Top 10 Best Radios for Hunting in 2023

Are you planning to go hunting into the wide with limited or no access to cellular service? Then, you will need a reliable device that can offer you efficient communication, thus protecting you out there. 

So, what do you need? 

Investing in a hunting radio is one of the best devices to have handy. But getting the right one might be difficult due to the numerous available options on the market. So, to help you make an informed purchase, I will be providing you with the best hunting radios and buying guide to help you choose.

Top 10 Best Hunting Radios

1. BAOFENG BF-F8HP Two-Way Radio

The BAOFENG BF-F8HPTwo-Way Radio pitches an unbelievable frequency to give you the best connectivity in the remotest areas. A massive upgrade from the UV-5R second-gen comes with a hardened shell that protects it from knocks and falls through the rigors of wild hunting. 

This two-way radio features easy programming PCs thanks to the PC03 cable. Hence, it delivers a higher transmit power with the concierge service. It comes with a 2000mAh battery that offers 30% more battery life for a longer radio service. 

Here is the interesting part?

It has a simple manual that is easy to understand, so you need no initial expertise to use this radio. What’s more, you will experience no fatigue on your arm as the package comes with a belt clip and hand strap for easy carriage. 

Pros

Cons

2. Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio

The best hunting radios list won’t be complete without mentioning the massive Midland 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio. A study radio for hunting in the rain is splash resistant and doesn’t damage when exposed to water. 

That’s not all

Besides, it comes with a vibrating feature that allows you to silence all tones to avoid distraction. The transmitter comes with an NOAA weather scan, which gives you access to the strongest climate channels. The feature makes a beep to tell you of the risk of adverse weather ahead. 

Pros

Cons

3. Motorola Talkabout T465

Motorola Talkabout T465 Rechargeable Two keeps you in the loop with all the information you need on a hunting trip. 

With a simple button push, you could connect with fellow hunters or campers in the forest. It comes with 121 privacy codes to keep your conversations secure. You also get to know the prevalent weather conditions with the NOAA weather channels and alerts feature.

What’s more? 

It is the best two way radio for hunting in the evening as it has a bright built-in flashlight. The gadget gives no battery problems as it comes with NiMH rechargeable batteries that can last up to 10 hours. You can also use AA batteries which can come in handy for up to 26 straight hours. 

Moreover, you can always increase the transmitter power output with the Push-to-Talk button. This feature gives you more range and better battery life. 

What about the rain? 

One interesting fact about the Motorola T465 is that you can under the sun and in the rain thanks to its IP54 weatherproof design. 

Pros

Cons

4. Retevis H-777 Walkie Talkies

Never miss any information and communication in the world with the Retevis H-777 Walkie Talkies for Adults. It has a firmer antenna design that enlarges the coast of communication to even a farther zone. The radio gives the chance to talk directly on all 16 channels on speed press.

The radio delivers a super smooth sound thanks to its wonderful upgraded speaker, which delivers high-quality audio. The volume is adjustable, and you can receive messages even in a noisy area. With an ergonomic body, the radio saves you the problem of hand pain due to long holding. 

Now, Here’s an interesting fact.

Retevis H-777 has a USB port, so you can easily charge up the battery anytime. Although you won’t be doing that often as the battery stays up to 10-12 hours of continuous use after a 3 hours charge. 

Pros

Cons

5. DEWALT DXFRS300 Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies

If you want a durable radio that can withstand the rigors of hunting, then DEWALT DXFRS300 1-Watt is the obvious choice. 

Here is why.  

The device has complete protection from dust and water, making it suitable for both fall and autumn hunting. The interesting part is that even when you get drenched, it still works fine as it can withstand immersion in water for 30 mins. 

But that’s not all? 

The walkie talkie is as rugged as a nail with a shock-resistant outer body suited for frequent falls. Besides, the sturdy anti-slip design enables you to grab and hold without dropping. Reception just got better with the available 22 preset channels and privacy codes to reduce bad interference. 

What makes it great?

This radio gets you messages even when you are 250 thousand square kilometers apart. If that’s not unbeatable, I don’t know what is. 

Pros

Cons

6. Radioddity GA-2S Long Range Walkie Talkies

As a hunter, have you ever felt like keeping your hunting conversations a secret? Then you should try Radioddity GA-2S’ 155 privacy tones. The gadget secures your conversations while transmitting your messages crystal clear. 

Besides, you can always program this device with a computer thanks to its programming cable support. And no worries about the battery as it offers 92 hours standby time when fully charged.  

What does this mean? 

You can go four days in the woods and 3 miles deep without worrying about a flat battery. You could also activate the battery saving mode to help elongate battery life. 

Pros

Cons

7. Uniden SX507-2CKHS Two-Way Radio

From the many options, you’ll find on the market, Uniden SX507-2CKHS Two-Way Radio is one of the best hunting walkie talkies that gives you uninterrupted communication. Rugged like a rock and lightweight, you sure don’t need to go deep if it drops in water because it stays afloat. 

What does that imply? 

You could swim the pacific with this radio strapped on your side because it’s water-resistant – a good option for rainy hunting. 

Here is more

You can use AA batteries with this or just charge it. Hence, you are sure of no dead radio due to the flat battery. 

Do you know the interesting part? 

Uniden SX507-2CKHS Two-Way Radio gives you NOAA weather reports to keep you informed about climate changes. And you can go as far as 50 miles deep into the forest and still get messages and signals without hassles. 

Pros

Cons

8. Motorola Solutions Talkabout Radio

This radio goes for not just hunting but also mountain campers. The design suits both the runner and the climber thanks to the sturdy belt clip that keeps it always strapped on your side. Of course, you could activate the hands-free feature for easy use while strapped on. 

Here what I like more? 

Motorola T265 helps you connect easily with fellow hunters in the woods with a whooping 2662 combinations of 22 channels and 121 privacy codes each. It is compatible with different types of radio, giving it a universal appeal. 

What’s more, you could either use a NiMH rechargeable battery or the AA kind to keep this device in full working mode. The Micro USB charging port helps you charge with ease using a power bank or car adapter. It also uses less power to elongate battery life in the woods. 

Pros

Cons

9. Retevis RT22 Two Way Radio

You get to use the Retevis RT22 without prior use of any radio. That’s how simple the operation is, because not only can you use it for hunting purposes, but it’s also suitable for outdoor activities like concerts and picnics. 

What is fascinating about this device? 

This portable radio is ultra-lightweight and fits into a medium-sized pocket, making it easy to carry around. 

And that’s not all.  

It comes with a quick remove belt clip that eases the slip-on and off exercise during use. Besides, you can as well use it while strapped on, thanks to the VOX hands-free feature. What’s more, it can switch automatically to power saving mode at a certain power level to extend battery life.  

Pros

Cons

10. Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radio

Standing as one of Midlands best two way radios for hunting on my list, the GXT1000VP4 covers a whooping 36-mile range without a tiny interference. 

In addition, it spots 50 General Mobile Radio Services, giving you a wide variety of options during scanning. It even comes with a channel scan button to ease the skimming process. And the body design, the mossy oak break-up country camouflage, is the perfect skin for hunters in the wild. 

Pros

Cons

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Hunting Radios

If you are not a regular radio user, finding a hunting radio that is best for you might be difficult. The reason is that there are many available on the market that claim to be super-efficient and come with impressive features. But in the long run, that could be a false claim. 

So, how do you make the right choice that suits your needs? 

Below, I provide factors you need to consider. 

Range of Distance

Within the context of what we’re discussing, a range is a distance between you and your hunting partner. You both will be carrying the hunting communication devices.

The range determines whether a two-way radio for hunting is efficient for communications in the wide. You know, while out, your hunting area may be spacious but full of obstructions. 

So, what do you do? 

To ensure it suits your needs, you need to know how widely distanced the two-way radio will work. 

Most products in the market could claim that they cover a distance of 35 miles, but that might be quite the opposite. 

While 35 miles will work only on a flat field, you may need a radio with a higher range in thick bushes with dense woods. 

So, what is best for you?

I will recommend you get a hunting radio with a better antenna and built-in repeater channels.

Water-Resistant 

You’ll meet varying uncertain conditions like rain and moisture to worry about out there. So, you will need a radio that can withstand these uncertainties.

Getting one without a water-resistant feature could make it get damaged within a short period if it comes in contact with water. 

Connected Headset

When considering getting the best two way radios for hunting, you should choose one with a headset or one compatible. 

Do you want to know why? 

Noise from your radio may scare your catch away. Besides, your hands may be busy with hunting tools. That is why it is great to use a device that comes with a headset. 

Here is what you need to know. 

Some headsets are fixed with a wire, while others use a wireless connection like Bluetooth. Whichever one you pick, just choose one that is convenient for you. 

Long Battery Life

Compared to radio, cell phone batteries can run out fast. That is why you need a walkie-talkie with long-lasting battery life. 

Some come with normal AA batteries, while others are rechargeable. But whichever one you choose, ensure to have an alternative in case you stay out longer than you expect.

What could the alternative be?

If you use AA batteries, you may take some extra along. If it is rechargeable, you may charge in your vehicle or take a power bank. 

Weather Channels 

As a hunter, ensure you get a hunting radio with NOAA weather channels. 

Here is why?

NOAA supported radio works great to scan for any local weather transmissions from a weather service in the region. If there is extreme weather or an emergency in the area, the radio would sound an alert.   

Call Alerts

Some radios provide you with a choice of how to receive your calls or messages with different tones. So, get hunting radios with a texting feature, and go for one that offers call alerts. 

Most importantly, a hunting radio that allows you to choose a vibrate-only device will serve better. You don’t want a loud ring coming at a time when you’re aiming your prey. 

The wattage of the Hunting Radio

This brings us back to why the range of a hunting radio is important. The higher the range, the stronger the wattage. 

Here is the take. 

Wattage means you’ll be able to transfer over a long distance, although some of the Best 2-way radios for hunting like GMRS transmit over a long reach without obstructions and with lesser power. 

Others like FRS transmit within shorter distances; you’d find them useful if you mostly use short distances.  

VHF or UHF Frequencies

Most two-way hunting radios use any of these two types of frequencies – VHF and UHF. VHF is “Very High Frequency,” UCF is “Ultra-High Frequency.” 

What are these all about? 

VHF radios are best for open areas and transmit closer to the ground.  On the other hand, the UCF is good for both indoor and outdoor use. This type withstands obstructions and transmits to more distance notwithstanding. 

FAQs

What Are the Kinds of Hunting Radios Commonly-Used?

Common two-way radios used for hunting are FRS and GMRS. FRS stands for Family Radio Service, GMRS stands for General Mobile Radio Service. 

The two radio bands overlap, and they are best combined into one radio type. That’s why you have the FRS/GMRS designation.

What Hunting Areas do Radios Work?

FRS radios have a maximum watt of ½. Not good for dense woods or hills. GMRS radios have up to 5 watts and are good. 

You have to share frequencies, and you need a license.  Not to worry though, the FCC has been working hard to delete this requirement since 2010. Let’s hope for a positive result soon. 

Is Hunting with a Walkie Talkie Legal?

In some states, it is banned. The belief there is that using hunting radios or cellphones to hunt is an unethical practice for wildlife. California does not have any such law, and hunting with radios there is legal.

Wrap Up

Hunting radios improve your hunt experience and aid communication while you’re out in the wild. Great, you have known the best hunting radios you can buy. But ensure to consider the factors mentioned above when buying one, including the range, weight, watt power, and frequencies.

So, what are you waiting for? Choose any hunting radio from the above that suits your needs and go out into the wide to hunt with secure communication anytime.