Free Hunting MapFrequently asked questions
Is Free Hunting Map really free?
Yes. The map costs $0 to use, with no subscription or account required for core map features. The source code is available under the MIT license.
Does it work offline?
Yes, after the app has loaded online. Saved pins and tracks stay on your device, and previously viewed map tiles are cached. There is no bulk area-download button. View the areas and zoom levels you need, then test in airplane mode. New tiles, fresh weather, live layer identification and new lidar analysis need a connection. Browser cache limits and storage eviction apply.
How do I back up my data?
Open Share, select your map items and export GPX or GeoJSON. Save the file outside browser storage and check it before clearing site data. These files back up waypoints and tracks, not cached maps or saved lidar runs. Optional Google sign-in also syncs map items, saved lidar candidates and map preferences, but a separate file copy protects against accidental edits or deletion.
Does it show property lines and public land?
Public-land overlays use USGS PAD-US and can be enabled by managing agency. The parcel overlay covers Wisconsin only; it is not nationwide private landowner coverage. Public ownership does not establish hunting permission, an easement or legal access. Check current official maps, regulations and the land manager.
How accurate are boundaries and GPS positions?
Map sources and phone positions can be inaccurate or outdated. Parcel lines are not a legal survey, and a GPS dot can drift under cover or in difficult terrain. Keep a margin from uncertain boundaries and resolve access questions with the manager or landowner. Never use this app as the sole basis for entering land.
Can I install it on iPhone or Android?
Yes. It is a progressive web app. On iPhone, open the site in Safari and use Share → Add to Home Screen. On Android, use a supporting browser such as Chrome and its Install app or Add to home screen option. Menu wording varies by browser and version. Open it online first and test offline on the device you will carry.
Do I need to sign in?
No. Core map editing, local saved data, file import and export work without an account. Optional Google sign-in syncs map items, saved lidar candidates and map preferences. Map position, cached weather and downloaded tiles stay on each device. Signing out keeps local data.
Can I record a GPS track with the screen locked?
Recording uses browser location services. Keep the app open and visible: mobile browsers and operating systems can pause updates when the screen locks or the app runs in the background. Check the recording periodically and carry an independent navigation backup.
Can I import saved places from Google Maps?
Yes, through supported Google Takeout ZIP, saved-list CSV and saved-place JSON files in Share → Import file. Supported list names become Organize categories. Places need usable coordinates in the file or a supported Maps URL. Rows with only an address, place ID or unresolved short link can be skipped. There is no live Google Maps connection.
Can I organize and search my pins offline?
Yes. Open Organize to create colored categories, move items, show or hide categories and items, and search saved names, notes, categories, types, camera models and dates without a connection. Imported Google Takeout lists become categories.
Can I map a trail camera’s field of view?
Yes. Choose a Trail cam pin. In its editor, drag the cone tip to rotate or change range and the side handles to change the angle, or enter numeric values. Save camera model, date set and last-checked date with the pin. The cone is a planning aid; check the actual camera view on site.
Where does Public trails have coverage?
The federal-inventory pilot covers Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois, plus neighboring territory inside its rectangular bounds. It combines USFS, BLM, NPS and USGS sources and includes Forest Service motor routes. It is not a complete state or county trail inventory. Tap for available uses, seasons, agency and source details, then verify current access with the manager. Viewed tiles can be cached offline. Public trails is separate from the experimental lidar Trail finder.
What other data layers are available?
Layers groups land and access, trails, vegetation, water, agriculture, terrain and hazards. Choices include 2025 land cover and tree canopy, 2024 vegetation type and height, forest type, 2025 USDA crops, wetlands, springs, watersheds, SSURGO soils, ecoregions, contours, elevation tint, slope, aspect, wildfire hazard potential and current and historic fires. Coverage, vintage and scale vary; live identification needs a connection.
Are Trail finder results verified public trails?
No. They are experimental candidates derived from lidar and terrain processing, with coverage limited to two supported Wisconsin surveys. They do not establish that a route exists, is safe, is used by wildlife or is open to the public. Verify every candidate on the ground and confirm legal access.
Does the app sell my location or show ads?
The app has no ads and does not sell personal data. Saved map data stays on your device unless you export, share or enable optional sync. Map and weather providers receive requests for the area you view. Anonymous usage analytics can be disabled in Layers and respects Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control. Read the privacy policy for the full details.
Is the code open source?
Yes. Devan Metz maintains Free Hunting Map on GitHub under the MIT license. Map imagery and other source datasets keep their own licenses and attribution requirements.