Can Golf Rangefinders Be Used for Hunting?

At first glance, golf and hunting rangefinders may look similar, but they are designed with different target detection priorities. Golf rangefinders typically use first target priority mode, which locks onto the nearest object—ideal for flagsticks on a course. In contrast, hunting rangefinders often feature second target priority mode, allowing them to ignore brush or branches and focus on distant animals. While it’s technically possible to use a golf rangefinder for hunting, you may experience unreliable readings in wooded or brush-heavy environments. For casual or open-terrain hunting, a golf rangefinder might work in a pinch, but for serious hunters, a purpose-built hunting rangefinder offers greater accuracy, better low-light performance, and weatherproof features that are essential in the field.