Range Estimation?

Question

For the bowhunters out there, I am going to go out for archery this season, and I was wondering if any one had any tricks they used for range estimation in order to use the right pin? If not, what could I do to make sure I use the right pin?

Answer 1

If you go to the blind before hunting season, pace out distances to specific landmarks, and jot yourself a note. I used to do that when I was hunting as a kid (with a gun), so buck fever wouldn't set in and I'd try to take a ridiculously long shot.

Answer 2

Learn to 'eyeball' ranges.

Take you bow, and some field points, and go 'roving'.

(Shoot at random targets, at different distances.)

You'd be surprised how quick you get an eye for the

trajectory of your arrows.

Answer 3

I have used range finders for year . They use to be expensive but now they have become more reasonable. for the bow hunter all you need is a plain old range finder, you don't need one of the new ones that factor in angle and all that c**p ,that's great if you are rifle shooting at 500 yards or something but for bow hunting shots are say 40 yards or less . If you can afford one with all the bells and whistles then go for it, I'm just saying its not necessary . I use a Bushnell yardage pro I bought 5 years ago . I just range some trees or rock or whatever within my shooting range once I get to my stand then when game come in I don't need to get my range finder out and risk spooking them away . that's how I do it ,right or wrong its worked for me .good luck

Answer 4

Mongo's answer is good. I do practice judging distances though.

Answer 5

Pretend your standing at the end of a football field.

Answer 6

Your best bet would be to use a pendulum sight. These will work from the base of your tree to about 35 yards- Just aim and shoot- no decision on which pin to use- I've used them for the past 30 years, and they have never cost me a deer yet. Just remember when you get one to make sure it has the tritium pin that will glow in the dark- under low light conditions this is a necessity.-It will only cost about $20 extra, and it's worth every cent. There are several models on the market- research them and decide which you like- they all work. Congratulations on your decision to become a bow hunter- there is no greater thrill on earth, then to make a bow kill..You are going to be in for some fantastic hunting experiences!

Answer 7

Care to purchase and use a rangefinder?

Answer 8

When out scouting and you see a deer or rabbit think to your self that looks like it is 35 yards put your range finder on it and see. If it ended up being 45 find something close to it that is at 35 yards after a few times of looking at different deer and guessing you will get good at judging distance. If you get within 5 yards you will be fine.

If you are hunting in a stand find objects in your shooting lane and range them a head of time so if a deer walks out you can know hey that tree is 22 yards and the deer is about 5 yards from that I need to shoot my 30 yard pin just a tad low.hope this helps.

Answer 9

There is no need to estimate. Remove the guess work and place small markers you can see in multiple directions and colors. The colors tell you what the distance is. A small ribbon of colored surveyors tape on a tree branch tells you the deer under that branch is at 25 yards. Deer are color blind, they can't see the pink, blue, red and green small bows you tied on limbs or saplings. Don't make if big or too flappy and they won't care.

Scout early and planning are the keys to successful hunting.

Answer 10

I tend to practice  shots from the roof of my garage. Its about 12 feet up. this is the approximate height of my stands.

I have, on the property I hunt, several tree stands. Each year prior to the season, I go out to the stands and mark off 20, 30, and 40 yards.

The way I do this, is I bring a rope with tape marks at the 20, 30, and 40 yard points. I then tie the rope to the seat of the stands, and extend the rope out to nearby trees, bushes, logs, whatever is there. I mark trees and or brush at the 20 yard mark with green spray paint, 30 yards with yellow, and 40 with red. Make marks 360 degrees around the stand to give the reference point for all around shooting.

Range looks very different in the woods. What looks like 20 yards is almost always much further. If you have to guess, always add 5 yards to your best guess, and choose the pin.

I run 3 fiber optic pins on my Mathews. The 20 is green, the 30 yellow, and the 40 is red,(see a pattern here?).

Two years ago, my hunting partner estimated an 8 point to be 30 yards, It was 41 yards. His shot flew low, and the hunt was a loss.

Last year my partner used my system, and killed 2 does and a 6 point, all over 30 yards.

Now back to the roof. Keep in mind that if you are going to shoot on a down ward angle, Your arrows will hit a bit high, so zero the bow from an elevated position, or bring your target to your stand, and let a few arrows fly from the stand, to get used to the change in hit point.

Mind your scent, and enjoy the hunt. All kills with a bow are trophies!!!

Answer 11

If you would shoot instinctive, and not depend on a sight, by not using any there would not be any problem for you.*