I recently became interested in this topic. I'm still sorting out whether I believe this technology should be allowed, much less whether I should personally use it.
This year I practiced hard with archery out to 60 and felt absolutely 100% capable at that distance for a kill shot. Long story short, elk came in and wouldn't hold still long enough to go between range finder and flinging an arrow. I missed twice before I decided I was going to wound the animal unless I changed strategy. The elk continued to walk around and bark at me, plus I found both arrows so no doubt my shots were clean misses. If I had had a buddy beside me to range the target then all would have been ok. If I would have had a buddy to call from behind me, then the elk likely would have come within 30 yards and not been focused on my location. I could have helped myself by setting up on the ridgetop where the elk would have had to come to the top to get a view. Anyway, with the elk staring at my location it would take 30 seconds or so to go from ranging to shooting and the elk would move. An elk can go a long way in a few steps angling one direction or another. It was eye opening. I plan stuff down to extreme details but never really imagined this issue till it happened...., thus my thoughts turning to GPS sights.
So, part of me says that GPS sights are a good thing to keep wounded animals to a minimum.
Another part of me says that I simply shouldn't have pulled the trigger when I wasn't certain. The answer isn't more technology, but to strictly keep within your limitations. If the elk moves before you can switch from ranging to shooting, then just don't shoot, that's part of the game. However, I doubt your average hunter will go this route when they pay thousands for the elk/deer/antelope tag. Most folks will pull the trigger and hope they get it.
Tree stand hunting back east this is hardly an issue since you can usually range known distances in advance. I've taken lots of deer with archery and never considered GPS sights before this experience and hunting out West. I can imagine solo archery antelope would have the same issues.
Is it cheating or is it a good thing? Thanks for listening to my rambling on the subject. The jury is still out on whether I'll have one of these attached to my bow next year. It seems they are legal in states I hunt.
I've spent lots of time trying to estimate distance in open fields. Maybe I suck, but I can't do it with any consistency. At 40 yards and less I get much more accurate. However, a slight rise or dip totally changes the perspective. Also, what if you buy a 1k electronic sight and it becomes illegal for hunting everywhere?
