GPS is an extremely useful navigating tool to have when you are out for hunting, as well as any other outdoor activities. However, to get the most out of it, you have to bear in mind certain aspects to avoid choosing something out of your league.
Unless you have past knowledge on using a hunting GPS before, there are many features you are probably unaware of. Therefore, we will confer about a few characteristics to guide you on selecting a hunting GPS.
Mapping software
Majority of the GPS device displays certain kind of base map that shows major landmarks, rivers and roads. To know whether a GPS is good, it should at least be able to connect to 12 different satellites.
As GPS devices comes along with their own mapping software, you have to make sure that it can download various maps. Having a GPS that can connect to major platforms such as Google Earth will be beneficial when sharing waypoints and routes.
Speed
The number of satellites a GPS device can connect to affects the speed and accuracy of the GPS. If your device can only connect to a few satellites, it will take a longer time to determine your current location. Therefore, the more number of satellites it can connect to, the faster it takes to process which is best when hunting.
But besides connection ability, there are other factors that can affect the speed as well, for example the size of the antenna or efficiency of the software. A larger sized antenna provides a relatively faster speed when locating your position. Although haing a larger antenna may cause some inconvenience, it will be worth it to receive information at a faster rate.
Besides that, efficiently of the software depends on the quality of the company manufacturing the GPS. Therefore, make sure that the company is reputable.
Durability
When it comes to hunting, you may be facing harsh environmental conditions. You would not want a flimsy GPS device that falls apart on the first drop. Therefore, you will need a GPS that is tough and durable. The GPS device you pick should have features like water resistance, dust resistance as well as pressure to tolerate through different conditions.
Battery lifespan
The battery lifespan of your GPS is very important as it needs to stay alive for your entire trip. There are 3 types of batteries the device operates on which is the AA batteries, rechargeable batteries, and built-in rechargeable batteries.
GPS with AA batteries are viewed to be more convenient as it is easy to find these batteries just about anywhere whereas you would probably need a plug for built-in rechargeable batteries. Regardless on the types of batteries used, you should always carry a spare set to batteries to prevent any mishaps.
After understanding what you need to look out for in a GPS, you are ready to purchase a suitable hunting GPS. You can check out the helpful guides in Hunting Research to help you decide too.
To efficiently function a GPS device, you will need to understand the features provided. By doing so, you will have an in depth understanding of the purpose to have a GPS device for hunting. Here are steps to use a GPS efficiently:
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Scouting
If you are at an unfamiliar area, you would need to mark a location that looks favourable and transfer the waypoint to your device. This sets a point for you to return too if you were to ever get lost.
As you are moving around, certain things may not appear exactly the same with what is shown on the GPS device. Therefore, it is best to mark a significant number of waypoints for every sign or point that you have come across. Do not worry if you are setting too many points as they can be remove afterwards.
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Hunting and hanging stands
After scouting the area and presuming you’ve decided on the hunting location, you can start to search and waypoint trees that are fitting for stands. However, by using a GPS device, it may direct you to easier routes to your hunting spots or better yet spots that you have never come across.
Use your device to record what you notice at different stand points. Hunting with a GPS does not only promote safety but you are able to record target sightings and if you find it irrelevant in future times, you can simply just remove it. Even after hunting seasons, the GPS device would still be able to bring you back to stand point locations that you have recorded previously.
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Planning
After scouting and hunting the surroundings with your GPS, you can now plan your hunting trail with all the details at your fingertips. As you have been marking points and adding sightings of when and where targets show up, you are able to see some patterns of your target movements.
This allows you to predict the possibility of your target appearing at that moment without the need of you going to every standpoint. It may take some time to scout, hunt, and plan you journey but at the end it will be worth it when the actual hunting begins.
Conclusion
A GPS device may not be the tool for everyone while hunting but if you are able to operate one, you will find it beneficial in many ways. It is good insurance to have too whenever hunting on unfamiliar grounds.
The device can tell you how far you have travel and where to go in order to return to your original point. You will never worry about ever getting lost.