Hunting can be an exciting activityif you have a partner along with you. >But where’s the fun if you can’t  communicate with your partner and hunt together!

That’s when hunting walkie talkies come into play.In this article, I am going to help you find the best walkie talkie for hunting with an in-depth guide.These walkie talkies are not the gadgets you used when you were kids. These are two-way radios that have enhanced functionalities suitable for hunting.

Why You Need A Two-Way Radio for hunting?

These are the reasons why you need two-way radios during hunting:

• Keep synchronization with your hunting partner.
• Get weather alerts to take shelter in time.
• Communicate over longer ranges and keep yourself safe.
• Eliminate the need for cell phone signals.
• Bringing in an element of fun and thrill.
• Useful features like weather resistance, sturdiness and silent operation make them suitable for hunting.

Quick Note: In some states, hunting deer with two-way radios is illegal. Make sure to check your state regulations before you buy and use one.

Requirements for Using a Two-Way Radio.

There are different requirements for different brands. Some radios operate within HAM bands which need a proper Amateur Radio license to use. I would recommend you to get at least a TECH level license to use the products mentioned here.

If you don’t have one, don’t worry. Just get the Amateur Radio license and you’ll be fine. If you don’t have a license but operate within the HAM bands, it could get you a sizable fine from the FCC.

However, most of the radios mentioned here don’t require a license from the FCC. Please check Legalities Of “Walkie Talkie” Use While Hunting before you go hunting.

Most of the walkie talkies here will use the FRS/GMRS bands. It’s basically two different services combined with one. Keep in mind that, although the FRS/GMRS radio type will give you extensive range, using it legally will require permission.

You can apply for a license by applying online or manually file FCC Form 605. You don’t need to go through any tests. It’s just standard procedure.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing the Best Walkie Talkies.

1. Do you hunt solo or are you a team player?

Suppose you are hunting with partners and one of them spotted a deer. By having radios, he/she can give out the location or tell if a herd of elk is coming your way or not.

You can also call one another for help when you need to do some field dressing. Although some of the hunters think it’s against the law of fair chase and fair hunt policy. But, I doubt that.

You can’t actually rely on your cell phones because, out there in the wild, it will be out of coverage for sure. The best way to communicate is to use the best two-way radios for mountains and forests.

1. Do you want extra security out there in the wild?

Having a reliable communication method can give a feeling of security. Often you are out there a mile or two from the nearest town and can’t actually rely on cellular-based communication.

It may be due to turbulence created by the dense forest or mountains. But, having a long-range walkie talkie can help you communicate even in those scenarios.

With the press of a button, you know you can reach out to someone for help. Most modern hunting walkie talkies have long battery lifespan, lightweight and reliable.

As long as they are allowed in your state, I don’t see any reason why you should not get one.

1. Do you have a license to operate a two-way radio?

You need some legal papers before you can use these radios for hunting. As I have said before, you should also check whether it’s allowed in your state or not. Go to the FCC’s Universal Licensing System and apply online.

1. Do you need a longer battery life?

When you are out there, you can’t always charge your radios. Unless you have a camp set up there, which most hunters don’t do. For campers, that’s another thing because they travel heavy.

But for hunters, they prefer to travel as light as possible. That’s why you need something that can get you through the day. Go for the radios that have rechargeable batteries and can operate on AA or AAA batteries.

Quick Note: If your walkie talkie comes with a signal booster feature, it will drain those batteries faster than normal when boosting the signal.

1. Do you need to use headsets?

A cool feature that some of these two-way walkie talkies have is the headset option. I would love to see those on all the devices. When you have your hands full, these wired or Bluetooth headset can be a lifesaver.

Bowhunters will really appreciate this feature. If you can, don’t miss out on getting a radio with this feature.

1. Are weather alerts and waterproof features important for you?

If you ask other hunters, they will definitely recommend these features. Most radios that hunters use will have NOAA weather alerts. It’s a feature that locks into the nearest weather channel and will keep you updated on the current weather.

Some devices will automatically search for nearby weather stations. If there is rain in the forecast, you don’t have to worry too much if your device is waterproof. I don’t think I need to stress enough about this.

1. What is the best walkie talkie for hunting?

There is no single best product out there that I can say is best for hunting. It’s because different products have different features and prices. It depends on how much you are willing to spend what features you want to get.

To narrow down the list, I’ve recommended some of the best radio for mountain hunting, see the list of reviews and make your decision.

These are some of the common features that most first-time hunters will look for. There are other features out there, but these are the most basic ones.

At the end of the reviews, I will be sharing an In-Depth buying guide for all you that want to know more about these radios or want to make the decision by yourself.

Here are the top 10 best 2-way radios for hunting in no particular order.

Top 7 Best Two Way Radios For Hunting.

1. Midland Gxt1050vp4 36-Mile 50-Channel Frs/Gmrs Two-Way Radio.

The Midland Gxt1050vp4 is a two-way, 50-channel radio that’s made for hunting. It’s rugged and waterproof with a bunch of options that make this radio a tough competitor to beat.

This radio uses Frs/Gmrs service which means that you’ll need to get the proper FCC license to use this one.  Although, the manufacturer claims that it has a range of 36 miles, but in a typical scenario like forests and mountains, you’ll get somewhere between 3 to 4 miles.

It has a nice camo design that’s perfect for stealth operations. This two-way radio is packed with features like direct/group calling, privacy codes, SOS siren, NOAA weather radio, silent operation, animal call alerts and many more. It’s one of the best two-way walkie talkies out there.

The clarity on this one is top-notch. Even in whisper settings, you can hear what others are saying. Even if you speak quietly, the other person can easily hear what you are saying. On top of that, it has two rechargeable batteries and also supports AA batteries. If you are hunting in a group, don’t go without this one.

Though it’s not completely waterproof. But it can withstand water splashes. So, if you keep it safe enough, you can cross rivers and lakes with it.

2. Cobra ACXT1035R FLT CAMO Walkie Talkie.

The ACXT1035 FLT CAMO walkie talkie from Cobra gives out that adventurous look. Although there are
other design patterns available, the Realtree Max 4 design gives the most outdoor vibe. The large orange buttons with the camouflage look make it a complete outdoor companion.

The NOAA weather alert feature will keep you updated for upcoming storms and emergencies. Hands-free calling for those hunters who have their hands full with other equipment. It can detect the user’s voice and transmit without the need to press buttons.

The ACXT1035R has a floating design, and the orange shade is visible underwater. So, if you love Kayaking and drop your gadget in the under, this feature will help you find it in no time. It’s one of the best-rated hunting walkie talkies out there and ready to use out of the box. Feels very rigid and the rubberized grip makes it easy to use in wet conditions.

This IPX7 certified also comes with Cobra’s patented Rewind-Say-Again technology. It’s a feature that records 20 seconds of the audio call from the ones that you missed. Additional features such as dual-port charger and LED flashlight are also present.

3. Midland Consumer Radio MID-LXT535VP3.

The Midland Consumer is a two-way radio that uses the Family Radio Service channels. Keep in mind that you need a proper license to use this one. There is also a channel scan feature to scan for nearby channels. You can tune into 22 channels with this radio, however, the GMRS channels require FCC license.

You can consider this one as the best walkie talkies for mountain use. In a dense forest with lots of obstacles,
you’ll get roughly 2 to 3 miles of coverage. In open areas, it’s close to 24 miles range. One unique feature of this device is the Hi/Lo power settings. You can manually adjust the transmission frequency to preserve battery life.

There are two power options. You can either use the Ni-MH rechargeable battery or use 4 “AAA” batteries. It comes with two radios, two belt clips, two rechargeable batteries, one desktop charger, and one AC adapter.

Other noticeable features are auto channel scanner, battery life extender, auto squelch, silent mode, call alerts, roger beeps, and easy to use buttons. It’s a nice budget-friendly solution for any outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Sony Midland Gxt1000vp4.

The Midland GTX1000vp4 is quite similar to the Gxt1050vp4. Honestly, there is not much to tell about this one. It can give you amazing 36-mile coverage without any obstacles in the environment. In the forest, expect 2 – 3 miles range.

You can purchase this radio in pairs. This walkie talkie has 10 call alerts that you can use to your preference. And it’s also water-resistant.

For your outdoor safety, it comes equipped with NOAA weather and all-hazards alert functionality. With purchase, you’ll get the base charger, rechargeable batteries, and headsets. It’s a complete package at a reasonable price.

It can operate on a set of AA batteries. It uses GMRS frequencies with 50 channels. This radio comes with 142 privacy codes up to 3924 channels. So, you can call on a one to one basis.

Other features include eVOX, SOS siren, dual power options, hands-free operation and many more.

5. Cobra Cxt1045r-Flt-Camo 2way Radios Walkie Talkies.

It’s the new version of the CXT 1035r. The Cxt1045r from Cobra can cover up to 37 miles. It’s suitable for campers, hikers and other outdoor adventures. The max performance range is for ideal environments without any obstacles. In a dense forest, it will be way less.

This two-way walkie talkie is compact and easy to hold because of the rubberized grip. Even in wet conditions, you can hold it firmly. It has a floating design. If by chance you drop it in the water, the bright orange color can help you pinpoint its location.

This water-resistant camo radio comes with NOAA Weather & Emergency Radio receiver. It will keep you updated about upcoming storms. There are some extra features such as the LED flashlight, privacy codes and many more. The best part of this is the Rewind-Say-Again feature. It will automatically playback all the missed calls and record the last 20 seconds of the audio clip.

Last but not least, the 22-channel option with 2662 Channel Combinations. The 121 privacy codes will provide you some sort of privacy.

It comes with 6 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries as well as dual charging ports. If you need some extra juice, you can use regular alkaline batteries too.

6. Motorola Mr230tpr 2-Way Radio.

Another two-way radio from Motorola and this time it’s the Mr230tpr. This compact radio is waterproof and can cover up to 23 miles without any obstacles on the way. Typically, you would get around 3 to 4 miles in a dense forest. This unitis lightweight and can be a good companion for hikers who want to travel light.

You have the option to tune into 22 channels and 121 privacy codes. The total number of combinations is 2662. That’s enough to filter out most radio frequencies. The button is large enough to use with gloves.

Additional features such as NOAA Weather alerts, Dual Power charging options, iVOX/VOX Hands-free calling are all built into this small device. It’s IP-51 rated which means it is dustproof and can withstand dripping water.

Motorola Mr230tpr is a bundle pack that includes 3 radios, rechargeable batteries, earbuds, one charging adapter, user manual, and accessories brochure. It’s everything you want in your walkie talkie and much more. This one can hold up well in most extreme and demanding environments.

7. Floureon 4 Packs Two Way Radios.

Looking at these walkie talkies reminded of those toy radios that I have at my home. However, looks can be
deceiving. These are made for outdoor adventure, and a pack of four is better than two.

This walkie talkie supports up to 22 channels. It’s easy to use. But it doesn’t come with any batteries. There is a small LCD backlit display. Looks more of a toy radio though. But it’s fun.

It has an adjustable sound and quality is not bad. Great for outdoor fun with friends and families. Don’t expect this to perform like the ones that pro-hunters use.

These radios can also pair with headsets. But you need to buy them separately. Even the batteries too. You’ll need three AAA batteries to operate these radios.

How to Choose a Two-Way Radio for Hunting: A Buyer’s Guide.

At the beginning of this article, I’ve mentioned the most important features to look for when buying a new hunting walkie talkie. But, I’ve left out the additional features such as wattage, battery, aesthetics, and some others. These are for more advanced people who still want to find the top-rated walkie talkies for hunting.

1. Range.

Different walkie talkies will offer different ranges. It’s measured in miles. Usually, the higher the wattage, the better the range. Increased wattage means more price, but there is a catch here. It will drain out your batteries fast. Keep that in mind when going for more wattage.

2. Channels.

If you want to avoid interference, go for the one that has the ability to alternate between channels. Some of the best two-way radios have this feature installed as well as privacy code and related features.

3. Power.

If you want better signal strength and better audio quality, go for more transmission power. It is measured in watts. Normally, the power output will determine the walkie talkies transmission capabilities.

4. Water-resistance.

You can find a good water-resistance walkie talkie at a reasonable price. And that will be sufficient enough to save your gadget from raindrops and water splashes.

However, if your hunting routine involves crossing lakes and rivers then you need to look for a waterproof version. But the cost will rise considerably.

5. Weather alerts.

Access to NOAA and local weather forecasts is a must for every hunter. The best 2-way radios will give you a constant update of the weather. It’s an essential feature that you don’t want to miss out on.

6. Weight.

It’s not as important as other features but having something lightweight is certainly better than carrying around something bulky. The overall weight of a walkie talkie is determined by the material that is used in the construction.

7. Silent operation.

Some walkie talkies might not have the feature to keep it in silent mode. So, if you are not using a headset, it will become essential. You don’t want to make alert your prey from the beeping sound. Look for a model that has this option.

8. Extra features for advanced hunters.

• A built-in digital compass can help you find direction and will eliminate the need to carry anything extra.
• Camouflage design and look of a hunting radio can really help to blend into the surroundings.
• Some walkie talkies have a customizable ringtone. So, you can set a duck or bird ringtone for safe hunting.

What Are Privacy Codes and How Do They Work?

Privacy code is a feature that lets you find a chatter-free frequency. If you are out on a busy day hunting with the pack, it will let you select a predetermined channel with a code.

With this code, you’ll be able to communicate with the person you want who is already tuned to the channel. Even if someone turned off the feature, they’ll still be able to hear from you. Isn’t it cool?

Another useful feature to have the Voice-activated talking aka VOX. It’s a nice feature that removes the hassle of “push to talk.” You can adjust the volume level on some radios and talk when you are in the middle of something, or you have your hands full.

When you are hunting with a team, there is a feature called Direct/group calling. It will allow you to contact a specific member of a team without alerting others.

You can also set call alerts on some radios to set a specific tone for a specific person. Although, it’s better to keep it on silent and let it vibrate when someone is trying to contact you.

There is also a feature called All Hazard alert. You can send SOS siren, or someone can notify the group for emergency alerts such as landslide or fire.

Requirements For Using A Two-Way Radio.

There are different requirements for different brands. Some radios operate within HAM bands which need a proper Amateur Radio license to use. I would recommend you to get at least a TECH level license to use the products mentioned here.

If you don’t have one, don’t worry. Just get the Amateur Radio license and you’ll be fine. If you don’t have a license but operate within the HAM bands, it could get you a sizable fine from the FCC.

However, most of the radios mentioned here don’t require a license from the FCC. Please check Legalities Of “Walkie Talkie” Use While Hunting before you go hunting.

Most of the walkie talkies here will use the FRS/GMRS bands. It’s basically two different services combined with one. Keep in mind that, although the FRS/GMRS radio type will give you extensive range, using it legally will require permission.

You can apply for a license by applying online or manually file FCC Form 605. You don’t need to go through any test. It’s just standard procedure.

These are for more advanced people who still want to find the top-rated walkie talkies for hunting.

Wrapping Up.

Now that I’ve filtered the best from the worst, it’s time for you to take the final decision. Which one will it be? If you are not sure, check the must-have features and do a little bit of research on your own.

It was kind of a long guide, I’ve tried my best to fill in all the data that I could. Hopefully, you’ll now be able to pick the best walkie talkie for hunting without wasting too much time and money.