Best Two Way Radios for Hunting: We have reviewed some of the top-rated walkie-talkies out there on the market. Discover the Best Two Way Radio for Hunting here.
If you are in a hurry, here is our pick of the best hunting radios…
Last update on 2023-03-29 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now, let us move to more in-depth reviews.
Best Walkie Talkies for Hunting
Midland GXT1050VP4
Midland GXT1050VP4 offers 22 channels and 142 privacy codes to keep communication just between you and your partner. These two-way hunting radios are designed in a rugged, weatherproof package and with a range of up to 35 miles. They are perfect for almost any adventure.
Key features:
- Best Two Way Radio for Hunting in the Mountains.
- Long range of up to 36 miles.
- 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels.
- 22 channels and 28 extra privacy code channels.
- 5 Animal Call Alerts (duck, turkey, cougar, crow, and wolf).
- Supports FRS/ GMRS frequencies.
- JIS4 waterproof hunting radios.
- NOAA weather alerts.
- SOS siren.
It also comes with rechargeable batteries, a desktop charger, an AC wall adapter, a DC (vehicle) adapter, headsets, a pair of mic headsets, and belt clips. You can also use AA batteries in place of the included rechargeable battery pack.
These hunting radios offer a loud and clear sound. They also offer a comfortable grip for all users. They have a reliable belt clip that stays attached when it is needed and can be removed when you need it to be. Using this Midland radio in remote areas where cell service is non-existent has satisfactory results, as does a cross-country trip when there are two vehicles that need to communicate.
Personally, I found these to be very reliable for use by pairs. We used them in remote areas at a hunting camp and also during a trip across two states in two separate vehicles. This is a GMRS radio that can function on FRS/ GMRS frequencies. It can be operated with rechargeable NiMH batteries or 4 alkaline AA batteries.
BaoFeng BF-F8HP
BaoFeng BF-F8HP is one of the top-rated hunting walkie talkies out there on the market. These UV-5R 3rd Gen 8-Watt dual band two-way radios (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) include a full kit with a large rechargeable battery.
It offers three power levels (1, 5, 7/8 watt). These two way radio comes with an in-depth manual and extensive customer service support.
Key features:
- Best Long Range Two-Way Radio for Hunters.
- Among the most powerful 2-way radios 8 watts output power.
- Hardened durable radio shell.
- Large battery size.
- Customizable tri-color display.
BaoFeng BF-F8HP comes with a 2000mAh battery, antenna, belt clip, hand strap, earpiece, desktop charger, and an in-depth user manual. The long battery life and high output power make this a great handheld two-way radio. But this is not an FRS/ GMRS radio. It is ham radio.
I have found these radios to be useful when I have matching accessories that will work with this generation of radio. But, the use of these two-way radios in an area where you need privacy can be a hassle. Other hunters can overhear your group. It can be tuned to any of the 7 NOAA weather channels.
Retevis H-777
Retevis H-777 Hunting Walkie Talkies offer 16 channels, a voice prompt, and a built-in LED flashlight. These power walkie talkies offer long-range over UHF 400-470MHz signal frequency. These radios are quite powerful compared to any other FRS/ GMRS walkie-talkie.
These handheld radios offer 121 privacy codes to keep communication within the group. They are covered by a one-year warranty and offer a 30-day return for no reason clause. The Retevis locks out busy channels and has an emergency alarm feature. The battery withstands moderate use for longer periods making these extremely useful for groups that are going to be out a full day for the trip.
Key features:
- Best Value Two Way Radio for Hunting.
- Voice prompt.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Extreme value for money.
- Great for big groups.
- Longer range than other FRS/ GMRS radios.
Each hunting walkie talkie comes with an antenna, a 1500mAh rechargeable battery, a belt clip, hand strap, earpiece, and an owner’s manual.
Personally, I find these top-rated walkie-talkies for hunting to be highly appealing. I had been looking for elk in woods where the emergency alarm would have been beneficial, as we had a group member break a leg and struggle to get in touch with others to come to his aid.
I also think the privacy codes make a big difference. One area where my group hunts occasionally have other hunters present, so the privacy codes ensure we keep our communication within our group and avoid confusion. Motorola Talkabout T260TP comes with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, totaling 2,662 combinations.
How to Buy the Best Two Way Radios for Hunting
Most hunters enjoy the challenge of heading into the woods. But, when you go with a group, there are communication issues that impact everyone’s ability to hunt. Some hunters tend to use cell phones and text messages, but I believe it is not a great way to communicate while on a hunting trip.
While cell phones don’t make noise, but it is limited otherwise. For instance, you need to look down when sending text messages, and would probably miss the passing by bucks. Also, you can talk only to one person at a time using a cell phone.
Handheld two-way radios allow you to talk to your entire group at the same time. If you hunt in pairs or large groups, then we suggest you invest in good two-way radios.
There are some essential tips that you need to follow to make the most out of your hunting two-way radios:
- Read instructions and user manual carefully.
- Find a channel that has less chatter.
- Always use an earpiece.
- Familiarize yourself with the emergency alert button.
It is also important to keep in mind that relaying the location of the game via electronic devices is illegal in some states. It is important to be aware of local laws and use your walkie talkie appropriately. It will help you avoid fines or other penalties from legal agencies.
How to Choose a Two Way Radio for Hunting
Evaluating the two-way radios requires careful research and consideration of your priorities as they can make a difference to your final purchase decision. Similarly, evaluating the personal experience of other hunters also goes a long way.
This is because, despite the claims on the box, any two-way radio will not have the same reach in wooded terrain that they report having. This means your efforts to stay in touch with group members as they head further afield will be unsuccessful.
Some of the features to consider while choosing two-way radios are:
- Durability and Water Resistance
- Range and Privacy
- Quality of Headset
- Long Battery Life
- Weather Alerts
Durability and Water Resistance
Hunting involves navigating rough terrain, water sources, and various other challenging paths, usually in weather that is wet or cold – or both. People get cold and fingers get clumsy. You might have an adrenaline rush out there and high energy levels. For these reasons, it is normal for equipment to fall or get dropped during your trips
A good two-way handheld radio should be able to withstand being dropped from a height (like a tree stand), or onto a hard surface like a rock, or being under a heavyweight if a person falls on the pocket holding the radio. For that reason, the radios that are made to withstand pressure have a higher chance of surviving a fall against a hard surface or from a height to the ground.
Dealing with water crossings and inclement weather, like rain and snow is par for the course on a hunting trip. A two-way radio will also be used in the rain or snow and exposed to precipitation. It also could be dropped during a water crossing. Therefore, it is desirable to have a hunting radio that can withstand a high level of water exposure.
Range and Privacy Codes
Hunting radios and walkie talkies boast of ranges that reach as far as 50 miles. However, this range is not tested in hilly terrain and therefore, it is a good idea to consider personal anecdotes from anyone who hunts in the same area where you are planning your trip. This will give you a far more realistic view of the range to expect from a specific set, brand or variety of the handheld two-way radio.
Some handheld radios come equipped with a set of privacy codes that can be used on each channel. This keeps communication within the group and cuts down on traffic from other hunters who may be in the same area and also using two-radios.
The use of privacy codes on a specific channel will also make sure you are only talking to someone in your group, rather than a stranger.
Quality of Headset and Battery Life
Using a walkie talkie is helpful to keep in touch with others in your hunting party. However, they are not helpful when a loud beep or static unexpectedly comes across, scaring away game in the area. Therefore, good quality hunting walkie talkies link effectively with headsets, allowing you to stay in touch with the group and keep unexpected noise to a minimum.
A good headset will be comfortable to wear and will also connect with the radio reliably. The quality of the headset is an important factor to consider while selecting a two-way radio.
It is essential that the battery of your hunting walkie talkies lasts through your trip. For those who expect to get in a full day of hunting, it is important that the battery supports over 8 to 12 hours of woods time.
Weather Alerts
NOAA weather alerts can be very important in areas where the weather changes quickly and a warning can make the difference between getting in safely and being lost and risking illness, injury or death. A handheld radio which includes the NOAA weather channels will be important for the safety of your entire group.
Conclusion
Hope you like our pick of the Best Two Way Radios for Hunting.
All of these hunting radios provide quality accessories and earpieces that connect reliably to the radio. This ensures privacy and a better quality of sound across longer distances. Again, all these are easy to use and will keep the group in communication over a moderate distance in hilly terrain and can stand up to the weather and abuse.
We hope you liked our pick of the Best Two Way Radio for Hunting. Investment in any of these two-way hunting radios is completely worth it for this season and those to come.
Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Victor Mays
