Instead of spending money on a laser rangefinder to use while bowhunting you can make one yourself that can mount on your bow. Here’s how.

  First take a couple of sheets of paper, copy paper works great, and tape them together so they are 17” high and the width of the sheet, 8 ½”. This will represent the top of the back and the bottom of the belly of a deer. Tape or pin this to your target with the 17” edge running vertical.

  Take another sheet of clean paper and clip it to a clip board. If you don’t have a clip board you can tape it to a piece of cardboard. A clip board is just easier.

  Measure off 20 yards from your target. You want to be pretty exact with your distance. Now hold the clip board up at arm’s length, like you were holding your bow, and site down to your target. Mark the top and the bottom of the “target paper” on the edge of the sheet on your clip board. Mark these marks, 20 yards.

  Next measure off 30 yards. Again hold your clip board up at arm’s length and mark the top and bottom of the “target paper” on you sheet. Mark these marks 30 yards.

  Repeat the process for 40 and 50 yards.

  You can use different color markers for the different distances if you want too. Green for 20 yards, yellow for 30, etc...

  After getting your distances marked, practice with your “rangefinder”. Walk off a ways from the “target paper” and hold up the clip board. How did the marks look against the target? Were they close to the 20 yard marks, 30 yard marks? Make adjustments to your marks if needed.

  The final steps are to cut the marked paper to the width of your bow limb and then laminate it. You can buy do-it-yourself laminating sheets at an office supply store. Trim as needed.

  Now tape your “rangefinder” to your bow limb beside your pin sights so it is easy to see when you hold your bow at arm’s length or when drawn.

  This may not be as detailed accurate as a laser rangefinder but it will give you a real close measurement when your batteries are dead, you can’t find the darn thing or there’s no time to pick it up when a deer sneaks in on you.

  You can also forget the paper and make your marks directly on the bow limb itself. Just use colors that contrast against the camo pattern so they’re easy to see.

  Now when you are out in the woods and you see a deer you can use the scale to measure from its back to its belly prior to your shot without a lot of unnecessary movement. You’ll have your bow up and ready to draw after “ranging” your trophy. Can be accurate to within 2 to 5 yards depending on how long you spend making it.

  Thanks to Archery Hunter for sending in this neat project to help us in the field.

  Send your Know-How projects to: mail@backwoodsbound.com and we’ll use them in a future issue of The Bullet.

  Every fall, hunters get lost in the woods, and while most escape no worse than tired, chilled and hungry, the hazards of being lost in Idaho's woods shouldn't be underestimated.

  Hunters can take precautions and prepare for an unexpected stay in the woods.

  * Don't rely only on electronics. Items like GPS receivers, cell phones and two-way radios are handy, but dead batteries or other malfunctions render them useless. A map and compass are low tech and less likely to fail, but you also have to know how to use them.

  * Know the area you're hunting. Always be conscious of your surroundings, prominent points, river or creek drainages, and occasionally turn around and look behind you so you will remember what it looks like when you're coming back. If you're on a trail, don't hesitate to put a temporary marker at intersections. Things can look different on your return, especially if you return in the dark.

  * Let someone at home know where you will be hunting and when you expect to return. Often hunters are out longer than expected, especially when they are pursuing big game animals far from a road. You may want to set an absolute deadline and have someone who can alert the authorities if you haven't returned, or contacted someone by that time.

  * Ditto for your hunting partner. Hunters often get separated, so set up a rendezvous time and place and decide in advance when a third party will seek help if you or your partners do not return in time.

  * Watch the weather. You're more likely to get lost or turned around in poor visibility when it's raining, foggy or snowing, which are also conditions under which you don't want to be lost in the woods.

  * Avoid cotton clothing. It provides no warmth when wet. Many hunters wear denim jeans, but there are better alternatives. Look for synthetic, breathable fabrics like modern "softshells." They are more comfortable in nearly all conditions than traditional denim. Old-school wool is also better than cotton, and modern wool is comfortable and excellent insulation.

  * Have a fire-starting kit. Whether matches, lighter or other devices, it should be weatherproof, and it never hurts to have more than one device, as well as tinder or fire starter. Know how to start a fire in all weather conditions.

  * Bring a headlamp and extra batteries. They're valuable for navigating in early mornings or after dark.

  * If you get lost, warmth, shelter and water should be your priorities. You can go days without food, but you have to stay warm and hydrated. But it's never a bad idea to carry extra food with you.

  * Dress in layers and be prepared for the worst weather. Temperatures can drop 30 or 40 degrees between day and night in the mountains. The weather can also change quickly during fall, and it's not uncommon to go from warm and sunny to snowing within hours. A light, packable insulated jacket and a waterproof shell don't weigh much or take up much space, and they provide good insulation in cold and wet weather. Keep them in a daypack and carry it with you.

  * Survival kits are all the rage these days, but many are overkill. Think about the essentials you would need for an unplanned night in the woods.

  * Have your vehicle ready for the backcountry and prepared for minor breakdowns, such as flat tires or dead batteries. A separate survival kit for your vehicle is a good idea because space and weight are less of an issue than when items must be carried on your person.

  * If you get lost, admit it to yourself and prepare to spend the night out. Build a fire for warmth and companionship, and set up a shelter. Wandering around will make it harder for search and rescue personnel to find you. It also fuels your anxiety, preventing you from thinking clearly and making safe choices. This increases the chance that you could become injured or worse.

  * If you take medication daily for a chronic condition, pack several days' supply and take it with you. Tell your hunting partners of your medical condition and where in your pack your medication is located. This can make the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening medical emergency.

  Thanks to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for these tips. For more information on the great outdoor adventures in Idaho, visit them on the web at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ .

  Keep in mind that although the preceding article was named ‘Survival Tips for Big Game Hunters’ the information it contained can be used in any hunting, camping or hiking situation. Safety is no accident.