great signal in heavy tree cover and deep canyons. One hunter really liked the compactness of the Vista and carries it in his shirt pocket for easy access.
2. Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx – This hunting GPS unit is very popular again this year because it has a larger, color screen which makes viewing GPS maps in the field easier on the hunter’s eyes. It also has a SD card slot which allows the hunter to have a special MicroSD card for each of his hunting areas. The GPSMap 60 CSx maybe a bit larger of a handheld GPS but hunters still love it for it’s great reception in the field.
3. Garmin Rino 530 HCx – The Rino remains popular with hunters because it has a build in radio that you can use to communicate with other FMS/ radio users. The Garmin Rino will also allow for fellow Garmin Rino users in your hunting party to pinpoint your current location. This popular hunting GPS also has a larger, color screen and gets a great satellite signal.
So, as you can see, the best hunting GPS units for 2009 were the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, the Garmin GPSMap 60 CSx, and the Garmin Rino 530 HCx.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Best Hunting GPS – Which Garmin Hunting GPS Is Right for You?
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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hunting GPS - Q&A - Which Accessories Should I Have For My Garmin Oregon 400t Hunting GPS?

A. The accessories that you want to have for the Garmin Oregon 400t hunting GPS are a carrying case, 12-volt adapter, and specific Topo maps on MicroSD cards for areas that you hunt.
The most important accessory to have for any hunting GPS is a good carrying case. Even though the Oregon 400t is extremely durable and waterproof, you will want to protect the large touch screen from getting scratched. Garmin has two carrying case options for the Oregon series GPS units. You can choose the slip cover case, which slides over and around the GPS unit and features a clear vinyl area to protect the screen. Or you can choose the hard carrying case which is great for protecting your GPS while traveling.
The second accessory you will want to get for your Oregon GPS is a 12-volt adapter. This will allow you to keep your GPS fully charged while in route to your hunting area. You may even want to opt for the auto navigation kit that is available for the Garmin Oregon series so you can easily use your hunting GPS while driving.
Pre-loaded Topographical MicroSD cards are the final accessory you will want to buy. Even though the Garmin Oregon 400t comes with topo maps pre-loaded, you will probably want to get one of the more detailed pre-loaded topographical MicroSD cards
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hunting GPS - 5 Reasons to Use a Garmin Oregon 400t GPS For Hunting

1. Lightweight - The new Garmin Oregon 400T is extremely lightweight because it doe not have any external buttons. It has a fully operational touch-screen set up. It is very easy to use because all the options are on the screen. You do not have to remember which button does what function.
2. Pre-loaded Topographical Maps - Getting very detailed topographical maps is essential when using a GPS for hunting. The Garmin Oregon 400t comes pre-loaded with the topographical maps you will need. Garmin has used new user friendly programming so you do not need to be a topo map expert to get the most out of the GPS and its' maps.
3. Electronic Compass - Garmin has also included an electronic compass in the Oregon 400t. This is a very important feature which allows hunters to get a bearing while sitting in a tree stand or standing still.
4. Micro SD Memory Card Slot - The Garmin Oregon 400t also has a Micro SD card slot for additional memory. You can use it for holding specialized hunting maps for certain hunting areas or even carry a MicroSD card with pictures of your previous hunts to show your trophies off to other hunters in camp, right on your Oregon 400t touch screen.
5. Wireless Exchange Between Users - The Oregon 400t allows you to exchange information, wirelessly, between users. This will allow you to alert other hunters in your hunting party of your position as well as the location of animals in the area.
So, as you can see the Oregon 400t has many features that are of great benefit to hunters. This is why the Garmin Oregon 400T is rated as a best hunting GPS unit.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Best Hunting GPS Q and A - 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.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hunting GPS: 3 Other Uses for Your Hunting GPS during the Non-Hunting Season
· 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.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Best Hunting GPS – 7 Reasons the Delorme PN-40 Makes a Great GPS for Hunting
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.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Best Hunting GPS – What Accessories are Needed for Your GPS You Received This Past Holiday?
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.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hunting GPS Q & A – 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.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Best Hunting GPS – Top 3 Garmin Hunting GPS Units for 2008
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.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
GPS For Hunting Q&A - How Can I Use My Hunting GPS When Scouting?
Q. How Can I Use My Hunting GPS When Scouting?
A. When you are scouting for your next hunt you can use your hunting gps to mark waypoints, make routes, or make a track. This is also a great time to make sure the proper topographical maps are loaded into your GPS for the area you plan on hunting.
* You can mark waypoints of your tree stand or blind location, tree rubs, foot tracks, droppings, or water holes. It is good to take the time to develop a little system for naming all your different waypoints.
* You can make routes which could contain varies route waypoints where you would like to glass from along a ridge in a spot and stalk situation.
* You may also want to make a track from your camp or vehicle location as you are surveying a new potential hunting area. Tracks are very easy to make because you don’t have to enter in varies waypoints along your walk. The GPS simply makes a bread crumb trail on the route you took into an area so you can follow the track out.
* You will want to load the correct topo maps in your GPS for your hunting area and look around on it from water tanks, springs, and ridge lines that you want to check for game activity. By getting acquainted with all the landmarks in your hunting area will make for a far more successful hunt come the hunting season. It will give you a chance of exploring other hunting spots during your hunt in case one area is lacking activity.
GPS For Hunting Q&A - Which Garmin GPS Units Are The Best For Hunting?
Q. Which Garmin GPS Units Are The Best For Hunting?
A. The Garmin eTrex Vista HCX, the Garmin GPSMap 60CSX, and the Garmin Rino 530 HCX are the best GPS units for hunting.
* Garmin eTrex Vista HCX - This unit is great for hunting because it has a MicroSD card slot so you can put different maps of hunting areas on varies memory cards. It also features an electronic compass to take a bearing while you are sitting or standing still like in a tree stand or ground blind. The Garmin eTrex Vista HCX is also very compact and lightweight.
* Garmin GPSMap 60CSX - This Garmin unit also has a MicroSD card slot and electronic compass. Most hunters like that it is easy to use with one hand. It is also popular for it’s ability to pick up a satellite signal quickly. This has been a very popular model for outdoor enthusiasts for years.
* Garmin Rino 530 HCX - This unit is not as compact as the eTrex Vista HCX but it also has a MicroSD card slot and electronic compass. It’s main feature is that it is also a FRS/GMRS radio. So you can communicate with others who have a radio. The Garmin Rino 530 HCX is most popular for it’s ability to use it’s position reporting feature and share your location with other Rino users in your hunting group.
I would recommend just about any Garmin model for hunting but these three are the best hunting GPS units because of their electronic compass and built in MicroSD memory card slot.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
GPS for Hunting FAQ - 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions When Buying a Hunting GPS.
Q: Do I need a hunt/fish calculator on my GPS and Why?
A. When hunting it is helpful to have a hunt/fish calculator in your GPS so you can check to see when the best time to be in the field is for your hunting location. This information is based on the phase of the moon and will give you a general time when the most game activity will be.
Q. What is the benefit of having a GPS with a MicroSd card slot?
A. The biggest benefit for having a MicroSD card slot in your GPS is so you can pre-load different maps for different hunting areas on different memory cards. Then when you hunt a certain area you can simply place that memory card in the card slot of the GPS and have all the information that you need.
Q. Should the GPS have an electronic compass?
A. An electronic compass is especially nice to have on a GPS that will be used for hunting. This will allow the hunter to get an accurate bearing and reading of their position while sitting or standing still. This way the hunter can use their GPS while in a tree stand, ground blind, or in a spot and stalk situation.
These are just a few questions that most hunters have when considering to buy a GPS for hunting.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hunting GPS Q&A - What Accessories Would You Recommend For My Garmin Rino 530 HCX Hunting GPS and Why?
A. The best hunting accessories for the Garmin Rino 530 HCX are the carrying case, earbud microphone, 12 volt adapter, MicroSD memory card, and and instructional DVD.
Carrying Case
This carrying case for the Rino is made of flexible neoprene. It will protect the unit from scrapes and scuffs while still allowing you to operate it. It has a clear vinyl lens over the display area and cut-outs for all buttons and antennas.
Earbud Microphone
An earbud with push to talk microphone is essential for communicating with fellow hunters in the field. By having the earbud attached you eliminate the regular noise associated with keying the mic and when receiving a communication. If you are going to use a radio to keep in touch with other hunters in your group then you must have an earbud microphone to reduce the noise while hunting.
12 Volt Adapter
A 12 volt adapter is great to use while in transit to your hunting destination. Then your Rino GPS will be fully charged when you are ready to use it on your hunt.
MicroSD Memory Card
It is great to have a separate memory card pre-loaded with topographical maps of all your different hunting area.
Instructional DVD
An instructional DVD about the Garmin Rino HCX will teach you how to use the many features so you can get the maximum use out of your GPS when you are out hunting.
So, if you are using your Garmin Rino HCX GPS unit for hunting these are the best accessories you will want to use with your Rino.
Hunting GPS Q&A - How Can I Use My GPS For Recovering an Animal After My Shot?
A. You can use your GPS to track a blood trail by entering a waypoint for every blood spot you come to until you find your animal.
After you have made a shot on an animal that you are hunting, the first thing you want to do is make a waypoint of the position you shot it from. This is something you can do while you are waiting before you start tracking your animal.
When you are ready to start tracking your animal go to where you believe your animal was standing when you shot it. Make a waypoint of this position as well. It may also be helpful to go to the last spot you saw the animal and make this a waypoint, too.
By now you should have blood that you can start to follow. Depending on the amount of blood will determine how often you want to make a waypoint. If it is a heavy blood trail you will have to make fewer waypoints. However, if the blood trail is light and faint you will want to make far more frequent waypoints.
These waypoints will give you a great reference if in the event the blood trail dries up. If this occurs go back to the last waypoint you recorded and start looking in all directions to pick up the blood trail again.
These waypoints will be extremely helpful in the event you need to spot the search at night and resume it will fellow hunting buddies come morning light.
