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Long gone are the days of heading out into the woods to hunt, relying on nothing but your wits. And thank goodness for that: Technology has come a long way, and you can make sure you're covering all the new ground you can while keeping yourself from getting lost with a a quality GPS. While handheld GPS devices don't have the capability to tell you exactly where a buck is hiding, the best GPS for hunting will mitigate the need to wander around the woods aimlessly. You can easily track where you've been and where you're headed, so you can ensure that your time out hunting is as efficient as possible. Plus, unlike cell phones, these don't need service and are able to withstand inclement weather. To help you find the perfect modern accessory for your next hunting trip, we scoped out some of the best-reviewed options online. You'll notice all the picks are from Garmin: while that's not intentional, we found the brand to be the most reliable and feature a variety of products that suited different needs. From simple, budget-friendly options to upgraded devices with all of the bells and whistles, there's a high-quality GPS system for every hunter. Keep reading to see our favorites.
1. Our Top Pick
Bass Pro Shops
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx Handheld GPS - Bass Pro Shops, $349.99
For those who want some upgraded features without paying a full premium, the Garmin 64sx is our top pick. It features simple push button operation, and the 2.6-inch screen is sunlight-readable. You can access preloaded maps, but also load additional maps of your own. Other features include water-resistance, sunrise and sunset times, a 3-axis compass, and Bluetooth-compatibility. The device is powered by AA batteries, and one reviewer writes: "I have used this GPS on most of my Hunting trips this season and found it very accurate. Easy to map out a hike and found it very useful getting back to the starting point."
2. The Best Budget Option
Amazon
Garmin eTrex 10 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator - Amazon, $158.90
If all you need is a simple GPS to get you from point A to point B, the Garmin eTrex 10 should do the trick. It's super budget-friendly compared to some other Garmin devices, and it comes with a preloaded worldwide base map. Another cool feature: you can store waypoints along a trail to estimate the time and distance it will take to get there. It's also completely waterproof, and it'll last up to 20 hours on two AA batteries.
3. The Splurge That's Worth The Money
Amazon
Garmin GPSMAP 66i, GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator - Amazon, $599.99
If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can't go wrong with this upgraded device, also from Garmin. The device has a large, 3-inch color screen, and the rechargeable lithium battery is good for up to 2oo hours when left on Expedition mode. It comes with preloaded mapping and satellite imagery, so you can easily track your progress in real time. It also uses cellular connectivity, so you'll have the added benefit of real-time geocaching and weather announcements. You can also pair it with your mobile device, to pre-load maps, routes, and geopoints, and you can also add on satellite communication to enable two-way communication and 24/7 emergency services. While it's definitely on the pricier side, all the features make it well worth the money.
4. A Small & Lightweight Option
Cabela's
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator - Cabela's, $399.99
If you're looking to avoid a device that's overly bulky, the Garmin InReach Mini 2 serves as a compact emergency locator. While it doesn't have the capability to map out your surroundings, it's more than capable of getting ahold of someone if you find yourself in a tricky situation, and it can help you find your way back with built-in TrackBack routing. It can last up to 30 days with a 30-minute tracking interval, too. Overall, this is a great option if you know your surroundings well but want some extra assurance just in case.
5. The Best GPS Watch for Hunting
Amazon
Garmin fenix 6, Premium Multisport GPS Watch - Amazon, $349.99
The Garmin Fenix 6 GPS watch functions as both a smart watch and a navigator. It has a built-in three sensor compass, plus access to global satellite systems to track in any environment. The watch battery lasts for up to 36 hours in GPS mode, and you can easily pair the watch with your smartphone to access any notifications.
