Updated November 2, 2026 · 6 min read

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Hunting rangefinder

Know the distance before you draw

A hunting rangefinder tells you how far the animal is, so you can stop guessing. TAKENJOY makes two small camo models with 7X magnification, angle and horizontal distance, and USB-C charging. The real choice is the display: red for dark timber, or a bright clear screen for open country.

See the TAKENJOY HM7 red display rangefinder →

See the TAKENJOY CamoJoy S1 rangefinder →

Which hunting rangefinder should you pick?

Choose the HM7 if:

  • You hunt dark woods, or at first and last light.
  • You want a red crosshair and a red readout that stand out against the background.
  • You want a fast-updating number as you pan, listed at 4 times per second.

Choose the CamoJoy S1 if:

  • You hunt open fields and bright days.
  • You like a clear, bright LCD view, with 80% listed light transmittance.
  • You want the same core functions as the HM7 with a plain LCD display.

Skip both if: you need ballistic data for long rifle shots, or you mainly want a golf tool. See our golf rangefinder guide for flag lock and slope models.

HM7 vs CamoJoy S1 at a glance

FeatureTAKENJOY HM7TAKENJOY CamoJoy S1
DisplayTransparent LCD with red crosshairs and red readoutHD LCD, 80% listed light transmittance
Magnification7X7X
Range5 to 1200 yards5 to 1200 yards
Listed accuracy+/-0.5 yards+/-0.5 yards
ModesStraight-line, vertical and horizontal distance, angle, scan, speedSame five-mode set
Scan speedListed at 4 updates per secondNot listed
Water resistanceIP54IP54
Weight158 g (about 5.6 oz)158.8 g (about 5.6 oz)
PowerRechargeable, USB-CRechargeable, USB-C
ExtrasTactical clipTactical clip
Brand cover2-year assurance2-year assurance

See the TAKENJOY HM7 red display rangefinder →

See the TAKENJOY CamoJoy S1 rangefinder →

Hunting rangefinder in camo with a laser lens and eyepiece, example image
Example image we created to show this type of rangefinder. It is not an exact TAKENJOY model, so see the Amazon listing for the real product.

Why a rangefinder for hunting makes a difference

A wrong distance guess can ruin a good shot. At 30 yards, a guess that is 5 yards out can move an arrow enough to matter. A hunting rangefinder replaces that guess with a number, and you can range landmarks before the animal even shows up.

That is the best habit a bow hunter can build. When you settle into a stand, range a few trees and rocks. Then you know your distances, and you will not need to move when a deer walks in.

Bow hunting rangefinder: why angle matters

From a tree stand, the straight line to a deer is longer than the flat distance. Your arrow drops based on the flat distance, so aiming by the straight line can send it high. Both TAKENJOY models show the horizontal distance and the angle, which is what you want for bow hunting on steep ground or from a stand.

Hunter glassing an open field with a bow nearby, example photo for hunting rangefinder use
Example photo of a hunter glassing a field. The photo shows binoculars, not a rangefinder or a TAKENJOY product, so see the Amazon listing for the real product.

Red display or LCD: what the difference means

A black LCD reading is easy to see against a bright sky, but it can fade into dark trees. A red display glows against the dark, which helps at dawn and dusk, when many hunters are out. So if most of your hunting is in timber, the HM7 is the safer pick. If you sit on open fields in full daylight, the CamoJoy S1 will suit you well. Neither one is better for everyone.

Good sides and bad sides

Good sidesBad sides
Horizontal distance and angle for steep shotsWe have not tested either model
USB-C charging, with no batteries to buy1200 yards is a listed maximum, and soft targets read shorter
About 5.6 oz with a tactical clipIP54 means splash resistance, not submersion
Choice of red or clear LCD displayNo ballistic solver for long rifle shots
2-year assurance from the brandNot built for golf flag locking

How to use a hunting rangefinder in the field

  1. Charge it the night before, and clip it where you can reach it without a big movement.
  2. Range landmarks as soon as you are settled, and remember 3 or 4 of them.
  3. Use horizontal mode from a stand or on a slope.
  4. Use scan mode as an animal moves, so the number updates as it walks.
  5. Practice at home first. Range mailboxes and trees until you can do it without thinking.
Bow hunting rangefinder eyepiece and top button, example image
Example image we created to show the eyepiece and one-button layout on this type of rangefinder. It is not an exact TAKENJOY model.

How to choose a hunting rangefinder

  • Range: judge by your longest real shot, not the number on the box. Any laser reads a deer far shorter than a reflective target.
  • Display: pick red for low light and LCD for bright days.
  • Angle: buy angle compensation or horizontal distance if you hunt from a stand or in hills.
  • Size: a small unit gets carried, and a big one gets left in the truck.
  • Weather: check the water rating, and keep it dry in a heavy storm.
  • Rules: check your state hunting rules on electronic devices before you hunt.
Deer at the edge of a dark forest, example photo for a rangefinder for hunting deer
Example photo of dark timber, where a red display can be easier to read. It does not show a TAKENJOY product.

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

What is the best hunting rangefinder for dark woods?

Between these two, pick the HM7, because its red crosshairs and readout are meant to stand out against dark backgrounds.

Is this a rangefinder for hunting and golf?

You can range a flag with it, but both are built for hunting. They have no flag lock in the listing. For golf, see our golf rangefinder guide.

Are they waterproof?

The titles say waterproof, but the brand brief lists IP54. That rating covers splashes and light rain, not dropping it in a creek.

How far will it really range a deer?

The listing gives 5 to 1200 yards, but that is a best case. Any laser rangefinder reads soft targets at much shorter distances than reflective ones, so test yours before the season.

Do they need batteries?

No. Both charge through USB-C.

Can I use it at night?

The S1 and HM7 are not night vision. The HM7 display is easier to read in low light, but you still need enough light to see the target.

Final verdict: which hunting rangefinder is worth it?

For most bow hunters in the woods, the HM7 is the one we would look at first, because of its red display. If you hunt open ground in good light, the CamoJoy S1 gives you the same core features. Both are light, rechargeable and easy to run with one button. Just keep your expectations honest about the 1200-yard figure.

See the TAKENJOY HM7 red display rangefinder →

See the TAKENJOY CamoJoy S1 rangefinder →

How we chose

The details on this page come from the Amazon listings and the brand briefs, and were checked on 3 Nov 2026. We have not tested either rangefinder. This page is part of two paid campaigns, so we earn a bonus on sales, and we still list their limits. Read our full method.

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