When it comes to bow hunting, accuracy is everything. Without a precise aim, you risk injuring the animal and losing your opportunity to make a clean kill.
This is where rangefinders come in; they help you determine the distance between you and your target, allowing you to adjust your aim accordingly.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the best rangefinders for bow hunting on the market today.
5 Best bow hunting rangefinders
TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder
| Brand | TideWe |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Color | Leaf Camo |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Magnification | 6X |
| Distance Measure Range | 3-700/1000Y (Accuracy: ±1Y) |
| Measuring Time | <0.5s |
| Measurement Speed Range | 0-186.4MPH/0-300km/h |
| Dimensions | 4.122.611.50inch/10566.438mm |
| Weight | 0.35lb |
| Scan Function | Yes |
| Waterproof | IP54 |
| Laser Class | Class 1 (Eye-Safe) |
| Battery Description | Lithium-Ion |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| International Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 5.94 x 3.43 x 2.72 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.32 Kilograms |
The TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder is definitely one to consider when looking for the best rangefinder for bow hunting.
It offers an impressive 6x magnification, as well as displaying straight-line vertical distance, horizontal distance, and speed to your target.
This top bow hunting optic rangefinder also comes with a rechargeable battery and is waterproof, making it a durable option for any hunting trip.
This best overall rangefinder is not only great for bow hunting, but also golfing. And with a 27% discount on Amazon, it’s an affordable choice too.
Pros
- It works well for ranging.
- Easy to use.
- Feature-packed.
- Relatively accurate when benchmarked with higher-end rangefinders.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Rechargeable, so no need to worry about batteries.
- Great value for the price.
Cons
- Takes practice with the triangulation equation.
- A little hard to see the result on the screen because it’s high in the upper 1/3rd.
WOSPORTS Hunting Rangefinder
| Brand | WOSPORTS |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Color | Camo range finder |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Sport Type | Hunting, Hunter Archery, Bow |
| Maximum Range | 800 yards |
| Accuracy | +/- 1 yard |
| Measuring Reading Speed | <0.5s per measurement |
| Mode Options | Distance, Target Lock, Speed (0-300km/h) |
| Magnification Maximum | 6x |
| International Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2.01 x 0.79 x 1.61 inches |
| Battery Description | Lithium |
| Package Dimensions (LxWxH) | 5.51 x 3.74 x 2.44 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.22 Kilograms |
The WOSPORTS Hunting Rangefinder is a top pick for many hunters due to its economical price and outstanding performance.
With a maximum range of up to 800 yards, this rangefinder is equipped with a bow hunting mode that accurately calculates angle, height, and horizontal distance. Additionally, the scanning and speed mode features allow hunters to quickly understand their surroundings, perfect for those on the move.
Overall, this archery rangefinder is a great product that is accurate, well-made, and affordable.
Golfers can also benefit from the WOSPORTS Laser Range Finder, just remember that it does not have built-in elevation compensation.
Pros
- Affordable price for a rangefinder.
- Optics are decent for the price.
- Works well for airgun field target shooting.
- Accurate and consistent.
- Works well in bright sunlight.
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
Cons
- Dark optics can make it difficult to see in low light or against dark backgrounds.
- LCD display can be hard to see against dark backgrounds.
- Build quality not as robust as more expensive units.
Bushnell BoneCollector 850 Laser Rangefinder
| Brand | Bushnell |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Color | Camo |
| Material | Plastic |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
| Magnification Maximum | 6 |
| Maximum Range | 850 yards (reflective), 500 yards (tree), 350 yards (deer) |
| ARC Technology | Yes |
| Display | Vivid, easy-to-read reticle with incline angle and battery life |
| Optical Coatings | Fully multi-coated with Ultra wide band coatings |
| Fast Ranging with Scan Mode | Yes |
| User-Friendly Design | One-button operation with fast-focus eyepiece |
| Item Weight | 180 grams |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 3.19 x 2.36 x 0.98 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.26 kilograms |
| Package Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.26 x 4.96 x 2.17 inches |
| International Protection | IP54 (dust and water resistant) |
The Bushnell BoneCollector 850 Laser Rangefinder is a dependable and accurate tool for hunters and bowhunters alike.
With the ability to measure distances up to 400 yards on non-reflective targets and 850 yards on reflective targets, this rangefinder is a great addition to any hunting kit. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to use, making it a practical choice for hunters who want a reasonably priced model for their hunting needs.
This basic rangefinder comes equipped with one CR2 battery, which makes it lightning-fast and ready to use. It also boasts a rugged design that can withstand tough weather conditions or accidental drops.
With its excellent features, it is no doubt that this is one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting in 2023.
Pros
- Accurate and easy to use for most users
- Clear view of targets and decent in low light conditions
- Good value for money compared to some other rangefinders on the market
- Helps users better estimate distances in hunting, golfing, and other activities
Cons
- Slick finish can make it difficult to hold steady while ranging
- Focus adjustment can be easily bumped off, and there are no reference points to remember the last setting
- Some users reported issues with accuracy
AOFAR HX-700N Hunting Range Finder
| Brand | AOFAR |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Color | HX-700N UPGRADED |
| Material | Plastic |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
| Item Weight | 180 Grams |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 43.31 x 17.72 x 29.53 inches |
| Battery Description | Lithium |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Magnification Maximum | 6x |
| International Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 5.43 x 4.25 x 2.68 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.34 Kilograms |
The AOFAR HX-700N Hunting Range Finder is a reliable and inexpensive option for bowhunters who need a high-performance tool but are on a tight budget.
With its 700-yard range, this rangefinder can provide precise measurements even in bad weather conditions like fog and rain. It features both range and speed modes that can help hunters obtain accurate readings for their targets.
The AOFAR HX-700N Hunting Range Finder is also waterproof and easy to carry, which makes it a great tool for outdoor activities like rifle hunting.
This rangefinder is one of the best options on the market and can stand alongside other top-rated rangefinders such as the Bushnell BoneCollector 850 Laser Rangefinder and the WOSPORTS Hunting Rangefinder.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Good enough accuracy for short distances (within 50 yards)
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Clear view
- Useful tool for hunting and archery
Cons
- Accuracy may be off for longer distances (around 100 yards)
- Black reticle not ideal for low light situations
- No zoom feature
- Difficult to read results in dimly lit situations
Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Golf/Hunting Rangefinder
| Accuracy | May be off for longer distances (around 100 yards) |
| Reticle | Black reticle not ideal for low light situations |
| Zoom | No zoom feature |
| Magnification | 6X |
| Field of View | 7° |
| Objective Lens | 25mm |
| Eyepiece Lens | 16mm |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 3.9mm |
| Laser Type | 905nm |
| Lens Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) |
| Battery | CR2 Battery (Included) |
| Measuring Time | 0.5-1 sec |
| Distance Measuring Accuracy | ±1m |
| Angle Measure Range | ±45° |
| Slope Measure Range | ±20° |
| Pinseeker Range | 5Y-150Y/5-170Y |
| Measurement Distance Range | 5-650Y/5-1200Y |
| Measurement Speed Range | 0-300km/h |
| Dimensions | 1064072mm |
| Net Weight | 184g |
| Low Battery Indicator | Yes |
| Flag Pole-lock | Yes |
| Scan Mode | Yes |
| Water Resistant | Yes |
The Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Golf and Hunting Rangefinder is a versatile and affordable device that caters to golfers, hunters, bow hunters, target shooters, and mountaineers who demand high-precision distance measuring.
It features 6x magnification and comes with both hunting and golf modes, making it a great choice for those who love both sports.
In the hunting mode, the distance is shown as a straight line, but in the golf mode, the distance to the target flagstick is accurately measured and shown. Additionally, the rangefinder also has a scan mode, allowing you to measure the range of all items within its field of view.
With a price tag of $72.99 USD, this best budget rangefinder is a reliable option for anyone looking for a quality rangefinder for their sporting activities.
Considered one of the best rangefinders for hunting and golf, it can serve as the perfect gift for a loved one who enjoys these activities.
Pros
- Lightweight and does the job it claims
- Good value for the money
- Performs well in darker light conditions
- Accurate to within a yard or so
- Ranges fast
- Offers multiple modes for different uses
- Clear view and easy to use
- Comparable to more expensive models in terms of accuracy
Cons
- Confusing website description
- Models can be difficult to distinguish from one another
- Not waterproof
- Yardages are not illuminated, making it hard to read in low-light conditions
Bow hunting Rangefinder Buying guide
Budget
Before you start shopping for a bow hunting range finder, it’s important to determine your budget. Rangefinders can range in price from under $100 to over $1000 depending on the features and quality of the device. Decide how much you are willing to spend and stick to your budget when you shop.
Magnification
Most rangefinders come with some type of magnification feature so that you can get a better view of your target even at long distances. Look for one with an adjustable zoom level so that you can use it for different types of hunting scenarios.
Angle Compensation
This is an important feature if you plan on shooting from elevated or inclined stances. Angle compensation accounts for the angle between the shooter and target, making it easier to accurately gauge distance when shooting from an elevated position or across a valley or canyon floor where the ground may not be level.
Display
When shopping for a bow hunting rangefinder, look for one with a clear display and easy-to-read numbers so that you can quickly get accurate readings without having to squint or strain your eyes. Some models also have illuminated displays that allow you to see more clearly in low light conditions such as dawn or dusk when deer are most active.
Durability
Make sure that the rangefinder is built with durable materials like aluminum or plastic so that it will withstand bumps and drops while out in the field without suffering any damage. Also, look for ones that are waterproof and fog proof so they won’t malfunction in wet conditions like rain or snowstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rangefinder helpful in bow hunting?
Yes, a rangefinder can be a useful tool for bow hunting. It lets you figure out the distance between you and your target, which is very important if you want to make a good shot. With a rangefinder, you can also plan your approach and calculate angles for improved accuracy.
Can a golf range finder be used for bow hunting?
No, a golf range finder is not recommended for bow hunting. Golf range finders are made to accurately measure distances for golf and don’t have settings for the angles needed for bow hunting. For accurate readings and a successful hunt, it is best to use a range finder that is made for bow hunting.
What do you need for bow hunting?
To go bow hunting, you will need a few essential items. Firstly, you will need a bow along with arrows that fit your bow’s specifications. You will also need a hunting license and any necessary permits for the area in which you plan to hunt.
Other recommended items include camouflage clothing, a hunting knife, binoculars, and a tree stand or ground blind.
Before you go hunting, you should also learn about the rules and safety tips in your area.
Which company produces the most precise rangefinder?
There are many companies that produce rangefinders, but one that is well-known for its precision is Leupold. They have been making rangefinders for years and have a reputation for producing some of the most accurate rangefinders on the market.
Is Leupold full draw better than Vortex?
In terms of visual appearance, the Vortex Ranger and Leupold are practically indistinguishable. However, the Leupold lenses surpass in quality, as they provide clear, vivid images and function effectively under any illumination.
Do I need a range finder for archery?
A range finder can be a helpful tool for archery, especially for long-distance shots. It can give you an accurate reading of the distance between you and your target, allowing you to adjust your aim and increase your accuracy. However, it is not absolutely necessary for all archers. Some may prefer to rely on their own estimation and judgment.
Ultimately, the decision to use a rangefinder is up to personal preference and the specific needs of the archer.
How much does the rangefinder increase range?
It increases the zoom distance by 5% for shotguns and by 20% for all other guns. This increases the effective range of the weapon as damage drop-off is directly related to zoom distance.
What rangefinder features does a bow hunter need?
1. Angle Compensation: Bow hunters often shoot at a steep angle and this feature adjusts the distance measurement to compensate for the angle.
2. Range: A rangefinder with a range of at least 600 yards is recommended for bow hunting.
3. Magnification: A rangefinder with higher magnification is better for precise distance measurements.
4. Compact and durable design: It should be lightweight and durable enough to be carried around in the field and withstand tough weather conditions.
5. Ranging speed: A rangefinder with a quick response time is necessary as the animals can move quickly.
6. Easy to use: A bow hunter should feel comfortable using the rangefinder and be able to easily navigate through its features.
7. Illuminated display: It is important to have an illuminated display as it helps in low-light conditions.
8. Battery life: A long battery life is essential for extended hunting trips.
I am Sam Billings, an entrepreneur who runs a printing business. In my free time, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and often spend hours pursuing game. I am passionate about hunting gear and equipment, and I take great pleasure in helping fellow hunters find the right gear for their needs. From rifles and scopes to clothing and accessories, I am always happy to share my knowledge and expertise.
