Radio communication

PMR radio and VHF for hunting. Selection, use, and regulations.

Radio is the standard communication method during team hunts. Cell coverage is unreliable in hunting terrain, and radio provides instant contact with everyone on the team.

PMR (Personal Mobile Radio): License-free radios on the 446 MHz band. The simplest option. Range of 1 to 5 km depending on terrain. 8 channels + subchannels (CTCSS). Affordable: 500 to 2,000 NOK for a pair.

VHF hunting radio: Requires a license (applied for through Nkom). Better range (5 to 15 km) and audio quality. More expensive (2,000 to 5,000 NOK per radio). Used by serious hunting teams.

Features to look for: VOX (hands-free transmission), waterproof (IPX4+), good battery life (12+ hours), easy operation with gloves.

Use during hunting: Agree on channel and subchannel before the hunt starts. Test that everyone has contact. Use short, clear messages. State who you are and who you're calling. "Stand 3 to hunt leader, animal heading north."

Discipline: Keep the radio quiet between messages. Unnecessary chatter is disruptive and causes important messages to be missed.

Earpiece: Use an earpiece so the radio sound doesn't spook the game. Also provides better audibility in wind.

Backup: Always have a mobile phone as backup. Save the hunt leader's and other key people's numbers.