Phone Mounts for Hunters

MFX101 on Tree StandIt’s hunting season in New Jersey, so it’s a good time to take a look at phone mounts for hunters.  Bringing your phone along on your next trip to the woods helps to pass the downtime.  The primary purpose of a hunter’s phone mount is to keep your phone secure and close by.  You might also be using your phone to record video so potentially want to keep the rear camera lens clear of obstruction.

Typically these mounts are attached to a tree stand or a railing.  We find that mounts with clamps work well on tree stands but there are some that use straps as well.  Before selecting your mount, put some thought into where you will mount it and how it will be used.  If being mounting to a tree stand, measure the diameter of the rail.  If installing it over a rail, take a measurement of the depth.  Finally, determine what you plan to use your phone for.  If recording video, select a mount where the rear camera lens will not be obstructed.   Most camera bow mounts will attach to the stabilizer.

Like most mount recommendations we make these days, we steer towards the use of universal cradles.  Nothing worse than having to buy a new mount when you switch phones and that’s what you will need to do if your mount includes a cradle made specifically for your phone model.  Buying a universal mount means it’s likely going to fit your next phone upgrade.

This Extra Long Gooseneck Mount for Most SmartPhones is perfect for tree stands and rails.  It’s a 33 inch long gooseneck mount with a clamp that opens to two inches.  The included cradle opens to accept a 4-7 inch phone.  Your phone can swivel into landscape or portrait.  

An excellent heavy-duty selection is the Arkon Mobile Grip 5 Clamp Mount.  This is a heavy duty mount.  The mount features the Mobile Grip 5 cradle which we have written about before.  The cradle opens to 3.9 inches.  The clamp opens to 1.25 inches and fits round and square surfaces.  It’s easy to insert your phone as the cradle is spring loaded.  Your phone can swivel into any orientation.  It’s a compact mount so when not in use, it stows away very easily.  There is a 2-year warranty on this mount.

Most bow mounts will attach to the stabilizer.  The KEAUP Universal Cell Phone Holder Mount 360° Smartphone Compound Bow Adapter for Phones and Cameras is a very well thought out accessory.  The mount includes a cradle (or C-clamp) to hold the phone.  You can record your shoot from the unique view of the hunter.