Hunting Dog Tracking Collars: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction To a Typical Hunting Dog Tracking System

When the line of sight is obscured by terrain or distance hunting dog tracking collars, allow you to keep a bead on their location.

They are much better than beeper collars or dog bells because the distance is less of an issue, and even when the dog does reach the signal threshold if the collar is GPS enabled, the tracker will show you exactly where it dropped off the map.

You can easily track a whole pack of hunting dogs while they are running.

These collars make for safer, more effective hunting with your dog, and unlike beep collars, the GPS collar makes no noise unless you choose to turn on audio.

In this article, we will go over what to expect from a hunting collar, and we provide a comparison guide that will allow you to find the perfect collar for you and your dog.

Hunting Dog Tracking Systems Comparison

Common Features

Some features are unique to GPS collars for hunting dogs expressly that set them apart from those meant for pets.

The main differences are tracking route metrics for your hunting and training records, generally more significant tracking range, and longer battery life.

Below are a few more details on what to expect when you get a tracking collar for your hunting dog.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is essential for several reasons.

While hunting in rough terrain during inclement weather, there are likely areas that will have been drenched, which might be problematic if there is no water resistance in the collar and receiver.

Hunting around lakes or in swampy areas is another danger to the devices if they aren't designed to get wet.

Luckily, most collars with a hunting dog tracking system are at least mildly water-resistant, with some of them able to withstand a depth of up to 25 feet.

Battery Life

If you are training dogs or have experienced dogs working in an area that gets lower signal reception, then battery life is going to be vital for making sure you can retrieve them without incident.

When starting to train dogs, you may not let them have a substantial lead, but the unpredictability means it's a good idea to have a longer battery life on the off chance your dog decides to take off.

Most batteries have a quick recharge rate, with the average life span of one charge being between 2 to 3.5 hours.

Tracking Range

There is a wide variety of tracking ranges from 2 to 10 miles.

A more substantial range usually comes with a longer battery charge life to accommodate.

Smart System Compatibility

Most GPS tracking devices can connect to smart devices, whether they are ones designed by that brand, smartphones, or even Bluetooth enabled watches can sometimes be connected.

The manufacturer will reveal which technology their product can connect with if any.

Metric Tracking

Next to the real-time tracking of your dog, this will be one of the most invaluable parts of using a GPS collar.

Most of them will keep track of every metric for your dog's route.

For devices with internal memory, they usually have around 4 GB and can save between 200 to 400 favorite routes.

Why a Hunting Dog Tracking Collar Is Useful

If you have never used a hunting dog tracking collar before, you might not know much about how they will benefit you and your furry hunting buddy.

We will also go over some advantages and disadvantages of using collars to give a clearer picture of how they will make hunting easier.

Are They Safe for Dogs?

One thing every hunter wants to avoid is their dog getting lost out in rough terrain, especially during night hunts.

It can be nerve-wracking if you find that they have gone out of signal range or that their collar is unexpectedly cut out, so it's important to make sure that you have a backup tracking system for your dog.

They are safe for your dog to wear, and many of them have audio and e-stim features which allow you to signal your dog to return to you.

Pros

• Signal alarms will let you know if the dog is running or if they have treed their prey.
  
  
• You will be able to see real-time feedback from your dog's progress on a map, either directly on the tracker device or through an app on your smartphone.
  
  
• They are silent and won't scare prey away.
  
  
• Some collars come with built-in training systems so that your hunting dog can learn certain desired behaviors.

Cons

• Though most collars are water-resistant or mildly waterproof, they rarely can handle being thoroughly drenched.
  
  If you intend to travel in watery terrain (e.g., swamp, lakes, etc.), then you will want to make sure you get a model with increased waterproofing technology.
  
  
• Constantly checking GPS progress will impact battery life so you can either have shorter hunts or conserve battery by checking in with your dogs every 5 to 10 minutes and possibly missing a change in progress.

Collar Comparison Guide

We have created a comparison guide listing the top hunting dog tracking collar options from all the best brands.

All of the information is taken directly from the manufacturer to ensure accuracy.

We have also labeled which ones we believe are the best value, best overall choice, and premium pick.

Garmin Alpha 100 Bundle With TT 15 Dog Device

Memory: 4 GB

Signal Type: GPS

Signal Range: 9 miles

Power: Rechargeable (included) lasting up to 20 hours

Important Features:

• Can track up to 20 dogs at once
• Includes TOPO U.S. 100k maps
• Measures both speed and distance
• Rescue Mode gives a longer battery life
• Includes 3-axis tilt-compensated compass
• Can save up to 200 tracking routes
• At-a-glance statistics like dog speed, location, total distance traveled, etc.
• Geofence enabled
• Use Tri-Tronics to train dogs to return to you on signal
• IPX7 water rating
• Barometric altimeter
• Supports BaseCamp software

Product Summary:

This is a fantastic bundle with a collar and remote monitoring device.

It has built-in training options that will allow you to use satellites to track your dogs and recall them if they get close to a dangerous area or reach a cut-off point for the signal.

There are so many features that it's hard to list them all, but some of the more standout ones are external memory for increased route retention, the ability to add 4,000 favorite locations, and the glove-friendly touchscreen.

Check Price (Amazon)

Garmin Astro 900 Dog Tracking Bundle (Includes Handheld and Dog Device)

Memory: 4 GB

Signal Type: GPS + Glonass satellite

Frequency: 900 MHz FHSS

Signal Range: 9 miles

Power: Optional NiMH or two standard AA (not included)

Important Features:

• Bright orange color makes it easy to spot if dropped in rough terrain
• Geocache friendly
• Able to save up to 2,000 favorite locations
• Includes a subscription for one year of BirdsEye Satellite Imagery
• Supplies hunter metrics for review such as time in the field, distance traveled, and routes
• Includes TOPO U.S. and Canada maps
• Automatic routing
• Sun/moon and hunt calendar information
• IPX7 water rating
• Can save up to 200 tracking routes
• MicroSD card enabled for external storage
• Barometric altimeter
• Includes 3-axis tilt-compensated compass
• Supports BaseCamp software

Product Summary:

This is an excellent device for sharing the information gathered during your hunts.

Metrics, routes, and favorite locations can all be transferred wirelessly to compatible machines.

The Glonass satellite gives better location feedback than simple GPS and can follow your dogs through thicker cover without losing the signal.

This device is water, bump, and collision-resistant making it perfect for any kind of hunt.

Check Price (Amazon)

Dogtra Pathfinder Mini

Signal Type: GPS

Signal Range: 4 miles

Power: Rechargeable battery

Important Features:

• Works through a smartphone app
• Beacon-and-Locate LED Light
• 2-hour battery life
• Waterproof receiver
• Offline maps
• Can track up to 21 dogs
• Geo-fence option
• Includes a tracking only mode
• Audible tone
• Can be used on dogs as small as 15 pounds

Product Summary:

This is a great little model for smaller hunting dogs trained to stay on task.

The shorter battery life makes it less ideal for training, and it doesn't include the training modes that some other models do.

This is best for experienced hunters and dogs and has some great basic features.

Check Price (Amazon)

Dogtra Pathfinder

Signal Type: GPS

Signal Range: 9 miles

Power: Rechargeable battery

Important Features:

• Works through a smartphone app
• Belt clip
• Waterproof receiver
• Offline maps
• Geo-fence option
• Includes a tracking only mode
• Audible tone
• Can be used on dogs as small as 35 pounds

Product Summary:

This option has more range than the mini and also has a few extra features, including enhanced contact points, an impressive two-second update rate, over three hours of battery life.

This is a great device for tracking up to 21 different dogs or hunters at a time and works well for any game hunting.

Check Price (Amazon)

Dogtra Pathfinder TRX

Signal Type: GPS-Only

Signal Range: 9 miles

Power: Rechargeable battery

Important Features:

• 3.5 hours of battery life
• Two-second update rate
• Works through a smartphone app
• Belt clip
• Waterproof receiver
• Offline maps
• Geo-fence option
• Includes a tracking only mode
• Audible tone
• Can be used on dogs as small as 35 pounds

Product Summary:

Out of all the Dogtra options, this is the one that is perfect for anyone who hunts competitively.

This device is approved for AKC and UKC events. It has an intuitive map in the app that allows for complete control over your dogs and perfect metrics tracking for your records.

Check Price (Amazon)

Garmin Astro 430 Bundle With T 5 Dog Device

Memory: 4 GB

Signal Type: GPS + Glonass satellite

Signal Range: 9 miles

Power: Optional NiMH or two standard AA (not included)

Important Features:

• Geocache friendly
• Able to save up to 2,000 favorite locations
• Includes a subscription for one year of BirdsEye Satellite Imagery
• Supplies hunter metrics for review such as time in the field, distance traveled, and routes
• Includes TOPO U.S. 100k maps
• IPX7 water rating
• Can save up to 200 tracking routes
• MicroSD card enabled for external storage
• Barometric altimeter
• Includes 3-axis tilt-compensated compass
• Supports BaseCamp software
• Bright orange color makes it easy to spot if dropped in rough terrain

Product Summary:

The Astro 430 is a reliable GPS device that provides new tracker info every 2.5 seconds, so you will know as soon as your hunting dogs stop running or change direction.

It has auto-zoom features allowing you to track multiple dog routes at once on the screen.

It will also log the exact time, place, and elevation of where you captured your prey.

This device also has a lot of compatibility with computer map programs, allowing you to plan your outings better.

Check Price (Amazon)

SportDog Tek 2.0 GPS and E-Collar

Signal Type: GPS

Signal Range: HopTek technology allows for a 10-mile range

Power: Rechargeable battery

Important Features:

• Bluetooth compatible with hands-free, real-time voice updates
• Capable of tracking up to 21 handhelds or collars
• Includes TOPO U.S. maps with unlimited lifetime updates
• DryTek keeps receiver waterproof up to 25 feet
• Tilt-compensated compass
• Geo-fence technology
• Detailed waypoints
• Compatible with SportDog software

Product Summary:

This is an excellent option for experienced dogs, training, or competitive level hunting.

One thing to love about Tek 2 is that it makes finding a route through tough terrain easy with the detailed map coverage, which saves some significant time and energy.

A great all-around model.

Check Price (Amazon)

Dog Expedition Systems Border Patrol TC1

Signal Type: GPS

Signal Range: 2 miles

Power: Rechargeable battery

Important Features:

• Waterproof transmitter and collar
• Can be used on up to 5 dogs
• Vibration
• 50 levels of e-stim

Product Summary:

This product price isn't yet listed.

Based on the information already available, it looks to be an outstanding basic hunting tracker collar with all the features you need for a quick hunt with trained dogs.

Conclusion

Hunting dog tracking collars give you peace of mind and better control of your dogs while out in the field.

They are great for beginners, experts, and competitive UKC or AKC events.

There are some phenomenal collars available on the market, and more advanced technology is being created all of the time.

For devices that connect with a smartphone app, you will have the advantage of app updates, increasing the product's effectiveness.

Whether you hunt coons, ducks, wild hogs, or deer, there is a collar system that is perfectly able to accommodate your needs.