HELP! Need advice on a good GPS unit for hunting.

[Smitty550]

I tried a search for a good GPS unit on this site, but failed. I am looking for a good GPS unit, preferably under $500, that will enable me to see if I am on BLM vs. private land, or Forest Service vs. private ranch land. I know that Garmin and Magellan offer several models, but many are for city use and don't provide the info needed to keep me off of private ranch land.

Any advice on either a good GPS unit or where to find the information? I tried Long Range Hunting website, but could find nothing there, either

 

[jimbires]

I use a garmin map 60 CSX . it uses a removable micro SD card . you can buy a card for a certain state that has this info on it . here is a link that should help you .




http://www.longrangehunting.com/store/onxmaps-hunt-premium-gps-maps-for-garmin.html

 

[lawman29]

I also have the 60csx, but it is no longer available. The Garmin GPS Map 64s is now recommended by the company that produces the chips.

http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/gps-compatibility#.VV3jcWrbKcw

https://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/

 

[Smitty550]

Thanks, all.

Ledd, I have topo maps and have a working knowledge on how to use them, but there is no way I can prove to some rancher that I am not hunting on his property, but instead am legally on BLM or Forest Service land. A GPS would offer such proof. Some of these ranchers are sensitive to people hunting on their land without permission, and I can't blame them. I hunt in Nevada and Idaho, and there are privately-owned ranches either leased from BLM or outright owned in the middle of BLM land.

I don't want to be in the position of thinking I am hunting on BLM property, when I am actually on some guy's ranch property, then having to look like a damned fool. A GPS would prevent such goofs. Ranch property on BLM land is often not marked, and there are no fences to show that the property is privately owned.

Also, I checked with BLM, and they said that their topo maps are subject to change and are not always up-to-date.

 

[LoganDon]

I have used various Garmin GPS units for years. My latest on is a Garmin Oregon 550T which has everything I need. It is quick and accurate. You can add cards for particular states. For hunting, I use it to navigate from point A to point B using contour lines and saddles. These units really come in handy when you down a big game animal a couple of miles from the road and have to make several trips.I killed one big bull in the pole thickets and my son, who did not have a GPS unit at the time, had a devil of a time returning to the kill site. If you are hunting with a partner, the hand-held GPS/phone works good. With this unit, you can tell where each of you are. I hunt central Idaho and often mentor a young person and this feature is very important.

 

[Smitty550]

Thanks, LoganDon. Is the 550 fairly easy to use? My old brain sometimes fails to remember how to use complicated instruments after not having used them for a year or two (often the case with such items as digital cameras and the like). And.....where did you find the best price on the 550t?

Thanks,

Barry

 

[K redden]

I'd say go some where and demo several gps's ( I believe you can do this at Cabelas). Then pick the right one for you. All the private land map data will be sold on a separate card, so make sure the Gps you choose has a slot for the chip. I use these maps all the time to keep me legal, and to check others who could be trespassers. I run into other hunters skirting private property and the different maps seem to agree on the different property lines. These thing really help in the field. k Redden

 

[Smitty550]

Thanks for the suggestion, K. Since I live 200 miles away from the nearest Cabela's, I will give them a call and get the advice from someone there who hopefully can give me some good info.

Barry

 

[hogpatrol]

Check out the DeLorme units. You can get topos for them.

 

[CharlieNC]

I have Back Country Navigator on my phone. It offers gmu maps for several states. I haven't studied the options as there are many and update frequently. Download the map in advance so so cell connection is necessary.