Distance guess

[cancerbeater]

Is there a formula to do that can tell me what distance a deer is from my tree stand. Im an ex rifle hunter who is dedicated to using my bow only from now on. My first problem is figuring out how far I am from my target. I cant afford a range finder right now so I was wondering. If I know how far I am from the trail my deer will be on and I know how far up the tree I am..how can I find out my distance from the deer at that angle?
Thanks

[blackpowder]

generally for the height that you are going to bowhunt from the hypotanois is only a few feet longer then you base line, generally not even a yard. But as far as ranging, know you comfort zone and put ribbons in trees so you know when they reach inside you comfort zone.
good luck

[nchuntin]

If u hunt from a climbing tree stand then use a pre-determined length of rope to pull up the bow, then use objects in the field to mark yardages, i.e. stumps, count the number of rows over in a cornfield, or beg santa claus for a nice range finder!

[H&R slugger]

i used to use the ribbon idea, i actually matched the ribbon colors to the pins on my sight.

[JJV79]

Pretty slick H&R. I do sorta the same thing, there isn't enough time to pull out a range finder where I hunt plus i think that's kinda silly for bow hunting more jam down your throat marketing from tv. I guess you could make a point for the rangefinder if you're on a field edge though. Anyway I pace out a few trees around my stand and go from that you could also use field stones or whatever is large enough for you to see.

[bluecollar$]

Pretty slick H&R. I do sorta the same thing, there isn't enough time to pull out a range finder where I hunt plus i think that's kinda silly for bow hunting more jam down your throat marketing from tv. I guess you could make a point for the rangefinder if you're on a field edge though. Anyway I pace out a few trees around my stand and go from that you could also use field stones or whatever is large enough for you to see.
Not really that silly,while you walk all around your treestand marking distance and spreading scent, i sit in the tree and range find those trees. You dont have to pull it out on deer, because you already ranged every shot you have. When bow hunting out west they are a must have.

[never better]

Is there a formula to do that can tell me what distance a deer is from my tree stand. Im an ex rifle hunter who is dedicated to using my bow only from now on. My first problem is figuring out how far I am from my target. I cant afford a range finder right now so I was wondering. If I know how far I am from the trail my deer will be on and I know how far up the tree I am..how can I find out my distance from the deer at that angle?
Thanks

I think your question is about trigonometry- the distance you shoot for sharp upward or downward angles is actually less than the straight line distance to the target, so if you used a rangefinder you would actually be off a bit. The reason for this is that gravity affects arrorw ( or bullet) flight only over the horizontal path the projectile takes to the target and on upward or downward shots this horizontal distance is a little less than the actual distance to the target. In the real world, with todays flat shooting bows this shouldn't make a difference in where you hold for normal ranges.
As far as estimating the range to a target, I usually look at the target and measure ten yard increments back to my tree to estimate range. Other guys I know cut the distance in half and then half again until they get a good idea of the range.
The best way to know where your arrow is going to hit is to practice, practice , practice and not just on level ground- set up a treestand of do like I do and shoot from my porch roof :D
Tom

[cancerbeater]

I guess thats my answer. I have a very nice location that allows me to know exactly where the deer cross my shooting lane. Its only a 15yd shot but Ive never bowhunted before. With my 30-06 I could just put the cross hairs on the target and squeeze...this is different. My Bow is zeroed in at 10-15-20-and 25 and due to the thick brush and my shooting lanes over the trails I am sure that this is the furthest I will be able to shoot. So im planning on shooting an inch or two above my normal mark at 15 yds and I think that will be good. Wish me luck. I went out to restock the bait pile and spooked a 8pt and a doe that were on it finishing the last stock. Im going out this evening to try my luck.

[sud-z]

The formula is A squared + B squared = C squared. Just sight your bow in from an elevated stand. Some combos shoot the same from the ground as elevated, others are much different. I'm just happy I remember that formula!;)

[fishy]

Nikon makes a sweet one that compensates for the angle

[deerslayersean]

most of the bows made today shoot really flat i can shoot ten or thirty yards on my first pin so i just use one pin i usally wont shoot past thirty anyways