I've always brought a rope along that measured 30 yards and used that to measure off from the tree or stand at the start of the season, memorizing or writing down landmarks. I bought the Wildgame Innovations rangefinder this year for $99 on a whim with points from a big box store. Had I wanted to spend money I would have went with something in the $150 to $200 range. There are plenty of them out there and I hear they all work good. So far mine works good and I'll take it back if it doesn't knowing the C store will not want to be known for selling me junk. Good luck!

P.S. Anybody that tells you a $99 or $150 rangefinder won't work is full of it. It's basic and not as nice as a $400 one, but it works. A DVD player may not be as nice in terms of picture as a blu ray but it does the job. Cheaper = not as nice, not junk.