How do you judge distance?

[jason]

I was just wondering how everybdy else judges distance. I pick a mid point to the target and then judge that, before that i used to judge 10m increments until i was told that you subconciously pick a centre point (dunno if it is true) but i found i did pick the distance a lot better this way.

[Mozza]

i use a rangefinder now, but i still always try to pick the distance first by using the same method as you Jason, usually pretty close :)

[interceptor]

Jason,

When I first started archery I always practiced at 20 paces (works out to around 20 yards) I seem to have that distance in my head, when I am walking around I am always thinking that tree or target etc is 20, 30 paces or whatever. My pins are set at 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 paces, I just look along the ground and work it out, it works great for me. One bit of advice though, trust your first guess it is usually right. I don't try and be to perfect with my guess as my bow shoots pretty flat so it does not matter, I also found that I automaticlly make small adjustments just prior to release.

Works for me anyway, Hope it is of some help.

Cheers Noel

[jason]

have found the same i always take my first guess as it is the most sub concious 1 and is 99% of the time exact.

[Skip]

You should trust your instincts. Humans have these and many more instinctive inbuilt abilities left over from the cave days. Just because you don't know why, doesn't make it any less sucessful. Too much relying on technology can be very restrictive.

[Kimall]

I think that we may be able to use instincts when shooting bare bow but if using sights and if you are going to shoot over 25 yrds you should be using a range finder to judge distance.If you are using hunting weight arrows then an error of just 3-5 yards can mean the differance between a lung shot and to high or low resulting in a wounded animal.
KIM>......

[Skip]

I think that we may be able to use instincts when shooting bare bow but if using sights and if you are going to shoot over 25 yrds you should be using a range finder to judge distance.If you are using hunting weight arrows then an error of just 3-5 yards can mean the differance between a lung shot and to high or low resulting in a wounded animal.
KIM>......

Fair call

[jason]

i sought of agree kimall but i hate using range finders they are a extra thing that can make noise while hunting when you drop them and the extra movement to use them has got me busted a couple times on deer so now i only use 1 to sight in. If you can only judge distance to 25m instictivly that is all you shot, if you can judge further then you shoot further i do not think anyone should soley rely on a range finder because on that day the record stag walks past at 31m u will have flat batteries it is murphy's law. I think you should know your bows abality, i know on a large body game that i can use my 20m pin at 30m as long as i aim centre and i will take out the lower lung or heart and the other way if i use my 30m pin at 20 i will go into high lung it pays to work these things out, as i have found it cuts down on second guessing yourself. I know i can be a few yards out and still kill cleanly.

[Skip]

Well, I might just shut the hell up then. don't mind me [walks off with head down sobbing] :wink:

[Warlocke]

I use a Rangefinder to make sure my guesses are correct.

When I am tracking to a hunt or back from the hunt, I guess the range to obstacles, then use the rangefinder to confirm my guess.

I now use the rangefinder less and less.

[avon_7]

I used to be in the army so was used to shooting at man size targets on the range at various distances. I got used to judging distances seeing what the target looks like at different ranges. So when guessing a range i try to visualize what a man size target would look like at the point im trying range and guess what it kind of works!! well for me anyway.
I find it works fine on flat ground when there are trees and rocks around for reference. Its really hard to judge ranges over open gulleys etc.
Im going to get one of the little Nikon range finders. I just hope the game stands around long enough for me to ping them with the range finder first.

[Wareagle]

I'd rather take the chance of being busted, using a range finder,than putting an arrow over its back. :D
In 3D I judge my distances every 5m. to the target and back and than half way. some times it works. :D