To GPS or not to GPS

[dscubame]

There must be a lot of people who hunt hike or fish within 3g cell coverage but over East of the Big Hill  in the Dry Trees cell coverage  is maybe a text  that goes through in 5 min  A good GPS is A must if you  venture into new areas or if the weather socks in. 

So true.  Especially when you get away from the roads a reasonable distance.

[WapitiTalk1]

No cell service in the areas I hunt in a few states. Honestly, I personally do most of my navigation with map, compass, and/or a familiarization with the country I'm hunting but the GPS units are nice to mark kill sites, spots of interest, and generally to play around with in between hunting 

[Bob33]

My GPS is about $200 new. My phone is about $700 new, and more fragile. 

[rosscrazyelk]

Ok cool. Thanks guys.. I was reading a article from a guy who uses his phone. Downloads the areas he is going on the phone and puts it on airplane mode. Phone will last for 5 days on one charge in that mode.
I know someone selling a Garmin oregon 550 so I might pick it up for back up

[dscubame]

Ok cool. Thanks guys.. I was reading a article from a guy who uses his phone. Downloads the areas he is going on the phone and puts it on airplane mode. Phone will last for 5 days on one charge in that mode.
I know someone selling a Garmin oregon 550 so I might pick it up for back up

Question.  So using your phone and have the area maps downloaded.   Phone is on airplane mode and/or no cell service area.  Under those circumstances does it show where you are on the map?  Can you mark wallows, areas of interest, back country camp site, and so forth?  I always assumed not but am I assuming wrong with what seems to be so many folks using the phone?

[Henrydog]

I don't own a phone, where I hunt they don't work.  A 7.5 quad sheet and Silva compass is all you need.  No batteries required.  A pen or pencil to mark spots. 

[pianoman9701]

I had one awhile back and liked it. It would count my miles walked. And etc. I lost it hunting ..
With the new on x maps avaiable on the phone is it worth having a GPS. ?
And go

Rino. Get the best one you can afford.

[WapitiTalk1]

I had one awhile back and liked it. It would count my miles walked. And etc. I lost it hunting ..
With the new on x maps avaiable on the phone is it worth having a GPS. ?
And go

I know zilch about the XMaps but I do know that Game Planner Maps is a great company that allows you to browse maps on line, create custom hard copy maps, "and" load maps on your phone that can be used where you get no cell service.  I tried it out last year for a WA permit area and it worked like a charm (had a custom printed map, and, was able to use my cell for navigation/marking POIs, etc.).  It was the first time my GPS took a backseat to my Iphone  . 

http://gameplannermaps.com/

[Firedogg]

Ok cool. Thanks guys.. I was reading a article from a guy who uses his phone. Downloads the areas he is going on the phone and puts it on airplane mode. Phone will last for 5 days on one charge in that mode.
I know someone selling a Garmin oregon 550 so I might pick it up for back up

Question.  So using your phone and have the area maps downloaded.   Phone is on airplane mode and/or no cell service area.  Under those circumstances does it show where you are on the map?  Can you mark wallows, areas of interest, back country camp site, and so forth?  I always assumed not but am I assuming wrong with what seems to be so many folks using the phone?

You do not need a cell signal for the gps on a phone to work as long as it is an LTE enabled phone. The gps is built into it along with an antennae. So if you have maps for where you are downloaded it will show where you are at. If you don't have maps downloaded you will get your location dot on a blank screen. You will have coordinates available to read, but those don't help without a map of some kind to reference them to.

[follow maggie]

I prefer a GPS in the field. Batteries last longer, its more durable & I don't have to remember to download areas. They also work with gloves on.

[andrew_in_idaho]

Onx maps updated a few months back and now you can save maps with high and low detail, meaning save maps for the core area you will be hunting in high detail, and use low detail for the greater area around in case you end up wandering a little farther than expected. Put your phone in a good case, use airplane mode to save battery and you can do everything a gps can do plus make calls home if you hit a patch of service.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alpine Mojo]

A 7.5 quad sheet and Silva compass is all you need.

Bingo!!

Unfortunately, with the instant gratification of the internet and smartphones today, I don't think the younger generation will ever develop the skills required to enjoy the simplicity of paper map navigation.

[dscubame]

We get it.  And some people still enjoy communicating via morse code and ham radio.  It's all good.  Why be so cynical.

[Stein]

What is the absolute best resolution you can get with a paper map?  My daughter ended up shooting her buck 25 yards from the boundary of the unit, no fence or ridgeline to show where it was. We knew exactly where we were as well as how to get in and out of there without trespassing.

Paper is great for general direction finding, but like a scope compared with iron sights, you will get more opportunities at legal animals if you bring out a few more tools.

[Bob33]

My suspicion is that most people who don't like GPS and favor maps have never mastered the use of a GPS.