Have you ever been out hunting in the snow? The cold, fleeting breeze gently brushing against your skin, sparkling ice crystals falling off the swaying trees and the faint cry of animals searching for shelter away from the icy cold.
If you currently do or have ever lived in an area with a cold climate, then you probably get the picture.
Hunting in this snowy climate might be a daunting activity.
Apart from the freezing cold and the ever-present fear of frostbite, locating and measuring the distance between you and your targets in the middle of unrelentingly bad weather such as this may be very difficult, bordering on being impossible.
Does Snow Affect Rangefinder
Under normal weather conditions, in order to tackle the problems associated with calculating the distance from one point to another while hunting, golfing, or engaging in other long-distance activities, rangefinders are often the most sought-after equipment.
They present the best and most accurate solution to distance measurements and are the first choice of many hunting and golfing experts.
However, as a result of the cold, getting your rangefinder to function at an optimal level is where the real challenge lies. Is it possible to get the best out of your rangefinder out on the snow? Well, let’s find out.
Can My Rangefinder Work Effectively Out In The Cold?
Depending on the conditions, using a rangefinder to measure long and short distances may be very technical.
Now, there’s the issue of getting your rangefinder to function effectively under extreme snowy conditions.
You have to be well versed in using your rangefinder, to be able to handle the challenges that might be present in the different weather conditions.
For example, skilled hunters know that to be able to effectively catch prey out in the wild, lighting is absolutely crucial.
Out in the snow, visibility could be a major problem, preventing you from accurately measuring the distance, and capturing your prized target.
When that happens, what is to blame? The rangefinder? The weather conditions? Or the hunter is incapable of using his rangefinder under conditions involving poor lighting.
Not being able to fully understand and utilize the features on your rangefinder in snowy weather may be the singular reason you go throughout the season without a single kill.
Apart from obstructing light sources, snowy weather conditions could also negatively affect your hunting by causing direct harm to your rangefinder.
The extreme cold can damage the batteries of the rangefinder as well as other parts. What then can be done?
How To Protect Rangefinders From Snow
You will agree with me that to have a productive hunting season, all your equipment must be in perfect working condition.
However, intense unending snowing can damage your equipment.
So, is there hope to salvage your season while it’s snowy outside? Thankfully, there is.
To prevent the inevitable destruction of your rangefinder by the snow, you must protect it. How do you protect your rangefinder, and at the same time increase its effectiveness?
1. Coat Your Lenses
Rangefinder manufacturers have settled for constructive science as the key to creating the ultimate lens for these devices.
To protect it from snow, and increase its effectiveness, coat your lens with protective layers and powerful chemicals to increase the light transmission ability of the lens.
The more the coatings, the better the image received, and the protection against the cold, despite the snow.
2. Select Your Display Preferences
Knowing the exact type and quality of display, as well as the color of the reticle, can be very significant in how you will utilize your rangefinder, and how it will function.
Whether it is an LCD screen paired with a black display or an LED screen with a red display.
If you decide to go with the LCD screen accompanied by the black display, ensure you search for a rangefinder with the option of backlighting as a unique feature.
3. Carefully Select The Time To Use Your Rangefinder
Although while hunting, time is not a luxury you can afford, you still must be skilled at picking the perfect time to hunt and use the rangefinder.
You must ensure that the rangefinder is not used at times of intense snowing or the intense blowing of dangerous icy winds.
4. Ensure You Study Your Environment Carefully
This is important not only to ensure you do not trip and damage your rangefinder, or fail to spot dangerous objects and animals obscured by snow.
You must be careful also not to venture out into the wild without protective gear for yourself and your equipment, including your rangefinder.
It helps to get a proper tour of an area first by a professional guide to familiarize yourself with safe areas, in case you ever need it.
Best Rangefinder Models That Are Snow Resistive
There are a few rangefinders that are better equipped to handle extreme weather conditions like snow. They include;
1. Vortex Optic Ranger 1800, Laser rangefinder
This rangefinder model is one of the best in the market. Not only because it is capable of delivering high-resolution images, but the fact that it can do so even in terrible weather conditions.
2. Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Cam_202208
If you are looking for a rangefinder capable of measuring long distances in extreme climate conditions, then this is the device for you. This rangefinder is significantly more affordable than other snow resistive rangefinders on the market.
3. Sig Sauer Digital Ballistic Laser Rangefinder Kilo 2400 ABS
Without a shadow of a doubt utilizing this rangefinder sure will feel a lot different from the rest of rangefinders in its price range. This is as a result of its numerous features that are suited for snow.
Conclusion…
Being able to enjoy your favorite activities despite the weather outside is amazing. All you require are your hunting equipment and your trusted rangefinder equipped for snow, then the possibilities are endless.
If you notice that your rangefinder is struggling to capture clear images, and measure distance, you may need to rethink your choice in rangefinders, to a more complete and durable device.