While hunting offers numerous rewards, it also entails some risk. Besides facing the elements and potential wildlife, many hunters get into trouble from a specific issue: trespassing. It can be easy to lose track of property lines when you are in the middle of a hunt. Additionally, some hunting apps may not always have the best accuracy, which can result in missed trespassing prevention. So, how can you still use popular hunting apps while ensuring that you do not trespass?
This Hunting App Doesn't Always Prevent Trespassing, Which Could Get Hunters Into Trouble
Getty images by Photograph by Devon OpdenDries.
Many hunters rely on hunting apps, such as onX Hunt, to ensure they respect property lines while hunting. The GPS on the app is relatively good; however, it can be off by a few yards. It is important to note that all apps are limited to the same degree of GPS accuracy.
While that might not seem like too big a deal, it is. A few yards can mean the difference between public and private property. Therefore, if you are out hunting, you want to use the app as an assistant, but not rely solely on it. Although it is helpful, it is not foolproof. Additionally, you want to have your wits about you when it comes to direction. That is because outdoorspeople are fully responsible for knowing their location and its relation to private property.
If you want to make sure all of your bases are covered, you should do a little background work before you head out for your hunt. In addition to using the hunting apps, you can also check county land records. Additionally, you could contact landowners for permission to hunt on their land. Also, always look for "No trespassing" or "Private property" signs, as they clearly indicate that you are not welcome there. Finally, if the land is fenced or shows signs of having livestock, it is considered private even without a posted sign.
OnX Is Still A Fantastic App
Despite being slightly off, Cowboy State Daily argues that the onX Hunt app is "generally regarded to be accurate within a few yards." For those who have never used it, the app "features where the boundaries of hunt areas are." Additionally, it also shows the location of private and public land parcels. Furthermore, onX is aware of its app's limitations and explains them thoroughly in a blog post on its own website.
Additionally, when speaking with onX's public relations manager, Jack Flatley, he shared the following about the app's limitations. "The standard GPS is accurate to about 16 feet, which is the best that satellite hardware can offer, unless you upgrade to a 'dual-frequency receiver,' which is not available in modern-day smartphones."
So, while this hunting app, among others, is not foolproof, Flately points out that "onX prevents far more hunters from trespassing than it causes hunters to trespass." Additionally, he shares that "by following our [meaning onX] guidelines and map, hunters can be far more accurate with their navigation than if they were left without a GPS-enabled device, or relying solely on paper maps." However, it never hurts to ensure you also do some background work to help prevent any trespassing issues.
