Bowhunters using rangefinders

[Pink Salmon]

I've seen a few questions on here about rangefinders, I'm thinking about getting one but i only bow hunt. I plan on doing a lot of walking/sitting style of hunting this year. With this being my first year ever hunting with a bow (and shooting one), I was thinking it would help me learn the distances. So the ? Is how many Bowhunters use one for hunting? Do you think it would be worth it just for bow hunting?

Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jeremy

[Blue Tip Spinner]

i have one and use it primarily for estimating yardage for target shooting and when i am not hunting. i guess how far a tree is and then i use the rangefinder to see how far off i was. i have tried in years past to use one while hunting, but i find that i don't want a whole bunch of things on me when i am going for long hikes and once i am on the game and in position, i find i don't have the time to dig it out, scope the area, and put it away before i take my shot. i don't think they are a bad idea at all, but i don't get the use out of it while hunting like i thought i would. if you do have the time to use it before a bull comes running in, then i think it's a very valuable tool to have to make a clean kill.

[WSU]

I assume that you are referring to my post. I am also just getting into bow hunting. This will be year 2 and only my first year of being serious about it because last year I had a multiseason tag and didn't hunt archery very hard. I hear of a lot of people misjudging distances and missing, or even worse wounding, an animal. To me, the $200 spent on a range finder will be worth every penny if it helps make my first opportunity at an elk count. When you think about all the costs and time, $200 for a successful elk hunt is nothing. I know of one friend/fellow ifisher that can attest to that after missing a 20 yard shot on bull...

[Pink Salmon]

Originally Posted by WSU

To me, the $200 spent on a range finder will be worth every penny if it helps make my first opportunity at an elk count. When you think about all the costs and time, $200 for a successful elk hunt is nothing.

I agree, that was my take on it.

[Fish Slayer]

and miss.They are definitely worth the money. I like to carry one even if I don't use it right before I take a shot. It's nice to be able to range trees or bushes close to where you think something will step out if you are calling in an elk or something like that. Although you do have to be careful not to rely on what it says every time because you can range a blade of grass blowing in the breeze 10 yards in front of that monster bull But I love having one strapped around my neck or in a pocket somewhere.

[kelso]

I bought a range finder several years ago before I started bow hunting. It was a great purchase. Some people have a nack for judging distances, but I for one do not. It seems even more practical to the bow hunter when a 10 to 15 yrd. misjudgment could meen a clean miss or worse a bad hit. I say if you can afford the reasonably small cost, why not get one and enjoy.

[OR_Bo_Huntr]

Very helpful piece of equipment, however the best thing you can do for yourself is always JUDGE THE DISTANCE BEFORE YOU RANGE, otherwise when/if the rangefinder malfunctions, the shot of a lifetime doesnt come down to a piece of equipment, rather than having it in your court

[Hard Cast]

I bought one of the original Bushnell range finders for bow hunting when they first came out back in 1997. I have been using it every year since. It still works perfect. However, I like the inclinometer and the true ballistic range technology of the Leupold RX II. I also think these units may be the best bang for the buck. They are normally about $300 with shipping on ebay but there is a guy on ebay that has been selling them for $229 + $8 shipping. I bought two of them from him last month (one for my dad). I tried to link to him for you but he is not selling on ebay at this time (he should be back). Here is a similar deal but this seller is charging $12 more for shipping than the other guy. http://cgi.ebay.com/Leupold-RX-II-6x...QQcmdZViewItem

[steelhead22]

They're no substitute for accurately judging distance, but they are an essential piece of equipment, IMO. I can't think of any reason NOT to have one.

And if you "only bow hunt"...that's even more reason to get one. Looking back at my "rifle years" I'm surprised at how much I paid attention to distance, when honestly, it didn't really matter that much.

[Gun Rod Bow]

As others have said. Use one to learn to judge yardage and apply yourself to not needing it. That said, I always carry one.

I bought a pair of glasses with built in range finder and am really happy with one less item to pack around. There are a few options now in different price ranges, but the combo bino/range findes are pretty slick.

[Pink Salmon]

Originally Posted by Gun Rod Bow

As others have said. Use one to learn to judge yardage and apply yourself to not needing it. That said, I always carry one.

I bought a pair of glasses with built in range finder and am really happy with one less item to pack around. There are a few options now in different price ranges, but the combo bino/range findes are pretty slick.

The ones i am looking at has the bino/range w/ digital camera on it. I will get a pic up tommorrow of the one i'm talking about, but it is pretty sweet.
What my plan was when i go out shooting to practice out in the woods, it would be nice to have just to range where i shot. I'm going to use it as a learning tool. And in the off season it would be cool to get some good pics of some animals from acroos the mountain.( only in the off season should they be across the mountain)

[Eagleclaw]

yeah a rangefinder is worth it. I use mine all the time. if i set up and call i always range my shooting lanes and make a mental note on what i'm marker and how far it is. It helps take the guess work on when it all comes together and you have a animal in front of you. You don't have to guess how far away it is you just look for you landmark and you'll know.

[Yeti]

They are kind of like maps. You use them so much pre season you forget to use them in season.(but always carry them) That is a good thing. I went from a Lieca to an RXIII and I am happy with my choice. I have yet to use it in the high country I hunt. I can't wait to test my estimation skills in the steep stuff. As stated before, estimate the range then use the range finder. It is good training.

BTW,
Before I lay down for my afternoon nap I range as many points as possible around me. You never know what will show up when you are sleeping.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

I try to range every animal that I shoot at. It is a very ethical piece of equipment.

[Limbhanger]

Originally Posted by BlacktailBowhunter

I try to range every animal that I shoot at. It is a very ethical piece of equipment.

I use it during 3d shoots as well.

[beardbuster]

At every 3D course I shoot I'll step up to the stake and mentally range the animal first, then range it to see how just how close I am.

It really helps out when hunting, but some of these archery competitions you CAN NOT use a range finder at all. In the woods, I do not hunt without one.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

[quote=beardbuster;2035448]At every 3D course I shoot I'll step up to the stake and mentally range the animal first, then range it to see how just how close I am.quote]

I do this as well. I am about 85% on point give or take 1 yard. The other 15%, I would have probably missed the target had I not had a range finder.

[spottedhawk36]

I Do Carry A Rangefinder And When I Set Up To Call I Range Landmarks, Trees. Stumps Ect And Give Myself About 3 Yardages So When It Comes Time To Shoot Its Less Movement And I Already Know What Pin To Use.

[scubaseth]

I feel it helps to get a rangefinder that compensates for uphill or downhill and practice on such targets (I wish I would of done this my first year). For some odd reason the elk never come to me straight on a level plane.

Scuba

[switchback00]

I bought my rf for bowhunting essentially but never had time to really use it when game was coming in or was trying to make a stalk. I have used it way more during rifle hunts, mainly in eastern oregon. They are very good for judging the long distances as well. I used one on my first antelope and glad i did because it was 5o to 60 more yards out there than what i guessed with a naked eye. Very good if desert hunting because distances are very decieving in the scablands!

[weirdbeard]

Go shoot a 45 target 3-d course if you miss one target go buy the best rangefinder you can afford it might mean missing the shot of a lifetime they are very fast and easy to use.