GPS Devices for Tracking Hunting Locations: Your Ultimate Guide

In the world of hunting and outdoor navigation, accuracy, reliability, and situational awareness are paramount. Whether you’re setting up tree stands, scouting trails, tracking game, or simply ensuring safe navigation back to camp, having a solid GPS device is no longer a luxury it’s essential gear. In this deep-dive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about GPS devices for tracking hunting locations: how they work, what features matter, types of devices, top models, best practices, and even how to use them in bowhunting or rugged terrain.

Why Hunters Need GPS Devices

Before jumping into models and specs, let’s understand why GPS devices are so critical in hunting:

1. Accurate Waypoint Marking
   You can drop waypoints on locations like blinds, stands, water sources, travel routes, game trails, and retrieval sites. Later, you can return to those exact coordinates.
2. Route Tracking & RetracBack
   Many GPS units record your path (“breadcrumb trails”) so you can retrace your steps — helpful if visibility drops, or terrain changes. This is especially useful in thick woods or unfamiliar backcountry.
3. Navigation in Remote Terrain
   In places with no cell coverage or mapped roads, a dedicated GPS can guide you using topo maps, satellite imagery, and compass features alone.
4. Safety & Emergency
   Some advanced units include SOS, satellite communication, or built-in messaging features. If you’re in trouble, these can be life-saving.
5. Data Collection & Sharing
   You can record tracks, log routes, download maps, and often share waypoints with partners. This is useful for team hunts or mapping large properties.
6. Weather & Altitude Awareness
   Many hunting GPS devices include altimeters, barometers, electronic compasses (often called “ABC sensors”) so you can track elevation changes, upcoming weather, and orientation.

Given these advantages, let’s explore what features matter when choosing a GPS.

Key Features to Look for in a Hunting GPS

When evaluating GPS devices for hunting, these are the most critical features you should prioritize. Always aim for gear that withstands rugged conditions.

Feature	Why It’s Important for Hunting	What to Look For
Satellite Constellation & Frequency	More satellites = better accuracy and more stable signal in cover	Dual-frequency (L1 + L5 or multiband) or support for GPS + GLONASS + Galileo
High-Sensitivity Receiver	Maintains fix under dense tree cover, deep valleys	Units with HotFix or advanced signal acquisition features
Waypoint & Track Log Capacity	To mark many hunting sites and record routes over days	Support for 10,000+ waypoints and thousands of track points
Topo Maps / Satellite Imagery / Map Support	For visual navigation and terrain understanding	Preloaded topo maps, ability to load custom maps, BirdsEye imagery
Battery Life / Power Options	You might be in the field for days	Long-lasting battery, support for AA or external battery packs
Durability / Waterproofing	Hunting environments are rough—rain, mud, drops	Rugged build, MIL-STD ratings, IPX water resistance
Navigation Features	Useful tools beyond just coordinate readouts	Features like TracBack, route planning, 3D view, compass & altimeter
Communication & SOS	For safety or team coordination	InReach, satellite texting, two-way messaging, SOS (if legal in your region)
Size & Usability	You want a device that fits your hunting style	Handheld vs wrist-mounted vs clip-on, screen readability in daylight, button or touchscreen

Types of GPS Devices for Hunting

GPS systems for hunting tend to come in several formats. Each has pros and trade-offs:

1. Handheld GPS Units
   These are full-featured, rugged devices with larger screens, map support, and robust navigation tools. They are the most common choice for serious hunters.
   Pros: excellent screen, strong navigation features, room for maps, durable.
   Cons: bulkier, heavier, limited runtime (depending on model).
2. Wrist or Wearable GPS
   Compact, hands-free units (often wristwatch style). These are great for mobile hunts, but often lack full map detail.
   Example: Garmin Foretrex series.
3. Satellite Communicator GPS / Hybrid Devices
   These combine GPS with satellite messaging and SOS functions. Useful where cell coverage is nonexistent.
   Examples: Garmin inReach devices.
4. Phone + GPS Apps
   Many hunters use smartphone apps like OnX Hunt. These are convenient, but at risk of battery drain, signal issues, and device fragility.
   One user notes: “…I now use OnX Hunt with my phone for most hunts … the Garmin wins because I can carry extra AA batteries and it’s more weather-resistant than my phone.”
5. Dog-Collar GPS Trackers
   If you hunt with dogs, GPS collars allow you to monitor your dog’s location in real time.
   Example: Tracker (Luna, Bark) offers GPS dog tracking with 4G and real-time updates.

Top GPS Devices for Hunters (2025 Update)

Here are some of the best GPS devices popular among hunters right now. These are frequently recommended in gear reviews and hunting forums.

Device	Strengths / Key Features	Drawbacks / Considerations
Garmin GPSMAP 66i	Full-featured handheld with topo maps, BirdsEye imagery, inReach messaging, SOS, ABC sensors. Considered “one device to do it all.”	Pricey; battery life is moderate
Garmin inReach Mini 2	Ultra-compact satellite communicator + GPS track logging, ideal for backcountry use.	Very small screen, limited mapping
Garmin eTrex 10 / eTrex 32x	Affordable, reliable, basic mapping, good for entry-level use.	Less feature-rich; simpler display
Garmin Montana 700i	Big touchscreen, strong battery life, inReach-enabled, glove-friendly UI.	Larger size; high cost
Garmin Foretrex 801	Wrist-mounted, hands-free, sturdy unit for mobile hunters.	No detailed maps; small display
Trackers (dog GPS collars)	Specialized tracking for hunting dogs (Luna, Bark).	Only tracks dog, not general navigation

These devices cover a broad spectrum from full-featured handhelds with communication to compact wearables. Choose depending on your hunting style, terrain, and communication needs.

Best Practices for Using GPS in Hunting

Having a top-tier GPS device is one thing; using it optimally is another. Here are tips to get the most from your gear and avoid common mistakes:

1. Preload Maps & Waypoints

Before heading out, load topo and satellite maps of your hunting area. Mark key waypoints—stands, trails, watering holes—to save time and reduce guesswork in the field.

2. Use Waypoint Naming Convention

Use a consistent naming system (e.g., “TR01_StandNorth”, “WS_pond4”) so you can quickly identify points on the unit.

3. Track in Intervals

Set your track-log interval appropriately (e.g., every 5–10 seconds) to conserve memory and battery. Too frequent logging may overfill memory.

4. Use TracBack / Route Navigation

When heading back to base or truck, use “TracBack” or route-follow tools to retrace your steps, especially in poor visibility or dense cover.

5. Carry Redundant Power

Bring spare batteries or a power bank. Many GPS units support AA battery options or external USB power.

6. Practice Before the Hunt

Get familiar with your device’s interface, buttons, and map features before you rely on it in real conditions. Practice dropping waypoints, navigating routes, and rescuing lost signals.

7. Use SOS / Satellite Features Wisely

If your unit includes an SOS or satellite messaging function, test it (in non-emergency mode if possible), so you know exactly how it works.

8. Manage Battery Life

Switch off features (like backlighting, wireless) when not needed. Use “battery-saving” or “expedition” modes if the device supports them.

9. Update Firmware & Maps

Manufacturers often release firmware updates and map upgrades to improve performance and accuracy. Keep yours up-to-date.

10. Be Skilled with Traditional Navigation

Don’t rely solely on electronics. Always carry a paper map, compass, or know basic navigation skills — GPS can fail or lose signal.

Special Use Cases: Bowhunting & Big Game Terrain

As a site dedicated to shooting, hunting, and bows, here are some specialized tips for bowhunters and hunters in rugged terrain:

• Micro-waypoints near stands: Place waypoints just a few meters from tree stands or blinds so you can navigate tightly spaced areas without guessing.
• Elevation and slope awareness: Use the altimeter/barometer features to understand terrain slope changes—useful when stalking uphill or downhill.
• Wind and weather tracking: Some GPS units paired with satellite weather features or barometric trend data can help you anticipate wind shifts or storms.
• Quiet movement: Select “silent” modes if your GPS has notification tones. You don’t want beeps spooking game.
• Scouting in advance: Use your GPS during scouting trips to plan approach routes that minimize disturbance. Then you can use those exact paths in-season.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Even the best GPS devices can run into issues in hunting environments. Here are common challenges and ways to mitigate them:

Challenge	Cause	Solution / Best Practice
Losing satellite fix under canopy	Dense tree cover or steep terrain blocking line-of-sight	Use high-sensitivity units, wait for better signal, relocate slightly to get clear sky
Draining battery too fast	Bright screen, wireless features, continuous track logging	Reduce screen brightness, disable wireless, use lower logging frequency
Misplaced waypoints	Typing or point error	Walk up and verify waypoint on foot, or drop multiple points to bracket
Map inaccuracies	Outdated maps or mismatched datum	Update maps, ensure device coordinate system matches map datum
Bagged memory or overloaded logs	Running out of storage mid-hunt	Clear old tracks, offload logs to computer, or use external microSD cards
Legal/regulatory limitations	Some areas may restrict satellite devices or electronics	Check local laws and hunting regulations

Conclusion

When it comes to GPS devices for tracking hunting locations, the difference between success and frustration often lies in your gear choice and how well you use it. A well-chosen GPS helps you navigate confidently, mark and revisit the best spots, hunt more efficiently, and stay safer in remote terrain. Whether you opt for a feature-rich handheld unit, a compact wearable, or a satellite-enabled communicator, focus on features that suit your hunting style: battery life, map support, ruggedness, and ease of use.

If you’re ready to take the next step, check out your preferred GPS models, read full reviews, and test them before hitting the field. On TheShootingGears.com, you can expect upcoming posts with “GPS device comparisons”, “how-to drop waypoints in the field”, and “GPS + trail camera combo setups”—so stay tuned.