Leupold Vendetta Bow Mounted Rangefinder
Leupold Vendetta Bow Mounted Rangefinder Solves Problems with Distance Estimation
Errors in estimating distance are the number one problem that causes an archer to miss their shots. This is due to the effects of gravity causing arrow fall over greater distances. Knowing the exact distance to your target is critical for consistent shooting.
We will dig deeper into the importance of distance estimation and the effect that this can have on an archer's shot. Please realize that electronic range finders on bows are not legal for hunting in all states, but they are legal for recreational shooting purposes in all 50 states. You can check with your local state's hunting regulations to see if a device like the Leupold Vendetta is legal for hunting in your state. You can also see the link below which shows a U.S. Map listing out all states where this device is legal.
Non-electronic range finders are legal for use on bows in all 50 states. So these types of devices are a good, inexpensive alternative to electronic rangefinders.
Arrow Drop and the Effects of Gravity
Even unskilled hunters are aware that arrow drop is impacted more as the distance of the shot increases. For today's recent compound bows, a shot from 20 yards experiences very little drop because of the speed of the arrow at that short range.
An arrow in flight will start to drop at a greater rate at a range of 30 to 40 yards. This is due to the outcome of gravity and a reduction of arrow speed. A poor guess at distance will negate the chances to succeed. If the range estimate is not correct by plus or minus 5 yards on an exact 40 yard shot, an archer possibly could overshoot or under shoot the deer. This may end up in a complete miss or hurt game that might in no way be located. Estimating range accurately is by far the most significant factor for success in the field.
Get to Know Your Bow
It is a really beneficial idea to be familiar with the abilities of your bow and how distance affects your arrow drop. Nearly all bow hunters that are equipped with multi-pin sights will use at least 3 or 4 pins that they will sight in at 20, 30, 40, and possibly 50 yard ranges.
When your bow sights are accurately set for different ranges, it will be easy to get an idea of how shooting off the inappropriate pin can cause you to blow your shooting opportunity. Position a paper plate on the target. This is around the height of the kill zone of a typical whitetail deer. Range your target at 40 yards. Then place your 30 yard pin on the center of that target. At that range, your arrow should come to rest where the 40 yard pin is resting on the target. That pin will be low, and likely is not on the vital area. This makes it simple to visualize how you will end up completely missing or wounding your game.
Accurate Range Equates to Confidence
I've never shot at a deer within 25 yards, and not been rewarded with a fatal shot. All of my missed shots had occurred at ranges of 30 yards and further. There were some unfortunate events where bad shots resulted in injuring deer that were unable to be harvested. Shooting chances with game in the 30 to 40 yard distance were never attempted without some reservation, and I had no self-confidence outside of 40 yards. I continually shoot optimistically on the range, where distance is marked. The estimation of distance in the stand caused the uncertainty. Confidence was gone after missing shots in the woods resulting from poor estimation of distance.
My confidence were regained when I purchased my first archery range finder. This small laser rangefinder gave me accurate readings of distance. This helped a lot, but didn't erase all uncertainty. The deer would generally be moving while or after ranging them and their distance would change before I could shoot.
The Leupold Vendetta is an electronic bow mounted range finder which will resolve these problems. If electronic devices on bows are not legal in your state, then you may want to check out the Dead-on rangefinder. When you are reassured of the accurate distance to your deer at the time you attempt your shot, you can be assured that your broadhead will find its home.
Leupold Vendetta on Amazon
Leupold Vendetta Commercial
Here is a YouTube video of the Leupold Vendetta commercial. You can get a pretty good idea of how this thing works by watching it. It is short and sweet, but gets the point across. You get complete hands-free operation and get accurate range to your target with minimal additional movement required.
Dead-On Range Finder on Amazon - If you can't stomach the price of the Vendetta, then check out this $20.00 Range Finder!
The price of the Leupold Vendetta is tough for some people to swallow. If you still want a bow mounted range finder, then check out the Dead-On Range Finder below.
- Based on tried-and-true practice of "bracketing"!
- This principal works by measuring the animal from belly to back.
- Bright fiber-optic pins are used to bracket the animal to estimate a distance.
- Not a laser range finder, this unit mounts to the pin guard on your sight.
- Can be used hands-free at full draw.
- High-visibility, fiber-optic ranging pins can be calibrated and matched to your bow's sight pins for quick, reliable shot-distance calculations.
Leupold Vendetta Legal States
As described in the intro for this lens, electronic bow mounted rangefinders are not legal for hunting in all 50 states. In fact, it is almost a 50 - 50 split, with a little over half of the nation allowing them. Most eastern states allow electronic devices on bows for hunting, while most of the western states do not. You can see a complete list of states that allow the Leupold Vendetta along with a color-coded map here: Leupold Vendetta Legal States.
I hope this lens has been helpful, and will allow you to shoot your bow with more consistency!