A rangefinder is an essential tool for hunters, providing precise distance measurements to ensure ethical and accurate shots. Using laser technology, a hunting rangefinder removes the guesswork of estimating yardage, which is critical for both bow and rifle hunting.
How to use a hunting rangefinder
- Locate your target: Look through the rangefinder's optics as you would with binoculars and find the animal.
- Take a measurement: Press the measure button to activate the laser. When a crosshair appears, place it over your target and press the button again.
- Read the distance: The rangefinder will display the exact distance to your target in yards or meters.
- Make adjustments: Use the distance reading to compensate for bullet drop or to select the correct bow pin. Modern rangefinders often include features like angle compensation to provide an adjusted distance for inclines or declines.
Key features of a hunting rangefinder
- Angle compensation: Provides a "shoots like" distance that adjusts for uphill or downhill shots. This is particularly important for bow hunters or rifle hunters shooting at steep angles.
- Maximum distance: Manufacturers list the maximum distance a rangefinder can measure on a reflective target, like a sign. For hunting non-reflective targets like an animal, the effective range is shorter. Match the rangefinder's maximum distance to your hunting environment and weapon.
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Target priority modes: Some rangefinders allow you to switch between different modes to suit your needs.
- First target mode: Ignores background clutter and prioritizes the closest object, such as an animal in front of a tree line.
- Distant target mode: Filters out closer objects, like brush or branches, to lock onto a distant target. This is useful for hunting in thick cover.
- Optical quality: Factors like magnification, field of view, and display quality are important. An illuminated LED display is helpful in low-light conditions.
- Durability: Look for a waterproof and fog-proof model, as hunting often involves unpredictable weather.
Advanced uses for hunting
- Scouting and stalking: You can use a rangefinder to pre-range key landmarks, like trees or ridge lines, before a stalk. This helps you determine if you can get within range of an animal before you even start moving.
- Ballistic solutions: High-end rangefinders can integrate with ballistic calculators or mobile apps to provide a precise firing solution, adjusting for bullet drop and environmental factors like wind.
Rangefinder considerations for different hunting styles
- Rifle hunting: For long-range rifle hunting, you need a rangefinder with a greater maximum distance (over 2,000 yards) and excellent optical clarity. Features like ballistic modes and high magnification are particularly useful.
- Bow hunting: For archery, a shorter-range rangefinder (around 400 yards) is often sufficient. Angle compensation is a critical feature for bow hunting, as steep shots have a significant impact on trajectory.
- Spot and stalk: Hunters who move frequently benefit from a lightweight, compact rangefinder that can be accessed quickly.
By incorporating a rangefinder into your gear, you can take accurate, ethical shots with confidence.
Make sure to check out all of our thermals with integrated range finders, including the new RIX STORM S3R and S6R