Mule Deer: Spotting scope a necessity or a nice to have?

[tbrady]

Hi All,

I'm curious how many of you guys use a spotting scope while mule deer hunting and how helpful you've found it.  I'm considering changing my "tactics" a bit this year and trying a spotting scope on those slow afternoons as opposed to laying down with binocs stuck to my head for several hours.

I have a lot of luck locating deer that are upright with my 10x42 binocs,  but a much harder time locating bedded deer.  Anyway, if you have an opinion on it I'd like to hear it!

thanks!
tim

[yelp]

I have two..I like to use them to spot in the field and from the vehicle.  It helps you judge the buck before going after him.  Also can help seeing that third point others Cant'! 

[coachcw]

yes a must , it will save your legs . my plan for mule deer is to spot spot spot.

[snocobearhunter]

most important piece of equipment i have and i use it on almost every hunt i go on

[Bean Counter]

Did someone say spotting scope? When I go to the private land I have access to for whitetail deer or elk, I can do without? Mule deer? Wouldn't leave home without it. Just too far and wide open to live without. 

I have a Nikon ED 82mm with a wide angle 30x. I am contemplating a 75x wide angle for even greater distance.  I bought an angled scope and I definitely recommend a straight scope. Much easier to keep a low profile when you're on top of a hill. 

Be prepared to be depressed because you tagged out opening morning 

[squeeze2drop]

well if u need a spotting scope as your last ditch effort to put that 3rd point on him then in my opinion, its not worth it, cuz for me at this point, i want a bigger rack, but there is no wrong answer, ive used one and it saved me a lot of walking, but again, depends what kind of hunter u are, u hunting for meat or rack? USUALLY if u are hunting for rack, u only need binocs, but then again, if u are hunting open country, u would need it, ok im gonna shutup cuz now im thinkin i need a spottin scope  

[eastside boy]

I used the heck out of mine a few years back during a late permit season....looked over a lot of bucks.  Also use it during archery seasons alot now.  For example....we spoted (using binos) what we thought looked like a heavy rack sticking out of the brush at maybe 800 - 1,000 yards......we all agreed that it was probably some old burnt grease wood, but decided to get the scope out for a second opinion......it ended up being a really nice buck bedded.  Long story short, I put a stalk on it and was putting my tag on him 30 minutes later!!!  I probably never would have decided to investigate further if I didn't have that scope put to use.  So, yes I consider a scope a necessity.

[carpsniperg2]

i use mine all the time. helps save a lot of time, because you know what type of buck it is threw the glass.

[400out]

almost as important as your gun 

[tbrady]

Thanks fellas... I done did go ahead and order me one    (thanks for giving me the necessary "justification")

[ICEMAN]

IMHO, I feel that alot of the scopes on the market are too damn big, powerful and heavy. I have a smaller spotting scope and I use the crap out of it. Only on occassion is it a bit weak regarding magnification. I have noticed my buddy who has a massive scope...ends up keepin it in it's case most of the time because it is awkward.  Another issue with the larger scopes is that they seem too heavy for a normal tripod. Any bit of wind blowing and they are useless.   

[ICEMAN]

It is a pretty old Leupold straight tube 20 x 50mm. Small enough to pack on the outside of my daypack with a lightweight tripod. Hike in, set up, spot, move, do it again. Try that with a bazooka...

I would definitely buy this model again and am always on the look out for a replacement.

[rasbo]

dont use mine much on the wetside,but for open areas,hell yeah, good luck with your new spotter

[halflife65]

I have the same one as ICEMAN and would recommend something like that.  20x seems to be enough in most circumstances and it is easy to pack around.  Having said that, I'm saving for my next scope - probably a Swaro 65mm if I can hold out long enough to get together the $2600 that it takes to buy one these days.

I think that the combo of the smaller Leupold with the larger one for closer to the truck (or when I know that it will be absolutely critical and I'm willing to carry the extra weight) will be perfect pair.

I also use Swaro 10x42s and that's REAL helpful.

[highside74]

I went east for the first time with a buddy to hunt mule deer opening weekend. The first day we didn't carry my spotter because my non archery hunting partner wanted to carry his rifle for bears. We saw 1 buck and 5 doe's. The 3rd day alone with my friends rifle in the truck and him carrying the spotter we saw 16 bucks and 14 doe's. We decided to leave the rifle in the truck from then on. So I would say a spotter is a must. I have the Leupold Goldring 12-45x60 and it is worth every penny. Barely over 3lbs and crystal clear.