Range Finder question

[virgil]

I just got a new range finder- a Halo.  I've never used one before.  I plan to use it mostly for bowhunting from a treestand; and maybe for turkey hunting from the ground.  It has a setting for normal distance and another one that corrects for angle of incline.  Do you all use this feature, or just go with the normal distance reading?

[The_Field_Ager]

I use mine to measure distance and mark trees before the season. Then I bring a target out and make sure I am comfortable at those distances. I don't bother bringing one out to hunt. Everything has been worked out by this point. 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

you will love the incline setting while bow hunting. I agree with Papist's approach. I tend to pre range at several locations where I think they are coming. More often that not you won't have the chance to do it when deer is there.

[phade]

Because of the frequency we hunt sets for the first time each season or the fact we move stands alot, I bring my RF and range the likely shot locations and it lets me be prepared without the need to range. I have ranged deer and then shot them, but those are few and far between and mostly field edge shots.

 

The incline setting can be pretty helpful depending on the type of ground you hunt. I find little variation in shot distance adjustment on flat ground when in a basic stand 15' off the ground or so, give or take. The do help in areas where you are hunting hillsides, ie, you could be eye level with the ground above you and have a serious drop off below you.

 

I bring my RF all of the time because it has a 6x magnification and I actually use that rather than bringing binos on most hunts. if I am going in all day, I will bring the binos, but for a few hour sit? The RF will do.

 

 

[grampy]

Most of my hunting is done from the ground now. I have an older Bushnell range finder,that just gives the range and works for me. I will range trees or objects before the hunt. I have never ranged a live deer while hunting. All my attention is on making the shot or just watching.

 

However if hunting from a tree or elevated position,I can see where the angle compensation would be useful.

[virgil]

Thanks for the feedback- pretty much confirms what I was expecting.  I'll use it in the stand to range a few trees in likely shooting areas.  Was mostly just curious if the incline adjustment was useful at relatively short ranges like bowhunting from a treestand.

 

thanks again.

[phade]

Thanks for the feedback- pretty much confirms what I was expecting.  I'll use it in the stand to range a few trees in likely shooting areas.  Was mostly just curious if the incline adjustment was useful at relatively short ranges like bowhunting from a treestand.

 

thanks again.

 

If you are on flat ground in a basic 15ft treestand and have to make some quick decisions/moves - and you happen NOT to have incline on, range a tree at the point of the impending shot at your height. This will give you a more accurate reading if you have concerns about ranging a trail because tall grass is in the way, or brush, etc.

[fasteddie]

I use the incline setting on my Halo . Makes little sense not to use it if it's available . The Halo is small and compact . I range a few spots and just keep it handy on a hook in the tree stand .

[dbHunterNY]

Because of the frequency we hunt sets for the first time each season or the fact we move stands alot, I bring my RF and range the likely shot locations and it lets me be prepared without the need to range. I have ranged deer and then shot them, but those are few and far between and mostly field edge shots.

 

The incline setting can be pretty helpful depending on the type of ground you hunt. I find little variation in shot distance adjustment on flat ground when in a basic stand 15' off the ground or so, give or take. The do help in areas where you are hunting hillsides, ie, you could be eye level with the ground above you and have a serious drop off below you.

 

I bring my RF all of the time because it has a 6x magnification and I actually use that rather than bringing binos on most hunts. if I am going in all day, I will bring the binos, but for a few hour sit? The RF will do.

 

this is pretty much what I do.  I've got a Nikon Riflehunter 1000.  most of the time I keep it on a lanyard across my chest to rest on my right side (I shoot right handed).  that way if I need it quick I've got it at the ready, but most of the time you don't have time or the situation doesn't allow for that extra movement.  low light transmission sucking when compared to binos is something to remember.  especially when my display text lights up red.  consequence of a range finder being a small optic.

[dbHunterNY]

Thanks for the feedback- pretty much confirms what I was expecting.  I'll use it in the stand to range a few trees in likely shooting areas.  Was mostly just curious if the incline adjustment was useful at relatively short ranges like bowhunting from a treestand.

 

thanks again.

 

doing what Phade said will help.  over 20 yards is where I use my rangefinder most and to scan for branches.  otherwise at say under 20 yards you're pin gaps are small enough at close range that your shot is more effected by your body position (form) at the steeper angle due to being so close.  you generally remember what's within that wheel house distance to where you're not using it.  at single digit yardages from a stand your shot angles are so steep it's harder to hit enough vitals and you're actually shooting like it's 35-40 yards depending on your setup.  I've mostly found hillsides and ridges is where it'll save you and make the shot count.  my best stand is a wooded hill side funnel between two bedding areas and bigger sections of timber.  using the rangefinder and shooting deer out of it there's a difference in pin placement of several yards compared to what it'd normally be.  it'd be enough for a deer to jump the string or shoot over its back.

[G-Man]

Incline setting all the time and orerange .