Rangefinder....... Needed? Or just something else to carry.

[GFY_Camp]

Is it worth spending the money on a rangefinder? Is it just a toy that is cool or does it really help out a lot?

[OHbowhntr]

Matter of opinion, but I rarely will leave the house without mine!!!! I've killed deer at various ranges, and am quite confident to shoot out to 40-50yds, but there's a big difference between 33 and 38 yds, especially with a slower bow. I'd rather know what I should be aiming for rather than GUESS!!! Nikon has some nice stuff IMO, if I were to buy a new one right now, it would be the Nikon 550.

[jmbuckhunter]

I never go into the woods without mine. Next to my bow, it's the most important piece of equipment in my pockets. It just gives me that extra confidence boost to know EXACTLY what yardage my shot is. Plus it makes putting the shot right where it needs to be much easier. Making the tracking jobs much shorter.

Just imagine how much better you score on a 3D course if you took a range finder along and ranged every animal before you shot.

[bowmanaj]

Its always with me, but not always out or around my neck.. Most times I range the trees at various distaces and try to memorize them.

[TEmbry]

I use mine for the first time at a site, to range trees, rocks, and stumps and establish a "perimeter" to know my outer ranges. After that, it is in the pack unless I forget a certain tree later on in season.

Out west, I kept mine on my belt as it was always being used. Ill rank it as my #2 most important piece of equipment hunting wise for my upcoming trip way up north in Alaska. Im not very good at guessing ranges when you can see for miles.

[MichiganWhitetails74]

With gun...A MUST

With bow ..A MUST for me too...

I look for precision acc. from 26 - 40 yards and the range finder allows me to make precision shots when bow hunting...I use it to range trees and I always use it at ranges when I know my arrow is falling off..

Keep your range finder close to your neck in order to minimize movement..

When you by one don't go cheap...I would recommend a Nikon or a Leoupold. Stay small..and don't buy a bulky bushnell...regardless of name brand...keep it small in size.

[Schultzy]

Needed? No. I don't care for them. It takes to much of the hunt out of It to me. JMHO.

[MichiganWhitetails74]

I agree with Steve in his case...he's telling you that it can take away from the art of hunting...and that judging the animals distance is part of the hunt..and part of your inner self....

Am I on track Steve??. Thank you for keeping me down to those BASICS..I getoff sometimes

I need to call you buddy. You're Larry, and I'm MO...and Curly is in Wisc. following the tracks of the big one in the snow.

[Schultzy]

Just so everyone knows I'm not ripping anyone who uses one, It's just not the type of hunting I would be doing. Anyone else can do as they please, It's there time In the woods and whatever works for them/you. Yes Brian, your right on!

Give me a ring one of these days, you still have my number?

[MeanV2]

Other than my Bow, arrows, & broadheads it is my most important piece of equipment.

If I still shot a recurve I doubt I would even want one though.

Dan