Hunting improvements have come a long way since the days of spears and atlatls.

The Pennsylvania Game Commision has announced a new app for hunters, loaded with features including locations of game lands and parking areas, maps, habitat and wildlife information or even sunset times.

Using augmented reality, the app allows users simply to hold their mobile devices in front of them to see the locations of nearby game lands. And by clicking on the flags that pop up to mark these sites, users can learn more about the tracts. Selecting the “route” option will activate your device’s GPS function and give you turn-by-turn directions to the parking lot of your choice, a Game Commission release states.

Maps available through the app provide a more-detailed look at terrain and access points at game lands statewide. The app also allows users to check weather and daylight conditions, view hunting regulations, seasons and bag limits, and post pictures through Instagram of their days afield.

There’s also a tracking feature that allows members of the same hunting party see the locations of others, and mark the sites where they parked or set up camp, to make sure they make it back.

Meanwhile, an SOS safety feature allows users to notify friends and family of their exact GPS coordinates in the event of an emergency.

Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said the GoHuntPA Toolkit aims to make hunting in Pennsylvania even more enjoyable, and more importantly, safer. And he urged hunters to download the free app before their next trip afield.

“The GoHuntPA Toolkit places useful and easy-to-access information directly into the palms of hunters’ hands, and makes it available to them wherever they go,” Hough said. “Aside from your license and other essential gear, about the only thing else you’ll need to bring along is a pair of fingerless gloves.”

To download the GoHuntPA Toolkit, visit GoHuntPA.org, or simply visit your device’s app store and search for the toolkit by name. The app might not be compatible with older devices or software.