How to Judge Distance
When judging distance from a tree stand, use the horizontal distance, not the greater diagonal distance. In this diagram, you should aim for 12 yards, not 13 yards. Range finders are available that calculate the horizontal distance when hunting from an elevated stand.
To calculate the horizontal distance “a” from a tree stand to a target, with “b” being the height of your tree stand and “c” being the diagonal distance to a target (you can establish this number using a range finder), use this simple formula:
For example, if the tree stand is 5 yards above the ground and the diagonal distance to your target is 13 yards, then the horizontal distance is calculated as follows: