Before there were range finders we essentially did the same thing with map and compass, took a little bit of time but surprisingly accurate. Those were the days when someone claiming to making a shot over 400 yards was largely ignored. Mid 90s the laser rangefinder showed up, that was a game changer. Not to long after that Rangefinder with true ballistic range and angles. Now you could if you still remembered how to use a map and compass get with in a few yards of where you last saw the animal. Prior to having TBR you could be across the canyon thinking you’re at the same elevation but you could be off a bit. With a map, compass bearing, angle to target and TBR you will be real close.
I actually got one of the new rangefinders I can link with OnX for my birthday. I’ve played with it some and will agree it could save me a few minutes of map and compass work, but that’s about it.
In my mind the real game changers are the laser rangefinder and GPS devices. Prior to the rangefinder it was tough to accurately judge distance, the further out past 400 the greater the impact of being off on your guess by 25 yards becomes. GPS has allowed the more tentative adventurers to get as far from the truck as they want.
In my opinion the laser rangefinder more than anything else changed the game. Because guys are able to get hits at extended ranges I think being able to accurately plot where that animal was will certainly aid in recovery of the animal. I would ague that even if you are skilled with map and compass you’ll be more accurate with the range finder. I’m not too worried about dropping a pin on an elk you see way across the canyon. If it’s that far away, by the time you work in to him he probably won’t be there. If you can read a map you should be able to find the same ridge and elevation simply by observing and working the solution for a few minutes.
