As an avid hunter, I know that having the best gps dog collar for hunting can be the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating one. You’ve trained your dog for the field. You spend weekends scouting for new honey holes. But if you can’t keep track of your dog in thick cover, all those efforts go to waste.

Finding the best gps dog collar for hunting for your four-legged partner can seem overwhelming, with so many brands and features to choose from. How do you know which collar has the accuracy and range you need, without a bunch of unnecessary extras you’ll never use? What about features such as battery life and training stimulation?

Table Of Contents:

• How GPS Dog Tracking Collars Work
• Considerations for Choosing a Collar
  • Accuracy & Range: Don’t Lose Sight of What’s Important
  • Battery Life: Making It Through Every Hunt
  • Additional Features for More Options
  • Budget: Weighing Costs and Considerations
• My Experience: Learning from the Field
• Finding Your Perfect GPS Dog Tracking Collar: Getting It Right for You and Your Dog
• Conclusion

How GPS Dog Tracking Collars Work

Before you get lost in the options, it helps to understand the basic mechanics of a GPS dog tracking collar. These devices work by receiving signals from satellites to pinpoint your dog’s exact location, typically in latitude and longitude coordinates.

A handheld device or smartphone app then displays this data, showing you where your dog is in real time. Some systems even overlay these coordinates onto detailed maps for a comprehensive view of your hunting area. You’ll even be able to track your dog’s location in tall grass.

You’ll want to decide whether a system using radio telemetry is more suitable for you than one relying on cellular and GPS connectivity. Traditional radio telemetry devices offer more precise tracking within a specified range but lack mapping features and remote communication.

Considerations for Choosing a Collar

You need a GPS tracking collar that fits your dog comfortably and securely without restricting movement. The collar’s construction should withstand rough terrain, thick cover, and the occasional splash of water or mud.

After all, your hunting dog is built for ruggedness, and your collar needs to keep pace. Many GPS collars are waterproof, like the Garmin TT15x, which can withstand submersion at 10 meters for 30 minutes.

And, of course, its design needs to accommodate the GPS tracking components while still allowing for a comfortable fit for your dog, especially if you plan to leave the collar on year-round.

Accuracy & Range: Don’t Lose Sight of What’s Important

A 2021 study determined that the amount of radio frequency exposure from GPS collars, even for long periods, was much lower than exposure from a household’s cell phone or wi-fi network. This suggests that concerns about your dog’s safety regarding radio frequencies are unnecessary, given what they’re likely exposed to already.

But as a hunter, your concern is probably less about theoretical risks from radio frequency exposure and more about whether your best-gps-dog-collar-for-hunting provides reliable tracking. And while a range of five miles or more might be impressive, consider how far your dog typically ranges during a hunt.

Choose a collar that gives you the confidence of knowing exactly where your dog is within a comfortable radius for your hunting style. Make sure it has accurate location features so you can always find your dog. You don’t want to lose your dog in the woods. Especially when you could use this opportunity to train your bird dog to hunt.

Battery Life: Making It Through Every Hunt

I’ve been in that frustrating situation where your GPS collar dies in the middle of a long day in the field. There are a few ways to ensure that this doesn’t happen to you. A long-lasting battery is essential for all-day tracking, especially on extended hunts or when exploring new territory.

Consider a collar with a battery life of at least 24 hours, one that offers quick-charging capabilities so you can always stay a step ahead of your hunting companion, or one with long battery life.

Additional Features for More Options

Certain hunting styles might benefit from training features incorporated into the GPS collar itself. This allows for greater communication and control with your dog, particularly in demanding situations or while training. You may need to purchase additional collars if you are hunting with multiple dogs.

Budget: Weighing Costs and Considerations

Price can be a major deciding factor for hunters when investing in new equipment. There’s no getting around it – some of the top GPS collars can seem a bit steep in cost. But if you are looking for an affordable option with smartphone-based tracking, a good option is the Fi Series 3 GPS tracking collar. This model provides great value compared to products like the Apple air tag and makes staying connected to your dog easier than ever.

With different levels of performance and varying price points, GPS collars can be tailored to specific needs, which is why research and careful consideration of these factors will lead you to your best option. Be sure it has a waterproof rating to ensure it can be submerged in water.

My Experience: Learning from the Field

I’ll tell you, my first hunting-specific GPS collar was the Sportdog Tek Series 1.5. I used it for years, tracking my lab on countless pheasant and duck hunts. It was dependable, easy to use, and offered just the right balance of features without the hefty price tag of some others.

But as my dog got older and my hunting goals changed, I started wanting more sophisticated features, like better mapping capabilities and compatibility with additional GPS units. I wanted a Garmin GPS.

After some careful research and a few seasons in the field, I chose the Garmin TT15x with the Garmin Alpha 300i handheld. While there is an initial cost investment in a compatible Garmin Alpha model, the improved accuracy, expanded tracking range, and comprehensive map integration took my hunts to the next level.

And with the handheld unit’s integrated compass, barometer altimeter, and inReach® satellite communication, I can track my dogs safely and effectively in any situation. Plus, I know exactly where my dog is, even if he runs over 9 miles away. And the battery lasted a very long time.

Finding Your Perfect GPS Dog Tracking Collar: Getting It Right for You and Your Dog

Each collar I’ve owned served its purpose, but the “right” best-gps-dog-collar-for-hunting changes along with the changing needs of hunters. It all depends on how you and your dog hunt together. Consider your terrain, your hunting style, and your personal needs.

Make sure that any collar you buy meets certain requirements for water resistance, as your hunting grounds likely include bodies of water or unexpected weather that shouldn’t shut down the technology you’re relying on. The collar works great and is a great option for any serious hunter.

Conclusion

Picking the right GPS dog collar might seem like just another decision for your gear list, but it’s truly an investment in your dog’s safety and a tool to improve your shared hunting adventures. Choosing the best-gps-dog-collar-for-hunting ultimately comes down to the individual needs of your situation, which will be affected by the size of your hunting areas and how far and wide your dog typically travels.

With thorough research, practical considerations, and maybe some field testing, you and your dog can get back to what matters – finding more birds and enjoying your shared passion for the hunt. GPS technology can really change how you hunt.