Best Walkie Talkie for Hunting in Woods- 2023 Reviews

A walkie talkie is a must-have gadget to have while hunting in the woods. It will not only help you connect with your group, but also will be very beneficial during emergencies. You might be thinking about your mobile phones. Tell you what, not all service providers have coverage in woods and mountains.

Now, how do you select hunting walkie talkies? Your focus should be on long-range(25+ miles), PTT button, and abundant battery life(10+ hours). With this in mind, we have researched and tested the top-rated radios to bring you the best walkie talkie for hunting in 2020. We have found 11 terrific radios that will do a great deal for hunting.

Best Hunting Walkie Talkie-Our Top Picks

The top 11 walkie talkies we recommend for hunting in the woods are:

1. Motorola Talkabout T265
2. SAMCOM FPCN30A
3. Arcshell AR
4. Midland GXT1000VP4
5. Topsung M880
6. COBRA ACXT1035
7. Radioddity GA-2S
8. Midland X-TALKER
9. Retevis RT5
10. GOCOM G200
11. LUITON LT-316

Why Should You get a Walkie Talkie while Hunting?

With the hunting season approaching, here’s what you’ll need the most!

• When out in the wild, having a reliable communication source is crucial, given the limited cellular coverage.
• Whether you’re alone or bored, your walkie talkie will undoubtedly prove to be a great source of entertainment.
• Exchange necessary information and alerts with your buddies using the two-way radios.
• You may also use the device to get information regarding weather conditions to better plan your excursion.
• In case of an emergency, it helps you connect with those around you almost immediately. It enabled you to send out an emergency alert when in need of help.
• For example, when you’re lost and need help getting back to the cabin, all you’ll need is to push a button to communicate with a group member.

In short, you may use the walkie talkie for chatting, for exchanging essential information, or to get real-time weather updates. However, it is unlawful to use the device for exchanging knowledge of animal sightings when hunting.

Best Walkie Talkies for Hunting- Reviews

1.      Motorola Talkabout T265 – Best Walkie Talkie for Hunting

Exclusively designed for hunters, this beast boasts of 25+ miles range, emergency features, and hands-free communication! This is the ultimate choice for every serious hunter when it comes to walkie talkies!

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The T265 Talkabout unit from Motorola excels in all areas that you could look into! It’s got all the extras you could throw into a hunting walkie talkie!

I needed a device that could keep me in touch with my buddies while in the wild. Surprisingly, this surpassed any other radio I had used in the past. It works just as well as a smartphone!

Here are some of the top features that make T265 worth looking into:

• Includes two earbuds with PTT microphones
• Easy to carry with the carry-case
• 2,662 channel combinations
• Micro-USB charging

The device’s battery life was also quite spectacular. I used it for 12 hours at a stretch and didn’t have to worry about charging it, thanks to the micro-USB charger. Overall, the battery life seems adequate; however, you may experience slight distortion in transmission once the charge is low.

Besides this, the only issue I had was regarding the range coverage. Although T265 performs far better than its competitors in this aspect, the range was still affected by the surroundings. 

As far as durability goes, Motorola T265 has a solid feel in hand, and you can tell about its quality just by one glance. I even happened to drop it, but the walkie talkie continued working without any damage to the exterior.

Conclusively, if you’re primarily a hunter and need something that works well in the wild, Motorola T265 is the best buy!

2.      SAMCOM FPCN30A – Top Hunting Walkie talkie for Groups

This is a beast of a model that is best for groups! You will love the group PTT and 30+ miles range of this SAMCOM walkie talkie!

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SAMCOM has made plenty of noise with its spectacular two-way radios. This set of six FPCN30A walkie talkies is every hunting group’s dream; there’s a unit for everyone!

The SAMCOM radios are a thing of real beauty. We’re impressed with its fantastic functioning and distance coverage, even in the wild. It includes a capacious and long-running battery, as well as earpieces to aid in silent operation.

I’m amazed at its group call function, which connects me to all group members, saving me time and effort. These devices by SAMCOM are perfect for large-scale hunting events and gatherings.

The only thing lacking is the user manual, which isn’t very thorough. However, once you play around with the radio, you start getting the hang of it pretty quickly.

Another great point is that the radios are waterproof. You don’t need to worry about weather conditions, as the protection can help it resist rain and water splashes. Moreover, the audio quality is another appealing feature for hunters, as you can send and receive messages without worrying about static.

3.      Arcshell AR-5 – Most budget-friendly hunting radio

It’s small size and small budget makes it the best choice for occasional hunters!

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AR-5 is the best candidate when you’re looking for the best possible quality at a reasonable price. The model continues to build on Archshell’s reputation for highly competitive performance.

There are so many things to love about when it comes to Arcshell radios. The low priced, value-packs are loaded with outstanding features.

• Water-resistant
• Intelligent charging
• Overcharge protection
• Noise reduction
• In-built LED flashlight

You get a charging cradle with each of these six radios to facilitate quick recharging. Moreover, you also get an earpiece with each to ensure low creek sound.

Besides this, the Arcshell walkie talkies cover decent amounts of distance. However, it is highly dependent on the terrain and the surrounding environment. When in flat land, you will be surprised by the long-distance it manages to cover. However, it might not get you too far in the forest, depending on how dense the environment is.

Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with my purchase. The AR-5 units seem to perform just as well as most high-end walkie talkies. The only problem I faced was with the quality of the earpieces. They are not the most durable, and you would want to be careful while using them in harsh environments.

4.      Midland GXT1000VP4 – Customer’s Favorite choice

A highly reputed Midland model that delivers the most flawless performance!

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With its subtle design, Midland doesn’t only nail the basics but goes on to offer never-seen-before features.

Whether you’re a professional or an amateur hunter, Midland GXT1000VP4 is the best choice! The waterproof walkie talkie works in about all kinds of conditions. If you accidentally submerge your device in water, it will continue to function.

Also, we found these radios to work exceptionally well in hilly and dense terrains. The transmissions were clear with zero noise!

The Midland radios are relatively lightweight and easy to carry. Additionally, they feature NOAA weather channels and alerts to keep you safe in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.

Another excellent point for hunters is the whisper feature, which enables you to remain low while remaining audible. This handy feature is quite practical and useful when chasing easily-startled animals. The headsets are a nice touch, too!

In a nutshell, the Midland GXT1000VP4 is an extraordinary and versatile radio to have for outdoor excursions!

5.      Topsung M880 – Ideal Hunting Walkie Talkie for Kids

This set of two camouflages walkie talkies is the most ideal package for kids! It works great for adults too. Yeah, the price would be something too tempting to resist!

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This fantastic little device can pass off as a toy with its vibrant aesthetics. It’s got several extra features, sure to appeal to the young members.

When you have little ones accompanying you and need something robust that withstands bad conditions, Topsung is the one to get! Some of its outstanding features include:

• 2,662 channel combinations
• Earpiece jack with a dust plug
• Long standby
• Clear voice with squelch system

The only negative we faced was with the instructions; they were hard to read.

Apart from the manual, we only have positive things to say about the Topsung walkie talkies. Although they can easily pass off as toys, they’re quite sturdy and well-constructed. You can set it to the VOX function to enable hands-free operation.

Alongside this, another fun aspect of these walkie talkies is the multiple color choices available. You can get up to nine options!

You can’t ask for more with the Topsung radios. They are inexpensive, long-lasting, and effective! You can expect them to transmit a decent range even in no-man’s-land!

6.      COBRA ACXT1035R – Premium Choice

Cobra ACXT1035R is a boss with its rugged design, 35 miles long-range, and IPX7 standard! We recommend this premium walkie talkie for regular hunters!

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Cobra ACXT1035R is a neat device that packs a whole lot of technology in its compact size!

This walkie talkie isn’t only good to look at – but it has brains too! With its 2,662 channel combinations, you don’t have much to worry about in terms of privacy.

The two-way radio also comes with essential features like VibraAlert to alert you to incoming signals. This feature is critical for hunters looking for devices with low or no sound.

Additionally, the device has an orange core and floating ability, so you never lose it. In case you drop it into a lake or any other water source, it will resurface, making retrieval convenient. Furthermore, the Cobra ACXT1035R is also waterproof making it usable in all kinds of weather conditions!

Its rubberized grip helps you carry it in wet and dusty conditions with absolute ease.

The built-in NOAA alerts and emergency receiver keeps you well-prepared while you’re out in the wild. The radio automatically sends you emergency alerts and warnings based on your location.

In comparison to the other brands in the market, we find Cobra ACXT1035R to be the most useful and practical tool for the outdoors. Moreover, these cost way less than smartphones yet provide better coverage.

With this Cobra radio, the benefits are tremendous!

7.      Radioddity GA-2S – Most Rugged Hunting Walkie Talkie

One of the most rugged walkie talkies for hunting, this Radiodity gadget is a package of all accessories you need!

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A sturdy construction mixed with a host of useful features; the Radioddity GA-2S is well-regarded as a premium radio.

The device is both rugged and practical; the slim handset comes with a long antenna and earpiece with a microphone. It’s everything a hunter can wish for!

Radioddity’s first USP is that you can charge it using a micro-USB cable. While outdoors, with limited charging options, you can easily connect the device to your car charger. It enables you to wander in the wild for longer without worrying about losing power.

The programmable side button is another noteworthy feature of the radio. It can be set to Monitor or Alarm based on your needs. However, you can only program the device using the CPS software. 

• 155 privacy codes
• Air acoustic earpiece
• 96 hours long standby
• CHIRP supported
• Micro-USB charging

The only downside to this Radioddity unit is its easily breakable belt-clip. You may want to look into other options for carrying the device outdoors.

Despite its economical price, the GA-2S seems to perform excellently. It’s well-made, and transmits flawlessly, too!

8.      Midland X-TALKER – Budget Package for Kids

With four colorful walkie talkies, this kit gives you amazing specs combined with excellent value for money

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The X-Talker is not only well-priced but also smartly designed, keeping in mind the needs of adventurers. It is across-board, a feature-rich and well-equipped walkie talkie. It feels great in hand and works straight out of the box.

Admittedly, these are slightly pricey. You can easily find like-featured devices at relatively lower prices. However, anywhere you go, you won’t find the same brand reputation as Midland!

The best feature of Midland X-Talker is the animal call alerts, which include duck, crow, turkey, wolf, and cougar. This feature makes these the ultimate walkie talkies to have for hunting! Additionally, it boasts a vibration feature to silence all tones, not to alert the prey.

It will be fair to say that Midland X-talker has taken the market by storm in terms of quality, features, and performance. With these bells and whistles, we find the high price justified, and the radio set delivers excellent bang for the buck.

9.      Retevis RT5 – A “budget” way to own a prestige walkie talkie

A stunning waterproof walkie talkie with IP67 Ingress Protection! This gadget should be the ultimate choice for your next kayaking as an emergency backup!

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The RT5 looks a little cheap, but it packs some pretty decent features. It offers everything you could hope for in a mid-range budget.

Having used radios from brands like Midland, Cobra, and Motorola, this Retevis radio was quite a surprise. I was thoroughly impressed by its battery life, range, and overall functioning. The ability to charge the radio with a USB cable took the overall experience up a notch.

The highlight of our entire purchase has to be the exceptional customer service provided by the brand. They offer prompt support to any query or complaint put forward by customers. Let’s take a look at the other aspects that make the RT5 a fantastic buy!

• 128 channels with dual-band display
• High-power and high-gain antennas
• Car charger supported
• FM radio
• 4-color display

My only disappointment is that the charging cradle isn’t as durable as I had hoped. It’s quite a challenge to plot the unit into the cradle.

However, I highly recommend RT5 to anyone looking for a well-equipped radio for outdoor adventures despite that minor flaw.

10.  GOCOM G200 – Easy operation and decent sound quality

A stunning waterproof walkie talkie with IP67 Ingress Protection! This gadget should be the ultimate choice for your next kayaking as an emergency backup!

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We must admit GOCOM G200 is probably your best choice for outdoor sports, thanks to its long battery life and smart functioning!

To begin with, the radio features a bold LCD faceplate for enhanced visibility. Additionally, each unit comes with an earbud and microphone, as well as rechargeable batteries. For this reason, we find the GOCOM radios a complete package.

Another fantastic factor is that the devices are quickly charged using USB cables and run continuously for 25 hours. In addition to this, it also offers a one-key danger alarm, which is quite functional, keeping outdoor circumstances in mind.

There are ten available weather channels to provide users with real-time updates, alerts, and reports.

All in all, I communicated with my hunting partners from miles away, and the range was adequate for my use.

11.  LUITON LT-316 – A hit among hunters but could do with more appealing features

A stunning waterproof walkie talkie with IP67 Ingress Protection! This gadget should be the ultimate choice for your next kayaking as an emergency backup!

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If you’re new to the hunting scene, the Luiton LT-316 is a great place to start!

Admittedly, the LT-316 isn’t the best walkie talkie on the market, yet it packs a whole lot of punch for a pretty low price. It’s relatively easy to fit into a shirt-pocket and light to carry in hand. The device has been constructed with the customer in mind. There seems to be attention in every design aspect.

One of our favorite aspects of the LUITON LT-316 is its excellent receive sensitivity and crisp audio. The clean emissions on transmit are just what you need to communicate with buddies outdoors.

Here’s a look at the LT-316’s remarkable features:

• 5-10 mile range in wild
• 16 memory channels
• CHIRP supported
• Micro-USB charging
• Ultra-thin and compact

The highlight of this walkie talkie is that it is beginner-friendly and great for non-technical individuals. If you’re just stepping into the hunting world, you can’t go wrong with LT-316.

Another likable point is that these radios are easily programmable using the CHIRP software. You won’t experience issues while adjusting channel frequencies and power modes.

The radio doesn’t come with a charging base, which is slightly inconvenient. However, considering the low price tag, it seems like a fair-trade.

Hunting Walkie Talkie Buying Guide

Here are a few of the critical buying factors to consider when looking for two-way radios for your hunting needs:

Long-range

As a hunter, your top-most need is to have clear transmission and quality sound regardless of the field you’re in. While most devices are advertised as having 35-miles of coverage, the actual transmission range if far from it!

As with any radio, your device’s range depends on geographical conditions like terrain, weather, and other obstructions. For hunting, you must look for a powerful unit with strong penetration abilities. You should keep in mind that mountains and forests can significantly restrict your range.

Extended battery life

Your walkie talkie must have an extended battery to survive through your hunting trips. If you choose a radio run by AA batteries, you must not forget to carry extras along with you.

You should look for those that can be charged using USB cables. This feature helps in recharging units through portable chargers and car adapters.

Privacy codes

Two-radios allow transmission on a specific number of channels assigned by the FCC. With several users operating on the same frequencies, it creates a lack of privacy. It means that while you’re communicating, someone out there could be listening in to your conversation.

Walkie talkies use CTCSS or DCS privacy codes to limit interference. Although not entirely private, this feature sure helps reduce noise.

If another user tunes in to a channel using the same privacy code as you, they will still be able to hear your conversation. Having more channels and privacy codes gives you numerous combinations to eliminate interference and enhance privacy by little.

Silent operation

If you have prior hunting experience, you must know how important it is to remain focused and silent, not to alert the prey. That’s why you must pay attention to find a walkie talkie that has low sound.

You may want to look into the Arcshell radios, Midland radios, Radioddity GA-2S, GOCOM radios, or Retevis RT5, including headsets. All the sound goes to the earpiece, and the speaker goes silent.

Since you’re planning on using the walkie talkies in the wild, we highly recommend looking into this factor!

Camouflage

Although not entirely necessary, you may still want to look for this fun feature. If you’re going off deer-hunting, the camouflage design isn’t particularly essential. However, when hunting birds or gobblers, you may want to be well-concealed.

However, most hunters invest in camo devices for merely getting into the spirit of hunting, as color typically doesn’t matter.

The Motorola T265 comes with a camo carry case while the Topsung radios are available in various colors with camouflage designing. You can also find the Midland X-Talker in a mossy oak camo design.

NOAA weather channels

Weather in the wild can be quite unpredictable. Conditions like strong winds, rain, fire, and mudslides might make your life tougher. It would help to have NOAA channels and alerts in your device.

This handy feature automatically scans through the channels to provide you up-to-date information when most needed.

Not only will it help you stay updated with impending weather conditions, but it will also help you plan your excursions better. Moreover, having these alerts can notify your travel buddies in situations where you need to protect yourself.

Extra Features

• You simply cannot avoid your device from getting exposed to harsh conditions like rain, mud, and dust. So, having a water-resistant and drop-proof device is a bonus! Your walkie talkie should be able to withstand such conditions, to ensure a longer product life. It’ll help reduce the cost of replacing your damaged two-way radios.
• Direct or group calling modes is another fun feature to look for. The direct calling mode connects you to a specific group member, while the group call mode connects you to multiple members.
• iVOX or VOX enables hands-free communication, which makes operating more convenient.
• LED flashlight? A handy feature for emergencies!

FAQ

Is it illegal to use walkie talkies while hunting?

It’s not entirely illegal to communicate using two-way radio gadgets while hunting. Said that your hunting group must keep specific regulations in mind using walkie talkies while hunting. These guidelines have been set, keeping in mind fair chase and play and hunting ethics.

As a hunter, you may communicate your locations with your buddies. You should keep in mind that it is illegal to use the devices to exchange sites of animals. In short, the use of walkie talkies for chasing, killing, or capturing an animal is unlawful.

To stay on the law’s side, you must review your local hunting guidelines and ensure ethical practice.

Are there any texting walkie talkies for hunting?

One of the critical things while hunting is staying quiet. With a prey approaching, communicating with voice may alert the animal and ruin your chances of hunting. In such a case, walkie talkies with texting capabilities can come in handy!

Motorola T800 (click here to check it’s latest Price on Amazon) uses Bluetooth connectivity to send off-grid messages. To find out other Motorola radios’ location and send text messages, you can download the Talkabout app and sync your smartphone with the walkie talkie. The feature is very helpful while hunting in groups. But, you need to note that the Talkabout app is only compatible with the Motorola T800 series.

How long should be the battery life of hunting walkie talkies?

Having a walkie talkie with an extended battery life enables you to stay on foot longer before needing to charge the device. The sole reason a smartphone isn’t the right choice for hunting is that it runs out of charge easily!

Most hunters look for powerful batteries as a vital feature. There are several options on the block with batteries that last days. Others use AA or AAA batteries that are easy to carry.

In any case, with minimal charging options in the wild, it’s best to carry a device that lasts you through the day.

What are the best two-way radios for hunting?

• Motorola T265 from the Talkabout series is the radio to have if you go on hunting trips frequently. One of its coolest features is its exceptional range coverage. It’s also compatible with any radio.
• However, if you’re a group of 4-6 and need a radio unit for each member, the SAMCOM pack of six is a pretty decent option.
• Arcshell radios aren’t too bad either when you’re looking for two-way communication while hunting. The set of six is priced under $100 and is quite power-packed!

Conclusion

Walkie talkies help connect you to your hunting buddies and allow users to stay ever-ready for all kinds of emergencies. By offering ease of communication, the device also keeps hunters stay up-to-date with critical information without distractions. It’s the best tool one can invest in for their hunting excursions!

You can judge a good hunting walkie talkie based on the range coverage it provides in all sorts of conditions and also as per its sound quality. You need to spend a few bucks to get the best technology. If you’re willing to invest in top-notch features and superior performance, you can’t go wrong with Motorola T265!