Smartphone apps have changed the way hunters receive information. Although reviewing plat maps, weather-watching and researching online reviews are still integral to planning a hunt, technology has made that information more accessible. Now, there’s an app for that!
Here are five apps that will help you plan your hunt right from your phone.
The Hunt app by OnX Maps turns your phone into a fully functional GPS. It allows users to differentiate public and private land boundaries, including private landowner information such as the owner’s property size, tax address and name. The app is packed with other helpful features such as a compass, pins to mark locations, and a tracker that follows your path for those long walks in the dark. By using the app’s “Off-Grid” feature, you can save maps and content ahead of time to access without cell reception. You can even share content with other users, which is especially helpful if you’re hunting with a friend.
This app is the perfect tool for hunters hoping to plan a hunt but don’t know who to contact. Photo Credit: Guidefitter
If you find yourself daydreaming about an outfitted hunt but don’t know where to start, check out the Guidefitter app. Guidefitter users can narrow search results to find a hunt that aligns with their values. For example, if you’re searching for an archery deer hunt but want to choose an outfitter that doesn’t allow gun hunting, simply include that as a filter when searching. This app is the perfect tool for hunters hoping to plan a hunt but don’t know who to contact. The app was recently updated to include mentions and check-ins to promote engagement and interaction between users.
Weather is an integral factor in every hunt. The ScoutLook app is like having a weatherman in your pocket. But the app does much more than tell you the temperature and if rain is on the way. The app displays weather conditions that are helpful for hunters, including barometric pressure, wind speed, direction, cloud cover and humidity. Other useful features include sunrise and sunset times, and a weather radar that helps hunters decide whether to head to the stand or stay on the couch.
The Quiver app allows users to track key events with a few taps. Note what you saw while hunting and what time the activity occurred, and after a few hunts, you can determine patterns. Photo Credit: Quiver Hunting
For years, hunters have been logging their hunts in journals to monitor activity trends associated with weather conditions, treestand locations and more. Today, you don’t need pen and paper to record what you found. The Quiver app allows users to track key events with a few taps. Note what you saw while hunting and what time the activity occurred, and after a few hunts, you can determine patterns. Simple study data such as wind direction and speed, sunset and sunrise times, barometric pressure and moon phase. Quiver allows hunters to digest the data created by the app and use it to predict activity on upcoming hunts.
Google Maps provides up-to-date aerial imagery in it’s satellite mode. Showing terrain and cover is an excellent advantage. Photo Credit: Google Maps
Hunters are always on the go; you’ll find no better tool to locate nearby gas stations, campgrounds or hotels than Google Maps. In most cases, hunting locations are off the beaten path, which can make them difficult to find. Instead of guessing your direction, mark the parking lot on your phone by pressing and holding for a few seconds. Users can navigate anywhere using Google Maps, and the map’s aerial imagery can be switched to satellite mode to show terrain and cover features.
If you’re looking for a new tool before hunting season, consider downloading one of these apps. Each resource can make you a more efficient hunter. Who knows – maybe one of these apps can play a part in your next successful hunt.
