Post by: h5c5o5 on August 08, 2012, 10:34:21 AM
Ive taken up bowhunting and will be going out into the woods down near Helens with some friends this upcoming season to look for some elk. As I am just starting out I havent perfected estimating ranges (Im usually within 5 yards of actual distance).
The style of hunting will be spot and stalk / still hunting through the woods.
Should I use a rangefinder or will there not be enough time to both range find and take the shot.
And just because I know it will be suggested, I am hitting the 3D course near my apartment as often as I can.
Post by: b0bbyg on August 08, 2012, 10:48:14 AM
Last year I passed on a quartering away shot as the light was fading thinking I was not in range, my son had my rangefinder. The next day I was in the same area and checked the distance and it was only 33 yards. Missed out on a nice big bull. :bash:
Post by: JohnVH on August 08, 2012, 11:06:47 AM
Post by: BowBender87 on August 08, 2012, 11:25:27 AM
Post by: Special T on August 08, 2012, 11:35:36 AM
Here is a great practice tip on range estimation. Take a piece of parachute cord about 50-60yards long. Every 20 yards tie a yellow ribbon, every 10 yards tie a red ribbon after 20 yards then every 5 yards tie a blue ribbon. Clip this to a belt loop and start walking. turn around every once in a while and see what it looks like on different kinds of terrain. You can practice this ANYWHERE and it works great in Fields to wooded parks. Have fun! :tup:
Post by: Button Nubbs on August 08, 2012, 11:46:48 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 08, 2012, 11:57:13 AM
Post by: jaymark6655 on August 08, 2012, 12:05:49 PM
I was bear hunting once, saw a bear and estimated the range to be 50 yards. Since it was close the decision was made to take a quick shot from the standing position. Turned out the bear was 100 yards away and we should have picked a better shooting position because bear was completly missed and ran off. (spent hours looking for blood and tracking just in case)
Post by: mikelonsford on August 08, 2012, 12:48:11 PM
Hope you're all ready for the season...you're going to have a LOT of fun! You probably remember I carry a range finder all the time, and I use it when setting up for doing some calling so you know the range to various terrain features, that way as the animal passes them you know what range he is at, if you haven't yet used the rangefinder and the animal is coming up on you, it might be too much movement and you may not have the opportunity to use it. So the best bet is always be prepared to visually gauge the distance without the rangefinder, but it is solid info to have if you have it and can use it.
My dad taught me this.........If you are visually ranging, it helps to pick something half the distance to your target and guess that distance as for me it is much more accurate than trying to guess the full distance. That is what I do in the woods and then check it with the rangefinder and am usually pretty close.
You probably won't have a shot over 40 yards in west WA anyway. Hope the other info helped earlier this year. Let me know how you do this year or if you have any more questions.
Good luck hunting!
Mike
Post by: iRem on August 08, 2012, 02:03:29 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on August 08, 2012, 02:13:16 PM
Post by: rebal69972 on August 08, 2012, 10:49:43 PM
Post by: lokidog on August 09, 2012, 07:55:49 AM
some people are good enough to guess yardage, Im not that good to get it every time, if you have a range finder bring it! If your sitting or in a stand, range landmarks so you know what distance things are then you wont need to if the shot comes up
:yeah:
I have rangefinding binos (Bushnell) that I have along all the time. I love not having to carry two items. Unfortunately, they quit working during turkey season and I have procrastinated and forgotten to get them in to be fixed in order to get them back before my moose hunt. I will be carrying my wife's rangefinder though.
Post by: hike2hunt on August 09, 2012, 08:32:11 AM
Post by: blacktailcody on August 09, 2012, 06:25:05 PM
Post by: windygorge on August 09, 2012, 07:04:13 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 09, 2012, 07:18:30 PM
I fell into the trap thinking I was good at guessing range.. on my range. Where I shoot its flat and I get used to how big my target should look, as well as how much flat ground is inbetween it and I. However, throw in some small hills, replace dirt with taller grass, and change the distance of the trees in the backdrop, and it gets more difficult than you think.
Take the extra second to use your rangefinder if its obviously > 15 yards. If the deer/elk spooks in that amount of time, it likely would have spooked on your draw anyway.
Post by: firedog on August 09, 2012, 07:45:51 PM
Post by: Wild Bill on August 10, 2012, 10:31:10 PM
I've had a ton more success since I bought one.
I live by the rule if you don't have time to range it, dont shoot it. I call a lot though, and generally can range out some land marks prior to the moment.
:twocents:
WB
Post by: GEARHEAD on August 10, 2012, 10:58:36 PM
Post by: Deep Forks on August 11, 2012, 01:31:31 AM
Post by: njc89 on August 11, 2012, 10:11:40 AM
Post by: Igottanewknee on August 11, 2012, 01:33:41 PM
Post by: Kowsrule30 on August 11, 2012, 02:48:17 PM
Post by: fly4fish on August 14, 2012, 10:11:29 AM