A rangefinder is an essential tool for hunters, providing precise distance measurements and ensuring accurate and ethical hunting. Hunting rangefinders utilize laser technology, eliminating the uncertainty of estimating distance, which is crucial for both bowhunting and rifle hunting.
How to Use a Hunting Rangefinder
Finding Your Target: Look for the animal through the rangefinder's optics as you would with binoculars.
Taking a Measurement: Press the measurement button to activate the laser. When the crosshairs appear, position them over the target and press the button again.
Reading the Distance: The rangefinder will display the exact distance to the target in yards or meters.
Making Adjustments: Use the distance reading to compensate for bullet drop or select the correct bow needle. Modern rangefinders often include features like angle compensation to provide adjusted distances when shooting inclines or descents.
Key Features of a Hunting Rangefinder
Angle Compensation: Provides a "precision shot" distance that adjusts for uphill or downhill shooting. This is particularly important for bowhunters or rifle hunters shooting at steep angles. Maximum Distance: The manufacturer will list the maximum distance a rangefinder can measure on reflective targets, such as signs. For non-reflective targets, such as game animals, the effective distance will be shorter. Choose the maximum distance of your rangefinder based on your hunting environment and weapon.
Target Priority Mode: Some rangefinders allow you to switch between different modes to suit your needs.
First Target Mode: Ignores background clutter and prioritizes the closest objects, such as animals in front of a treeline.
Distant Target Mode: Filters out close-range objects, such as brush or branches, to lock onto distant targets. This feature is particularly useful when hunting in dense cover.
Optical Quality: Factors such as magnification, field of view, and display quality are important. An illuminated LED display is particularly useful in low-light conditions.
Durability: Look for models that are waterproof and fogproof, as hunting often involves unpredictable weather.
Advanced Uses for Hunting
Scouting and Tracking: Before tracking, you can use a rangefinder to pre-measure key landmarks, such as trees or ridgelines. This helps you determine whether you can get within striking range of an animal before you begin moving. Ballistic Solutions: High-end rangefinders can integrate with ballistic calculators or mobile apps to provide precise shooting solutions and adjust for environmental factors like bullet drop and wind.
Rangefinder Considerations for Different Hunting Styles
Rifle Hunting: For long-range rifle hunting, you need a rangefinder with a longer maximum range (over 2,000 yards) and excellent optical clarity. Features like ballistic modes and high magnification are particularly helpful.
Bowhunting: For archery, a short-range rangefinder (around 400 yards) is generally sufficient. Angle compensation is crucial for bowhunting, as steep shots can significantly affect ballistic trajectory.
Spotting and Tracking: Hunters who are constantly on the move benefit from a rangefinder that is lightweight, compact, and quick to use.
