collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?  (Read 7490 times)

Offline ORBowHunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 27
  • Location: Oregon
Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« on: March 20, 2012, 12:45:29 PM »
This year is the first time that I'll be archery hunting for mulies, over on the east side (of Oregon). Right now I'm saving up for some new binoculars, possibly some Vortex's, as they are more in my price range.  The spot and stalk, (heck, even just spotting) part of Hunting is new to me.  In the past i rifle hunted with some guys, who were mostly road hunters.  The question I have is:

Will a good pair of binoculars be good enough, or good for looking for long periods of time for mule deer from a good vantage point?  Or do your eyes get too tired and you get dizzy, or headaches?  Is a spotting scope a lot better than binoculars?  I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford, or want to afford buying one of each.  If people really think a spotting scope is the only way to go, then maybe I'll hold on to my cheapo-almost-decent bino's i have now and just spend the money on a scope. 

Thanks for any advice!
--ORBowHunter

"I am a hunter. The kill is the satisfying, indeed essential, conclusion to a successful hunt. But, I take no pleasure in the act itself. I do not hunt in order to kill, but kill to have hunted. I hunt because I am a hunter".- Finn Aagard

Offline lilredhead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Pilgrim
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 21
  • Location: Kelso, Wa.
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2012, 12:56:15 PM »
Good bino's. You'll spend way more time behind those than a spotting scope. I find that I leave my spotting scope behind because I never want to pack it. IMO

Offline 400out

  • Radio Active YAR
  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 5451
  • Location: in a bunker
  • HA HA! VERY FUNNY!
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2012, 01:12:10 PM »
in open country a spotter is worth it's weight in gold! Do you want to walk a mile across a canyon to find out it's not the one you want! I don't! I use mine a ton, but I also have good binos anound my next to scan areas first  :twocents:
Granted the ability to cause a A nuclear explosion that produces a rapid release of energy from a higher power resulting in the sudden and catastrophic demise of a thread.

Confucius say:
A crowded elevator smells different to a midget!
Man that go to bed with itchy butt wake up with stinky fingers!
Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night.

Offline JLS

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 4623
  • Location: In my last tracks.....
  • Groups: Support the LWCF!
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2012, 01:18:09 PM »
I'd go with good binos, worth their weight in gold.  A good spotter can come later.

You gotta find 'em before you can field judge 'em:twocents:
Matthew 7:13-14

Offline coachcw

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 8821
  • Groups: Team getsum !
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2012, 01:38:30 PM »
If your gonna sit and spot big country for hours Id recomend a spotter . Nikons are light weight and won't break the bank. If your gonna be hunting timber type country then a good par of binos . I wouldnt skimp on the binos , get some with good warranty and glass that can take a beating (bino buddys are a must ).

Offline alwinearcher

  • Still here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 1617
  • Location: chewelah
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2012, 01:41:06 PM »
If I could only have 1 optic it would be a pair of 15X binos :twocents:
I do like also having a spotting scope but you can find a LOT of critters through a pair of 15X's
Matt Alwine

Offline 75johndeere

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 828
  • Location: hamilton, mt
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2012, 01:48:03 PM »
Save for nice binos then look for a used spotting scope I picked up a used Leupold 30x spotter before last season and loved having it yes most of the time is spent behind the binos but when you think there might be something behind that tree or in that shadow a spotter is the only way to tell. Pm me I picked up a razor HD at the show this year so I would be willing to trade or sell the old Leupold 30x spotter the glass is in perfect condition and its the old school straight light weight model

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

Offline Ridgerunner

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 5071
  • Location: Enumclaw
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2012, 01:51:13 PM »
Buy a really good pair on binos, you wont regret it, then look at finding a decent spotter used, good way to save some cash.

Offline Swatson

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 693
  • Location: Graham
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2012, 02:03:21 PM »
I too would invest in a good pair of binos first.  If you're interested I'm willing to let you borrow my Leupold Spotter as I won't be needing it until mid October.
« Last Edit: March 20, 2012, 03:12:30 PM by Swatson »

Offline Bean Counter

  • Site Sponsor
  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 13624
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2012, 02:17:59 PM »
I think it depends on whether you have or will find a good hunting partner that you can trust. If you will be hunting alone, then +1 for the binos. Id say a pair of 15x56s then a range finder for close up. if you can take turns stalking with a partner then a spotting scope is worth the extra weight.

Whatever you do, dont buy cheap. Sell off an excess gun if you have to but take it from me that life is too short for cheap optics. :twocents:

Offline Bean Counter

  • Site Sponsor
  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 13624
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2012, 02:38:42 PM »
Also, you mentioned Vortex. If youre considering the 15x56 Kaibabs and find some side by side reviews compared to the Swaros please feel free to post them up  as Im curious.

Offline alwinearcher

  • Still here
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 1617
  • Location: chewelah
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2012, 02:44:06 PM »
Also, you mentioned Vortex. If youre considering the 15x56 Kaibabs and find some side by side reviews compared to the Swaros please feel free to post them up  as Im curious.

I spent some time behind a pair of 15X56 Kaibabs when I was hunting in AZ in Jan and I was VERY impressed by them!
Matt Alwine

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38545
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #12 on: March 20, 2012, 02:52:19 PM »
I use my 15x56 swaros a lot for long distance glassing. I also like my leopold variable power spotter.

I used to have one of the 80mm swaro spotters, it was awesome, but I got tired of packing it and just use my leopold gold ring spotter now. Don't waste your money on a cheap spotter, Nikon is the bare minimum in my opinion.
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline Tbar

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+26)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 3046
  • Location: Whatcom county
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2012, 03:23:02 PM »
The 15x56 Swarovski seems to me a great compromise they just get a little heavy after hiking.  That's the only reason they aren't my daily driver so to  speak.

Offline sirmissalot

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 3070
  • Location: Shelton, WA
    • chadpburgess@faceboo​k.com
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #14 on: March 20, 2012, 03:38:13 PM »
You need both in my opinion. If I had to have just one or the other in my pack for a day it would be bino's, an obvious answer to me. I'm not sure how anyone can be an effective hunter without at least a good pair of binos. At least half the animals I have killed the last 5 years or so wouldn't have died without good glass. I have caught a lot of flack when some of my hunting buddies or guys at the 3d range see a pair of leicas around my neck, but those that have been fortunate enough to own great quality glass knows you can never go back once you've owned a pair.

Offline Bean Counter

  • Site Sponsor
  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 13624
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #15 on: March 20, 2012, 03:56:34 PM »
Quote
. At least half the animals I have killed the last 5 years or so wouldn't have died without good glass

:yeah:

Proper scouting is a part of this equation. If I know Im going to a good area I pretty much just have my morning hike. Yes its tough climbing up that ridiculously tall mountain but when I can see every thing from up there its just a matter if being patient and hiking back down to kill me an animal once he beds down. Not exactly what I consider hiking around all day with heavy glass around my neck. Im giving away too many of my secrets on this one. 8)

Offline chukar hunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Sep 2011
  • Posts: 259
  • Location: Westside
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #16 on: March 20, 2012, 04:01:48 PM »
One more vote for the binos here.  Don't leave home without them!

I recommend the Nikon Monarch 10 x 56 for Open Country Archery Mulies.  Waterproof and fogproof.  They weigh more than the 8x, but worth it.  These have a good exit pupil(divide the second number by the first)  The larger the number, the better low light operation.  I've never used a spotter, but feel I'd get impatient having to set up a tripod and then the scope.  More mobile with the binos.   :twocents:

Offline jjhunter

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 2263
  • Location: Mule Deer Country
  • Aim small. Miss small.
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #17 on: March 20, 2012, 05:55:16 PM »
If you can only buy on at this time, buy a good pair of 10x42 or 10x50 binoculars.   This is your MOST critical piece of gear.   You can make do without the others, but not without a great pair of glasses for "around the neck."

I started with a pair of Swaro 10x50 SLCs and an STS 65 spotter.   Moved to a pair of 10x42 Els, a pair of tripod mounted 15x56 SLCs, and an STS 80 HD.  I am currently using a Zeiss RF 10x45 for "around the neck", a Swarovision 12x50 (tripod mounted) and my STS 80 HD.   I pack all three, all the time.   I believe that my current combination is the best that money can buy at the moment.   

A good pair of tripod mounted 15s or the new 12x50 Swarovsion really increase your ability to spot game when mated with a high-quality tripod and head!

Offline TeacherMan

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 4413
  • Location: North Idaho
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #18 on: March 20, 2012, 07:47:56 PM »
Depends on the country, if you can only get one start with good binos. I like my 10x42 Leupolds. In timber country you will never need more than that. If you get out into the sage flats or open plains or wheat a nice spotting scope is great. Cheap spotting scopes are horrible! The cheapest one I would use is the Leupold Kenai. Its still almost $800  :bash: All the cheaper ones I've used have just been a pain.
If you shoot the first one you will never get that true trophy.

Offline predatorpro

  • WA State Trappers Association
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 1719
  • Location: Wenatchee, WA
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #19 on: March 20, 2012, 07:52:44 PM »
i like to use binos way easier to carry and if you can spot horns on a buck at 1200 yards with binos its a good chance its probly legal and worth making the hike to find out...spotting scopes are only nice if you have already spotted a deer with your binos and want to get a closer look....just my  :twocents:

Offline ORBowHunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 27
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #20 on: March 20, 2012, 08:40:49 PM »
Thanks, that's pretty helpful.  My budget is probably around $1000-$1200 at the most.  I just can't justify the expense of $2500 binos.   I'm in very good shape, so climbing up those steep ridges is not anything that bothers me or would hold me back.  I"m planning on making 2-3 scouting trips this summer over to the Eagle caps, so will hopefully be dialed in on something before my first trip.  Thanks for the advice fellas, can't wait to post some pics this fall of how the binos' did!   :) :IBCOOL:
"I am a hunter. The kill is the satisfying, indeed essential, conclusion to a successful hunt. But, I take no pleasure in the act itself. I do not hunt in order to kill, but kill to have hunted. I hunt because I am a hunter".- Finn Aagard

Offline ORBowHunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 27
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #21 on: March 20, 2012, 08:47:18 PM »

Proper scouting is a part of this equation. If I know Im going to a good area I pretty much just have my morning hike. Yes its tough climbing up that ridiculously tall mountain but when I can see every thing from up there its just a matter if being patient and hiking back down to kill me an animal once he beds down. Not exactly what I consider hiking around all day with heavy glass around my neck. Im giving away too many of my secrets on this one. 8)
[/quote]

 :yeah:  I live for big ridiculously tall mountains!  I'm pretty nimble and in good shape. So which mountain exactly are you referring to?   :tup:   :chuckle:

Thanks for the advice.
"I am a hunter. The kill is the satisfying, indeed essential, conclusion to a successful hunt. But, I take no pleasure in the act itself. I do not hunt in order to kill, but kill to have hunted. I hunt because I am a hunter".- Finn Aagard

Offline SemperFidelis97

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 2266
  • Location: Graham
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #22 on: March 20, 2012, 08:48:42 PM »
I use both for the open county we hunt I can fit my 60mm Leupold Gold Ring in my backpack with the tripod, and I have a pair of Zen Ray ED2s I keep around my neck.  In my opinion if you are going to be scanning a large area for long periods of time from one vantage point than you need a spotter.  Often times I am looking over a mile, or more of area so I will scan with my binos, and really pick apart stuff with my spotter.  The extra magnification can be huge when looking into some thick sage from a long ways out if may mean picking out an antler that you never knew was there with your binos.

Offline Pathfinder101

  • The Chosen YAR
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 11931
  • Location: Southeast WA
  • Semper Primus
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #23 on: March 21, 2012, 09:45:26 AM »
My Zen Ray Binos were reasonably priced and I am thrilled with them.  About $400 for the 8X43s.  That leaves about $600 in your budget to go on Ebay and find a good, used Leupold Golden Ring Spotting scope (that's what I did, and that's how much I paid for it).  :twocents:
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Offline halflife65

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 2326
  • Location: Ellensburg
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #24 on: March 22, 2012, 07:36:18 AM »
Go with good binos first.  You will ALWAYS on every hunt use them.  A spotter is pretty necessary but is secondary to the binos.

Always buy the very best you can afford.  You can avoid the dizziness and headache with quality glass, as well.

Pathfinder's advice is pretty good.  Those Leupold's are pretty good scopes.

Offline ORBowHunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 27
  • Location: Oregon
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #25 on: March 22, 2012, 08:45:59 AM »
Thanks for the advice.  Sounds like maybe I should also find a hunting partner, who has a spotter as well, that could solve half my problems!   :)

Worst case scenario I think, is that I'll just wait until next season, and save up for a good spotter to add to the equipment list.  Looks like this year I'll be going for bino's.

Thanks for all the input everyone, it's much appreciated.

--Devon

Go with good binos first.  You will ALWAYS on every hunt use them.  A spotter is pretty necessary but is secondary to the binos.

Always buy the very best you can afford.  You can avoid the dizziness and headache with quality glass, as well.

Pathfinder's advice is pretty good.  Those Leupold's are pretty good scopes.
"I am a hunter. The kill is the satisfying, indeed essential, conclusion to a successful hunt. But, I take no pleasure in the act itself. I do not hunt in order to kill, but kill to have hunted. I hunt because I am a hunter".- Finn Aagard

Offline huntnphool

  • Chance favors the prepared mind!
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 32899
  • Location: Pacific NorthWest
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #26 on: March 22, 2012, 12:48:05 PM »
Swaro EL's with a tripod mount are the ticket. You can look through them all day long without eye fatigue.  :twocents:

I pack both bono and spotter though, like others have mentioned once you spot with binos it's nice to dial it up before making a unnecessary hike.
The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first!

Offline MtnMuley

  • Site Sponsor
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 8686
  • Location: NCW
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #27 on: March 22, 2012, 01:03:43 PM »
One piece I never leave the rig without:  10x42 EL's.  During most general seasons, I frame and mass hunt, and these alone work fine for that.

Offline huntnphool

  • Chance favors the prepared mind!
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 32899
  • Location: Pacific NorthWest
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #28 on: March 22, 2012, 01:29:45 PM »
One piece I never leave the rig without:  10x42 EL's.

+1
The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first!

Offline Craig

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 2212
  • Location: Olympia
Re: Bino's or Spotting scope for mulies?
« Reply #29 on: March 22, 2012, 02:15:50 PM »
Good set of binos for sure. A spotting scope will save you a lot of time and hiking by being able to tell from far away if the animal is worth going after.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Looking for Solid 22 LR input by Rat44
[Today at 12:26:36 AM]


Lynx kittens confirmed in the Kettle Range by dwils233
[Today at 12:04:14 AM]


Archery elk gear, 2025. by spin05
[Today at 12:03:42 AM]


How To Get Your $0.00 Tax Stamp - Black Hammer Arms by dreadi
[Yesterday at 11:33:25 PM]


AUCTION: SE Idaho DIY Deer or Deer/Elk Hunt by Rainier10
[Yesterday at 10:19:01 PM]


Seeking recommendations on a new scope by Klickitatsteelie
[Yesterday at 09:23:56 PM]


2025 Canning by Twispriver
[Yesterday at 09:15:12 PM]


2025 Montana alternate list by Edminsterquality
[Yesterday at 08:47:06 PM]


WSTA 2025 Summer Rendezvous Agenda by Trapper John
[Yesterday at 08:00:27 PM]


First attempt at polish sausages by Stein
[Yesterday at 07:58:22 PM]


Fullsized Truck Opinion: HiMiNew vs LoMiOlder by MADMAX
[Yesterday at 07:57:22 PM]


Sockeye Numbers by Southpole
[Yesterday at 07:44:30 PM]


Best all around muzzy (updated) by jjhunter
[Yesterday at 07:44:26 PM]


38% increase in fishing and hunting licenses by Sitka_Blacktail
[Yesterday at 07:02:41 PM]


50 inch SXS and Tracks? by 92xj
[Yesterday at 05:34:03 PM]


3 days for Kings by MADMAX
[Yesterday at 05:06:49 PM]


Full moon and last week of September by pd
[Yesterday at 04:51:23 PM]


Hunting bears in the thick stuff by ghosthunter
[Yesterday at 04:33:46 PM]


GMU 247 Entiat bear hunting by Ridgerunner
[Yesterday at 11:56:01 AM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal