Why Tethering Your Rangefinder Matters Deeply
Preventing Loss and Damage
The reasons for tethering your rangefinder extend far beyond simply preventing a financial loss. It’s about enhancing your entire hunting experience, providing greater peace of mind, and ensuring that you’re always prepared.
Firstly, **preventing loss and damage** is paramount. Tree stands, by their very nature, present a high-risk environment for your gear. A sudden movement, a gust of wind, or even a clumsy reach can lead to disaster. The terrain below is often unforgiving, and a fall from a significant height can easily destroy your rangefinder. Protecting it from accidental drops is a no-brainer. Beyond drops, think about the other potential threats. Weather can be a killer for electronics. Exposure to rain, snow, or even excessive moisture can render your rangefinder useless. Tethering helps to keep it secure and reduces the likelihood of it getting wet. Consider also the possibility of it getting stepped on by another hunter on the ground, or other unforeseen hazards, like it being lost in the leaves. Tethering eliminates these risks by keeping the device tethered to you or your stand.
Convenience and Efficiency
Secondly, **convenience and efficiency** are significantly enhanced by tethering. Picture this: you see a buck. You need to get a range. Fumbling around with a loose rangefinder takes precious seconds that you might not have. With a tethered rangefinder, it’s right there, easily accessible. You can bring it up, get the distance, and get back to focusing on the animal with minimal movement. The benefit here is twofold: It helps to speed up your process. It reduces the amount of movement, so it helps to hide your actions, which is vital in hunting. A tethered rangefinder is less likely to get tangled up in your clothing or other gear, saving you further time and frustration. Being able to access your rangefinder quickly allows you to concentrate on what really matters – the hunt.
Peace of Mind
Finally, and arguably most importantly, **peace of mind** is a significant benefit. When you know your equipment is secure, you can relax and focus on the hunt. You’re no longer distracted by the worry of dropping your rangefinder. This mental clarity is invaluable. Worry can be a debilitating emotion when hunting. Having to think about where your gear is, or if it is secured, is only detrimental to your ability to hunt. Tethering allows you to be present in the moment, focused on your surroundings, and ready to make the shot when the opportunity presents itself. This confidence boost translates to better decision-making and ultimately, more successful hunts.
Essential Gear for Tethering Success
Rangefinder Tethering Options
One of the simplest methods is to employ **commercial rangefinder lanyards**. These are specifically designed for this purpose. Often they come with an adjustable strap and a strong carabiner clip at each end. The convenience of these lanyards is that they are designed with rangefinders in mind. Their fit is designed to be as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible. They are generally reliable and easy to use. Their biggest limitation is in the selection of colors and designs offered. Some hunters would love the chance to match their tethering setup to the color of their camo or their equipment. They are also limited to only certain kinds of rangefinders, so make sure to check that the brand and model of your device will work with the lanyard you’re considering.
DIY Lanyard using Paracord/Rope
Another effective and often cost-saving option is to **create your own lanyard using paracord or rope**. This allows for customization and control. The materials you need are relatively inexpensive, readily available at most hardware or outdoor stores. Use the lighter to melt the cord, creating a secure loop. You can then simply tie the other end to a carabiner. This gives you the option to choose the exact color, style, and length you want. The downside is that you will have to know how to tie a strong knot to be confident that the rangefinder is safe. If you lack some skill in this area, it may be better to start with another method.
Coiled Lanyards
**Coiled lanyards** offer a different approach. They are designed to retract, offering a secure connection that minimizes dangling and reduces the risk of entanglement with branches or other objects in your tree stand. These are great for hunters that feel that the standard lanyard gets in the way. The coiled design keeps things tidy and out of the way. The main drawback can be the cost, as they tend to be slightly more expensive than other options.
Belt Clip/Rangefinder Holder
An alternative to a lanyard is a **belt clip or dedicated rangefinder holder**. These solutions are often provided by rangefinder manufacturers. They allow you to securely clip the rangefinder to your belt, vest, or pack, keeping it readily accessible. This design has great benefits, as you can be certain that the rangefinder is secure. It requires you to reach to get your rangefinder, however, so keep this in mind.
Other Options
**Other Options** could include specialized pouches with built-in tethers, depending on the brand and model of your rangefinder. Some rangefinders come with a tethering loop or attachment points already built-in.
Carabiner Clips and Fasteners: The Connecting Link
Regardless of the tethering method you choose, you’ll likely need carabiner clips or similar attachment methods. These are small, strong, and versatile. They are generally available at any hardware store, hunting supply store, and online. The most important thing is choosing the correct size and weight rating. This ensures that your rangefinder and the tether are secure and are able to handle the weight and forces placed on them. Choose the correct size by making sure it is large enough to easily fit over the connection points of both the rangefinder and the tree stand. Also be sure that the carabiner clip is the right shape, as some shapes may prove difficult to maneuver. It may also be helpful to consider the material of the clip. The clip should be made of a corrosion-resistant material, as your rangefinder is likely to be subjected to moisture in the outdoors.
Putting It All Together: Step-by-Step Attachment Guide
Preparing the Rangefinder
Now that you have your materials, it’s time to put them to use. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to attaching your tether.
Firstly, **prepare the rangefinder**. Start by locating the attachment points on your specific model. These will often be small loops designed specifically for attaching a lanyard. If the rangefinder has lanyard loops, you can skip this step. If not, carefully inspect the device for any other suitable attachment points. Sometimes you can use the battery compartment cover, or there may be a small screw-in attachment point built into the frame. If it has a small attachment point, make sure it is secure before you attach it. Be very careful not to damage your rangefinder during this process. You will need to examine your model to determine the best spot. Before attaching the tether, give your rangefinder a good cleaning. This helps to ensure the tether has something to adhere to and to avoid it slipping off.
Attaching the Tether
Next, **attach the tether** to the rangefinder. The attachment method will depend on the specific tethering option you’ve chosen. If you are using a commercial lanyard, simply attach the carabiner clip on the lanyard to the rangefinder’s attachment point. If you are using a DIY paracord lanyard, thread the loop through the rangefinder’s attachment points, and ensure it’s securely fastened. For a coiled lanyard, clip the attached carabiner to your rangefinder’s attachment point. And for a belt clip or rangefinder holder, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly securing your rangefinder within the holder.
Tree Stand Attachment
Then, the last step is to attach your tether to the **tree stand**. This is done by attaching the carabiner at the end of the lanyard, paracord, or coiled cord to a secure point on your tree stand. The best places include the tree stand’s railings, or a D-ring (if equipped). Be sure that the point you choose is strong and secure. Clip the carabiner onto this point and make sure it is properly closed. Be careful to adjust the length of the tether so it doesn’t interfere with your operations in the tree stand, like shooting your bow.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
Tether Length
Now that your rangefinder is tethered, you can improve your setup. By optimizing your setup, you will make sure that you are getting the most possible benefit from your equipment.
First, carefully **consider the length of the tether**. The best length will allow you to bring the rangefinder up to your eye level comfortably while keeping it out of the way of your movement and shooting. The goal is to be able to easily reach the rangefinder, bring it to your eye, and return it to its resting spot. Adjust the length as needed.
Storage
When your rangefinder is not in use, keep the tether **organized**. This could mean coiling it up, tucking it away, or using a small clip to keep it from dangling and getting in the way.
Regular Checks
As with any hunting gear, be sure to **regularly inspect** your tether and carabiners. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, rust, or damage to the clips. Replace any components that are compromised.
Practicing Before the Hunt
Finally, **practice with the tethering setup** before your hunt. Practice drawing your bow and getting a reading. Get familiar with the movement and the feel of the tether. This ensures that you won’t be caught off guard when it’s time to take that important shot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tether Getting in the Way
Despite your best efforts, you might encounter a few minor issues with your tethering setup. Here are some solutions for common problems.
If the tether gets in the way, you can use a small clip or Velcro strap to keep it secure while you are moving or getting set up. You can also experiment with different mounting points or adjust the length of the tether.
Rangefinder Doesn’t Fit Properly
If your rangefinder doesn’t seem to fit a standard attachment method, consider using a DIY approach to create a custom tether. If there is a small loop, you can use a split ring to make a stronger and more secure attachment point.
Tether Coming Undone
If the tether comes undone, check the carabiner clip, knots, or attachment points. Replace any damaged components and double-check that everything is properly secured.
In Conclusion: Secure Your Accuracy, Secure Your Hunt
Tethering your rangefinder is a simple, inexpensive, and highly effective way to enhance your hunting experience. By taking a few moments to implement this safety measure, you can prevent the potential loss of a valuable piece of equipment, improve your efficiency, and eliminate needless stress.
Tethering also offers the benefit of confidence. Knowing your rangefinder is secure allows you to relax and focus on the moment. This confidence can often make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
So, before you head out to the woods for your next tree stand hunt, take the time to tether your rangefinder. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your hunting success and peace of mind. Protect your investment, protect your accuracy, and enjoy the hunt.
