Rangefinder Ban.....It's time

hogg_65 said:
Agreed. I haven't needed a range finder. The more you rely on high technology, the less instinctive you become. That my opinion.
Click to expand...
A scope with MOA hash marks is a range finder once you learn to use it.

That, by the way, is an incorrect statement about instincts and technology. I suppose handheld GPS units should be banned as well and be forced to pack a topo laid out in a UTM grid system and use a conventional compass.

I've never needed a smoke break, so I don't see a need for anyone else to either...
 
I highly doubt range finders will ever be banned or limited. I’ve had them for years (stand alone unit, and integrated into binos) and only once did they actually assist in harvesting a big game animal. Even then, I almost certainly would have been successful without it- it just verified for me what I already instinctively knew (317 vs my 300 estimate). 95% of my elk, deer and antelope have been under 300 yards- and when you are zeroed at 200 that’s all you really need to know. I know there are those who believe they can consistently shoot further (or much further)- but there really aren’t that many professional snipers out hunting. Does a range finder locate the animal, or kill the animal? Nope. Now game cameras, that’s an interesting topic…
 
I think Bigstiff brings up something we all should seriously think about and that is, how much technology is enough? Where does it all end? I know personally I had no opinion about trail cameras. I don’t have any, but I have several friends that use them on a few of their favorite waterholes and the pics were cool. Then this spring I talked to a guide who told me they put out over 90 cameras on their limited entry unit. This is mostly public ground and they cover almost every water hole, salt lick, crossing, bedding and feeding area. Most cameras are Wireless real time connection. They even put cameras on shed horn areas... And I now have an opinion.., and how much is enough? Is this fair chase?
I think this may be a generational thing, I’ve got over 40 years of hunting experience and I’ve seen a lot of changes but nothing like it is now and I’m very concerned. The first range finder I saw was in the 90’s on a Wyoming whitetail Hunt and it was good out to about 500 yds. Now they’re past 1500 yds and can be paired with Bluetooth to your scope. New scopes won’t need turrets because they’ll self adjust for range and angle and also include night vision and geothermal imaging and image stabilizing. Paired with new rifles, calibers and bullets we’ll be able to shoot farther than ever before. I don’t think all this technology is the reason for the decline in our big game herds but it definitely has an impact on age class and trophies. Also I don’t think it makes us better hunters, just more efficient killers. As hunters is this where we want to go? Just because we can should we? Is this fair chase?
 
lostinOregon said:
Big stiffy,

You sound like our friends from WY who keep telling us that the 90/10 is coming and act like they are in charge of the state, and then nothing happens. You going to ban range finders all by your lonesome big fella?

Rich
Click to expand...
When the baiting ban bypassed the wildlife board and put the power to pass the bill in the hands of the government that opened the door to an avenue we've never been down. It's now just a matter of who you know and what agenda you want to push. So am I going to pass it? No, but the baiting ban opened up Pandoras box. Didn't think that through when everybody was whining about baiting. With that said it will be entertaining to hear the crying when this tech bill is passed in the same manner.
 
I’d sure rather have a tag than not, and if to achieve that meant giving up some of my equipment, I’m good with that.

Get those restrictions in place and I’ll let some of my gear collect dust while I go hunting every year.

Opportunity is being lost each year and in my opinion it’s not worth it in exchange for hunters having a greater advantage over the game.
 
Bux n Dux said:
It’s so true. It’s very obvious who hasn’t witnessed what happens on a GSL marsh opening day hahaha and they think this will be any different?
Click to expand...
Are you 12?

You realize we hunted prior to range finders, right?

Some of us shot..........wait for it........open sights.

And I do hunt ducks, sky busters shoot a lot of shells, don't kill much.

So your concerned without range finders there will be alot of missing?

And btw, I'm old enough to remember when we hunted ducks with 2 3/4, lead. There was sky busters then too.
 
Bigstiffy said:
When the baiting ban bypassed the wildlife board and put the power to pass the bill in the hands of the government that opened the door to an avenue we've never been down. It's now just a matter of who you know and what agenda you want to push. So am I going to pass it? No, but the baiting ban opened up Pandoras box. Didn't think that through when everybody was whining about baiting. With that said it will be entertaining to hear the crying when this tech bill is passed in the same manner.
Click to expand...
All the baiting ban did was become more in line what what several other states already do. Don't believe any of them say you can't use a range finder.

Even if you know how far something is, the animal still has the same "fair chase" aspects regardless if it is 200 yds or 510 yds.

It's actually easier to have a clean miss at 510 yds than at 200 yds giving the animal a better survival rate...
 
roadrunner said:
All the baiting ban did was become more in line what what several other states already do. Don't believe any of them say you can't use a range finder.

Even if you know how far something is, the animal still has the same "fair chase" aspects regardless if it is 200 yds or 510 yds.

It's actually easier to have a clean miss at 510 yds than at 200 yds giving the animal a better survival rate...
Click to expand...
Hahaha nice logic, I've heard it all now!
 
roadrunner said:
All the baiting ban did was become more in line what what several other states already do. Don't believe any of them say you can't use a range finder.

Even if you know how far something is, the animal still has the same "fair chase" aspects regardless if it is 200 yds or 510 yds.

It's actually easier to have a clean miss at 510 yds than at 200 yds giving the animal a better survival rate...
Click to expand...
That might be the funniest **** I've ever read. You should go do stand up comedy at hunting expos. Im dying over here...
 
"Even if you know how far something is, the animal still has the same "fair chase" aspects regardless if it is 200 yds or 510 yds.

It's actually easier to have a clean miss at 510 yds than at 200 yds giving the animal a better survival rate..."
WTF??
 
The issues isnt range finders. It is guys thinking they have the ability to shoot animals at ranges that they do not have the ability. It gives them a false sense of confidence.

I have a gun that is a "1000" yard gun with turrets and what not. I do not have the ability to shot that far. I do not have the ability to shoot 600 yards. In fact, in being completely honest with myself 450 is about my max and I need the right conditions to do it. Some may give me **** since this might be a chip shot to some but this is how far I practice and how far I am confident. The range finder isn't making me pull the trigger, it gives me one data point into making a decision on if I can make an ethical shot.

Take away the range finger and guys will be doing Kentucky yardage and Kentucky windage. I dont think guys will be less likely to pull the trigger and I doubt it changes people ethics. Just more stories of "well it was last light on the last day so I had to try it".

I think we owe it to the animal to be efficient killers. If a range finder helps with that then it should be used.
 
LivingTheDream said:
The issues isnt range finders. It is guys thinking they have the ability to shoot animals at ranges that they do not have the ability. It gives them a false sense of confidence.

I have a gun that is a "1000" yard gun with turrets and what not. I do not have the ability to shot that far. I do not have the ability to shoot 600 yards. In fact, in being completely honest with myself 450 is about my max and I need the right conditions to do it. Some may give me **** since this might be a chip shot to some but this is how far I practice and how far I am confident. The range finder isn't making me pull the trigger, it gives me one data point into making a decision on if I can make an ethical shot.

Take away the range finger and guys will be doing Kentucky yardage and Kentucky windage. I dont think guys will be less likely to pull the trigger and I doubt it changes people ethics. Just more stories of "well it was last light on the last day so I had to try it".

I think we owe it to the animal to be efficient killers. If a range finder helps with that then it should be used.
Click to expand...
I like your honesty. I disagree with you though. These smart rangefinders take all the guesswork out of your shot not just a data point. It has become common to take shots and kill animals at well over 600 yards. You absolutely need the rangefinder to have an exact shot formula. Take the rangefinder away and you are limited to the shot you know or are confident you can make. Undoubted when rangefinders go it will make the hunt more of a hunt, not just a shot/kill.
 
Bigstiffy said:
I like your honesty. I disagree with you though. These smart rangefinders take all the guesswork out of your shot not just a data point. It has become common to take shots and kill animals at well over 600 yards. You absolutely need the rangefinder to have an exact shot formula. Take the rangefinder away and you are limited to the shot you know or are confident you can make. Undoubted when rangefinders go it will make the hunt more of a hunt, not just a shot/kill.
Click to expand...

That's why we need to keep dumb rangefinders that just tell you how far something is instead of giving the shooting "formula"(? w.t.h.).

Take away the RF and I'm still confident with a 500 yd shot. Maybe you should just practice more?
 
roadrunner said:
That's why we need to keep dumb rangefinders that just tell you how far something is instead of giving the shooting "formula"(? w.t.h.).

Take away the RF and I'm still confident with a 500 yd shot. Maybe you should just practice more?
Click to expand...
Haha yes a formula based on humidity, shot angle, caliber, distance, windage, it is shooting not hunting.
 
Bigstiffy said:
I like your honesty. I disagree with you though. These smart rangefinders take all the guesswork out of your shot not just a data point. It has become common to take shots and kill animals at well over 600 yards. You absolutely need the rangefinder to have an exact shot formula. Take the rangefinder away and you are limited to the shot you know or are confident you can make. Undoubted when rangefinders go it will make the hunt more of a hunt, not just a shot/kill.
Click to expand...

I guess I should caveat this, I only use a dumb range finder. It tells me how far something is. I dont think it even compensates for angles. Sounds like I need to update my gear.
 
Bigstiffy said:
Haha yes a formula based on humidity, shot angle, caliber, distance, windage, it is shooting not hunting.
Click to expand...
You got it all wrong bud. It’s bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, velocity, temperature, barometric pressure, altitude, humidity, sight height, distance, and shot angle. Now windage? That’s a variable. Can’t put math to that. Wind at the shooter vs wind on target could be different speeds... hell they could even be going opposite directions ??‍♀️ But I do appreciate you trying to be educated to help your argument ?
 
Last edited:
elkhuntn247 said:
You got it all wrong bud. It’s bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, velocity, temperature, barometric pressure, altitude, humidity, sight height, distance, and shot angle. Now windage? That’s a variable. Can’t put math to that. Wind at the shooter vs wind on target could be different speeds... hell they could even be going opposite directions ??‍♀️ But I do appreciate you trying to be educated to help your argument ?
Click to expand...
Haha thanks for proving my point.....sounds like I needed to pay attention more in physics class, instead I was probably on the mountain hunting....is it physics? Maybe Geometry? Either way it isn't hunting!
 
Cooper said:
No sh!t,dudes will ramble post after post trying prove that they are right and everyone who disagrees with their way of thinking is wrong
Click to expand...
I'm just stating the facts of what's coming. Not trying to sway anyone's opinion. It won't matter what you or I think.
 
Bigstiffy said:
I'm glad you can calculate your long range shots. Good luck doing it without your rangefinder. Maybe you can sneak up on them with your ebike?
Click to expand...
Once you have a trajectory (drop) table, which can be done at the house, a "smart" rangefinder is irrelevant because you know your holdover. Anyone can find the length from the brisket to top of back of any animal and can adjust elevation just by the way it looks in the reticle, so, they're range finding in a different way. Not much variation in +/- 25 yds if you shoot center of mass behind the shoulder.

People who actually know how their guns shoot will take those 600 yd shots anyway without a rangefinder. Snipers pre-tech did it all the time.

So, what's your point to all this other than you just don't like rangefinders and "thinking" UT is going to ban a device that horn porn outfitters rely on to get their rich, fat dentist clients a hero pic with the other 15 flat brimmers that spotted the animal?

You want to ban something, ban that...
 
roadrunner said:
Once you have a trajectory (drop) table, which can be done at the house, a "smart" rangefinder is irrelevant because you know your holdover. Anyone can find the length from the brisket to top of back of any animal and can adjust elevation just by the way it looks in the reticle, so, they're range finding in a different way. Not much variation in +/- 25 yds if you shoot center of mass behind the shoulder.

People who actually know how their guns shoot will take those 600 yd shots anyway without a rangefinder. Snipers pre-tech did it all the time.

So, what's your point to all this other than you just don't like rangefinders and "thinking" UT is going to ban a device that horn porn outfitters rely on to get their rich, fat dentist clients a hero pic with the other 15 flat brimmers that spotted the animal?

You want to ban something, ban that...
Click to expand...
That's great info......sooooo why do you use one? Why are you so upset about them getting banned?
 
Bigstiffy said:
That's great info......sooooo why do you use one? Why are you so upset about them getting banned?
Click to expand...
Because they really don't change the game, and it's just one more law that our wonderful government(s) hoist upon us. If it were really a major factor in fair chase, I might be on board. But range finders are way down the list of things to worry about in that regard.
 
Cooper said:
It’s classified, there is nothing more we can do! Just pray. Just Pray !
Click to expand...
You an Elk can be partners on Hunt Warz. you can even sleep in the same sleeping bag. Put your rangefinders under your pillow to keep them safe.
 
roadrunner said:
Starting to think your obsession with a "ban" is the reason for your username...
Click to expand...
Too bad your rangefinder doesn't measure in millimeters RR. If you calculate millimeters the same as a long range shooter you might come up with an inch??? You still won't be able to see it though. Tough luck!
 
I chimed in a while back.

I'm still waiting for a single guy to explain why he NEEDS a rangefinder to shoot a deer.

Lots of stupid banter. Lots of blah, blah, blah.

Not a single guy has stepped up to tell us he can't shoot without a computer telling him how.

If your dependent on rangefinders and ballistic calculators, and it's not a big deal, why not publically celebrate it.?
 
hossblur said:
I chimed in a while back.

I'm still waiting for a single guy to explain why he NEEDS a rangefinder to shoot a deer.

Lots of stupid banter. Lots of blah, blah, blah.

Not a single guy has stepped up to tell us he can't shoot without a computer telling him how.

If your dependent on rangefinders and ballistic calculators, and it's not a big deal, why not publically celebrate it.?
Click to expand...
I use one archery hunting because I can’t tell exact ranges and I don’t want to wound an animal. Not sure that is a popular thing to do but I’m guilty
 
hossblur said:
I chimed in a while back.

I'm still waiting for a single guy to explain why he NEEDS a rangefinder to shoot a deer.

Lots of stupid banter. Lots of blah, blah, blah.

Not a single guy has stepped up to tell us he can't shoot without a computer telling him how.

If your dependent on rangefinders and ballistic calculators, and it's not a big deal, why not publically celebrate it.
Click to expand...
You’re over here waiting for a “why does anyone need a range finder”.....

I’m over here waiting for some facts that they are actually getting banned...

I guess we are both just getting let down ?
 
elkhuntn247 said:
You’re over here waiting for a “why does anyone need a range finder”.....

I’m over here waiting for some facts that they are actually getting banned...

I guess we are both just getting let down ?
Click to expand...

So I'm still waiting?

I see Doyle's page from time to time, he's honest, puts the LR in front of the animal.

I've YET to see a dude posing with his ballistic computer, range finder, over a bait pile with a cam in the background.

It's ALMOST as if guys are ashamed? I wonder why?
 
hossblur said:
So I'm still waiting?

I see Doyle's page from time to time, he's honest, puts the LR in front of the animal.

I've YET to see a dude posing with his ballistic computer, range finder, over a bait pile with a cam in the background.

It's ALMOST as if guys are ashamed? I wonder why?
Click to expand...
Sorry hoss this thread is only about the fact of range finders being banned. Not the integrity of doing things in a primitive manner.

be like me shaming you for driving your truck to your hunting spot. Or using a computer/smart phone to sit on this forum and shame others for using modern tech and not choosing to be like you. Look around you... it’s 2021, I guarantee you use modern things on a daily basis to achieve an end goal. You are no better than anyone else. You hunt your way, and other people will hunt theirs. ?
 
They can't give an answer Hoss. The honest answer would be "I'm not willing to give up my tech, because I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to kill as easy"
 
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe there are any states or countries that currently have outlawed the use of range finders for hunting purposes…. And you’re telling me that utah is going to be the first on that very short list?

I don’t think so.
 
When I was young (so long ago) my Dad and I hunted in blue jeans, Pendleton wool shirts, and leather jackets in Wyo. I killed my first 5 elk that way, several deer and antelope to boot. Then one year, after seeing hunting buddies where I moved to AZ wearing camos, I showed up wearing them to the Wyo hunt with Dad. He laughed his ass off- not kidding. "That's stupid, you have to use stealth and skills- no artificial clothing will make a difference"- or something to that effect. He eventually came around. Point is: you don't NEED camos to hunt. You don't NEED an Ackley Improved with a 15 power scope either. You don't NEED lots of things to shoot an animal. Problem is, so many people have become accustomed to small, incremental improvements over time it simply becomes a natural part of hunting. I put rangefinders in that category. Helpful, but not a game changer. I sympathize with those who feel long rangers are out of hand (I know there are some ethical ones, but far too many who are not). Banning range finders will not cure it though. Just don't see it...
 
Bux n Dux said:
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe there are any states or countries that currently have outlawed the use of range finders for hunting purposes…. And you’re telling me that utah is going to be the first on that very short list?

I don’t think so.
Click to expand...
Yes. Also the first to have Hunt Warz! Are you surprised?
 
I think Big is just still a little triggered from his “unsuccessful” email. Can’t stand the thought of the tag cut taking away from him... so he just wants to take away from others ☺️
 
Founder said:
I’d sure rather have a tag than not, and if to achieve that meant giving up some of my equipment, I’m good with that.

Get those restrictions in place and I’ll let some of my gear collect dust while I go hunting every year.

Opportunity is being lost each year and in my opinion it’s not worth it in exchange for hunters having a greater advantage over the game.
Click to expand...
I completely agree with this. I don't care if I have to use a spear. I just want the chance to hunt big bucks. Even if my kill rate drops to once a decade.
 
elkhuntn247 said:
Sorry hoss this thread is only about the fact of range finders being banned. Not the integrity of doing things in a primitive manner.

be like me shaming you for driving your truck to your hunting spot. Or using a computer/smart phone to sit on this forum and shame others for using modern tech and not choosing to be like you. Look around you... it’s 2021, I guarantee you use modern things on a daily basis to achieve an end goal. You are no better than anyone else. You hunt your way, and other people will hunt theirs. ?
Click to expand...


$50 says you've bitched about deer # being low, or lack of "quality" animals
 
elkhuntn247 said:
Right? Where would the fun in that be? At the rate this is going BigDouche, and hoss will be rioting and screaming “defund the DWR”
Click to expand...
Nah, pretty sure I'll get along just fine when the bill goes into place. You on the other hand may struggle. Even the thought of losing your rangefinder has thrown you through a loop. Interesting.
 
hossblur said:
$50 says you've bitched about deer # being low, or lack of "quality" animals
Click to expand...
Are deer numbers down? Yeah. Is quality down? Yeah. Is it because of hunting? No. Half the guys out there couldn’t kill a deer if it got in the truck with them.

I do recall back to back massive winters in 2015 and 2016 ? 90 something percent fawn mortality those years. And man I sure have been seeing a lot of bears and cats in places I’ve never seen them before...

Fawns grow up too you know. No fawns, no deer ?
 
Bigstiffy said:
Nah, pretty sure I'll get along just fine when the bill goes into place. You on the other hand may struggle. Even the thought of losing your rangefinder has thrown you through a loop. Interesting.
Click to expand...
Still waiting for them facts ☺️ Cause my resources claim otherwise ??‍♀️
 
Bigstiffy said:
Coop isn't a reliable resource. This one won't go through the board. Easy sale in the senate, Cox is ready to sign it when it comes across his desk.
Click to expand...
Haha and you are?

the governor’s last name fits him well….

you’d think this one would make headlines in the public like the cam and bait bill did. Crickets.

just another no namer stirrin the pot.
 
Bux n Dux said:
Haha and you are?

the governor’s last name fits him well….

you’d think this one would make headlines in the public like the cam and bait bill did. Crickets.

just another no namer stirrin the pot.
Click to expand...
Public doesn't have a say. Just like the bait ban. Surfaced and was done within a few months. Squeaky wheel gets the grease boys, and it's all about who you know these days. You all should know that by now. Quit stressing, lots of animals were killed pre tech boom. It just takes a little hunting skill. You can probably still hunt rabbits, rocks, maybe a coyote with your long range rigs.
 
Bigstiffy said:
Public doesn't have a say. Just like the bait ban. Surfaced and was done within a few months. Squeaky wheel gets the grease boys, and it's all about who you know these days. You all should know that by now. Quit stressing, lots of animals were killed pre tech boom. It just takes a little hunting skill. You can probably still hunt rabbits, rocks, maybe a coyote with your long range rigs.
Click to expand...
You don’t have a long range rig?
 
Bux n Dux said:
You stated it was utah that had it first?

you’re spewing made up facts so fast you can’t remember them all
Click to expand...
I apologize I didn't know where Hunt Warz originated. Please give New Mexico, and SFW my deepest apologies. Also good luck in the Hunt Warz draw! I hope you get picked!
 
Bigstiffy said:
Your Dad gave you good advise.
Click to expand...
He gave me even better advice. And that was to make sure you do everything in your power to ensure a quick clean kill. Knowing the exact yardage is definitely a big part of that.

Glad I got to know my dad. Smart man. Sorry you didn’t have that same fortune. Probably would have kept you out of the free porn industry. At least the gay part of it anyway. Railing shot out 50 year old milfs isn’t much better… but at least they don’t have a big stiffy wanting attention!
 
Bux n Dux said:
He gave me even better advice. And that was to make sure you do everything in your power to ensure a quick clean kill. Knowing the exact yardage is definitely a big part of that.

Glad I got to know my dad. Smart man. Sorry you didn’t have that same fortune. Probably would have kept you out of the free porn industry. At least the gay part of it anyway. Railing shot out 50 year old milfs isn’t much better… but at least they don’t have a big stiffy wanting attention!
Click to expand...
Nice. True colors come out. You guys are a trip. So worried about losing your rangefinders you turn into teenagers. Between you, elk and Coop who is going to cry the hardest when this bill passes?
 
Bigstiffy said:
Nice. True colors come out. You guys are a trip. So worried about losing your rangefinders you turn into teenagers. Between you, elk and Coop who is going to cry the hardest when this bill passes?
Click to expand...
After the beat down you’re getting for being a troll... I hope that sh!t passes ? I mean I’d just continue on breaking shoulders and punching tags ?
 
My money is on Elk. He will ride off crying on his ebike. How big of chain you use to lock that thing up Peewee?
 
Bigstiffy said:
Nice. True colors come out. You guys are a trip. So worried about losing your rangefinders you turn into teenagers. Between you, elk and Coop who is going to cry the hardest when this bill passes?
Click to expand...
I guess you when it gets crumpled up and gets used for something else by mr. cocks
 
elkhuntn247 said:
After the beat down you’re getting for being a troll... I hope that sh!t passes ? I mean I’d just continue on breaking shoulders and punching tags ?
Click to expand...
You must be so tough. Does Coop stroke your ego while you two ride tandem on your ebike?
 

Similar threads

J
SOLD Maven RF.1 - 7X25 | 5-4500 YD Rangefinder
Replies
8
Views
425
jrnd
J
Butts
Utah NR shed hunting ban
Replies
64
Views
3k
BGnight
BGnight
B
SOLD Revic br4
Replies
0
Views
244
Brix8984
B

Member Gallery Photos and Videos!

E64DC136-1F7D-4F96-AA56-ED5C8C0F66EB.jpeg
28D6CA46-E648-4D37-80C6-7D1BE5749B8D.jpeg
D6A62526-7A67-4B09-92E3-DCBA4B059430.jpeg
20190204_125833.jpg
P1250169.JPG
80F83DA6-35CF-462D-8554-12E1573EF0F6.jpeg
IMG_0053 copy.jpg
Great Looking Bull!
3rd season Colorado deer down!
West Texas Hunting Fun
20200913_140013.jpg
44376.jpeg
Bearpaw Outfitters

Experience world class hunting for mule deer, elk, cougar, bear, turkey, moose, sheep and more.

Wild West Outfitters

Hunt the big bulls, bucks, bear and cats in southern Utah. Your hunt of a lifetime awaits.

J & J Outfitters

Offering quality fair-chase hunts for trophy mule deer, elk, shiras moose and mountain lions.

Shane Scott Outfitting

Quality trophy hunting in Utah. Offering FREE Utah drawing consultation. Great local guides.

Utah Big Game Outfitters

Specializing in bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, mountain goat, lions, bears & antelope.

Apex Outfitters

We offer experienced guides who hunt Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Sheep, Bison, Goats, Cougar, and Bear.

Urge 2 Hunt

We offer high quality hunts on large private ranches around the state, with landowner vouchers.

Allout Guiding & Outfitting

Offering high quality mule deer, elk, bear, cougar and bison hunts in the Book Cliffs and Henry Mtns.

Lickity Split Outfitters

General season and LE fully guided hunts for mule deer, elk, moose, antelope, lion, turkey, bear and coyotes.

Back
Top Bottom