Thread: GPS noob questions!

I have used several different models of Garmin GPS over the last 20 years. Currently using a Rino 750 for work and an Etrex for weekends. Mrs longshot uses a Garmin Instinct for everything.

First answer is yes you can generally set the unit up to drop a breadcrumb trail or track your route, there is usually an option in advanced settings to set the interval. As Mike548141 states, battery drain is device dependent. On the 750 that I use at work, the low power consumption options from memory do not switch off the activity log.
The primary causation I have had for battery drain is screen backlight and use of the built in radio.

Second answer is no. GPS, satellites and mapping software can’t account for supplejack, blackberry and gorse.
In theory a device could be made that could factor in landforms and ‘help’ to plan a route, but in practice the device would not be able to compete with eyes on the ground.
The two day navigation course that MSC offers can provide you with this ability. If you’re not already familiar with navigation in the bush.

Third answer is as per mike548141, it depends on the device you buy, but also how deep you want to go. The almost industry standard for geo-spatial recording and analysis is GIS Arc Map. This software has features way beyond what you want as a hunter. Garmin has a free software package called Basecamp which is a bit clunky but useable if your just syncing and editing waypoints and tracks.