Hunting Rangefinders Guide

The application of technology to hunting has helped many average performers to improve their effectiveness overnight. Hunting rangefinders give a precise measurement to the target typically in the 500 yards to 1500 yards range.

Hunting rangefinders employ a laser and electronics to estimate the distance. The laser light illuminates the targeted object and the electronics measure the time for the reflected laser light to return. As the light travels at a constant velocity the electronics can rapidly calculate the intervening distance.

The strength of the laser will determine the maximum range, the sensitivity of the detector and quality of the electronics will determine the accuracy.

External conditions can impact on the accuracy. Bad weather, mist and fog, can obscure the target and reduce the reflected light.

Intervening shrubs and trees will prevent the rangefinder sighting on the target or lead to a false measurement.

Finally very small objects can be hard to sight and the hunting rangefinder may struggle to lock onto these.

Hunting rangefinders need to be tough and able to withstand a wide range of weather conditions. The body should be waterproof and a rubberised coating will prevent the device is slipping in wet conditions and also reduce the potential for sunlight reflecting off the device.

Remember you will be using the rangefinder out doors and it could be raining. Your primary focus is your hobby, hunting, and you do not want to be distracted by fiddling with some small, slippy uncontrollable device. As such the ergonomic design of the hunting the rangefinder is very important element in the eventual effectiveness of the tool to you.