The Garmin Astro 220 is a GPS-enabled dog tracking system that helps hunters pinpoint their dog’s position and monitor its activity during a hunt.

The Astro system includes a handheld GPS device and a wireless transmitter. The transmitter attaches to your dog using a neoprene harness (included) or by threading it onto an existing 1 inch e-collar.

The dog’s transmitter broadcasts his position to the handheld GPS allowing you to monitor his current location and see a trail marking where he’s been. You can even tell whether doggy is running, sitting, on point or treeing quarry. An alarm can be configured to let you know the moment your dog goes on point.

The system allows you to track up to ten dogs at one time at a distance of up to five miles. Astro works by line-of-sight so the best results will be achieved in flat, open territory.

The system is more than a dog-tracker however; it is a full-featured hunting aid. Astro marks the exact location, time of day and elevation where you found your prey, including the number of birds you flushed and took. Astro’s waypoint icons allow you to mark food areas, tree stands and other hunting-related points.

The Garmin Astro 220 GPS system is expected to be available in second quarter 2007 with a suggested retail price of $642.84.