Maine; Deep Woods Stand Hunting for Big Whitetail Bucks – How to Communicate? Updated for Survival!

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I have just booked a guided 6 day Northern Maine “Stand” Hunt for a chance at a big whitetail buck in November. This method of hunting can be fruitful if I am warm and comfortable and can stay focused in an elevated stand. It is a physically easy hunt, however, it is mentally challenging to say the least.

Yes, we do this for the ultimate reward, a chance to take a monster buck in size and antler development. 

At 11AM my guide will bring soup and sandwiches and check on me and what I have seen. All else being equal he will pick me up at dark. And back to camp for dinner, check with other hunters and rest for the next day. 

But how do I communicate? 

The problem with this kind of remote hunting is that phone service, in my case, does not exist. So, how do you communicate? It just so happens that my guide has a Garmin satellite device where he can see where his dogs are or to text a hunter with similar equipment. For years I have had an older Garmin GPS unit but it does not allow two way texting.

Garmin, among others today, offers Satellite text capability with GPS and has created a range of devices. For $350 dollars you can get a basic unit that can send text and some basic GPS or spend more to get  mapping, waypoints and other options.

Communication is invaluable for Safety!

When I told my wife and family, I was spending money to keep me safe they were elated with my purchase. 

Even though I bought my Garmin InReach Explorer+ ® unit (retail $449), I have not personally tested it. I have owned Garmin’s for my boat navigation, and for basic hunting GPS.  I find that Garmin products are solid, and well designed. 

inReach Explorer®+

In the coming weeks I will test this unit and give you some feedback.

Features from the Garmin.com website below for this model.

Handheld Satellite Communicators with GPS Navigation

  • Rugged handheld satellite communicators enable two-way text messaging via 100% global Iridium® satellite network (satellite subscription required)
  • Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
  • Track and share your location with family and friends
  • Pair with compatible mobile devices using the free Earthmate® app for access to downloadable maps¹, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
  • inReach Explorer+ device adds preloaded DeLorme® TOPO maps with on-screen GPS routing plus built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer

At a Glance

This unit and similar units are your best option to send and receive text. Like, “Just shot a big buck” or SOS button that sends a signal and/or text to rescue folks for help. The great part is that it is compatible with android and IOS apps. My I-phone will still be useful to text via the Garmin Bluetooth.

Keep them charged and warm, not in a back pack!

 

Survival Kit Requirements for Maine:

https://www.hunter-ed.com/maine/studyGuide/Survival-Kit-Requirements-for-Maine/20102201_150873/

Good Hunting!

 

 

 

 

This entry was posted in Big Game Hunting, Hunting thoughts, Satellite Communication by Ed Hale. Bookmark the permalink.

About Ed Hale

I am an avid hunter with rifle and Bow and have been hunting for more than 50 years. I have taken big game such as whitetail deer, red deer, elk, Moose and African Plains game such as Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbok, Blesbok, and Impala and wrote an ebook entitled African Safari -Rifle and Bow and Arrow on how to prepare for a first safari. Ed is a serious cartridge reloader and ballistics student. He has earned two degrees in science and has written hundreds of outdoor article on hunting with both bow and rifle.