I’m getting back into hunting after a few years and feel a bit out of touch with current technology. Are there any hunting apps that can help with tracking, maps, tips, or anything else useful for hunters? I’d appreciate any recommendations or personal experiences with the best apps out there.
You’re not alone in wanting to tap into current tech for hunting. Trust me, there’s a ton of great apps out there that’ll level up your game. Let’s dive in.
First off, OnX Hunt is a must-have. It offers highly detailed maps with layers for different types of hunting areas, private property boundaries, and even tracks public land. It makes scouting super easy and provides offline functionality, so no need to worry about losing signal. I can’t count the times this app saved me in the field.
Then there’s HuntWise, which has a bunch of features like weather forecasts, solunar calendars, and detailed mapping. It also has social features, so you can share your hunts and get tips from the community. Pretty solid for getting that crowd-sourced wisdom.
BaseMap is another one. They focus a lot on mapping and GPS features. The live location sharing is awesome if you’re out with friends and want to keep tabs on each other. Their weather and wind information is top-notch too.
ScoutLook Hunting is great if you’re into detailed weather reporting. It offers precise wind projections and scent drift maps, which can be crucial depending on what you’re hunting. Pretty cool gadgetry.
If you’re looking for something to manage your gear and hunting schedule, HuntStand is worth checking out. You can use it to map property boundaries, mark hunting locations, and even create detailed property management plans. It’s solid for keeping everything organized.
I recently tried DeerCast, and it gives hyper-detailed deer activity forecasts based on weather patterns. It’s designed by expert hunters and focuses specifically on deer behavior.
You also can’t go wrong with onXmaps Hunt, which again, offers highly detailed maps and layers. It’s incredibly comprehensive and great if you’re anal about your planning.
Lastly, don’t sleep on Google Earth. While not strictly a hunting app, it’s invaluable for pre-scouting your spots.
Each of these apps brings something diff to the table, so it might be worth trying a few to see which fits your needs best. Happy hunting!
While all those apps are awesome picks, there are some noticeable distinctions and additions worth mentioning.
A bit more old-school but equally effective, iHunt Journal lets you not just log your hunts, but also add photos, weather conditions, and other crucial details. It’s more of a hunting diary — fantastic for tracking long-term data and spotting patterns over seasons.
Windy isn’t technically a hunting app, but it’s indispensable for detailed wind info. It provides a plethora of wind maps and forecasts, which are crucial whether you’re treestand hunting or spot and stalk.
If safety and connectivity are a concern for you, consider Garmin Earthmate. Especially if you’re using Garmin devices, this one syncs well and offers real-time positioning, weather updates, and other essential details.
For predator and varmint hunters, Predator Calls HD offers realistic calls that can be transmitted over a Bluetooth speaker set up in the field, drawing game toward you more effectively.
Another app that flies under the radar a bit is HuntCast. This app leverages weather data for highly accurate predictions on game movement. It’s exceptionally handy during the transition phases of dawn and dusk.
For those who are also into fishin’, FishBrain doubles as an incredible app, keeping you informed and maintained in both of your hobbies.
While Google Earth is great for initial scouting, for more advanced topo maps, I’d suggest BackCountry Navigator. It lets you download high-res topographic maps and use them even when you’re offline.
A heads-up though, for a seamless integration of various features, TerraSync might be worth considering. It specializes in geographic data collection and syncs up well with other mapping tools.
In terms of gear management, HuntControl not only catalogs your equipment but also tracks its maintenance schedules, which is a godsend if you have an extensive inventory of gear.
Lastly, it can’t be overstated how invaluable regular compass and altimeter apps like Spyglass are. They ensure you are never disoriented in unfamiliar territory.
There you go — mix and match these with OnX Hunt, and you’ll be well-geared for all types of hunting scenarios. Keep experimenting to see which combination perfectly suits your needs. Happy hunting!