Hand held GPS for hunting

[Last Boat Off]

I have some western elk and deer hunting planned. I would like to know who makes the best simple to use and read, dependable hand-held GPS. I don't mean the most expensive with the most mind-boggling features. I just want to be able to go back to camp from 4-8 miles away in a 7 million acre wilderness that has no roads and all the peaks and draws look the same, possibly in the dark if I get my elk at dusk. I want to be able to find my elk again in timber. This will be a drop-camp hunt so I will be guiding myself. It is amazing how much deadfall and rockslides can change your course without realizing it. I have been there before and it is so thick that one can be 200 yards from camp and not know it. I got a nice 6x6 last time and after seeing that country (Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho) I said if I ever go back I will have a good GPS. I can't just rely on a compass and map anymore. It is time. THANKS.

[Den]

Any of the newer handhelds will work for what you want it to do. just remember to get one that track as many satelites as you can. they are faster. you will want one with a lot of legs, and a tracking ability,also a route or return capability too. be sure to learn how to use it well before you go, and be sure to carry a compass and extra batteries too. good luck and good fishin.(hunting)
Den

[sdwalleye710]

Last time I went elk hunting, I purchased a Garmin 12XL for the same reason you outlined. Knowing what I know now, it was the smartest thing I have ever done/purchased for hunting purposes. I also use it to save my favorite fishing holes as well. Like the other fellow said, the more satellites you track the better off you will be. A buddy of mine hunting in the same area with a different model frequently had to hike to the top of a ridge and get somewhat clear of the dense overhead forest canopy to get a reliable reading. I didn't have to do that. Any handheld unit will work regardless of expense but the more you spend the more features you will get. I always carried a compass and an extra set of batteries. I usually took a bearing with the GPS then followed it with the compass to save battery life.

[bobalong]

Best for the money a Garmin e-map.Mapping is the way gps handhelds are going, even if you don't use it now, you probably will in the future.Companies are starting to put out topographic maps for mountain areas, as well as hydrographic for lakes.Mapping units are no harder to use, they just have a background map on them. The new Lowrance i-finder may be comparable but we havn't got them in the store yet, so I can't say for sure.

[TP180]

I have a Lowrance Globalmap 100 and love it. I use it ice fishing, elk hunting, etc. It is a 12 channel receiver. Like the other posts said, make sure you can pick up multiple satellites. I was elk hunting in Colorado last year and two of the guys had another name brand (cheaper units) and kept losing their satellites. At times they had no signal at all. Not much use at that point.

Just curious if you are going with an outfitter. My wife and I are going to the Selway Bitterroot for our first time this fall.

[Last Boat Off]

Thanks for the replies. I don't want to be the guy with the brand that won't pick up a signal in timber. A buddy says get a Magellan. No one mentioned that brand. I value your first hand experience in the field with these other units. I'd like a few more votes from some more of you guys. Right now we are even votes, one apiece.

That trip to the Selway in Idaho is with a group that goes every year but not an outfitter. Hey TP180 you will be glad you got an outfitter, that is some unforgiving country. There is very little open sky, all timber and no meadows. As a result they have their rifle season during the rut when they are bugling to give you more of a chance. My first-ever bull was bugled in by myself in that heavy timber. It is so thick that I did not see him till he was a glimpse at 30 yards. I could not shoot till about 20 yards. After the shot he ran a short distance and fell but I could not find him at first. I actually smelled him at 5 yards before I could see him and he was a monster 6x6. I need to have a GPS so I can find my elk again while packing out the quarters. My life may depend on finding camp. I will still rely on compass and map but this is just one more safety measure. That should be a great hunt for you. The elevation and oxygen is reasonable compared to places I've been in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, so the uphill walking won't kill you too bad. Good luck.

[Bottomfeeder]

Magellan has a model 410 that does everything that all other handhelds do, plus it is c-map nt capable. I have a Magellan 6500 on my boat which they have discontinued for the hand held version. C-map nt is the coolest thing I have ever used. I fish great lakes and Winnebago. My 6500 shows me where the reefs are. I can actually follow the breaklines on the reefs using the 6500. I think the 410 sells for about $300, plus you can get a CD rom with downloadable maps for different areas. Sounds like a great unit to me.

[Gary]

The GPS receiver type that you want is a "12 parallel channel". Most new units use this type, but it is good to be sure. As far as brand and model, the best I can say is to go to a few stores(more than one) and do the research. Have a salesman that knows something demo some for you. Then you can pick out the one you like. For $100-300 you can get a conventional Gps. More money equals more features. Look at these and plan for the future. Starting at $300+/- you can get a mapping GPS. These are really great. Just remember that electronic devices are not immune to problems, so as always be sure to bring extra batteries, and a map and compass. Then learn how to use it well before you need it. Good luck.

[TP180]

We are going with Boulder Creek Outfitters, September 14 - 21. We have hunted the Bob Marshall and loved it. We are anxious to try Idaho. Good Luck.

I don't want to bash other GPS brands, but you can e-mail me at rcpeterson@prodigy.net and I will tell you the brands/models that just didn't perform on our trip, so you know what to avoid.