Replacing my Dog Tracking/Training Equipment

[Chris Pope]

I’m about to purchase a new dog training/tracking collar to replace my Garmin Astro 430 and 2 collars plus my Dogtra training collars. Most of the equipment is 10 years old. After searching and reviewing Rick Roemer’s Aug ’23, Phil C’s June ’23, Kentucky Bird Hunter Aug ‘21 and Mills June ‘19 threads here in the discussion forum, and having reviewed several YouTube videos I am leaning heavily towards the Garmin 300i and 2 Alpha TT25 collars. I also have for several years carried an InReach mini because I hunt by myself a fair amount and typically outside of cell range. The Garmin 300i will perform all three functions albeit not as well perhaps as the individual equipment.
Here are my questions:
• Does anyone have additional information on reliability, functionality, etc of the Garmin 300i since Roemer’s Aug 2023 thread?
• Anyone aware whether or not a newer version is about to be released?
• What vendor to buy them from (direct from Garmin, Gundog Supply etc)?
I value the advice here from hard core bird hunters so welcome your input. It’s a lot of dough to shell out. But I guess I consider it more of an insurance policy. Thanks.

[Tom Jay]

I have had a Garmin 200i for 3 years and it does everything, EVERYTHING, as each of the individual equipment you mentioned but in a nice single package.

[Dan Steingraber]

I have a good friend that trains dogs and runs cover trails and guides grouse hunters. When I asked him last fall about upgrading my Alfa 100 he suggested I skip the 200 and get the 300. He thought I should stay with my tt15 mini collars. I never did make the leap.

[Tom Jay]

The 300i was not available at the time I bought the 200i. Both are excellent units.

[Rick Losey]

My old Astro 100 died a while back after a long life (the weak link was the charger port)

I have just replaced it with the 200i. (New charger structure), Very similar to the 300i. A bigger brighter screen than the old ones (I think the 300 is brighter yet but this one is fine). I don’t need the extended battery life, so I saved a few bucks

Looks like a great improvement on the old model

And as you say, the “I” models have satellite communications capability with text and SOS where cellular reception is not available. Could be important for those of us who might not be as young as we were and hunt alone. My family can sign into a website (password protected) and see my location if I am overdue

Can’t see how you can go wrong with the 300i model. I have always had good luck dealing with Lion Country Supply for collars

[Phillip Carr]

I still have my 200i. I will keep using it until it no longer works and can not be updated. If I was going to replace it I would stay with Garmin and by the latest.
No different then if I was replacing my computer or cell phone.
You wont go wrong with the 200 or 300.
Just by a screen protector no mater which unit.
A hunting partner has the 300 and is happy with it.

[Chris Pope]

Excellent advice- thank you all.

[John Taddeo]

Pair the 200 or 300 with the Garmin instinct watch.. let's you easily keep a location on the dog by looking at your wrist and the GPS in your pocket..

[Chris Pope]

Thanks John. Yes I've used a Fenix 5 for for five+ years now and it paired well with my Astro 430. Fortunately, the Fenix 5 (now considered an antique in the elctronics world) will pair with the new equipment so as I hunt I will continue to look like I'm constantly checking the time!
And the screen protector tip was a great idea too.

[Kyle Ramage]

I am a low tech hombre! I just started researching the units and there are quite a few on the market. Of the units mentioned on this thread, which require software updates and if so, what is the process? Glad to see this topic. Thanks

[Phillip Carr]

The last update that came out I received a notification on my hand held asking if I wanted to update. I hit update and it connected and updated in a couple of minutes.previously I had used a cable and the Garmin app.

[Rick Losey]

Kyle

The Garmin units come with basic maps already loaded

There are more advanced mapping options available to download,

Such as satellite/Birds Eye views

I have never found a need for them for hunting although I have considered the idea of having public land boundaries on the unit

Downloads are done with a computer and a data cable to the unit

Not really complicated

[John Taddeo]

You may also use the Micro SD card option under the battery.. Many topo and boundary maps are avaliable.. I do remember when Northwind sold sucessional habitat maps on the SD cards for that purpose..

[Kenny Graft]

My collars are old too, still working though. Keeping for training and buck up use. My new set up is the 300i, TT-25 and the wristwatch. About 1300.00 for all of it. This set up is tits...(-: Oh, everything is up$$$ My new puppy was double what my retired 13 1/2-year-old cost in 2011. Don't cheap out this gear is worth every cent! I have been using my set for about 5-6 weeks now and have learned its ins and outs and love it, the watch is great addition. It vibrates when pup is on point, like that and keeps my hands completely free for shooting the bird! Heads up my collar stopped feeding sat info screen showed only one bar and no hook-up. That sucked bad while running pup, totally blind in the field! After the second day of same I called support. The feller on the other end helped me cable up to my computer and download needed up-dates and now its back working. I did not do any upgrades when unpacking the collar new, I did not think it needed it as it worked perfect out of the box, my bad! If you're on an extended hunt, make sure to have your computer, charger cable along and your passwords for log in if there would be an issue. I also have my older GPS collar in the truck and charged up.

[Garry L Gordon]

As Kenny stated, do the updates. I can loan you Elaine who's an expert, but it'll cost ya.:rotf:

[Dave Tatman]

Gun Dog Supply is running a special sale on the Alpha 200 and 200i.

I use the Alpha 200 with a TT25 collar on my English Setter, and love it. No complaints whatsoever.

I have no connection to GDS, other than being a happy customer.

Dave

[Phillip Carr]

Free shipping and $200 off right now on the 200i. Plus free shipping.

[Chris Pope]

After receiving the input from my original post in May I went ahead and purchased the Garmin 300i and 2 Alpha TT25 collars. We have used them extensively this summer exercising and training the dogs. I'm still learning features but will happily use them this fall. I really like the extended battery life. Thanks again to all who provided input and the sale info on the 200's.

[George Davis]

Several of the mature hunters will probably get a laugh on my collars:
1. Many years ago (based in Tucson, AZ) I bought a Tri-Tronics Series 70. I still use it when I'm on the prairie and I can keep visual contact with the dog. I've sent it to the Collar Clinic several times over the years to be fixed. Tri-Tronics was bought out by Garmin 15-20 years ago.
2. My New Collar is a Garmin 550 Plus and I highly recommend it if you run multiple dogs (up to 3) and can't always have a visual of your dogs.
These have worked for me and my type of hunting.