Many recreational activities exist nowadays, and it seems others are evolving to make it more fun, enjoyable, engaging for the participants. Other activities were just as fun and sociable ever since they were initiated. Hunting is probably one of the most befitting examples of these activities that were engaging ever since.

Most people would eventually think that hunting is an individual activity, so what makes it engaging, not to mention sociable? Contrary to popular belief, hunting can also be done, or it is better to be done in groups or with your friends and colleagues. The thought of hunting together wild games brings the group closer together and disperses the remaining line.
Hunting requires you to disperse into different areas of the location, making communication difficult. That is if you do not have walkie-talkies. Doing hunting in groups will make you feel closer. Using walkie-talkies can guarantee you that it will happen. To help you choose the best walkie-talkies to look for and what are the things you need to look for when choosing one, here are the five best walkie-talkies for hunting.
Â
5 best Walkie Talkies for Hunting
#1 Motorola T460
I will start with the specs. This Motorola brand walkie-talkie can be maximized within the range of 35 miles if you are in a mountainous area and up to 6 miles on open water. Like most walkie-talkies, it has a power output of 2 watts alongside a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours, and with its dual power option feature, it can last up to 26 hours with 3 AA Alkaline batteries.
It utilizes features for easier use, making it fitting to be one of the best. Motorola T460 has a Push-To-Talk Power Boost feature, which boosts your radio to high power enabling a wider communication range. Uninterrupted communication is pretty much guaranteed with the help of its Quiet Talk Noise Filtration alongside its Vibracall Alert that is useful in noisy environments as it vibrates every 30 seconds to notify you of received messages. Night adventure? Motorola T460 got you covered with its Built-in LED Flashlight and, the most important of all, its Emergency alert feature, which sends all words and sounds from your device to others for 22 seconds.
Specifications
- Brand:Â Motorola
- Range:Â 35 miles
- Power output:Â 2 watts
- Frequency ranges:Â 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery:Â NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size:Â 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches
- Weight:Â 0.43 lb
- Waterproof:Â yes (IP54)
- License needed:Â yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T460
- Batteries can last up to 26 hours, according to Motorola.
- The Motorola T460 has a lot of helpful features.
- It has a functional design with a low weight.
- Everyone can use it due to its easy setup.
Main plus: 11 Weather Channels
Motorola T460 is equipped with 11 weather channels ranging from the USA NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and Canada Weather Radio. An up-to-date weather forecast can come a long way in preventing any harm. It also comes with 20 available tones sent to other radios to alert them if you want to talk to them. This and the emergency alert can certainly come in handy in assuring you while hunting.
Cons of the Motorola T460
- The range depends highly on the circumstances.
- The icons and buttons on the walkie talkie may take some getting used to.
Â
#2 Midland GXT1000VP4
Here is the Midland GXT1000VP4, which is heavily loaded with features for easy utilization of the users to continue my list. Its use can be maximized within 36 miles if used within ideal conditions like a clear line of sight with fewer obstructions and appropriate weather conditions. This Midland brand of walkie-talkie can be used within the 462 to 467 MHz frequency range, covering both FRS (Family Radio Services) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Services). However, please be reminded that the use of walkie-talkies like the Motorola T460 above is license-free if you will only transmit over FRC channels in the US, which is from channel 8 to 14. To transmit over GMRS channels, you need to possess the license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Unlicensed transmission over GMRS-exclusive channels can be fined or punishable under Title 47, Part 95 of the US Code of Federal Regulations, so follow the proper guidelines in acquiring the license required by visiting FCC’s website.
It is also equipped with features such as Keypad Lock, Auto-Quelch, together with its backlit feature. The keypad lock feature assures the users that any accidental press on the device may not change the settings. Auto-Quelch comes in handy in decreasing the background noise the device emitted. Lastly, the backlit feature enables the hunter to safely navigate a darker or dimmer part of the location.
Specifications
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 lb
- Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- The walkie-talkie has an excellent range.
- It has crisp audio quality.
- It. has an SOS siren feature that sends out a location.
- The radio can access NOAA weather channels and reports.
- It has silent features like the whisper function and vibration mode.
Main Plus: Emergency Alert Feature
The Midland GXT1000VP4 comes with an emergency alert feature with an SOS siren, which sends a distress signal alerting others that you need help and the location you were in. It is also equipped with a “whisper function,” allowing you to talk softly on the handset and a vibrate mode to alert you for incoming calls silently. These features help when you have your prey on sight, and any sound or noise may alert it.
Cons of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- It is not so user-friendly.
- The walkie-talkie has average battery life.
- It is expensive compared to other similar or more simple radios.
Â
#3 Motorola T600
Continuing, the third walkie-talkie on my list is this neon green Motorola T600. I should also tell you that this walkie-talkie is a little heavy despite its cute looks. This cute design of a walkie-talkie is waterproof, having an IP67 rating. Unlike the first two walkie-talkies, it can survive not only a splash of water but a whole 30-minute submersion underwater. It is because of the neon green plastic covering the exterior of the walkie-talkie. It can also operate within 36 miles in range in ideal conditions. When I tested it on terrain, I can still get a good signal within 6 miles, but I do not fully trust the 36 miles of range since ideal conditions are difficult to achieve on any US hunting destinations.
Its frequency can reach from 462 MHz to 467 MHz like the other two. Also, as I mentioned above, if you wish to transmit signals over GMRS-exclusive channels, make sure that you have an FCC-issued license to avoid fines and punishment for violating.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 0.5-2 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable batteries or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.40 lb (without batteries)
- Waterproof: yes (IP67)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T600
- The T600 is waterproof (one of the best in terms of being waterproof).
- It is easy to use.
- You can use the walkie-talkie in a large range.
- It contains a belt clip.
- The Motorola T600 can communicate on plenty of channels.
Main Plus: Priority Scan Feature
This walkie talkie has the Priority Scan feature, which allows you to set the preferred frequency while the handset is automatically scanning. This feature helps when you are hunting in a group. The handset’s waterproof feature is also a feature difficult to ignore.
Cons of the Motorola T600
- The radio feels bulky.
- iVOX/VOX function is not as good as other devices in the same category
- The user interface is not the best.
Â
#4 Cobra RX680
My fourth walkie-talkie is the Cobra RX680. This handset may be better than the other four for features like its range within 38 miles. It is built to survive extreme conditions, making it one of the best handsets to use for hunting. However, although it may look like it, the rubber covering its body does not make it fully resistant to water. Cobra RX680’s waterproof rating is only IP54, which means that it is resistant to little dust and splashes of water from any directions but not from full submersion underwater.
Since it is under the 3-watt category, its frequency is well within the standards provided by the ISEDC (Innovation, Science, Economic Development Canada), and you do not need a license to operate this radio. Its Voice-Activated Transmission also comes in handy when hunting since your hands might be busy doing something else. The Belt Clips equipped on the device is also a great combination with the VOX feature for me. This handset’s built-in flashlight feature is also a valuable asset, especially in the dark when hunting becomes harder.
Specifications
- Brand: Cobra
- Range: 38 miles
- Power output: 2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462.550-467.7125 MHz
- Battery: 2 Lithium-Polymer Batteries
- Size: 15 x 2.4 x 3.2 Inches
- Weight: 0.76 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP54)
- License needed: no
Pros of the Cobra RX680
- It has a small size.
- The RX680 has an ultra-clear reception.
- The walkie-talkie has a proximity range of 38 miles.
- You do not need a license to use it.
- It has an earphone/ microphone jack.
- The radio supports 60 channels.
- It has access to Radio updates via its NOAA radio receiver.
- You can use its built-in LED flashlight.
Main Plus: Privacy Code and Emergency Feature
Cobra RX680 comes with a privacy code feature that reduces interference from any other sources on a specified channel. Its emergency alert feature can also be configured on the settings so that by simply pressing the emergency alert button for 3 seconds, you can send a signal to members of your group in case you need help.
Cons of the Cobra RX680
- It can be a bit pricey for some.
- The complexity of setting personalization if you wish to customize the device Is too high.
- The RX 680 has no included charging brick in the box.
Â
#5 Baofeng BF-F8HP
This handset device may not have a wider range than the other four boasts, with only 25 miles that can be achieved using the 8-watt power level. Baofeng BF F8HP has VHF and UHF and has three frequencies. Again, a reminder for you. Be careful in configuring the frequencies you want in this device since transmitting frequencies illegally can make you end up in jail or fined. Make sure that you have the appropriate license required by the US through the Federal Communications Commissions.
This walkie-talkie of Baofeng can last up to 24 hours, depending on the power level. It uses a 2000 mAh, 7.4v Li-Ion battery and can be recharged while still in use and attached to the device. I am not sure if the device is waterproof or not but just on the safe side, avoid submerging it underwater or getting a splash of water.
Specifications
- Brand: Baofeng
- Range: 25 miles
- Power output: 8 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 65-108 MHz (FM radio reception), VHF: 136-174 MHz (Rx/TX), UHF: 400-520 MHz (Rx/TX)
- Battery: 2,000 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Size: 3.75 (+ 6.5 inches with the antenna) x 2 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.49 lb
- Waterproof: no information
- License needed: yes (amateur / FCC license)
Pros of the Baofeng BF F8HP
- Great value for your money; affordable price for a high-quality device.
- The radio has many features that make the device a powerful tool to use.
- The Baofeng BF-F8HP has excellent sound quality and a reliable battery.
- It has commendable transmitting power and wide coverage.
- It is built with a voice command for easy and convenient usage.
Main Plus: 7-inch Antenna & Battery-saving Function
Baofeng BF F8HP is equipped with its 7-inch antenna, which gives it a better reception, which helps when the group members are far apart. Its battery-saving function is also a huge plus for me. It activates when the handset is low in battery and still allows you to maintain communication with the others, which is important when hunting.
Cons of the Baofeng BF F8HP
- It may not be waterproof
- Complicated use, especially for beginners.
- Software is needed to configure and program the device.
How to Choose the Best Walkie Talkie for Hunting
There are many things that one may need to consider when buying walkie-talkies for hunting. It might not be that hard for those who are not beginners at hunting even though they want to try using the device for the first time, but it is harder for them to hunt. If you are one of those beginners on hunting while using walkie-talkies I am talking about, read this part attentively and carefully. If you are not, you might as well read it. Who knows, you might be able to pick other important features that need to be considered.
Â
Since hunting requires you to deal with difficult situations, rough conditions brought by the terrain, or even water bodies if the destination has one, I consider durability one of the most important features that you need to prioritize when looking for a walkie-talkie. It is important to look for walkie-talkies with shockproof or waterproof features like the five mentioned above. Having a dustproof and splashproof handset would lessen your worry now and then while navigating through the terrains.
Â
Range
The next one for me would be the range. Most handset radios have a wide range, but it is only achievable under ideal conditions, which, as we all know, are difficult to have when you are in a location with numerous obstructions along the way. The best tip here is to look for the walkie-talkie that cannot be a hundred percent affected by these various obstructions while maintaining its best range. Communicating while hunting is very important when you are in a group, so focusing on this feature can greatly help you hunt.
Â
Battery Life
This next one is also important since it will be based on how long you can last alone. For me, the battery is the feature buyers should never ignore. Almost all walkie-talkies have batteries that can last almost a day, depending on their power levels. Your whole hunting operation features, especially the communication, will depend on how long your walkie-talkie can last. Some radios have a saving mode, which automatically activates when the device’s power has gotten low. Choosing walkie-talkies based on their battery strength is relatively easy, but it will serve you best if you consider this feature a little more.
Â
Emergency and VOX Features
The last features that I consider and advise you to do are the emergency alert, whisper function, VOX, and frequency features. First, the emergency alert is understandably necessary, so the factor that you may look into it is how easy you can use this alert. The easier you can use this feature, the faster you can call the other members if you need urgent help. The whisper function feature is beneficial if I were asked. Since being silent and discreet is significant in hunting because any sound may alert your prey. The whisper function feature allows you to talk softly without alerting your surroundings. The VOX feature of a walkie-talkie is also important since I am busy holding my weapon or doing something else. Operating my handset hands-free would be a huge deal for me. Lastly, the frequency. It is also important since you need to set your frequency with the group members to communicate efficiently. However, be aware that you will need an FCC license before transmitting over some exclusive channels, and doing such without a license would get you punished or jailed. You may read more about acquiring a license on the FCC website.

Why should I use a Walkie Talkie for Hunting?
Hunting is often perceived as an individual activity, but it can also be done in groups so you can have someone to bond with. Doing it in a group would need an efficient communication line between the members to ensure the hunt’s success. This is where the use of walkie-talkies comes in and the reason why it is important. Using cell phones on hunting locations would greatly suffer your communications. Cell phones are not useful on hunting destinations since they cannot receive any signals that the cell phones based their operations on, which is different from walkie-talkies, which use radio signals, making it an ideal communication device when hunting. Having communication during hunting can help you and the other group members since you can report what is happening on your end, especially if you need to call someone for help. It is better than shouting for help.
Conclusion – The 5 best Walkie Talkies for Hunting
Walkie-talkies help hunt, and looking for the proper type of walkie-talkie for this activity is essential for you. Among the walkie talkies you can look for, the five mentioned above were the best walkie talkies in durability, range, battery, and other features. So looking for these five specifically would decrease your time wondering what walkie-talkie you want to buy for your next hunting expedition.
Â