Binoculars vs. Spotting scope

[ian_padron]

Hey guys, I just moved to the area from Wisconsin and am planning on hunting one of the wilderness areas for the High Buck Hunt. I'll be scouting throughout the summer but have a limited gear budget. My question is if you had to choose either a spotting scope or a good pair of binos for the High Buck Hunt which would it be and why. Again, I know ideally both, but that isn't in the budget this season. Thanks for your help!

[huntnnw]

I would take the binos..I use them way more than my spotter. The spotter comes out for super long distance or looking at something closer.

[Crunchy]

Agree Binos always first then spotter

[Wetwoodshunter]

Ian,

A few years ago when I was getting some nicer gear set up I went with the spotting scope first. This was a huge mistake. Recently I got a nice pair of Binos and never take my scope out in the woods anymore. The convenience of having the Binos to look through quickly is essential, I use one of the backpack things that keep them always on my chest.  I would try to get as nice a pair as you can afford since Binos in my opinion are the most useful tool you will have in the woods for locating game, counting points, and glassing.

I would recommend a good 10 x 42. Vortex makes some of the best affordable glass out there right now. But look through a few then chose what's comfortable and clear for your eyes.

[Bean Counter]

Good question

Start with a good pair of Binos. Then buy an HD/ED/ULD spotter next year or save up until you can afford it. Skip a season and save the tag, gas, and misc expenses in the cookie jar until you can afford it. I'd rather not hunt or photograph than use less than what I want.

[RadSav]

Spotting scope is a luxury.  Binoculars are a necessity!  So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.

[Bob33]

Everyone is different but I use binoculars probably 50 or 100 to 1 compared to a spotting scope. Hands down I would put my money into binos first.

[grundy53]

Spotting scope is a luxury.  Binoculars are a necessity!  So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.

This

[kentrek]

Spotting scope is a luxury.  Binoculars are a necessity!  So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.

This

  and go shoot giant regardless if you have the best...never skip a year of hunting to buy a luxury product

[RadSav]

Spotting scope is a luxury.  Binoculars are a necessity!  So get a good pair of binoculars first, dang good pack second and the spotter third.

This

  and go shoot giant regardless if you have the best...never skip a year of hunting to buy a luxury product

Absolutely!  My biggest bull, biggest bear and biggest deer were all shot before I even owned a pair of binos.  Who knows how many animals I walked past and didn't see   But, what I lacked in equipment I made up in effort.  30 years later I still haven't exceed the quality of the results.  And I have fantastic glass now!

[kentrek]

My first years bow hunting I only managed to get a rx 2 leupold range finder....boy that 4 power could locate deer !

I wouldn't sell those days for the hubble telescope of all binos or spotters

[Firedogg]

Wow!  I didn't know a range finder could "lactate" deer. lol

With the high country hunt you will want 8-10x binos. If you are hunting brushy areas I find lower power ones are easier to pick through the brush with. Different tools for different conditions.

My spotting scope takes up too much room when I am moving around. If I know I will be going to a ridge to sit I will set up with the spotter, but still start out with binos till something catches my interest.

[kentrek]

Wow!  I didn't know a range finder could "lactate" deer. lol

  leupold thought of it all....dang auto text

[Mark251]

Definitely Binos.  I use them almost exclusively anymore.  Save up and get the best glass you can afford...

[ian_padron]

Thanks for all the input guys, can't tell you how much I appreciate the help. Lot of good people out here so far, off to Cabelas to grab some binos I guess!