Hunting in the Digital Age

The Best Hunting Apps & Virtual Games of 2024, and Why You Need Them

by Richard Baimbridge

There’s an almost unique sense of pride amongst hunters in doing things the hard way. We’re one of the few subcultures that’s actually seen an uptick over the last few decades in archaic (if you don’t mind calling it that) technologies, like bow hunting and muzzle loaders -- even though that equipment is often updated and modernized for safety and efficiency.

And there’s generally a lot more respect for guys packing out elk deep in the mountains of Utah that they took with a bow than a weekend warrior carrying out white tail on a 4-wheeler that they shot with a modern rifle and a $1000 scope in between scrolling on the cell phone.

But the term “Luddite” (aka, someone with an extreme resistance to new technology) is a pejorative for a reason. It implies an irrational fear of things that can make life easier, better, or sometimes just more enjoyable. While you may have mixed feeling about new hunting technology, there are some great apps that can really help save you time and improve your odds of success in hunting, and even keep you from accidentally straying onto someone else’s property.     

So, we broke down Our Favorite Hunting Apps & Virtual Games, each with their own unique benefits and purposes.

The apps provide detailed maps, wind information, weather forecasts, game movement data, and even networks for hunters. They help remove some of the guesswork from hunting, and make you better-prepared. And if for some reason you’re stuck indoors unable to hunt, or just enjoy the fun of gaming, well, we’ve got some awesome virtual action for you, too.

HuntWise (Best for Weather & Gear Discounts)

For those who want an all-in-one tool that goes beyond mapping, HuntWise is a definite stand-out. Its main feature, HuntCast, uses weather data, solunar activity, and wind direction to predict game movement. This data allows you to plan the best times and locations for your hunts. The topography selection is fantastic, as is the landowner contact feature for private lands permissions. Overall, this is just a really well-designed and useful hunting app, which is probably why it’s gotten the nod of approval from the likes of John Dudley and Jeff Sturgis.

It also has a gear marketplace, connecting users with up to 50% discounts on quality hunting equipment. The app’s social component encourages hunters to share tips and strategies, providing a sense of community. The premuim version includes cool extras like RutCast, with local updates on every phase of the rut.

Spartan Forge (Best for Tracking Deer Movement)

For hunters who thrive on analyzing patterns and maximizing success rates, Spartan Forge is hard to beat. This app is the product of machine learning and GPS collar data from deer, offering one of the most accurate game movement prediction tools available.

And it doesn’t stop at deer movement predictions. Their maps are detailed, with high-resolution satellite imagery, terrain data, and public land boundaries. While it may lack the broader versatility of apps like OnX, its focus on data-driven deer hunting makes it one of the most useful (and popular) hunting apps available today.

OnX Hunt (Best for Maps)

This app’s primary strength lies in its detailed maps, offering unparalleled insight into private and public land boundaries. Hunters can identify property owners, access hunting areas legally, and even track their location in areas without cell service by downloading offline maps.

What makes OnX Hunt attractive is its customization. Hunters can mark waypoints for tree stands, animal trails, and blinds, while layering data like topography, trails, and landowner information.

HuntStand (Best for Eastern White Tail)

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative without sacrificing functionality, HuntStand is a good choice. Known for its user-friendly design and versatility, this app is great for hunters who want reliable mapping and planning tools. Although it lacks some features that would be useful in Western areas for hunting elk or mule deer, it excels for private land hunts in the Eastern states for things like white tail hunting.

HuntStand provides access to property boundary maps, weather forecasts, and the ability to log past hunts to identify patterns in game movement. It also offers collaboration, allowing hunters to share map data with friends or hunting groups. And it’s more affordable than some of the other premium apps.

BaseMap (Best for 3D Terrains)

BaseMap has continued to gain traction as a top-tier mapping app for hunters. Similar in many ways to OnX Hunt, it offers a few unique features that set it apart. The app’s 3D-mapping feature (while only available on the phone app, not the desktop version) provides a clear understanding of terrain elevation, making it ideal for backcountry hunts in mountainous regions.

One of its biggest appeals is unlimited offline map downloads, a feature that’s incredibly valuable when heading deep into areas with no signal. Coupled with real-time weather updates and wildlife activity forecasting, BaseMap is a great companion for those who prioritize exploration and preparedness.

Hunting 3 Simulator (Best PlayStation Virtual Game)

The new Hunting 3 Simulator just recently announced by PlayStation still hasn’t hit stores yet, but it sure looks insanely fun. The graphics are incredibly life-like, and the “SimuFauna” system allows animals to react in real-time with very natural behavior based on your movements. Explore the natural landscapes of Colorado and Texas, alone or with a group of players, and even call on the help of a faithful hunting dog, if you so choose.

Players can hunt over 40 species of animals with virtual firearms from Beretta, Winchester, Browning, and many others. The game will be available on PS5 (PlayStation 5), Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). This new version features improved hunting dog behavior and sound design, the addition of vehicles, and a variety of ultra-realistic outdoor landscapes.

While we generally recommend spending less time on phones and computers, and more time hunting, there are some exceptions to the rule. Each of these apps and games offers something useful, fun, and in some cases invaluable, to the hunting community.

So, don’t be afraid to give ‘em a try. Technology can never replace the kind of good old-fashioned and time-tested wisdom that only comes from years out in the field. But you might just find it’ll make your life easier and improve your chances of scoring that trophy buck you’ve been chasing all season — or at least bag one virtually if you can’t get out into the wild. Heck, I might even have to buy a PlayStation after all these years, ‘cause that sure sounds like fun to me!

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