Every hunter should own some type of a rangefinder, here’s why.
Nothing gets more frustrating when you are standing on a treestand, fired on a target that you have zeroed in and it still manages to sprint away. You may wonder what went wrong when everything seems accurately measured out. To bluntly answer that, your target was most probably not as close as you think.
In such a scenario, having a rangefinder while hunting will definitely enhance your hunting journey. A rangefinder is basically a device that estimates the distance of an object from your current location. It uses the features of a laser, light meter, and clock.
The distance between your location and your target is measured by shining your laser beam at an object. From that, the light meter will take in the time it takes for your beam to travel there and bounce back. The time is then measured by the clock to precisely estimate a distance of your target. All of that in a small, compact and durable device.
Therefore, it does not take a mad genius to operate this device. There are so many benefits acquired just by incorporating a rangefinder to your strategy. If you are still not convinced enough, let me elaborate why having a hunting rangefinder might just be your next best hunting purchase.
Here are the top two rangefinders that we recommend the most.
This is our #1 ranked rangefinder for 2021. It features a lot of great technology and is overall one of the most advanced rangefinders you can get.
If you want the highest quality without spending upwards of a 1000 bucks, this is the rangefinder to go with.
Rangefinder, or.. Rangefinder Binoculars?
Rangefinders have been around for quite sometime. Rangefinder binoculars, on the other hand, are a relatively new tool for hunters. Every situation is different and all types of hunting require different types of equipment. As a general rule of thumb, if you can afford to carry the extra weight, rangefinder binoculars offer a bit more than your standard rangefinder.
If weight is the name of the game and you’re carrying a spotting scope, say on a backcountry sheep hunt for example, you should be able to get away with a rangefinder. Now, I completely understand that every hunter is different. Some may scoff at that statement and others may completely agree. This article is simply supporting the arguments for finding the best rangefinder.
- It ensures that every shot matters (they’re ethical)
You may be a very season hunter to be able to accurately tell how far away your target is without any equipment We are hunters that are subject to making human errors everyday. Just by eyeing on your target’s distance may lead to misleading interpretations, thus misfired.
As a hunting rangefinder accurately measures your desired target distance, it makes sure that every shot you make is precise and a higher tendency for a hit. Furthermore, you are able to accurately aim at the vital parts of your target to ensure that it is a clean shot.
However, to achieve this, you must be shooting in a straight line. If you are shooting from an elevated position, shots fired may land above of your target instead.
Every hunter should first and foremost follow some type of a hunting code of ethics. By determining the exact distance to your target, you’re more likely to place an accurate shot with your bow or rifle.
- Scouting made easy
If you are using a rifle while hunting, having a rangefinder while carrying out your scouting routine will give you many insights and perks. Say you have selected a spot that is approximate to where your target will be. You are then able to use your device to have a ground distance of where to set up your hunting blinds.
Even if you are not using a blind and hunting by foot instead, you are able to range out acceptable spots and appropriate range distance to use. Just by calculating these spots in advance, you will be free from stress, disappointments and the need to waste time to shoot your target. It increases your probability of having a successful shot even if it is at 5 in the morning.
- Enables you to hunt in any weather condition
Whether it is pouring outside or lack of sunlight that cause you to not be able to locate just how far away your target is, having a rangefinder will eliminate that issue. You are able to still shoot accurately as long as you can point your rangefinder directly at your target.
This is especially relatable when it is raining heavily or even fogging that causes you limitation in visual. A rangefinder would enable you to continue your outdoor hunting activities regardless of the weather situation.
Rangefinder manufacturers like Vortex, Sig Sauer, Bushnell and even Cabelas have done an excellent job of creating products designed to withstand virtually any element. No longer are the days where a little weather ruined a hunt or some of your equipment.
One of the top Halo rangefinders you can get for hunting. It has the ability to range up to 1,600 yards and has auto acquisition that calculates the true horizontal distance at any elevation.
Related Article: Top 11 Bowhunting Rangefinders For 2020
- Ability to hunt at steep terrains
When it comes to hunting in the wilderness, hunters normally avoid rough or rocky ranges that prevent them to have a clear vision of their target. Usually, it is preferable to be able to lay low on a flat ground for precise shots. However, this issue can be compensated with the angle features of a rangefinder device making hunting at terrains possible.
Your target may seem further away when in such environments when in fact, it is actually further away than the real distance you are aiming for. It may become a tedious process to measure the precise shot angle and correction values to ensure that the gravity does not cause a huge bullet drop that will ruin your bullet’s flight path to travel straight.
Therefore, having a rangefinder will calculate the true horizontal distance to your selected target so that you will not need to worry whether are you aiming too high or too low and at the end just missing your shot.
- Determines what is really in sight
Instead of ducking left and right to double check whether is there any object in your way before shooting your target, you can simply use a rangefinder to save time. The device will help you determine whether there will be any object that will block your bullet path even if it is by the slightest bit.
This will save you the hassle of needing to locate another target as hitting another object will most likely spook your target away. Furthermore, you will be able to discover potential positions that will give you a more suitable angle to approach your target.
Related Article: Best Cheap Rangefinders For 2020
- 2-in-1 rangefinder and binoculars
Currently, rangefinders come in higher quality and performance that are stepping over the territory of binoculars. The size of the device still remains small and compact which means that it takes up less space than a regular binoculars do.
Rangefinder such as a monocular rangefinder is basically a basic rangefinder and binoculars paired together working in one frame. For a price of one, you are getting both features of magnification and distance calculator along with all the basic concepts of a rangefinder.
A device from this category provides you a wider field of vision so that you would not be missing anything that can only be seen through binoculars alone. Therefore, having a rangefinder- binoculars gives you the best of both worlds.
