The Art of Judging DistanceA hunter recently asked, “So, I've missed three deer this year with my bow, each shot going right underneath the sweet spot. Didn't even nick 'em, and I'm wondering what I could do to get a better handle on a deer's distance. I won't shoot anything further than about 30 yards due to my inexperience at those distances, but to guess 30 yards, and miss the deer because they were actually 35 yards is getting me upset with myself. Any suggestions?”Most good hunters have been where our disappointed friend has been. That heartbreaking miss is good motivation for most people to take the steps necessary to become good at judging distance. The fact is there are many good methods for judging distance, but one thing is for sure. All the methods require practice. Laser Range FinderRange finders have several valid uses in hunting, but most good hunters don’t recommend using a laser range finder when preparing to take your shot. The added time and movement needed to use the range finder will often destroy the opportunity to take the shot. Why afford the animal any extra time to see movement and take off running? Range finders are valuable when practicing, and when setting up the area around your hunting location.SubtendingSubtending is comparing a known object to the target to estimate the distance. For example, you hold up your thumb at arm’s length, while you’re holding your bow, and you’ve determined beforehand that the average white tail deer appears to be the height of your thumb nail at 20 yards. Then, if the deer in your sights appears to be the height of your thumb nail, you know it’s 20 yards away. If it appears half the height of your thumb nail, then it’s 40 yards away. Of course, you must become familiar with the animal you’re hunting, and this method doesn’t translate well to hunting other types of game without being thoroughly prepared. On the other hand, you can get an accurate determination while holding up the bow, preparing to take the shot. It’s a very quick way to judge distance.Pole MethodMany great competitive archers use the pole method. You envision a pole of a certain distance, and determine how many poles running along the ground are required to reach the target. For instance, if your pole distance is 10 yards, and in your mind’s eye, you see 3 poles in between you and the target, you know the distance is 30 yards. People who are good at this method practice quite a bit. They pace off their distance as they’re going about their day, and become very familiar with what their distance looks like under varying conditions.Landmark MethodHere’s a good use for your laser range finder. When you’ve reached your hunting spot, measure the distance to various landmarks around you. Then, as the animal meanders between your landmarks, it will be pretty easy to determine the distance. For instance, if you know there is a log at 18 yards, and a bush at 26 yards, it will be easy to determine within a yard or two where the target is as it nears one of your landmarks, or wanders between them.
With that example, you might see a shortcoming with this method. How do you remember the distance to several landmarks? It’s easy to get confused, because the landmarks are spread around in various directions, and they won’t be miraculously placed at nice round numbers, and at perfect increments. A good way to solve the problem is if you can move the landmarks to convenient distances, or tie ribbons to trees at certain distances, or place rocks at 10 yard increments.
Hunters often put so much time and money into preparing for hunting season, and overlook the critical skill of judging distance. This inevitably leads to that heartbreaking miss. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the time to find your favorite method for judging distance, and then practice, practice, practice.
Bill Phillips has written articles on many recreational activities. He’s currently working on an airsoft guns website, which offers a wealth of information and advice about selecting and using airsoft gun, including airsoft machine gun, cheap electric airsoft guns, electric airsoft gun and more.
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