Today we are going to look into the easiest GPS Devices to use for hunting and fishing. They are an awesome thing to have and will surely make your outdoor adventures far more pleasant.
GPS stands for the “Global Positioning System”, a navigation system that is made by a network of 30 satellites. Like many other great technologies, GPS exist thanks to the United States military. In the ’60s and 70’s the U.S. military started working on the satellite navigation systems, eventually developing GPS. Although the system was intended for military purposes only, in the ’80s it became available for civilians as well. You only needed to own a GPS device, which was really expensive at the time. After an increase in the popularity of GPS devices, the number of manufacturers steadily increased which brought us to a point that now almost everyone can own a GPS device.
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You’ve must be wondering how GPS devices work. Well, the satellites that are part of the global positioning system have a precise orbit and circle the planet twice a day. Each satellite sends a unique signal including orbital parameters which are then picked up by a GPS device. The device uses signals from multiple satellites and calculates the exact location of GPS receiver.
Although most people use the GPS devices to help them find their way with a car, they are a must have for anyone who wishes to engage in outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, hiking and similar. If hunting and guns, in general, are your thing, you might be interested in our list of 10 Easiest Countries to Buy a Gun in the World. Back on the main topic – even if you know the area, things tend to get messy when the sun goes down. Your smartphone can be helpful, since all new phones are equipped with GPS technology, but they have some issues. First, the smartphone batteries are not good and the phone can die up on you when you need it the most. Also, smartphone GPS application won’t be able to do you any well if you run out of a cell signal without having a previously downloaded map of the area.
In order to create our list of easiest GPS Devices to use for hunting and fishing, we looked for the best GPS devices recommended by Hunting GPS Maps, Pick a Bow, and Fishing Picks among others. Then, we checked the reviews for recommended devices and singled out ones that were labeled as “easy to use” with “user-friendly interface”. After that, the GPS devices were ranked according to the rating of Amazon users, and the top 5 entered our list. Let’s check them out.
5. Garmin Oregon 600
Amazon Rating: 3.9
Price: $193.47
Oregon 600 is regarded as one of the best touchscreen GPS devices you can get. The display doesn’t have problems with the sunlight and it is multi-touch. Other features include a long battery life, speed, and most importantly, simple interface that will be easy to understand if you didn’t have previous encounters with GPS devices.
4. Garmin eTrex 20
Amazon Rating: 3.9
Price: $162.60
If you are looking for a cheap GPS device, that will still get the job done, you can’t go wrong with eTrex 20. It is the most affordable option on our list. The device is accurate, fast and features a simple menu outlay that will make everything easier. One of the things that may impress you is that the battery life stands at 25 hours. Still, it lacks some features seen in other models like barometer and compass.
3. Garmin Oregon 450t
Amazon Rating: 4.3
Price: $499.00
If you don’t mind spending lots of money, then check out the most expensive entry on our list of easiest GPS Devices to use for hunting and fishing. Oregon 450t comes packed with features. You’ll get tons of maps including those for lakes, camera, electronic compass, and altimeter. It is durable, waterproof and will work in extreme conditions. For those who want a versatile GPS device for any outdoor activity, this is the stuff.
2. Garmin Montana 650
Amazon Rating: 4.3
Price: $399.99
Packed with a 4 inches screen, this Garmin’s model will make everything look clearer and detailed. The device also comes with all the features you could expect for this price, including a 5MP camera. It has a high sensitivity and works faster than most other devices. The downside, besides the price, is its size which presented a problem for many users.
1. Garmin GPSMAP 64st
Amazon Rating: 4.4
Price: $276.04
The last entry on our list of easiest GPS Devices to use for hunting and fishing will suit well both the advanced users and beginners. The device is regarded as more accurate and faster than the majority of the more expensive models. You won’t get a touchscreen, but the buttons paired with simple menu are one of the things that make the device easy to use. You won’t have to worry about your finger sliding and clicking the wrong option. It is reliable, durable and comes preload with the entire map of the United States. If you don’t mind the rugged look of the GPSMAP 64st, you won’t make a mistake with this purchase.
