Bow-hunting is a popular hunting skill using a bow and arrow. The killing of wild game animals is not only a hobby but it has health benefits and other advantages also. When you go for hunting animals, you need a good device for continuously scanning the surroundings.
Luckily, some different gears and devices will aid you in detecting targets without getting closer to the wild beasts.
The best range finders for bow hunting is one of the most important devices in modern hunting. This device will tell you the target distance within a few seconds and will make the session safer and more enjoyable. For this reason, we’ve planned to discuss the usefulness of a rangefinder for bowhunting. Let’s jump into the details!
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Why rangefinder is necessary for bow hunting #
If you are a serious bow-hunter, it’s obvious, you will recognize the importance of rangefinders in bow-hunting. But if you are new in this area, then you might be wondering to know the facts.
In the recent few years, the rangefinder has significantly changed its technology and introduced more user-friendly features for hunters. Several benefits of using rangefinders in bow-hunting are discussed below.
The first thing that a bow-hunter should do is to set up targets at different positions and practice shooting. In this way, he\she will get the accurate range of the target using the rangefinder. Also, observe the ballistic rise and drop at different ranges.
Then take notes on the rifle and loads drop data. This will be helpful in future shots.
A great advantage of using a rangefinder is getting a close look without moving physically. If you go very close to the wild beasts, they may harm you. Rangefinders will be a great solution to avoid such scenarios.
Typically, bow hunting rangefinders can detect targets up to 1500 yards. Even a few models will allow you to observe more than 2000 yards. So, you can scan a wide range of horizons without alarming the prey.
Before buying a good ranger for bow hunting, test it out whether it covers the featured range or not. Also check out its durability, waterproofness, and other important aspects.
To hunt a big animal, you need certain preparation. If you don’t have a rangefinder, you may wait for a long in the hot spots and sometimes you can miss the target. But, if you have a rangefinder, you will be able to take preparation by scanning the spots before making a successful shot.
How the Leupold Rangefinder (TBR) Works
Video Credit: Randy Newberg, Hunter
If you’re in a mountain or steep terrain with your bow and arrows to hunt boar, mountain, goat, canyon where considering slope is a prime fact then angle compensation of the rangefinders will be convenient for you. This will give you the actual horizontal or vertical value so that you don’t aim too high or too low and end up missing the shot.
Nowadays, most of the modern rangefinders can measure line of sight (LOS) distance at a flat ground as well as horizontal component distance (HCD) for shooting in steep terrain or elevated stands. Sometimes angle compensation mode is called the “bow mode” as it is very helpful in bow-hunting.
Angle compensation is important for bow hunting and 3D archery. Interestingly, with increasing or decreasing the elevation either shooter or target the line of sight increases but the horizontal distance stays the same.
Imagine, you are sitting in a tree stand of 25-feet up and looking at an elk that is 15-feet away from the base of the tree. In this case, the line of sight will be 29 feet while the horizontal distance will remain 15-feet.
The basic feature of a rangefinder is to provide an accurate distance of the target from you. When you push the measure button, a laser beam is sent to the target and gives back the distance. This also allows you to tracking prey and let you decide which one you should hunt and which one to go. So, rangefinders will help you kill the animals humanely and eliminates all guesswork.
#6, Negotiate obstacles
To make a successful shot, bow hunters usually have to do lots of tasks such as sloping, stooping, or kneeling to avoid big or small obstacles between hunters and targets. Sometimes a small twig may ruin the entire season. But a laser rangefinder can manage such inevitable dilemmas.
If a whitetail deer is standing 42 yards away, but overhanging branches between you and the deer won’t allow you shooting. Luckily HCD reading tells the target is 27 yards far from you. Sometimes you need repositioning a little for a successful shot. By the way, you can avoid obstacles and able to take the target down.
The latest rangers not only detect, but they can identify the targets clearly with a large magnification. So, you will be able to know which targets you’re going to kill. This will help you avoid shooting any unwanted animals. At the same time, your hunting skills will be developed a lot.
Another good feature of the rangefinders is their cost. Usually, they are cheaper than most of the binoculars or goggles. So, they don’t drain your pocket. If you are an average income guy and can’t afford much then rangefinders under $100 are available.
Moreover, you also get varieties of price tag rangefinders. Some top-performing rangefinders will give you a wider field of view and crystal-clear output whatever the ranges are. You will find a few laser rangefinders that will offer horizontal mode, angle compensated mode, speed mode, and many more. To own such a model, you have to pay more than $500.
Rangefinders are small but handy devices. Most of them are lightweight and don’t weigh you down. The compact size can be easily carried in the pocket, backpack, or neck. As weight is an important consideration in outdoors, so you find modern ranger friendly in bow-hunting.
Nowadays, you can’t imagine long-range bow hunting without a rangefinder. An angle compensation mode is a convenient option that makes bow hunting easier. With this great device, you can magnify the targets enough and able to make a clear shot.
We hope, after reading the guideline about the usefulness of a rangefinder for bow hunting, you will carry this awesome device in your hunting bag. Happy bow hunting with rangefinder!