Successful Hunting Depends On Accurate Distance Assessment

No matter how experienced you are at hunting, you can probably agree that judging the distance between you and your intended target is one of the most important aspects of a successful hunt. After all, you can't aim accurately if you don't know how far away your game is because you won't be able to adjust for factors such as wind and lift. 

Estimating Distance Using Landmarks

In most situations, a hunter will spot his prey in relation to a variety of landmarks such as trees, fences, rocks and even power poles. You can use any of these as a way to gauge yardage by virtue of comparison. Keep track of these objects at regular lengths so that you can easily determine that, for instance, the fence is 20 yards out and the cluster of oaks is 30 yards beyond the fence. Sometimes you'll be estimating, but there are some instances in which it's even easier because the lengths in between each landmark are predetermined. Did you know that in most states, the poles for electrical lines are set 100 yards apart? That certainly makes it easier to gauge a deer at 150 yards if he is between poles one and two.

Practice Makes Perfect 

Quite simply, practice makes perfect when attempting to determine how far away your prey is. Visiting the target range regularly and under a wide range of conditions will familiarize you with your gun's particular features, including ballistics and trajectory so that you can more accurately adjust for terrain, distance and location.  For bow hunters, visiting a three-dimensional target range and regularly trying your hand at shooting these accurately designed targets will help you improve your technique in several field situations.

What Is It? Where Is It?

For most hunters, 3-D targets aren't an option, but practicing at 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards will help you get used to how each distance looks through the scope. For instance, does a deer fill 50% of your scope at 20X magnification? This will help you gauge how far away he is.

Don't forget to take changing prey and conditions into consideration when you're trying to estimate. Larger animals in heavy brush may look like they're closer than they actually are, while small game can look deceptively far away on the open prairie. Time and experience will help you adjust to these variables, which is why regular practice during the off-season is so critical to hunting success. 

The Modern Solution - The Rangefinder

If you don't have the opportunity to practice regularly and would like to try out some of the newer hunting technologies, a laser rangefinder simplifies everything. They're easy to use, small enough to carry anywhere, and a breeze to adjust. You'll get an accurate reading that will make it easy to take the shot and hit your target. One word of caution - take into consideration what you can afford and what you really need. By reading some online reviews of popular rangefinders, you can find the one that will give you accurate distance assessment for your needs without emptying your wallet.

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