Author Topic: Course readings for a SLOW stillhunter. (Read 890 times)

lilabner · « **on:** February 11, 2005, 01:02:07 PM »

I asked this question a couple of years ago, but no luck. What I'm looking for is a compact GPS that will show which way I'm walking when I'm sneaking slowly through the deer woods. My GPS won't do that, I guess because I'm going too slow for it to plot direction. Is there any compact GPS that can do it?

daddywpb · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2005, 02:28:30 PM »

You didn't say what kind you were using, but my Legend has never had breaks in the track no matter how slow I move.

MI VHNTR · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2005, 04:10:21 PM »

If I'm reading this correctly, you are looking for compass readings on a GPS while at still hunting speeds. Most GPS units require movement for the compass to give the proper direction. Speeds can vary from as much as 2 MPH on many units to as little as .5 MPH, which is the speed needed for my Magellan SporTrak Pros compass to function properly. There are GPS units that have electronic compasses built into them. These units do not require any movement for the compass to function properly. The downside to this feature is that these GPS units do cost more and drain batteries more rapidly. I hope that this is the information that you are looking for. MI VHNTR

Dave in WV · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2005, 05:08:12 PM »

[quote=" There are GPS units that have electronic compasses built into them. These units do not require any movement for the compass to function properly. The downside to this feature is that these GPS units do cost more and drain batteries more rapidly.

This is correct. I read stats and reviews on GPS units before I bought my GPS. To get the results you want I would use the trackback feature on my GPS and a compass for when I'm still and the unit won't give me a heading. Dave

Siskiyou · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2005, 08:57:06 AM »

The guys have provided some good suggestions. In your earlier post you wrote that you have a compass. Use it. You can check your gps compass page and your track to get your general direction. But at .5 miles per hour a gps with no electronic compass will not fulfill your needs.

It has been suggested you use the track back mode. It is not a bad suggestion. This last fall I had my Garmin Legend in the Track Mode while hunting. After returning from a hunt on a steep slope I downloaded the track to my pc using Garmin's MapSource Topo software. It created a good map of my hunt. Because of the vegetation, and steep slopes I am sure I never exceed .5 per hour. I would have been off a cliff if I had.

I do not have my nose in the compass or the gps when hunting. I might take a bearing with the compass on location when hunting, or mark a waypoint(tracks, sighting, or water). Or I might hit the find waypoint option when it is time to head back to the pickup waypoint.

Gps units are not the answer to all needs. A gps with an electronic compass cost more and may not be worth the price. It depends on batteries and reduces the units operating time. A handheld compass is a better investment. I believe the new Etrex Vista C w/electronic compass, and extended battery life may be ideal for you. Garmin has as least five units with electronic compasses. Magellan has a number of models with electronic compasses. I recently saw Magellan Sport Trek Pro Color with electronic compass for $200 at one of the big box stores. A very good deal indeed.

lilabner · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2005, 11:50:13 AM »

Sounds like things are the same as before. I was surprised to see my earlier thread at the bottom of the page - it seemed like I asked the question a lot earlier than last April! I use a Garmin GPS 12 that I've had for years. Carry it hunting and slide it into a bracket on the boat I use for ocean salmon fishing. It hasn't failed me yet. I use a compass to tell which way I'm heading while hunting and it is essential to have one anyway as a backup. A half mile per hour is faster than I can go through the local thickets and still be quiet and frequent course changes are necessary due to blowdowns and other obstacles. Never thought of using the backtrack feature but it should give a general idea. Thanks for the advice.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2005, 06:25:07 AM »

I have a Silve Huntsman compass I carry when hunting in an area I could get "turned around" in. I use "dead reckoning" navigation. When I start out I look at the compass and see what my initial heading is. I know what the general direction is I need to return to my truck. I also check from time to time my direction so I get an idea of where I need to turn to go back. The main ridge lines here have side ridges we call "hogbacks" because of their general appearance. It's easy to get confused where the main hollow "valley" lies. My main use for my GPS will be logging a good hunting spot and finding it in the dark in the shortest time with less walking. Things seem to look different using a flashlight. An electronic compass is ok but I'd rather have a good magnetic compass anyday. Note I said electronic compass not meaning a GPS with that feature.

Siskiyou · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2005, 08:42:57 AM »

Check out the following information. Using a Garmin GPS with Paper Maps. It can be found at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/manual.html

I am currently carrying a Brunton compass that has a flip up lid with a mirror with a sighting line, it is very similar to the Silva Ranger model which I carry in the console of my pickup. Some where I have a small brass case compass from my youth. I recall being in a group of scouts hiking into a wilderness lake. We stopped along the trail and consulted the compass and map. We all knowingly agreed we were not lost and continued on the well worn trail. What a group of actors. :cb2: