This is arguably the most important feature for a modern hunting rangefinder.
What it is: Angle Compensation (also known as Ballistic Compensation) is a technology that calculates the true horizontal distance to your target, not just the line-of-sight distance. When you're shooting from a tree stand or across a steep canyon, the straight-line distance to the animal is longer than the actual horizontal distance that gravity affects.
Why you need it: Without this feature, you risk aiming too high and missing cleanly or, worse, making a poor shot placement. Rangefinders with angle compensation (like models labeled "ARC," "BRC," or "ID") do the math for you. They give you the "shoot-to" distance, ensuring your bullet or arrow lands where you aim, even on steep angles. For any elevated hunting, this is a non-negotiable feature.