In steep up-hill and down-hill terrain, it is almost impossible to know what pin to use at any given range. The way that I have successfully accomplished this is by using a Suunto Clinometer, Model #PM-5/360 PC.

The clinometer will show you the exact degree of angle up or down. Your rangefinder will give you the distance to your target. By combining these two tools, you can figure out where your arrow is going to hit at any angle. (See chart below.) For example, if your target is a distance of 40 yards (up or down) at a 60 degree angle, you would use your 20 yard pin (draw a line from the two numbers--where they intersect is the pin you use); or at 29 yards and a 45 degree angle, you would also use your 20 yard pin.

To develop a chart that works for your archery equipment, take your Block Target, rangefinder, and clinometer to an area where you have very steep terrain, such as a rock quarry. You will need to have grid lines across and down on your chart. One will be for distance and the other for angle. Use increments of 5 starting from 20 yards and 20 degrees, up to 60 or more, if needed. See example below:

CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE

After gaining confidence in your chart, and knowing that your rangefinder and clinometer are working well together, tape the clinometer to your rangefinder using camo camo tape. This will make it easy to use both of them at the same time, with very little movement.

The chart should be no wider than your bow limb. It should be laminated to keep it weather resistant. By using camo tape again, you can attach the chart to the lower limb of your bow which will make it easy to read in a hunting situation.

By using these methods, you will put your prey at a serious disadvantage no matter what the angle is.