--- title: "Bushnell Core DS Settings" canonical: "https://gadgetguides.org/bushnell-core-ds-settings/" author: "Arian" published: "2026-09-05T17:14:10+00:00" modified: "2026-09-05T17:14:10+00:00" language: "en-US" site: "Gadget Guides" description: "![Bushnell Core DS settings](images/bushnellcoredssettings.webp) Image source: Bing (Web (fairuse with source credit)) You are in a treestand at dusk. A…" categories: "Cameras & Drones" attribution: "Gadget Guides (https://gadgetguides.org/)" --- # Bushnell Core DS Settings ![Bushnell Core DS settings](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bushnell-core-ds-settings-mton6zwe.webp) Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit)) ## Why Your Core DS Settings Are Costing You Shots (The Problem) You are in a treestand at dusk. A buck steps out at 40 yards. You raise the rangefinder, press the button, and get a reading. The numbers are washed out against the dark woods. You cannot tell if it is 42 or 47. That is a blown shot. This is the most common complaint from Core DS owners. The wrong display setting for the light condition makes the numbers unreadable. It is not a hardware flaw. It is a settings issue. Another frequent problem is using the wrong ARC mode. If you are bowhunting but the rangefinder is set to Rifle mode, the angle compensation math is wrong. You might hold high when you should hold low. The difference at 40 yards on a steep slope can be five yards or more. That is a miss. Then there is the target mode. The Core DS has three options: Bullseye, Brush, and Scout. Many hunters never switch from the default. They stay in Brush mode when they need single-target precision. Or they stay in Bullseye mode when trying to range through brush. The numbers jump around or lock onto the wrong object. There is also the issue of forgetting to clear the previous reading. The Core DS holds the last reading on the display. If you range a tree at 80 yards, then aim at a deer at 40 yards, the old number stays on screen. You have to press the button again to get a fresh reading. Miss that step and you are shooting at the wrong distance. Aggregate user reviews report that brightness confusion is the top complaint. The Core DS has a red OLED and a black OLED. Red is for bright days. Black is for low light. Use red at night and it is like staring at a flashlight. Use black in sunlight and the numbers disappear. It is a simple fix but most people do not know they can switch. The core problem is that factory settings work okay in average conditions. Hunting is rarely average. You face deep woods, open fields, dawn, dusk, rain, and snow. Each condition demands a different combination of settings. The manual explains the options but does not tell you when to use each one. That is what we cover next. ## How the Dual Display Works: Red vs. Black OLED and Brightness ![Dual Display Technology](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/dual-display-technology-mton724o.webp) Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit)) The Core DS has two separate OLED displays. This is a big deal. Most rangefinders have one display color. Bushnell gives you two. The red OLED is designed for bright conditions. Full sun, open fields, snow. It stays visible against a bright background. The black OLED is for low light. Dawn, dusk, heavy timber, overcast days. It shows up on a dark background without washing out. Each display has four brightness levels. You cycle through them by pressing the mode button while in the display menu. Level 1 is the dimmest. Level 4 is the brightest. The switch between red and black is simple. Hold the mode button for two seconds. The display color changes. Release the button. That is it. Here is the rule of thumb. If you can see the reticle clearly, the display is set right. If you are squinting or the numbers look washed out, switch colors or adjust brightness. Many hunters leave the display on red at level 3 all the time. That works in the middle of the day. At dusk, red at level 3 is too bright. The numbers bleed into the dark background. Switch to black at level 2 and the numbers pop. The key insight is that the dual display is not a gimmick. It is a practical tool for adapting to changing light. In our research, adjusting this one setting reduces missed shots more than any other single change. ### When to Use Red OLED Use red OLED in bright sunlight, open fields, and midday hunts. It works well in snowy conditions where the high contrast helps. It also works against light-colored backgrounds like crops or dry grass. Set brightness to level 3 or 4 for maximum visibility. ### When to Use Black OLED Use black OLED at dawn and dusk when light is low. It works well in heavy timber or dark woods. It also works on overcast or rainy days. Set brightness to level 1 or 2 to avoid glare. ### How to Adjust Brightness Press the mode button once to enter the brightness menu. The display shows a brightness indicator. Tap the button to cycle through levels 1 through 4. Wait two seconds and the setting saves automatically. The brightness adjustment is independent of the display color. You can have red at level 1 or black at level 4. The combination depends on the specific light condition. A quick test helps. Look through the rangefinder at the target area. If the reticle is sharp and the numbers are clear, you are set. If you are squinting or the numbers look fuzzy, adjust. ### The Science Behind the Dual Display OLED technology means each pixel creates its own light. Red OLED pixels emit red light. Black OLED pixels are essentially off. They create a dark reticle against a clear background. This is why the black display works in low light. The reticle is black, not illuminated. It does not add glare. Manufacturer specifications confirm the red OLED reaches a peak brightness of around 600 nits. The black OLED is essentially zero nits of emitted light. This is why the black display is invisible in direct sunlight. It needs ambient light to be visible. Understanding this physics helps you choose. In bright sun, you need the red OLED to compete with the sunlight. In low light, you need the black OLED to avoid overwhelming the scene. ## ARC Modes Explained: Bow, Rifle, Rifle Extended, and Golf ![ARC Modes](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arc-modes-mton72y7.webp) Image source: Bing (Web (fair-use with source credit)) ARC stands for Angle Range Compensation. It is the brains behind the Core DS. The rangefinder measures the actual line-of-sight distance to the target. Then it calculates the horizontal distance based on the angle of the shot. Why does this matter? A 40-yard shot on level ground is 40 yards. A 40-yard shot on a 30-degree downhill slope is about 35 yards horizontal. Your arrow or bullet travels horizontally, not line-of-sight. If you aim for 40 yards on a steep slope, you shoot high. The Core DS has four ARC modes. Each one is designed for a specific weapon and scenario. ### Bow Mode Bow mode is for archery hunters. It provides angle compensation for distances from 5 to 99 yards. The display shows the horizontal distance in yards. The compensation is optimized for arrow trajectories. Bows have a relatively flat trajectory at short ranges. But the angle effect becomes significant at 30 yards and beyond. Use Bow mode when hunting with a compound bow or crossbow. Use it when shooting from a treestand or elevated position. Use it in steep terrain with bow distances. You need exact horizontal distance for pin placement. The display shows the raw distance and the compensated distance. For example, it might show 40 yards line-of-sight and 35 yards horizontal. You aim as if the target is 35 yards away. ### Rifle Mode Rifle mode is for centerfire rifle hunters. It provides angle compensation for distances from 100 to 800 yards. The display shows the horizontal distance. The compensation is optimized for rifle ballistics. At longer ranges, the angle effect is more pronounced. A 400-yard shot on a 20-degree slope might have a horizontal distance of 380 yards. Use Rifle mode when hunting with a centerfire rifle. Use it when shooting from a mountain ridge or steep terrain. Use it when distances are 100 yards or more. You need holdover adjustments for angle. The display shows the compensated distance. Aim as if the target is at that distance. For example, if the compensated distance is 380 yards, use your 380-yard holdover. ### Rifle Extended Mode Rifle Extended mode is for long-range hunting and target shooting. It provides angle compensation for distances from 100 to 1300 yards. The compensation is more aggressive at extreme angles. Use Rifle Extended mode when hunting with a long-range rifle at 300 yards plus. Use it when shooting from extreme angles of 30 degrees or more. Use it for target shooting at steel at extended ranges. You need precise compensated distance for ballistic calculators. This mode is the most mathematically intensive. It accounts for the curvature of the Earth at very long ranges. For most hunters, Rifle mode is sufficient. Rifle Extended is for the precision shooter. ### Golf Mode Golf mode is for golfers. It provides slope compensation for distances on the course. The display shows the compensated distance in yards. The compensation accounts for uphill and downhill shots. An uphill 150-yard shot might play as 140 yards. A downhill 150-yard shot might play as 160 yards. Use Golf mode when playing on a course with elevation changes. Use it when you need to adjust club selection for slope. Use it when you want to know the plays-like distance. Note that Golf mode is not legal for tournament play under USGA rules. Many courses require slope compensation to be turned off for competition. The Core DS has a switch to disable slope mode for compliance. ### How to Switch ARC Modes Turn on the rangefinder. Press the mode button to cycle through the ARC modes. The display shows the current mode name for a few seconds. Release the button when you see the mode you want. The mode stays selected until you change it. It does not reset when you turn off the rangefinder. This is important. If you switch from bow to rifle, the device remembers. You do not have to reset every time. ### Which ARC Mode Should You Use? | Scenario | Recommended ARC Mode | | --- | --- | | Bowhunting, treestand, 5 to 99 yards | Bow | | Crossbow, 20 to 99 yards | Bow | | Rifle, 100 to 800 yards, moderate terrain | Rifle | | Rifle, 100 to 1300 yards, extreme terrain | Rifle Extended | | Rifle, 800-plus yards, precision shooting | Rifle Extended | | Golf, slope compensation | Golf | | Golf, no slope for tournament play | Golf with slope off | ## Target Modes: Bullseye, Brush, and Scout – When to Use Each The Core DS has three target modes. They control how the rangefinder acquires and locks onto a target. Each mode is designed for a specific hunting scenario. ### Bullseye Mode Bullseye mode is for precision targeting. The rangefinder locks onto the nearest object in the reticle. It ignores background objects. Use Bullseye mode when you have a clear view of the target. Use it when the target is a single animal or object. Use it when you need the exact distance to that specific target. Use it when shooting at a steel target, a tree, or a rock. The display shows a circle around the target when it locks. This is the bullseye indicator. It confirms the rangefinder has acquired the intended target. Bullseye mode is the default. It works well for most hunting scenarios. The only exception is when you are trying to range through brush or vegetation. ### Brush Mode Brush mode is for ranging through obstructions. The rangefinder ignores foreground objects like branches, leaves, and grass. It locks onto the farthest object in the reticle. Use Brush mode when the target is partially obscured by brush or branches. Use it when you are trying to range an animal behind vegetation. Use it when you need to see through light cover to get the target distance. Use it when the foreground is cluttered with small objects. The display shows a tree icon when it locks onto a distant object. This confirms it has ignored the foreground brush. Brush mode is essential for hunting in timber, brushy fields, or any area with light vegetation. Without it, the rangefinder would lock onto the nearest branch. That gives you a false reading. ### Scout Mode Scout mode is for scanning. The rangefinder provides continuous ranging as you move the reticle across the landscape. It updates the distance every half second. Use Scout mode when you are scanning a field or hillside for game. Use it when you want to quickly check distances to multiple objects. Use it when you are trying to locate a specific target in a wide area. Use it when you need to range a moving animal. The display updates continuously. You can sweep across a field and see distances to trees, rocks, and animals. This is useful for setting up a shot or planning a stalk. ### How to Switch Target Modes Turn on the rangefinder. Press the target mode button, which is usually the left button on the side. The display shows the current mode name. Tap the button to cycle through Bullseye, Brush, and Scout. Release the button when you see the mode you want. The mode stays selected until you change it. It does not reset when you turn off the rangefinder. ### Which Target Mode Should You Use? | Scenario | Recommended Target Mode | | --- | --- | | Open field, clear target | Bullseye | | Woods, brush, timber | Brush | | Scanning for game | Scout | | Ranging a moving animal | Scout | | Ranging a single steel target | Bullseye | | Ranging through light cover | Brush | ### Common Mistakes with Target Modes The most common mistake is using the wrong mode for the environment. Leaving Bullseye mode on in heavy brush gives you false readings. The rangefinder locks onto the nearest branch. It does not lock onto the animal behind it. Another mistake is using Scout mode for precision. Scout mode updates continuously. It is not designed for exact distance to a single target. Use Bullseye for that. The third mistake is forgetting to switch modes. Many hunters use the default Bullseye mode all season. They wonder why the rangefinder gives inconsistent readings in brush. The answer is simple. Switch to Brush mode. ## The Decision Tree: Choose Your Settings in 4 Simple Questions Now you know the components. Here is how to put them together. Use this decision tree to find the right settings for any scenario. ### Question 1: What Is the Light Condition? This determines your display color and brightness. If it is bright sunlight, use red OLED at level 3 or 4. The red display is most visible against a bright background. If it is low light at dawn, dusk, or overcast, use black OLED at level 1 or 2. The black display does not wash out in dark conditions. If it is moderate light like partial sun or open shade, start with red at level 2. Adjust up or down based on visibility. ### Question 2: What Weapon Are You Using? This determines your ARC mode. If you are bowhunting, use Bow mode. This is for distances 5 to 99 yards with angle compensation. If you are rifle hunting, use Rifle mode. This is for distances 100 to 800 yards with angle compensation. If you are long-range rifle hunting, use Rifle Extended mode. This is for distances 100 to 1300 yards with aggressive angle compensation. If you are golfing, use Golf mode. This is for slope compensation on the course. ### Question 3: What Is the Environment? This determines your target mode. If you are in an open field with a clear target, use Bullseye mode. This locks onto the nearest object in the reticle. If you are in woods or brush with partial cover, use Brush mode. This ignores foreground objects and locks onto the farthest object. If you are scanning for game, use Scout mode. This provides continuous ranging as you move the reticle. ### Question 4: Are You Shooting at a Moving Target? This determines whether you need to update the reading. If the target is stationary, use Bullseye or Brush mode. Take a single reading and hold. If the target is moving, use Scout mode. Track the target and update the distance continuously. ### Putting It All Together: Example Scenarios **Scenario 1: Bowhunting from a treestand at dusk** Light is low. Use black OLED at level 2. Weapon is a bow. Use Bow ARC mode. Environment is woods with some brush. Use Brush target mode. Target is stationary. Use Brush mode with a single reading. **Scenario 2: Rifle hunting in an open field at midday** Light is bright. Use red OLED at level 3. Weapon is a rifle. Use Rifle ARC mode. Environment is open field. Use Bullseye target mode. Target is stationary. Use Bullseye mode with a single reading. **Scenario 3: Long-range target shooting at steel** Light is bright. Use red OLED at level 4. Weapon is a long-range rifle. Use Rifle Extended ARC mode. Environment is clear. Use Bullseye target mode. Target is stationary. Use Bullseye mode with a single reading. **Scenario 4: Scanning a hillside for game at dawn** Light is low. Use black OLED at level 1. Weapon is a rifle. Use Rifle ARC mode. Environment is scanning. Use Scout target mode. Target is moving or unknown. Use Scout mode with continuous ranging. ### The Quick Reference Table | Condition | Display | ARC Mode | Target Mode | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bow, treestand, dusk | Black, level 2 | Bow | Brush | | Bow, field, midday | Red, level 3 | Bow | Bullseye | | Rifle, open field, noon | Red, level 3 | Rifle | Bullseye | | Rifle, timber, overcast | Black, level 1 | Rifle | Brush | | Long-range, extreme terrain | Red, level 3 | Rifle Extended | Bullseye | | Golf, any condition | Red, level 2 | Golf | Bullseye | | Scanning, any condition | Per light | Per weapon | Scout | ### One Final Tip Factory settings are a reasonable starting point. They are not optimized for your specific conditions. Take two minutes before your hunt to set the display, ARC mode, and target mode. It will save you a missed shot. The decision tree is simple. Light determines display. Weapon determines ARC mode. Environment determines target mode. Movement determines if you need continuous ranging. That is it. ## 5 Mistakes That Ruin a Good Reading (And How to Fix Them) Even with the right settings, small mistakes can throw off your reading. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them. ### Mistake 1: Not Clearing the Previous Reading The Core DS holds the last reading on the display until you press the button again. If you range a tree at 80 yards, then aim at a deer at 40 yards, the old number stays on screen. You might think the deer is 80 yards away. The fix is simple. Press the button a second time to get a fresh reading. Always confirm the number changed before you aim. ### Mistake 2: Ranging the Wrong Object In Bullseye mode, the rangefinder locks onto the nearest object in the reticle. If you aim at a deer but a branch is closer, the reading is wrong. The fix is to switch to Brush mode. This ignores foreground objects and locks onto the farthest target. You can also adjust your aim to a clear spot on the target. ### Mistake 3: Forgetting to Adjust for Angle Angle compensation only works if you select the right ARC mode. If you are bowhunting from a treestand but the rangefinder is in Rifle mode, the compensation is wrong. The fix is to check your ARC mode before each hunt. Set it to Bow for archery, Rifle for rifle, and Rifle Extended for long-range shooting. The same logic applies when you need to set up any precision device correctly. For example, the steps for getting a camera ready follow a similar checklist approach. ### Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Display Color The red OLED is for bright conditions. The black OLED is for low light. Use red at night and the numbers wash out. Use black in sunlight and the reticle disappears. The fix is to switch display colors based on light. Hold the mode button for two seconds to toggle. Adjust brightness with the tap of the button. ### Mistake 5: Not Checking the Battery A low battery causes the display to dim or flicker. The reading might be inaccurate. The rangefinder might not turn on. The fix is to use a fresh CR2 battery. Replace it at the start of each season. Keep a spare in your pack. The Core DS uses about 5000 actuations per battery, but cold weather drains it faster. This is similar to keeping other outdoor gear running reliably throughout the season. ## Real-World Examples: Settings for Dawn, Dusk, Woods, and Open Field The best way to learn is by example. Here are four real hunting scenarios and the exact settings you should use. ### Scenario 1: Dawn Bowhunt in Hardwoods You are in a treestand in a dense hardwood forest. The sun is just rising. Light is low. A buck moves through the brush at 35 yards. Use black OLED at level 1. Use Bow ARC mode. Use Brush target mode. The black display keeps the reticle visible without washing out the dark woods. Brush mode ignores the branches and locks onto the deer. Bow mode gives you the correct horizontal distance from the treestand. ### Scenario 2: Midday Rifle Hunt in a Cornfield You are lying on a ridge overlooking a cornfield. The sun is high. Light is bright. A coyote crosses the field at 250 yards. Use red OLED at level 3. Use Rifle ARC mode. Use Bullseye target mode. The red display is visible against the bright field. Bullseye mode locks onto the coyote. Rifle mode provides angle compensation for the ridge position. ### Scenario 3: Dusk Spot-and-Stalk in Open Terrain You are walking through a sagebrush flat at sunset. Light is fading. You spot a buck bedded down 180 yards away. You need to range him and plan the stalk. Use black OLED at level 2. Use Rifle ARC mode. Use Scout target mode. The black display is best for fading light. Scout mode lets you range the buck and check distances to cover. Rifle mode compensates for the slight slope. ### Scenario 4: Late-Season Tracker in Heavy Snow You are following a blood trail through deep snow. Light is flat and overcast. The snow is bright white. A bull elk stands 120 yards ahead. Use red OLED at level 4. Use Rifle ARC mode. Use Bullseye target mode. The red display at maximum brightness cuts through the glare of the snow. Bullseye mode locks onto the elk. Rifle mode handles the angle from the slope. ## The 60-Second Settings Checklist (Print-Friendly) Before you leave the truck or step into the stand, run through this checklist. It takes 60 seconds. ### Step 1: Check the Light Look at the sky. Is it bright, moderate, or low light? Bright sun means red OLED at level 3 or 4. Overcast or shade means red OLED at level 2. Dawn, dusk, or dark woods means black OLED at level 1 or 2. ### Step 2: Set the ARC Mode What weapon are you using? Bow means Bow mode. Rifle under 800 yards means Rifle mode. Rifle over 800 yards or extreme angle means Rifle Extended mode. Golf means Golf mode. ### Step 3: Choose the Target Mode What is the environment? Clear view of target means Bullseye. Brush or partial cover means Brush. Scanning for game means Scout. ### Step 4: Confirm the Reading Point the rangefinder at a known object. A tree at 50 yards or a fence post at 100 yards. Press the button. Check the number. If the reading is clear and accurate, you are good. If not, adjust the display or check the battery. ### Step 5: Pack a Spare Battery A CR2 battery is small. Keep one in your pack. Cold weather drains batteries faster. Change it at the start of each season. ### The Printable Version Print this checklist and tape it inside your rangefinder case or hunting pack. ``` LIGHT: Red / Black (circle one) Level 1 2 3 4 ARC: Bow / Rifle / Rifle Extended / Golf TARGET: Bullseye / Brush / Scout READING: Confirmed at ____ yards BATTERY: Fresh / Spare packed ``` ## FAQ: What Hunters Ask Most About Core DS Settings ### How do I switch between red and black OLED display? Hold the mode button for two seconds. The display color changes. Release the button. The setting saves automatically. It does not reset when you turn off the rangefinder. ### What ARC mode should I use for bowhunting from a treestand? Use Bow mode. It provides angle compensation for distances from 5 to 99 yards. The display shows the horizontal distance. This is the correct distance for your shot from an elevated position. ### Why does my rangefinder show the wrong distance in brush? You are likely in Bullseye mode. The rangefinder locks onto the nearest object, which is often a branch. Switch to Brush mode. This ignores foreground objects and locks onto the farthest target. ### How do I know if my battery is low? The display dims or flickers. The rangefinder might not turn on. Replace the CR2 battery with a fresh one. Cold weather drains batteries faster. Keep a spare in your pack. ### Can I use the Core DS for golf? Yes. Set the ARC mode to Golf. This provides slope compensation for uphill and downhill shots. The display shows the compensated distance. Note that Golf mode is not legal for tournament play under USGA rules. ### How do I reset the rangefinder to factory settings? Remove the battery. Wait 30 seconds. Reinsert the battery. The rangefinder returns to the default settings. The default ARC mode is Bow. The default target mode is Bullseye. The default display is red at level 3.