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SaddlePalooza - Feb 16-19, 2018 - Official Thread

There are some pretty good cell phone apps that have the same capability of downloading the map to the device and using the GPS antenna built into the phone for positional information, I've been using a similar one for years. I think someone on here mentioned Backcountry Navigator and I've got the free version, they have a ton of map options but I'm not sure if you will get the Military installation maps those seem a little harder to come by, especially the ones with all of the training areas, and I haven't spent enough time playing around with it, I've been using what I'm already familiar with.

I like the phone because I'm taking it regardless, if it doesn't have service well that sucks but it's not the end of the world, as long as I don't get hurt, lol. I carry a battery to charge my phone and I can get several charges out of the device.

I've got a few GPS devices and the nice one with the maps, I think it's an Garmin Oregon 450t, goes through batteries like crazy, in fact I think you would have to carry at least 2 backup sets for just one hunt, it got to be a pain. I also have a Garmin Foretrex 401 that is a simple wrist watch and it does much better on the batteries but it doesn't have a map, but if you had all of your tree's, parking spots etc. programmed into it, it would do the trick.
 
There are some pretty good cell phone apps that have the same capability of downloading the map to the device and using the GPS antenna built into the phone for positional information, I've been using a similar one for years. I think someone on here mentioned Backcountry Navigator and I've got the free version, they have a ton of map options but I'm not sure if you will get the Military installation maps those seem a little harder to come by, especially the ones with all of the training areas, and I haven't spent enough time playing around with it, I've been using what I'm already familiar with.

I like the phone because I'm taking it regardless, if it doesn't have service well that sucks but it's not the end of the world, as long as I don't get hurt, lol. I carry a battery to charge my phone and I can get several charges out of the device.

I've got a few GPS devices and the nice one with the maps, I think it's an Garmin Oregon 450t, goes through batteries like crazy, in fact I think you would have to carry at least 2 backup sets for just one hunt, it got to be a pain. I also have a Garmin Foretrex 401 that is a simple wrist watch and it does much better on the batteries but it doesn't have a map, but if you had all of your tree's, parking spots etc. programmed into it, it would do the trick.

I have a Magellan 2000 with the maps I can use it for 3 days without batteries going dead. It will last longer if you just mark your vehicle and turn it off while in the stand. Just easier for me I don't like to depend on a phone alone. It's really handy to mark new spots that you walk up on so you can return and hunt before daylight. I mainly use it on scouting trips in other states and areas I've not been to. Mark your trail in and out and tree to hunt then go back 3 month later walk to your tree in the dark.


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There are some pretty good cell phone apps that have the same capability of downloading the map to the device and using the GPS antenna built into the phone for positional information, I've been using a similar one for years. I think someone on here mentioned Backcountry Navigator and I've got the free version, they have a ton of map options but I'm not sure if you will get the Military installation maps those seem a little harder to come by, especially the ones with all of the training areas, and I haven't spent enough time playing around with it, I've been using what I'm already familiar with.

I like the phone because I'm taking it regardless, if it doesn't have service well that sucks but it's not the end of the world, as long as I don't get hurt, lol. I carry a battery to charge my phone and I can get several charges out of the device.

I've got a few GPS devices and the nice one with the maps, I think it's an Garmin Oregon 450t, goes through batteries like crazy, in fact I think you would have to carry at least 2 backup sets for just one hunt, it got to be a pain. I also have a Garmin Foretrex 401 that is a simple wrist watch and it does much better on the batteries but it doesn't have a map, but if you had all of your tree's, parking spots etc. programmed into it, it would do the trick.

Avenza Maps uses your phone's GPS antenna to position you on the geo-referenced PDF map I provided. It works in airplane mode to maximize battery life. The map i provided is the only way you're getting all the military section/area GIS data. There are lots of ways to get topo and satellite referenced maps, but you won't know when you're crossing into an off-limits section of the installation.

Trust me, for purposes of SaddlePalooza you'll want to use my map. There may be other programs that work with geo-referenced PDF files. By all means, if you know of another one please post it here for users. For Android phones, it can't be any more simple than Avenza maps. It seems like iPhones make it a little more difficult.
 
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We're getting a little off topic, but I use my GPS almost every time I go in the woods. Whether it is to mark something to take a look at in the future or to confirm I'm on the right track to get to my stand, my GPS in invaluable. I have tried to use my phone like this and it just isn't as good as the dedicated device IMO. I do use my phone as an invaluable tool for checking satellite photos and boundaries (google earth and onx) although I have been using the birdseye imagery on my gps recently and it is excellent.

@donnieballgame, you can use your phone as a gps even if you don't have service. For example in onx you can download the maps of where you will be and use them offline, and you will still have a gps signal even if you don't have cell coverage.
 
I'm not the sharpest broad head in the quiver, so I may be getting turned around here, but are we talking about the merits of using our phones as GPS replacements? Or are we discussing whether or not there is a better map for SaddlePalooza?
 
Avenza Maps uses your phone's GPS antenna to position you on the geo-referenced PDF map I provided. It works in airplane mode to maximize battery life. The map i provided is the only way you're getting all the military section/area GIS data. There are lots of ways to get topo and satellite referenced maps, but you won't know when you're crossing into an off-limits section of the installation.

Trust me, for purposes of SaddlePalooza you'll want to use my map. There may be other programs that work with geo-referenced PDF files. By all means, if you know of another one please post it here for users. For Android phones, it can't be any more simple than Avenza maps. It seems like iPhones make it a little more difficult.


I have an iPhone and it was a little complicated! I believe I saw on their web site where you can request a paper map or am I thinking of another place?..
 
You can get paper maps of Fort Stewart. I believe they are $5 each. They sell them right by our campground!
 
I'm not the sharpest broad head in the quiver, so I may be getting turned around here, but are we talking about the merits of using our phones as GPS replacements? Or are we discussing whether or not there is a better map for SaddlePalooza?
I think things got a little off track, and then I kept them going... :D
 
Well, I should have more than enough ghost pepper and Carolina reaper hot sauce for everyone who might want to buy a bottle. (Looking at a total of 15 gallons this year) I'll bring a bottle of each sauce for community use too.


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Just do it. May be a world record for most saddle hunters in one place. I'm sure that record is pretty small. G2 has put in a lot of work getting sponsorship for this year and there really ma never be something like this for saddlehunter again. I'm not sure how many more years g2 is going to make it before the mosquitoes and ticks suck him dry to the point he's too anemic to climb a tree. That or just gets transferred.
 
I feel the need to bring down the average saddle hunting IQ / pig hunting IQ at this event, (never done either as of this post) so I'm planning on it as of now. Only one way to go and that is up! (pardon the pun). 2 caveats for me are a possible trip to India in Feb, which I can influence the dates on, so should be ok - and I may bring my 15 year old, if he's keeping his nose clean and grades up this freshman year.
 
Well, I should have more than enough ghost pepper and Carolina reaper hot sauce for everyone who might want to buy a bottle. (Looking at a total of 15 gallons this year) I'll bring a bottle of each sauce for community use too.


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Yes! That's gonna be awesome!

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
I feel the need to bring down the average saddle hunting IQ / pig hunting IQ at this event, (never done either as of this post) so I'm planning on it as of now. Only one way to go and that is up! (pardon the pun). 2 caveats for me are a possible trip to India in Feb, which I can influence the dates on, so should be ok - and I may bring my 15 year old, if he's keeping his nose clean and grades up this freshman year.
We'd love to have you! You'll learn a ton about saddle hunting. Plus the odds are good you'll get a pig. Join the fun... All the cool kids are doing it.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
Just do it. May be a world record for most saddle hunters in one place. I'm sure that record is pretty small. G2 has put in a lot of work getting sponsorship for this year and there really ma never be something like this for saddlehunter again. I'm not sure how many more years g2 is going to make it before the mosquitoes and ticks suck him dry to the point he's too anemic to climb a tree. That or just gets transferred.
Saddle Hunting world record lol! I feel confident we will in fact set the record!

Honestly, this could be my last year in Georgia. The chances are good I'll get one more year, but it's certainly not guaranteed.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
If you are a saddle hunter, or thinking of becoming a saddle hunter, it's for you.

Let's me add this...try to find a pig hunt for $100 that includes dinners, campground accommodations, an event shirt, and the chance to win a $300 saddle package.

Go ahead, I'll wait... :)

We're not making money, just building a community around sharing our passion for the great outdoors!

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
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