Navigation tools for my first WY hunt.. I would really appreciate your input.

[bigdonniebrasco]

Well October will be here before ya know it and I need to buy a GPS, or a phone app, compass, maps etc!

I'll be hunting unit 16

I would LOVE some recommendations!!

I want to buy some paper maps, where would you recommend I get them?

I am getting a new compass.

But my biggest concern, is navigating private vs public land in this unit:

Handheld GPS vs using my android phone?

I like the idea of a dedicated GPS, (I'll probably buy a pre-owned Oregon 450 from eBay) what company offers the "best" gps chips for landowner boundaries?

Thank you for ANY input!!

Don

 

[Work2hunt]

What are you going to be hunting? If antelope and you have a smart phone I would just get the OnX Maps app. I used that last year more than my GPS. This will only work if you will be close to a charger at least once a day (pending phone battery). It will suck down the battery.

If you are mule deer or elk hunting and are going to be away from a charger than I would go with a Garmin Oregon again with the Onx Map chip.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

I'm sorry, I failed to indicate that I'd be hunting lopes.

It would certainly be a LOT cheaper to go the phone app, if it's just as good! I can just bring a few extra batteries, if I need them.

Thank you very much!

Don

 

[Hilltop]

Will the OnX Maps work on your phone even if you don't have cell phone coverage?

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

their website says that the built in GPS module in your phone WILL still function even if you don't have cell service. It's 2 completely separate technologies.

 

[Work2hunt]

Will the OnX Maps work on your phone even if you don't have cell phone coverage?

Yes. You can download specific parts of the map program to your phone ahead of time to use "offline" and then use the GPS function of the phone when you are hunting with out cell service coverage.

 

[Horsenhike]

You need to save the maps ahead of time and put your phone into airplane mode if out in the middle of nowhere.

I used Backcountry Navigator for awhile. Great app. My concern with using phones is expense and durability. My phone is expensive and fragile. My GPS is waterproof and built to be outdoors. I ruined two smartphones, but i can be hard on things. For me, a purpose built GPS with Onxmaps chip was the common sense answer. I can carry the entire states of Wyoming and South Dakota in the palm of my hand. I like that.

 

[Wyoming Hart]

I don't have the On X Map for my phone but I do have for the GPS. That being said I can't really compare, but I like the thought of the GPS over the phone.

 

[Work2hunt]

I will add, I had both last year when I hunted antelope in Wyoming and I found myself using my phone more than my gps because of the bigger screen.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

I will add, I had both last year when I hunted antelope in Wyoming and I found myself using my phone more than my gps because of the bigger screen.

And the phone provided the same GPS type functionality?

 

[Work2hunt]

And the phone provided the same GPS type functionality?

Yes it does.

 

[wy-tex]

Just know the OnX maps , and any others, are not 100% accurate. I know personally of some land they have marked as BLM that is private ranch land and caused problems with trespassing. Cross reference your maps with the state land board website and county GIS landowner maps.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

Just know the OnX maps , and any others, are not 100% accurate. I know personally of some land they have marked as BLM that is private ranch land and caused problems with trespassing. Cross reference your maps with the state land board website and county GIS landowner maps.

Thanks for the tip!!

Where would I go about getting paper maps like the GIS maps you mentioned?

Thanks again!
Don

 

[Work2hunt]

Thanks for the tip!!

Where would I go about getting paper maps like the GIS maps you mentioned?

Thanks again!
Don

If you google the county you will be hunting in with GIS you can usally find the map you need. Mytopo.com usually is pretty good and BLM maps will help also. I use multiple sources and compare them all.

 

[buckbull]

Another vote for OnXmaps. I have a garmin oregon but if I didn't I would try to use my phone and save some coin. MyTopo hard copy maps are very good. You can buy their maps based on the unit you will be hunting which is really nice. If you are hunting national grasslands, forests, etc the USFS maps such as motor vehicle use can come in handy. If your hunting checkerboarded ground (and alot of antelope country is) the onxmaps are almost a necessity.

 

[Musket Man]

Get the oregon 450 and a huntinggpsmaps chip. You really cant hunt 16 without them. get the 2 BLM maps for 16 or the mytopo map for it. There are some places you can access public land from county roads but you will have to do some walking and will need the gps and chip to know where you are at. Good luck!!!

 

[go_deep]

If its raining, muddy, dust blowing everywhere, you want to use your, not waterproof or dust proof phone? Or use a device that was made to be used in those conditions?

 

[onX Hunt]

Hey Guys I saw a couple have questions regarding whether or not the App will function without cellular service. This video should help answer a couple questions above:

8 Tips for Saving for offline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfmPsH8kig&index=13&list=UU9hrSBHB1WDeFcjRK8g5C8g

Your Phone is a handheld GPS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXPRb1MfLeU

 

[buckbull]

Hey Guys I saw a couple have questions regarding whether or not the App will function without cellular service. This video should help answer a couple questions above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfmPsH8kig

Great video, short and too the point. Is that Jason Matzinger in the video?

 

[Prerylyon]

Good thread-in a similar boat-hoping to head to WY to hunt speed goats and thinking about mapping technology toys.

That Garmin Oregon is spendy! At least for me, just to use it really hard only 3-4 weeks out of the year.

I have the back country navigator app for my android phone (which is in a mostly waterproof and shockproof case-they claim it is-but I know better) and I've really liked that app-esp how it uses the USGS topos.

If I can find a standalone gps for <$200 that can use these special WY map chips, I might be game?

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