hunting dog gps collar reviews
If you hunt with your dog or dogs, an “ordinary GPS collar” does not have all the features you need. The table of hunting dog GPS collar reviews below compares 3 of the top hunting collars. These collars have a special handset, or work with your phone, and have features such as compass headings for your dog(s), notifications when dogs are “treed” or “on point” and other aspects specific to hunting.
You should consider these items as you evaluate GPS collars for hunting with dogs:
You should consider these items as you evaluate GPS collars for hunting with dogs:
features - GPS collars for hunting with dogs
Hunting Training Features
You likely want to:
- easily see the location of your dog(s) and know if they are 1/4 mile NW, or 1/2 mile East etc.
- the # of times dogs are “treed” or “on point”
- be able to define virtual fence areas
- be able to see detailed satellite images to see wetlands, cliffs, etc
- use with multiple dogs
- view hunting session reports/history
- have waterproof design
Specialized Handheld Device or Smartphone
How do you view the info about your dog(s). There are pluses and minuses to each.
–Dedicated Handheld Device
–Dedicated Handheld Device
- allows you to avoid risk of dropping or damaging your phone
- no need for phone
- no need for certain phone operating system
- possibly stronger connection and range
- more durable, waterproof vs phone
- requires you carry another device
- you may already be carrying a phone (no need for another device)
- larger screen, better graphics and visual information
- phone battery may drain quickly, not last as long as Handheld device
Range
Ordinary GPS collars may have a tracking range of 2-3 miles or less. Obviously for hunting larger ranges are desired. The 3 collars reviewed below all support tracking up to 9 miles
Virtual Fencing (GPS Geofencing)
Some collars allow you to define virtual fenced areas by setting points on the map.
The collar app will connect the dots and create a virtual boundary/fence. This can be helpful so as to protect your dog from busy roads, cliffs, or other hazards
Review this table to compare features of Garmin and Dogtra training collars for hunting dogs
Hunting dog gps collar reviews
| Garmin Astro 430 Dog Tracking GPS Collar | Garmin Alpha 100 GPS Collar | Dogtra Pathfinder E-Collar GPS Dog Tracking And Training System | |
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| Price (as of date of publish) | $649.99 | $699.99 | $399.99 |
| Monthly Fee ? | No | Comes with a free one-year of the Birdseye Satellite Imagery Subscription $29.99/yr normal cost |
No |
| Range | 9 miles | 9 miles | 9 miles |
| Use Handset or Smartphone? | Separate Handset | Separate Handset | Smartphone iOS 8.1 and up, Android 4.4 and up |
| Virtual Fencing (Geofencing) | No | Yes You receive a notification if dog exits boundaries (no automatic correction to dog) |
Yes You receive a notification if dog exits boundaries (no automatic correction to dog) |
| Correction/Training Method (shock? other?) | NA - does not offer shock or audible corrections This is a tracking system NOT a training system |
18 levels of shock stimulation and also audible corrections | Option for shock or audible warnings/corrections |
| Support Multiple Dogs? | Track up to 20 dogs | up to 20 dogs Also see hunting buddies locations |
Track up to 21 dogs |
| Waterproof? | Yes | Can withstand water of up to 1m for up to 30 min | Yes |
| Minimum Dog Weight | 25 lbs | 25 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Interesting Features | -See # of times of "on point" or "treed" events -View maps in detailed satellite view to see creeks, cliffs, dirt roads etc -Get 1-year free BirdsEye Satellite Imagery which matches well with Garmin HuntView maps |
-Shows a Compass on your phone showing direction each dog is heading -Shows slider bar on phone for setting "Nick" (shock) level for each dog -Can use Offline maps if you know will be in area with spotty phone coverage -Can share location info of dogs and/or hunter with other hunters Can see History of training and hunting sessions stored in phone |
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See the best gps dog training collar for “ordinary, day-to day use” (if you are not looking for a collar for hunting)
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