One of the biggest parts of archery is being able to judge range. When bow hunting you need to have a precise rangefinder for accurate shots. There are no arrows that travel in a straight path. Even when using some of the fastest and most advanced compound bows, arrows will always travel in arching paths. With all factors held constant, misjudging the range is the leading cause of missed shots from a bow. Bowhunting without a rangefinder is one of the biggest hunter handicaps.
With a rangefinder being a crucial device in bow hunting, getting the ideal rangefinder for bow hunting is recommended. There are different types of rangefinders on the market something that makes it difficult for bow hunters to find a suitable one.
Different types of range finders
While all the rangefinders are designed to work the same, different models are best suited for different tasks. When rangefinders are classified by the different uses, we get the following categories:
Classification of rangefinders by uses
Golf rangefinders: These rangefinders help measure the precise distance to the next hole. Golf rangefinders come into types of laser and GPS. You need to download the map of the course for GPS rangefinders. However, laser rangefinders work on laser technology to give exact distance to the next hole, flag, and yardage distance. Laser rangefinders come with more features and are more accurate.
Hunting rangefinder: This is where our bow hunting rangefinders belong. These types of rangefinders come in a single type of laser technology. When hunting, you’re going to spend a lot of time scanning the hunt area. This is why you need a rangefinder with a continuous scanning mode. It is worth noting the animal is not going to stay in the same place for long. This means continuous scanning to trace and locate the prey.
Forestry rangefinder: These are rangefinders that survey the forest land and its surroundings. They usually feature different features that make distance determination more accurate. Forestry rangefinders are designed to avoid leaves making forest mapping easier. They can also determine the height and volume of trees.
Ballistic rangefinder: These are rangefinders used in military operations. They can measure up to 1500 yards helping officers track a wide array of objectives.
Camera rangefinder: These are cameras with rangefinder technology to give photographers extra details. Camera rangefinders allow photographers to take photos from long distances while maintaining focus on the object.
If you’re looking for a rangefinder for bow hunting, then a hunting rangefinder is an ideal solution. The hunting rangefinder will not help you aim. Instead, it will measure the accurate distance to the game. When you have an accurate estimation of distance, you can calculate how long it takes the bullet to travel. This is ideal at identifying the next move the game will make. Next, you need to find the time the projectile will take and shoot at the right place.
Hunting rangefinders come in a single type running on laser technology. You should read this article from Rangefindertoday.com to find some of the leading hunting rangefinders on the market. A rangefinder for rifle hunting can be used for bow hunting. However, if you’re strictly into bow hunting, then you need to consider a bow hunting rangefinder. So, what makes a good bow hunting rangefinder?
Bowhunting rangefinder
There are few specific features to consider when looking for a bow hunting rangefinder. First, you need to find the best hunting rangefinders on the market. From the list of the hunting rangefinder reviews, you can then narrow down your choices of the best for bow hunting. In some instances, one might need a rangefinder with extreme yardage. How far can your arrow travel? What type of game are you hunting? These are some of the questions that can help you choose the best bow hunting rangefinder.
Some hunters might require a special bow mount such that your rangefinder is in sight whenever you nock an arrow. Let’s look at some of the crucial features to consider in every rangefinder for a bow.
Coatings: Coatings on the rangefinder help improve light transmission making it an added bonus. The coating also helps prevent scratches and damage from debris. It is a great feature at making your rangefinder more effective and durable.
Range: This is one of the most crucial features to consider. The type of prey you hunt and the maximum distance of hunting also determine the type of rangefinder to buy. Every rangefinder comes with a maximum and minimum range. However, since we are bow hunting, the maximum range is not a big issue as most arrows will not travel far.
Angle compensation: When we talk about angle compensation, we are talking about incline/decline, geometry and height consideration. When shooting from a high or low area, the actual distance to the target is not the same as the horizontal distance. Calculating angle compensation requires some math. Luckily for you, most bow hunting rangefinders come with software that does most of the math. This simply means they compensate for angle allowing you to get an accurate distance. If you’re bow hunting uphill or downhill, angle compensation is one feature you need to consider.
Display color features: You also need to choose a bow hunting rangefinder with color displays for excellent viewing. Some rangefinders come with a black color display which is hard to see in low light conditions. However, such rangefinders tend to be cheap and affordable. If you’re ’bow hunting in dawn or dusk, then consider colored rangefinders.
Additional bow features: You also need to consider rangefinders that cater to specific bow hunters. You’re likely going to negotiate through obstacles. Small things like a brush or twig can affect your hunt. Choose a rangefinder that enables you to maneuver through such simple things while hunting.
Final verdict
In conclusion, getting a precise shot with your bow can be tricky. This is the case, especially when hunting from a treestand. You need to track your game, measure the precise distance, calculate the arrow projectile and shoot accurately at the right spot. Make sure your measuring skills are sharp and you fully understand how to use your bow hunting rangefinder.