What is a rangefinder?

Gaining the Edge: Laser Rangefinders for Hunting

For hunters, judging distance quickly and accurately is an essential skill. However, estimating yardages or relying on sight alone leaves room for error. This is where today's advanced laser rangefinders shine. Laser rangefinding technology allows hunters to instantly calculate distances to targets out to 1,000+ yards with incredible precision. Top hunting brands like ATN now offer specialized rangefinders packed with features to give you a definitive edge in the field.

What is a Laser Rangefinder?

A laser rangefinder is an optic device that utilizes an internal laser beam to determine distances with pinpoint accuracy. The hunter simply aims the rangefinder at their target, presses a button to fire the laser, and within a fraction of a second the precise yardage out to the target is displayed on the LCD screen.

The rangefinder's laser reflects off the chosen object, returning to a sensor on the device. Using the constant speed of light, a processor instantly calculates the distance based on the time elapsed. Current rangefinder models can determine distances within about +/- 1 yard out to 1,000 yards or more depending on conditions.

For hunters, laser rangefinders completely eliminate the guesswork involved in judging distances across varying terrain. By providing definitive target ranges, rangefinders allow for better shot placement and more ethical, efficient hunts.

Maximize Your Range with ATN

Trusted by hunters for over 20 years, ATN's cutting edge optics and rangefinders are built to provide an advantage in the field. Their laser rangefinder lineup offers models specially designed for various hunting scenarios.

ATN rangefinders utilize a high precision laser diode to accurately range targets out to an industry-leading 1,500 yards – more than enough distance for even the most open terrain and extreme distance shots. This long-distance capability allows you to range animals like deer, elk, and hogs with confidence no matter the situation.

For hunters who require even greater precision, ATN rangefinders can display distances in 1 yard increments out to 99 yards. This enables hunters to set sights for the exact yardage down to the inch.

You can explore each advantage of our ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000 and ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1500

Key Features for Hunting

When selecting a dedicated rangefinder for hunting, several key features affect usability and effectiveness in the field:

• Distance Range – The maximum distance needed for your hunting environment and typical shot distances. ATN provides 800+ yard capacity for most situations.
• Magnification – Higher 6x or 8x magnification improves target resolution, especially at longer ranges.
• Angle Compensation – Displays the true horizontal distance on steep uphill or downhill shots for accurate shot placement.
• Low Light Performance – Quality optics and anti-glare coatings optimize use at dawn/dusk when game is moving most.
• Size/Weight – Compact and lightweight units are essential for packing into remote hunting areas.
• Waterproof/Fogproof – Rugged, weatherproof construction stands up to harsh conditions and moisture.
• Scan Mode – Allows continuously ranging of moving targets – crucial for bowhunters.
• Battery Life – Maximize ranging time with long-life battery options.

Rangefinders with specialized hunting modes and maximum ranging distance give you an unparalleled edge in the woods or on the range.

Rifle Hunting Applications

For rifle hunters, knowing the exact distance to your target is absolutely critical for clean, humane kills. Excessive bullet drop or wind drift can spell the difference between a perfect shot to the vitals or a graze, miss, or poor hit. A rangefinder allows you to eliminate guessing and know the definitive distance when that trophy buck or bull elk steps out.

Many rangefinder models designed for rifle use also incorporate enhanced aiming features. Some provide angle compensated distances to account for steep uphill or downhill shooting positions. This displays the true horizontal distance, allowing you to properly set your scopes for the effective range.

Higher-end rangefinders may also integrate bullet drop/trajectory data for popular hunting cartridges. After ranging your target, the device can instantly tell you how many inches high or low to hold over the deer or other game animal based on your specific ammo and conditions. This allows dead-on shot placement at extended ranges where significant bullet drop occurs.

By providing exact distance readings in any terrain, rifle rangefinders let you stretch your effective range and connect more confidently on distant animals that would previously be a gamble.

Bowhunting Applications

For bowhunters, accuracy is paramount given the limited effective range of most bow setups. Shots typically occur inside 60 yards where small range estimation errors easily lead to wounded game or misses. A quality rangefinder allows bowhunters to precisely measure distances out to 60-100 yards for proper sight pin adjustment and accuracy.

Specialized archery models will measure distances within .1 yard increments, enabling you to compensate precisely for shot angles and set your sights for exact distances. Scanning modes on bow rangefinders allow for constantly ranging moving deer or elk as you draw your bow, a crucial feature for bowhunting.

The ability to obtain distances down to the exact yard gives bowhunters unmatched confidence in shot placement. And after enough practice, laser rangefinders make judging distances second nature. No more guessing yardage based on visual cues – you'll know definitively how far that prize buck is for an ethical, effective shot.

Gaining a Tactical Edge

While skills and experience are paramount, today's hunters can also utilize technology like laser rangefinders to gain an additional edge. Rangefinders provide crucial intelligence that simply cannot be reliably determined or judged by our naked senses alone. By giving hunters pinpoint distance measurements in a split-second, they provide confidence to make the perfect shot when game presents itself.

Just as match shooters utilize wind meters and ballistic calculators, ethical hunters should embrace tools like rangefinders for their digitally enhanced ranging capabilities. While ultimately the hunter must execute the proper technique, removing doubts about target distance through technology demonstrates respect for both the game and the sport itself.

Need to mention that ATN has a line of different devices with rangefinding capabilities: binoculars (thermal / night vision) with lrf, abl, handheld rangefinder, with built-in lrf. All of them have different purposes and can be used in different hunting situations.

Whether you are bowhunting in close timber, or taking 1,000+ yard shots across open mountainsides, an ATN laser rangefinder fulfills your unique needs. Outfit yourself with a rangefinder this season and see how immediately eliminating distance uncertainty translates into better shot opportunities and hunting success.