How to Use the HuntWise App: 5 Tips for New Users

Maybe you're considering HuntWise as your next (or first) hunting app for land boundaries, animal tracking, planning around the wind, and more. Or, perhaps you just signed on for a free trial, and you're looking for some quick tips to get started in the app. 

This resource should help!

We want you to get the most out of HuntWise as soon as possible, so we put together a few videos of five fast tips to help you get started in the app and enjoy better hunts. We even tapped our friend John Dudley for his insights into one of our most helpful map layers!

In this guide, we'll cover:

1. How to Use HuntCast
2. How to Use WindCast
3. How to Set a Hunt Area
4. How to Add a Pin or Marker
5. Using the LiDAR map layer

Updated May 5, 2026

1. How to Use HuntCast

HuntWise is more than just an animal tracking app. The HuntWise HuntCast feature is the go-to feature most new users turn to for planning the best days in the field.

After selecting the animal you're planning to hunt, HuntCast uses an algorithm specific to that species to help you identify the best days and times to get in the field based on optimal hunting conditions and animal movement patterns.

Depending on your user level (Basic, Pro, or Elite), you get 4-15 days of weather forecasting plus the ability to set alerts that let you know when it's time to grab your gear and go.

Check out this video to see how easy it is to use HuntCast for your next hunt!

2. How to Use WindCast

The wind can either be your friend or your foe in the field. So, how can you know the best wind direction for hunting throughout the season — especially on those days you've taken off from work to get out in the field?

WindCast is the answer!

The HuntWise hunting app delivers real-time insights into wind direction and how it can impact your hunt throughout the day. Users have the ability to set "ideal wind" based on stands or blinds marked in the app, so you always know the best way to enter your blind and set up for the day while you patiently wait for your target to come into your sights.

Use the video below to learn how to make the wind your friend with WindCast!

3. How to Set a Hunt Area

While HuntWise shows public and private land boundaries for every state, you may want to get more specific in defining the location where you plan to hunt within those boundaries.

Setting a Hunt Area in HuntWise is the way to go!

Users can define a custom hunt area on a map within the app. You can select pre-set parcels (based on land boundaries) or draw your own hunt area on a map. Then, name your Hunt Area and save it. From there, you can add pins, notes, markers, and more as you scout the area and plan your hunt.

HuntWise also allows you to download offline hunting maps, so you still have access to your customized map even when you can't connect to a cell or wifi network in the field.

In the video below, HuntWise staffer and hunter Quinn Badder shows you how this works!

4. How to Add a Pin or Marker

You have a Hunt Area set up, so how do you customize it with information that can help you have a successful hunt?

Let's talk about adding pins and markers to make your map as helpful as it can be.

In the app, you'll find a range of different types of pins and markers to add to your map. You can mark the location of tree stands, elevated stands, and blinds — or get even more detailed with pins for animal signs, food and plant types, where you parked your vehicle, tracking your animal after the shot, and more.

Once you place a pin, give it a unique name that helps you plan your hunt based on what you've seen in the field or as you e-scout through the app.

Watch the video below to see how easy it is to add markers to your map in the HuntWise hunting app!

5. Using the LiDAR Map Layer

If you're trying out the Pro or Elite subscription levels, you'll see you have access to one of our latest map layers: LiDAR (or Hillshade). Or, if you're testing out the app at the Basic user level, here's a peek at how the LiDAR layer can help you get an even deeper understanding of the layout of the land you plan to hunt.

LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is a grayscale mapping imaging that shows even more surface features than a standard topo map. With this layer, you can see surface elevations without vegetation you'll see on topographical layers.

With this insight, hunters can see the smallest terrain details that can indicate travel corridors, bedding areas, saddle crossings, and other animal movement indicators you won't otherwise see with other layers.

Check out this video to see how HuntWise Pro John Dudley uses this layer to improve his hunts!

Use the HuntWise Hunting App for Better Hunts Every Season

Whether you've finished out your hunts for the year, you still plan to head out at least one more time this year, or you're thinking ahead to next year's hunts, we hope these getting-started tips help you make the most of your time in the field!

Downtime between hunts is an excellent time to get to know the HuntWise hunting app, so we hope you'll put these tips to good use and let them help you get the most out of HuntWise!

If we've piqued your interest and you've never tried HuntWise before, we'd love for you to download it and try it — free — for a week! You can start planning for your next hunt today.

Content most recently reviewed and updated May 5, 2026. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the HuntWise app worth it? 

A: Yes, HuntWise is worth it! Casual hunters may find the free version sufficient, but the paid tiers deliver more features for serious hunters. The HuntCast feature alone is worth the subscription price, which forecasts the best hunting days based on weather, breeding cycles, and migrations. This is the standout differentiator, making it most worthwhile for serious whitetail hunters.

Q: Does HuntWise show phone numbers?

A: Yes, HuntWise shows phone numbers. You can tap anywhere on the hunting maps to see the name, address, and phone number of the landowner, which is useful for getting permission to hunt or retrieve game. 

Q: What does the HuntWise app do? 

A: HuntWise is a comprehensive digital toolkit for hunters. The hunting app offers detailed satellite and topographic maps, custom pin markers, weather forecasting, HuntCast hunt predictions, property owner info, public land layers, and a social hunting community.

Q: How much does HuntWise cost per month? 

A: HuntWise has a PRO plan at $19.99/month (or $60/year) and an ELITE plan at $39.99/month (or $120/year). A 7-day free trial is available for both tiers. 

Q: Does HuntWise show property lines? 

A: Yes. Property lines are included as a feature in the HuntWise hunting app paid plans, shown as a map layer alongside landowner information.

Q: How to find public land on HuntWise? 

A: To find public land on HuntWise, toggle on the public land map layers to find open-access hunting land in your home state and across the country.

Q: Is HuntWise a good app? 

A: Yes, HuntWise is a good app and a favorite among seasoned hunters. HuntWise offers advanced analytics and forecasting for data-driven hunters, particularly whitetail deer hunters who want to leverage HuntCast. It's also a great beginner-friendly hunting app.

Learn more about HuntCast in the video below!