Not directly related to hunting
Contributors to this thread:Montana
From: Daff
31-May-16
I was hoping that some of you would chime in and give me some insight on cell phone effectiveness in Montana. I'm wondering if any have experience they would be willing to share about sprint or strait talk. I have used my verizon phone on trips there so i know service is spotty but how do the other services compare?
From: Bigdan
31-May-16
Verizon has the best coverage in Montana
From: BigOzzie
31-May-16
I agree with Big Dan oz
From: sbschindler
31-May-16
x2 Verizon, and yes it is spotty the spottier it gets the better the hunting gets btw
From: houndy65
01-Jun-16
AT&T or Verizon, you may want to buy a cell phone booster. You may also have to drive to spots to get service.
From: liv4it
01-Jun-16
I also recommend Verizon. I have also talked to a few people now that use a track phone for hunting season. They say they work better for picking up multiple suppliers cell towers. Never tried one myself.
From: planebow
01-Jun-16
I have a tracfone and it is almost useless where I hunt.
From: Tatonka
02-Jun-16
I get perfect coverage.......oh ya, I forgot... I don't own a cell phone. :)
From: Daff
02-Jun-16
Thanks guys for the response. The spotty service is one of the things I look forward to on the trip! The tranquility and freedom from that leash are great. But the reality is I have a family member with cancer so contact every couple of days is in my near future trips. I can't change a bad situation but at least I can be aware of it. Good luck to everyone this fall!
From: Jodie
03-Jun-16
Verizon will work in many areas, getting better each year. Seems that cell phones work best in and around reservations and larger towns.
From: glacier
03-Jun-16
Many rural areas will be spotty, but you can probably drive out to the trailhead to get a signal to get your text messages or sometimes you can go to the top of a ridge or high on the mountain to get texts or make a really crappy phone call... If you are willing to give a general area where you plan to hunt, we might be able to help you more with how the signal is in that particular area... Obviously, there are areas with great service, but many of the places where elk live are not well covered by any signals short of a satellite communication device.
From: Daff
04-Jun-16
I was mainly wondering about the other providers (other than verizon) and how effective they are in MT. I have done most of my hunting in central Montana little belts and castles. I have places located that I can get a signal with my verizon phone but if I change providers I'm not confident that it will work.
From: dr. bob
05-Jun-16
if your in 410 there isn't any phone service.
From: Amoebus
05-Jun-16
If it is critical, you will need a satellite phone.
I, like you, have found that Verizon covers more in my hunting area, so I pick AT&T. I (and my wife) need a break from being on call 24x7.
From: Daff
05-Jun-16
Dr bob, One place in 410 my uncle used to call from is the hill above barrel springs if your on that end of the unit there is also a spot over near two crow that you can get out sometimes.
From: planebow
05-Jun-16
I use an Inreach when I am in 410 and text the family each night
From: Arrow1
07-Jun-16
We found a few areas along the Wilder Trail and off of Skyline we could get out last year. Texting was more reliable than calling.
From: highmarkX
07-Jun-16
I also use the inReach while in 410. It is nice to touch base with the family each evening so they know I am alright as well as I know they are all good. Plus I tend to move around during my 2 weeks hunting in the breaks, so it also pinpoints where I am camping. Last year a few others in camp where able to get service around the ranch houses heading into 410. It was about a 45 minute drive one-way.
From: Montana Ranches
28-Jan-17
Montana Ranches's Link
I have AT&T and would recommend it. I travel all through MT and it is pretty good. Verizon would be my 2nd choice.