I know this is a bit off topic you might say or posted in the wrong forum, but the majority of the guys are here so I thought what the heck. I might as well post it here.

I'm looking at getting a GPS for stand locations, new area spots, fishing hot spots etc.... The two models that I'm looking at are the Garmin eTrex Legend and the Garmin 76(non map version). Do any of you fellas have any experience with these two models or maybe steer me in the right direction? I'd also like to add that I really don't want to use the owners manual evertime I break it out and want to use it. So I'm looking at getting one that's fairly easy to use.

Thanks for the info!

I have the Legend. I upgraded it from the basic Etrex. I love the thing. I bought the mapsource software on line for about $25 less than you can get it in stores. The Legend comes with a "Basic Map" that includes major roads, little towns etc. You only have the ability to download so many maps into the thing so you do it sparingly. To be honest... I find the map source lacking in what I call "good basic map topology". The scale is so large that straight up hills in my semi flat country appear almost flat. IT'S NOT.... like looking at a regular topo map. That being said, it does give you a lot more detail but really unnecessary in a hunting situation. I'd get it again... but I'm just kind of anal when it comes to toys. In a suburbia situation it is a little cluttered... but by zooming in it becomes more usable. I'd do it all again. In Minnesota woods... I think I'd go for it. You will find they all have their shortcomings unless you spring for the REALLY big bucks. Such things as a heavy canopy will make you loose satellites... but if you just find a little opening it'll come right back in. It will connect the dots when tracking and show you where you went.

Thanks for the info davidmil. That's all good to know. I haven't gone to Cabela's to compare the two models yet to see which one is better or not, but I'd like to stick around $200 or less...that's why I selected these two. I'm kind of torn on what to go with because I really don't know too much about these things. So I thought I'd bounce some questions off of you guys. My cousin works part time for the MN DNR and he said the Garmin 76's are going to be standard issue for all DNR employees coming up real soon, so I thought it must be a descent model to run with also.

Go with the Legend, get the topo program from Garmin and enjoy watching all the scouting signs show up on a map. You'll enjoy it.

Ive got an etrex , its a valuble tool .

I have the legend, its an awesome unit. Its saved me a few steps in the woods, and its fun for road trips, geocaching, and helps out on the boat too. It does lose signal in heavy tree cover, but easily reacquires when you find an opening. Its great for marking tree stand locations, trails, etc, and gets you back to the truck when you're done. I never dealt with the garmin software, other than downloading free upgraded sw to the unit itself. I found the best price for this unit at amazon.com. After rebate, I paid 150. Not sure what the going price is, but check out amazon before you buy, free shipping too. One tip, get some rechargable batteries, and keep some spares charged up in your pack. Also, you can find some very useful free tools on the web, such as EasyGPS and USAPhotoMaps. I have used USAPhotomaps to look at new areas to hunt, check out the topography and aerial photos, and also mark points of interest as waypoints on my PC, then download the points to the Legend. When I go check out the area for the first time, I know exactly where I want to go, and the unit gets me there within feet.

Sorry for rambling, but I hope you find some of this info useful.

Paul

Oh I'm all confused now. I'm extremely GPS illiterate, so pretty much most of what you said just flew over the top of my head. I should just go and get one and then just deal with it and learn how to use it.

FYI, If you want to learn about what the unit can do and how to use it, you can download the user manual from the Garmin website (http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegend/ ) . The unit has some bells and whistles that you probably wont need, but you wont need them to get started. Better to have them and learn how to use them later (if you have a need to) then to wish you had them and have to upgrade to a new unit later. Also, I checked out the Amazon.com site again, they currently have a dirt cheap price for the Legend. I'm not sure if the price they are showing includes the $30 rebate, but its a good buy even if it does. If you get $30 back in addition, its a GREAT buy. Throw in the free shipping, and you cant go wrong.

Stump.... you can make it as complicated and detailed or easy as you want. You can go into using all the bells and whistles or keep it simple and basic. It's easy to use once you get the hang of it. Experimentation with a little homework will make it all seem simple if you want to keep it simple. The more you get into it the more fun and useful it is.

I really appreciate the info guys. Thanks