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Judging Distances From Elevated Systems

When judging distance from an elevated system, use the horizontal distance rather than the greater diagonal distance. In the following diagram, the hunter should aim for horizontal distance of 12 yards instead of the diagonal distance of 13 yards. Range finders are available that calculate the horizontal distance when hunting from an elevated position.
Judging distance from a tree stand: a = 12 yards horizontal distance to the target, b = 5 yards height in tree stand, c = 13 yards along line of shot

To calculate the horizontal distance “a” from an elevated system to a target, with “b” being the height of your hunting position and “c” being the diagonal distance to a target (you can establish this number using a range finder), use this simple formula:
a equals the square root of c squared minus b squared

For example, if the elevated system is 5 yards above the ground and the diagonal distance to your target is 13 yards, then the horizontal distance is calculated as follows:
a equals the square root of thirteen squared minus five squared, equals the square root of one hundred sixty-nine minus twenty-five, equals the square root of one hundred forty-four, equals twelve
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