Current status: Aiming low (as usual)

This is for Brad and the other archers that may read it. Randy, you probably want to just move along...

I think the new ARC and other angle-compensating rangefinders are way cool. That's why I bought one (you know, the one that was in my Jeep when it was stolen?!?!). But, Brad and I have been talking about them a lot and wondering if they are worth the extra money?

For rifle-hunters in steep country and taking long shots, there is no doubt that having a rangefinder with a built-in inclinometer is a huge asset. But, over bow ranges, how useful is it?

The above illustration includes some calculations I did using good ol' geometry. If you come over a rise and see a big buck or bull below, at what steepness or distance does the angle really matter? Since my bow shoots 0 to +30 with one pin, I did my analysis at a "rangefinder distance" of 40 yards. That is: the rangefinder says the bull is 40 yards away along the hypotenuse of the triangle. So, where do you shoot?

From 90 degrees (ie, flat land) to about 60 degrees, the effect is just a few yards and really wouldn't influence MY shot (slower bows beware). At a 50 degree angle, I need to shoot for 30 yards. At a 30 degree angle, the "true" horizontal distance is HALF the "rangefinder distance!"

The question that remains is, "will we really encounter 30 degree shots at 40 yards?" Generally it is considered best to approach a bull from the same level (not above or below) when calling him in. So, hopefully the inclination isn't an issue. But, we'll certainly be on slopes that are 30 degree-steep so those shots may present themselves. The real issue is whether or not we can keep our cool enough to think, "my rangefinder says he's at 40, but it's steep, so I should shoot for 25."