In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Picks to Buy!
Hunting has its moments of thrill and challenges. But no hunter wants to undergo the feeling of being lost. Having a GPS with you on your next hunting trip can be a vital travel tool aid.
Going into the forest is something getting lost or losing track of, and if you won’t get back your way, it worsens. To avoid all these strange things while hunting, you need to make sure you have all the required stuff while trailing.
The handheld GPS units are essential tools, especially for beginners or new to the woods. They help with marking waypoints, tracing routes, or scouting for the game. Finding the right one in 2021 is challenging due to the vast number of models available in the market.
To help you out and keep you safe on the track, we’ve rounded up with 10 Best Hunting GPS in 2023 units, each with excellent features. We’ve analyzed 100+ reviews and then pick the best for you to save your time scrolling 100 pages.
Without wasting time, take a look at our review to find the best GPS for your next hunt –
Comparison Chart for Top 10 Hunting GPS
| Hunting GPS | Navigation System | |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Foretrex 601 | GPS, GLONASS & Galileo | View on Amazon |
| Garmin GPSMAP 66i | GPS & GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin eTrex 22x | GPS & GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin eTrex 32x | GPS and GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin eTrex 10 | GPS and GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Montana 700i | GPS | View on Amazon |
| Magellan eXplorist 310 | GPS & GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Oregon 700 | GPS & GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin Montana 680t | Dual-band GPS/GLONASS | View on Amazon |
| Garmin GPSMAP 64sx | GPS and GLONASS | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Hunting GPS In 2023?
1. Garmin 010-01772-00 Foretrex 601
| Garmin Foretrex 601 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2″ (200 x 128 pixels) |
| Waterproof | Yes up to 1m |
| Connectivity | Garmin Connect Mobile app |
| Track Log | single auto overwrite tracklog |
| Battery | 48 Hours in GPS Mode |
The Foetrex 601 is designed to meet the necessities of most demanding hunting GPS users. It can get you out of the tricky situation when you need it the most. It is user-friendly and lightweight. Further, it is a hands-free GPS navigator designed for outdoor activities. This GPS can run for up to 48 hours in continuous tracking mode with 2 AAA batteries.
It lets you receive texts, emails and alerts from your smartphone on your wrist. With Garmin Connect Mobile app, it allows your family and friends to follow your journey using the LiveTrack feature. Also, it provides navigation and tracking using GPS plus ABC sensor capabilities. It comes with a built-in altimeter that offers elevation data to monitor ascent and descent. Furthermore, it can track your routes, mark location with the push of one button and share waypoints wirelessly.
Reasons To Buy
- Works with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo satellite system.
- Compatible with night vision goggle.
- Smart notification alerts.
- Excellent battery life.
Reasons To Avoid
- Complex menu system.
What’s the bottom line?
It is a fully-featured and functional Hunting GPS. Thus, an ideal choice for those who want to carry one device for navigation, messaging, and emergencies in the backcountry.
2. Garmin GPSMAP 66i GPS
| Garmin GPSMAP 66i Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 3″ Color TFT (240 x 400) pixels |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes (500) Map tiles |
| Track Log | 20000 points, 250 saved GPS tracks, 300 saved fit activities |
| Battery Life | 35 Hours |
The GPSMAP 66i is Garmin top-class-line handheld GPS unit with an InReach satellite communication feature. It is a solid device built for outdoor use and navigation. The large 3-inch sunlight-readable colour display offers easy viewing.
This product is a wonderful backcountry tool that brings high detail mapping and navigation with two-way satellite signals. With its all basic features, you can have great peace of mind traveling into areas with no cellphone.
Talking about its advanced features, it comes fitted with Garmin TOPO mapping that provides detailed views of terrain, topographic, rivers, lakes, and more points.
The support of multi-GNSS combined with altimeter, barometer, and compass navigation sensors lets you track in harsh conditions too. However, it comes with 35 hours of battery life to keep you safe and connected during the hunt.
Reasons To Buy
- Top-notch navigation and mapping technology.
- Sturdy gadget suitable for harsh environments.
- Accurate, compact size fits perfectly in the palm.
- Compatible with Garmin explore website and app.
- Shock, impact, and water-resistant.
- More screen pixels for better reading.
- LED flashlight and SOS beacon.
Reasons To Avoid
- A bit pricey.
- Some users faced firmware corruptions.
What’s the bottom line?
This gadget is perfect for every adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, skiing, hunters, geocaching, and mountain biking. Best of all, it keeps your loved ones updated about your whereabouts and safety. It has a live location tracking feature.
3. Garmin eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
| eTrex 22x Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.2” Color display (240 x 320) pixels |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes (100) Map tiles |
| Track Log | 10,000 points, 200 saved |
| Battery | 25 hours |
The eTrex 22x is a useful piece of a survival kit for hikers, hunters, rescue workers, and campers. It supports the GLONASS satellite and GPS that enables tracking in a more challenging environment. This offers reliable signal and fast positioning. It locates the position quickly and precisely. Also, it maintains its GPS location even in deep and heavy cover canyons.
With a microSD card slot and expandable 8GB internal memory, you can download and save additional maps. Further, it supports BirdsEye satellite imagery. Further, it supports BirdsEye satellite imagery so that you can integrate satellite imagery with your maps.
This device also supports paperless geocaching. By uploading GPX files straight to your device and view key information like exact location, terrain, and hints from Geocaching.com
This GPS device boasts 2.2″ 65K and a sunlight-readable disable. The power source is dual AA batteries that give battery backup for up to 25 hours.
Reasons To Buy
- Best handheld GPS.
- Good battery backup.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Pre loaded with TopoActive maps.
- 2.2″ screen is easy to read in any light conditions.
Reasons To Avoid
- Screen is Unreadble in DayLight.
What’s the bottom line?
Garmin’s eTrex 22x is an excellent handheld GPS receiver if you want an affordable gadget with all the basic features. It comprises a host of features like better screen readability, built-in memory, dual-satellite systems support, Topographic maps, and much more.
4. Garmin eTrex 32x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator
| Garmin ETrex 32x Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.2″ Color Display (240 x 320) Pixels |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | ANT+ USB |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions | 4 x 2.1 x 1.3″ |
| Battery Life | 25 Hours |
This Garmin eTrex 32x is an upgrade version of eTrex . It comes with improved screen resolution for a readable, clear display and internal memory expanded to hold more maps. This light weight device is suitable for hiking, trekking, hunting, geocaching, and mountaineering.
The Compact, waterproof and shock-resistant design make it perfect for any outdoor event. It can track both GLONASS and GPS satellites. Futher, it has sunlight-readable colour display with 240 x 320 display pixels.
The unit comes with a built-in three-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and a barometric altimeter. It traces the change in pressure to pinpoint your accurate altitude. Also, this hunting GPS unit consists of three axis compass that can show directions even when the unit is not leveled.
It comes with a preloaded worldwide basic map. With its 8 GB memory card, you can load more maps as per your need.
Reasons To Buy
- Upgraded display for clear images.
- Waterproof and shockproof construction.
- Provides excellent battery backup.
- Wireless connectivity.
- Ample storage capacity for storing maps.
Reasons To Avoid
- User interface isn’t so good.
What’s the bottom line?
For basic field-work, this device does a great job of replacing the traditional map and 3 axis compass while adding a handful of extra features. All in all, it is compact, relatively cheap, and fantastic at what it does.
5. Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator
| Garmin eTrax 10 GPS Navigator Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.2″ |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes |
| Battery | 25 Hours |
| Display Resolution | 128 x 160 |
Garmin’s eTrex 10 has a 2.2-inch monochrome display with 128 x 160 resolution. It provides you with US topographical maps and a worldwide base map.
Similar to Montana 680t, it uses both the Russian GLONASS system and the US GPS system to triangulate your position. Thus you can enjoy the best of both systems and get an accurate position.
It has a dual battery system, which means you can use either 2 AA batteries or a rechargeable pack. It has a battery backup of around 16 hours.
When it comes to screen size, it is slightly smaller due to the overall size of the device. Although the resolution is 240 x 400 pixels, the screen is still vibrant in sunlight, and the display is clear. With this hunting GPS, you’ll get a USB/charging adapter, and manual.
Reasons To Buy
- Worldwide Basemap.
- Fast mapping and positioning.
- Ideal for hunting.
- Easy set-up.
- Extremely user friendly.
- 25-Hour Battery Life With 2 AA Batteries.
- GPS and GLONASS Satellites For Faster Positioning.
Reasons To Avoid
- Map details are limited.
- Difficult to Use.
What’s the bottom line?
This handheld GPS offers the best features at a reasonable price. It has a touch-sensitive screen, a good camera, great customization, and excellent out-of-the-box maps.
6. Garmin Montana 700i, Rugged GPS
| Montana 700i Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 5″ Touchscreen (480 x 800) pixels |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes (500) Map tiles |
| Track Log | 20000 points, 250 saved gpx tracks, 300 saved fit activities |
| Battery | 18 hours |
This Montana 700i is an excellent handholdable smart GPS and satellite communications device. It is 7″ tall to the tip of the satellite antenna and 3.5″ wide to the edge of the SOS button. It is designed to handle heat, cold, water, shock, and vibration.
This Garmin GPS has a 5″ screen and weighs just 1.5 ounces. With high capacity battery, it can work up to 13 hours in GPS mode with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on. Apart from this, this GPS has built-in worldwide satellite SOS, text, and email communication for an annual subscription fee.
When connected to the smartphone, this device will duplicate some of the phone functions on a large, glove-friendly screen. Also, you can access up-to-date Active Weather forecasts through the Garmin Connect app. It comes with a micro-USB cable, a one-year warranty, and a drawstring carry bag.
This Hunting GPS unit is perfect for hunters and trainers. It easily syncs with compatible Astro or Alpha series handhelds to help track sporting dogs in the field. Overall it is the top-rated hunting GPS available at an affordable price.
Reasons To Buy
- ABC sensors
- City Navigator maps
- Direct to device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery
- Routable Topoactive maps for the U.S and Canada
- MIL-STD 810 for thermal, shock, water, and vibration.
Reasons To Avoid
- Not User Friendly.
What’s the bottom line?
This Montana 700i GPS is an excellent GPS for hiking, Overlanding, and motorcycle use. It lets you message for help anytime you need it with integrated inReach. If you are looking for a solid GPS for both trail and vehicle use, check out the 700 series.
7. Magellan CX0310SGXNA eXplorist 310 Waterproof Hiking GPS
| Magellan eXplorist 310 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.2″ |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Dimensions | 5.6 x 5.8 x 2.4 |
| Battery | 18 hours |
The Magellan Explorist 310 is a mid-performance GPS with a 2.2-inch color transflective screen that provides the best readability in direct sunlight. Its rugged construction makes it waterproof to the IPX-7 standard, so you don’t have to worry about protecting your device from bad weather while you go trekking.
It comes with high-sensitivity SiRFstarlllGPS with 3-5 meter accuracy that provides a superior navigation experience. This Explorist GPS has a preloaded worldwide basic map and 2 GB so, you can load the maps as per your requirement.
It has paperless geocaching; you can download and view more than 20 unique characteristics of each cache, such as its name, location, description, hider, size, terrain, and several other details.
Reasons To Buy
- Excellent reception even in difficult situations.
- Pre-loaded World Edition Map.
- Rugged, waterproof, and tested to IPX-7 standards.
- Transparent Compass Map Overlay.
- Paper-less Geocaching.
- 18 Hours of Power On Two AA Batteries.
Reasons To Avoid
- It easily scratches and breaks.
What’s the bottom line?
The Magellan Explorist 310 provides great value for all the extra perks. It provides essential outdoor navigation with a high-resolution color screen, is waterproof, supports paperless geocaching, and has uploadable map capability.
8. Garmin Oregon 700 Handheld GPS
| Garmin Oregon 700 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.5″ Touchscreen (240 x 400) pixels |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes (500) Map tiles |
| Track Log | 20,000 points, 250 saved tracks |
| Battery | 16 Hours |
This latest model of the Oregon series comes with a 3″ touchscreen display that is easy to read in sunlight. It has an ergonomic, rugged design that resists dirt and humidity.
It comes with a multi-activity menu interface, including climb, hike, hunt, bike, geocache, and more. This device features ABS sensors – a 3-axis compass with accelerometer and barometric altimeter sensors. It has an ergonomic, rugged design that withstands strong against dirt, dust, and humidity.
Furthermore, it has Bluetooth-enabled smart notifications and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect online community.
Reasons To Buy
- Dual-orientation, i.e., portrait and landscape.
- Accurate and has a user-friendly interface.
- Build-quality is excellent.
- Multilink-wireless connection option.
- Includes 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter.
- Connect IQ compatible to customize the device.
Reasons To Avoid
- Low battery life.
What’s the bottom line?
Simple to use with loads of useful features, the Oregon 700 is an affordable GPS unit in the Oregon series. It sports a dual-orientation touchscreen that functions as a smartphone. Also, it offers customizable profiles for a range of activities. Thus, it is the best hunting GPS for those who want to track multiple activities like hunting, hiking, fishing, and biking.
9. Garmin Montana 680t Handheld GPS
| Montana 680t Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 4″ 65K TFT (272 x 480) pixels |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes (500) Map tiles |
| Track Log | 10,000 points, 200 saved track |
| Battery | 16 Hours |
| Camera | 8 megapixel |
The Montana 680t Touchscreen hiking GPS comes pre-installed with 250,000 worldwide geocaches and HotFix satellite prediction. You can examine your surroundings as it comes with free Birdseye satellite imagery subscription for a year.
It has a 4″ touchscreen with a menu-filled with features. You can find the estimated time of arrival, your location, and many more. Moreover, it gives crips images and easy operations.
This model comes with an 8 megapixel camera that provides high-quality images and great resolution. The interesting thing is that the camera geotags the photo with coordinates.
It includes an electronic compass to help hunters to locate their bearings. Also, the barometric altimeter traces changes in the air pressure so you can predict the changes in weather conditions.
Reasons To Buy
- Easy to use interface.
- Rugged construction.
- Digital camera captures the moment.
- Gives good signal reception even in the dense forest
Reasons To Avoid
- TOPO maps and street maps are of low-resolution.
What’s the bottom line?
With a 4 inch screen, it is sunlight friendly and easy to use. Montana is big and bulky. But it is an incredibly precise, fast, and most sturdy GPS device. Loaded with plenty of features that make adventuring off the beaten path safe and enjoyable.
10. Garmin GPSMAP 64sx, Handheld GPS
| Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.6″ |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+ |
| Custome Maps Compatible | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 2.4 x 1.4″ |
| Battery | 16 Hours |
This GPSMAP 64s is a sleek, rugged, and high-performance handheld GPS unit. It features a high-sensitivity GPS & GLONASS satellite receiver with a quad-helix antenna for reliable reception.
It gives wireless connectivity so that you can stay connected to your phone without digging into your backpack. With its 3-direction compass and a barometric altimeter, you can track elevation without holding it level. Moreover, the altimeter monitors the barometric air pressure to point out your precise altitude.
It is the best hunting GPS and doesn’t feature a fancy touchscreen, so there is nothing to break. The Base-camp software lets you view and organize maps, routes, and waypoints. It also allows you to transfer unlimited satellite images to your device when paired with a BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription.
Reasons To Buy
- Fast and accurate.
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or ANT+.
- Sturdy built and value for money.
- Sunlight readable color screen.
- 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Visual subscription.
Reasons To Avoid
- Battery life isn’t good when using both GPS & GLONASS systems.
- Menus are complicated to use.
What’s the bottom line?
It is a wonderful GPS for hunting, comes with all the features, and quite advanced. This device does its job efficiently. However, the only downside, it has a small screen.
How To Choose The Best Hunting GPS?
Once you get into hunting, you will notice many unfamiliar aspects in your track. A good rifle, bow, or scentless boots might help you, but you are only good as if you’ve hunting GPS aid.
A GPS device helps you stay on the path, focus, and get you out of some trouble. The market gives you several options to select, but you should look for some major features in the GPS that are vital. A GPS may become tricky when you buy first.
Here are a few essential factors/points that you should look at while buying a GPS to avoid all the trouble.
Satellite system
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a military network developed by the United States, but it declassified so civilians can use it as well.
Russian Federation developed its version of a GPS network known as GLONASS. It means Global Navigation Satellite System. It was a military project that can now be used by civilians. Therefore many GPS receivers can connect to GLONASS as a supplement.
When a device receives info from more satellites, it increases the accuracy and speed of the location fixing. However, operating the device on two networks drain the battery.
Antenna Quality
A hunting GPS requires at least one aerial to receive radio transmissions from the satellite systems. The larger GPS unit has a larger-antenna and thus improves satellite reception of signal quality and locks your position faster.
Mapping Software
The handheld GPS comes with its own mapping software. It checks all specifications and capabilities of the software. For case, this software enables you to share the routes or waypoints via Google earth. While then, it gives a feature to utilizes social networks.
Also, check whether the software is compatible with your device or not. There is only a limited number of GPS software that works with Mac OS X. If this is your requirement, then start browsing for the Garmin unit as it is Mac compatible.
Map Display
Hunting GPS can calculate your location, altitude, heading, and display the information on the map that you can map around to get a better view of the surrounding area.
On the other side, hunting GPS without a display offers a better battery backup while being less chance to damage.
Display Quality
If you are looking for a GPS with a display, make sure it is waterproof and dust resistant. However, you will get many models with a plastic casing that makes it right to withstand any situation. Hunting GPS with rubber armor gives much more protection against falls.
Sensors
If you need better accuracy, you need a hunting GPS with a built-in atmospheric sensor. A physical compass in the model is more accurate than a digital compass. Modern units also have a barometric altimeter that makes your device the ability to make specific weather predictions.
Number of Maps
A Hunting GPS that comes with a higher number of maps are more convenient than others. Also, updating the maps is very crucial regardless of whether you want to buy the maps from the manufacturer or not.
If you don’t use a trail in the forests for many years and forget to update your device, you might be in a problem. However, paying some bucks per year for a map subscription may be the right option for some users.
Nowadays, many websites provide maps and satellite imagery for free. You can download high-quality imagery and free-spatial data from these sites. The two popular sites are the US National Agricultural Imagery program and the US Geological Survey’s seamless Data Wearhouse.
Ease of use
The looks and functions of handheld GPS are limited compared to GPS for driving. For ease of use, look at details such as screen type and button configuration. Almost the majority of handheld models feature buttons, but some advanced modern GPS has a touchscreen.
Some Garmin models are worthy if you are interested in the idea of the touchscreen. And some hunting GPS units come with large keyboards instead of the circular button menu. Several hunters find it easier to use a device that comes with a large screen and thus displays a larger picture.
Battery Life
When the device continuously receiving data from two or more satellites and calculates the position based on that data drains the battery quickly.
Usually, handheld GPS receivers claim a battery life of about 16 hours in the tracks. Therefore careful battery management can extend the battery-life.
Accessories and Extras
Some standard accessories that are included in the package are rechargeable batteries, carrying case, USB cables, and mounts.
Moreover, most Garmin GPSMAP receivers give a one-year subscription to the BirdEye satellite image database.
Some advanced models also include a high-resolution camera, LED flashlight, and capable of syncing with other GPS devices.
Applications of Handheld GPS
- Tramping and Hunting
If you need a GPS for hunting, you’ll have a surprise of realizing that some models are specially designed for this purpose. These GPS devices are lightweight, compact, and boast great battery life.
The Non-mapping models are inexpensive compared to the ones that have city-maps.
- Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor adventure in which participants use the Geocaching app or a device to navigate hidden containers called geocaches.
- Street Driving
It is commonly used for street driving and 4WD. This GPS model is used in cars, and it is heftier and larger dimensions. These units aren’t waterproof and only fit for urban navigation.
- Biking
Another task that can be done with GPS is biking. It is installed at the handle-bar mount. Therefore, keep in mind when purchasing GPS that it can withstand a high amount of vibrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why use GPS instead of a smartphone app?
Smartphones also have a GPS receiver and can display maps. However, mobile phones are not designed for hardcore outdoor GPS use. Also, there is a chance of a cracking screen and a low battery. A mobile phone is useful in survival situations for communication, not for navigation. Moreover, the handheld GPS receiver has better satellite antennas and better satellite reception. It is more accurate, and you can use it anywhere in the world without looking for a cellphone signal.
2. What information does a GPS give you?
- Location in coordinates.
- Elevation.
- Heading.
- Time
- Waypoints
3. Why hunters need a GPS navigator?
Investing in the best hunting GPS is a step ahead of a successful day in the bushes. It helps you to pre-plan your routes and trace your route back to your home.
