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Best Hand-held GPS For Hunting and Fishing: The Top 10 Options

9 min read · title updated in the 2026 rebuild

screen of the best handheld gps for hunting and fishing

Whether you like fishing or hunting, a handheld GPS will come in handy. Unlike in the past when hunters and anglers depended on compasses and maps, the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing gives you the exact location of your target. These devices have many benefits including the use for navigation to specific fishing holes and shores. A handheld GPS can be lifesaving in times of danger and in storms and can be used to bookmark and record favorite places.

A good handheld GPS will give you an accurate location of the target and it should be user-friendly. Some come with maps that are downloaded for free so you can find your location and navigate easily. Since there has been continuous production and advancement in GPS technology for fishing and hunting, you may find it difficult to choose one that suits you. In this article, we have reviewed the 10 best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing to help you make an informed decision.

Best Handheld GPS for Hunting and Fishing: FAQs

1. What Is a Handheld GPS?

This a device that uses the Global Positioning System. It uses modern geographical technology; it is portable, user-friendly, and meant for everyday use. You can use it to identify and share the coordinates of a given location.

2. What Does a Handheld GPS Do?

A handheld GPS helps one to pinpoint the coordinates of a location. This way it will be easier not to miss the target. It can be used in hunting or fishing to locate fish and target animals.

3. How Does a Handheld GPS Work?

A GPS is a network of satellites circling the earth and once it has information of how far the satellites are, the GPS receiver pinpoints the location of the target through trilateration process.

4. Where Can You Buy It?

You can buy the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing from online stores like Amazon. They have dealers and sellers of the best models in the market.

5. How Accurate Is a Handheld GPS?

Handheld GPS units can obtain coordinates with a horizontal accuracy of 13 meters if it can receive a WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System signal). However, the normal accuracy is about 10 meters. The GPS boosts the data with poor accuracy.

How We Reviewed

gear used for kayaking including a handheld gps

Image Source: Pixabay.com

The main aim of this review was to provide you with accurate information regarding handheld GPS used for hunting and fishing. We, therefore, carried out extensive research to determine the distinguishing features, the pros &cons, their prices, and where to buy them. We also considered reviews from other customers and, where necessary, we tested their performance practically. This helped to ensure the information we provided was neutral to all buyers.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

In line with this review, the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing appear to range from $70 to $600. The price range depends on different aspects such as additional features and custom construction. Expensive handheld GPS have high reception, are durable and come with extra features such as a barometer altimeter and an accelerometer that boost general performance.

What We Reviewed

  • Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS
  • Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide with High-Sensitivity GPS
  • Garmin Approach G6 Handheld Touchscreen Golf Course GPS
  • Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator
  • Garmin eTrex 20x
  • Garmin Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS/GLONASS Receiver
  • Garmin eTrex10 GPS
  • Garmin 750T 3-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS
  • Garmin Oregon 450t Handheld GPS Navigator
  • Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx Handheld GPS Navigator

Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS

Features

Based on different reviews, this seems to be one of the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing. It includes a 3-inch touchscreen display, which has a multi-touch capability. The dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning and 3 sensors are some of the features that make it stand out. In addition, it features an ANT or Bluetooth technology enable you to share tracks, routes, waypoints, and even photos wirelessly between units.

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • A highly readable touchscreen display
  • It is compatible with both AA and NiMH batteries
  • It auto-switches between portrait and landscape views
  • Enables Bluetooth transfer
  • Versatile

CONS

  • Its maps are not routable
  • The software freezes more often
  • Not the longest battery life

PRICE

The product can be found on Amazon for around $390.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide with High-Sensitivity GPS

Features

This model comes in a variety of styles with extra features. It has a sunlight-readable transflective touchscreen that resists a wide range of harmful elements. It boasts a 4GB expanded internal memory.

With this, you can share routes and tracks with other users in addition to being able to connect with smartphones. The powerful sensors it has makes it the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing.

PROS

  • Bluetooth transfer
  • Good reception in thick coverage
  • Dual battery system
  • Smartphone connection
  • GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning
  • Easy to use due to large buttons

CONS

  • Non-rechargeable batteries
  • The software freezes more often
  • Not the longest battery life

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for around $200.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin Approach G6 Handheld Touchscreen Golf Course GPS

Features

At an affordable price, this handheld GPS has all the quality features. It has a 2.6-inch transflective color touchscreen that provides high durability. The best part of it is the over 27,000 pre-loaded worldwide courses plus course preview and statistics tracking. It is the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing for those on a budget.

PROS

  • It effectively tracks far away targets
  • It is waterproof
  • Easy to use
  • It provides full-hole views
  • You can access the course database free of charge
  • It has the ability to determine club-distance averages

CONS

  • It slightly bugs and crashes
  • It may difficult to view the distance to the target point
  • Random display of distances to mapped targets
  • Updating the courses takes quite some time

PRICE

This handheld GPS can be found on Amazon for approximately $170.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin inReach Explorer+, Handheld Satellite Communicator

Features

The best feature about this device is that it works as both a GPS and a communicator. It allows for two-way text messaging from anywhere as long as you have a satellite subscription. If you are in any danger, the device allows you to trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center. It the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing for its high tracking capabilities.

PROS

  • You can ask for help if in danger
  • Powerful rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery
  • It pairs with any mobile device if you install the free Earthmate App
  • It comes with multiple features like the built-in compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, and TOPO maps
  • Compatible with mobile devices
  • It has the ability to determine club-distance averages

CONS

  • Large and heavy
  • It can be expensive

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for around $450.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin eTrex 20x

Features

The fact that it is backlit and has a high resolution makes this the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing. It features a 2.2-inch touchscreen with an upgraded display. Its 3.7GB expandable internal memory allows you to load a variety of maps. Locating your desired position will not be a hassle thanks to its high sensitivity, a WAAS GPS receiver, GLONASS support, and HotFix satellite prediction.

PROS

  • Expandable memory
  • The backlit screen helps you to see where you are going even at night
  • It comes with a pre-loaded base map
  • Longer battery life

CONS

  • Its interface has a steep learning curve
  • Loading maps requires a subscription

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for approximately $126.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS/GLONASS Receiver

Features

This is the best hand-held GPS for hunting and fishing in terms of performance. It timely locates and maintains your location even in densely covered areas. It features a track manager which helps you organize and navigate through routes, waypoints, and track logs. Even better, this device has an 8-megapixel camera that you can use to take pictures of your hunting adventure.

PROS

  • 3-axis compass with a barometric altimeter
  • It comes with a one-year Birdseye Satellite Imagery subscription
  • It has 250,000 pre-loaded worldwide geocaches
  • Dual battery system
  • A longer battery life (AA batteries)

CONS

  • 4 GB maximum file size
  • A non-multi-touch touchscreen
  • Not compatible with larger than 32GB SD cards

PRICE

This handheld GPS retails on Amazon for around $435.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin eTrex10 GPS

Features

Garmin eTrex10 is the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing for beginners. This rugged navigator has a 2.2-inch monochrome display and comes with a pre-loaded worldwide base map. The best feature is that it is waterproof to IXP7 standards thus it can withstand rain and splashes. It has a quick positioning and a reliable signal thanks to the WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, HotFix and GLONASS support.

PROS

  • Waterproof
  • Small and lightweight
  • Longer battery life (up to 20 hours)
  • Easy to use

CONS

  • It only works with AA batteries
  • You cannot load new maps
  • It does not have a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for approximately $70.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin 750T 3-Inch Touchscreen Handheld GPS

Features

This handheld GPS model has all the quality features that make it perform well. For instance, it boasts a 3-inch touchscreen display with a dual orientation. Features also include a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass with a barometric altimeter and accelerometer sensors. Its rugged design makes it one of the best hand-held GPS for hunting and fishing as it guarantees durability.

PROS

  • It includes an 8-megapixel camera
  • Compatible with connect iq helps customize its data fields, apps, and widgets
  • Waterproof to IPX7 standards
  • Bluetooth, ANT+ and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • You can store multiple waypoints
  • A colored backlit screen

CONS

  • It has a poor interface making it difficult to use
  • It is quite large
  • Expensive

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for around $455.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin Oregon 450t Handheld GPS Navigator

Features

Garmin Oregon 450t has received positive reviews as one of the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing. It comes with a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass with a barometric altimeter. The 3-inch touchscreen display provides improved clarity. Its highly sensitive GPS receiver with HotFix guarantees improved performance and the best reception.

PROS

  • Wireless sharing of routes, waypoints, tracks, and geocaches between units
  • A large screen
  • It comes with a pre-loaded U.S. Topo 100K
  • Easy to use
  • Small size
  • Paperless geocaching

CONS

  • Poor battery life
  • No GLONASS support

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for around $190.

WHERE TO BUY

Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx Handheld GPS Navigator

Features

Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx features color handheld mapping that makes it the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing. Its high-sensitivity GPS receiver makes it a reliable device. In addition, it has a 64MB microSD card which allows you to load a variety of maps. The color touchscreen display is bright enough for clear reading.

PROS

  • Large storage capacity
  • Easy to use
  • It provides a faster USB connectivity
  • Tracks and maintains location even in a thick coverage

CONS

  • Poor use instructions
  • The buttons malfunctions after a short time

PRICE

This product can be found on Amazon for around $600.

WHERE TO BUY

The Verdict

graphic illustration of the best handheld gps for hunting and fishing

Image Source: Pixabay.com

If you are here, it means you are looking for the best handheld GPS for hunting and fishing. Here is our tip: you should consider the ease of use, display, mapping, satellite reception, and other additional features. If you want one specifically for fishing, you should check its waterproof level. It is only the best handheld GPS that will make your hunting or fishing adventure worth having.

Based on our research, we could not find a better match than Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS. This handheld GPS was designed with both beginners and experts in mind. It is versatile, has a dual orientation, and comes with all the quality features that boost performance.

Featured Image Source: Pexels.com