Spotting Scopes and Hunting

[snohohunter]

I have been going back and forth on picking up a spotting scope...and was wondering how many people rely on their spotter while hunting.  I've always just used binos, but switched to archery this year.

I need some help talking myself into buying one - LOL

Thanks.

Snoho

[bucklucky]

For me it depends on where I am hunting, I will take it if I am hunting clearcuts. I would definately buy one just for scouting purposes at least. You will find if you have one at your disposal you will use it more than you think. They are handy.

[Intruder]

For me it depends on where I am hunting, I will take it if I am hunting clearcuts. I would definately buy one just for scouting purposes at least. You will find if you have one at your disposal you will use it more than you think. They are handy.

+1.... Really depends.  Now that I have 1 I really like it.  Nice at the range too.

[bobcat]

I use mine more for scouting than for hunting. They are very useful for that. I wouldn't want to be without one. Just be sure that if you do buy one that you buy a good one. I had a cheap one before and never used it. My el cheapo didn't have nearly enough eye relief and was totally useless above 25 power. Figure on spending at least $500 for a useable spotting scope.

[high country]

funny you mention it, my new ball head showed up today. my leuy spotter....older fixed 25x tripod....carbon fiber and head....giottos micro weigh about 3lbs tops. I carry a spotter ALWAYS when bear hunting, the only way to judge a winner and during the high hunts where covering a lot of real estate is important.....rather do it with my eyes.

[jackelope]

got my first 1 this year and plan to carry it hunting with me. we hunt a  lot of open country. used it scouting last weekend and it seemed to work pretty well, didn't mind carrying it too much. hopefully it will do what i need it to do in the woods come hunting season. it's a burris 15-45x60.

[huntnphool]

I take mine everywhere. The binos are great for finding the animals but before I hike up and down for a mile or more I want to make damn sure its worth going after, a spotter is the only way to do this. I suppose if you're hunting the wetside its not as necessary but on the east side for mulies or Montana glassing hills or sage they are a must.

[rjm5]

I would definitely get a good spotting scope. Save your money and go with zeiss, leica or swaro. We have all 3 and the new hd swaro is awesome. We use them all the time, one of our most important pieces of equipment our hunting. You can digi-scope animals and get great pics and be able to put them on your computer to help score them better during your scouting season. They also save you the trouble of having to hoof it a mile or two to see if an animal is worth it. There worth every penny, especially the good ones. Just my 

[MountainWalk]

Ive never really felt the need to use a spotter. I guess if I had to glass a ram from a mile away or something I would change my tune.  Even in MT, I dont think it would be an advantage. Elk are easy enough for me to spot with seven or eight power field glasses. I one time borrowed my boss's spotter, and while it was a joy to look through, I dont think it helped me much. Lot of eye strain on teh eye not using it. My boss wears a pair of glasses with the non glassing eye taped over so he can keep his eye open and not strain so much.

[Bean Counter]

I would definitely get a good spotting scope. Save your money and go with zeiss, leica or swaro. We have all 3 and the new hd swaro is awesome. We use them all the time, one of our most important pieces of equipment our hunting. You can digi-scope animals and get great pics and be able to put them on your computer to help score them better during your scouting season. They also save you the trouble of having to hoof it a mile or two to see if an animal is worth it. There worth every penny, especially the good ones. Just my 

My Nikon 82 is HD and costs 1/2 the above scopes.  The scopes listed above are probably better than mine, but you'll have to decide for yourself whether 50% budget increase justifies 5%-25% IQ improvement.  As long as its ED/HD/Flourite from a reputable brand, you'll be a significant cut above the non-ED/HD/Flourite brands.  Good luck.

[huntnphool]

Lot of eye strain on teh eye not using it. My boss wears a pair of glasses with the non glassing eye taped over so he can keep his eye open and not strain so much.

You should learn to use one while keeping your other eye open. I was taught this years ago as a kid and also while taking pics with my SLR. It takes getting used to but it really works and helps keep from getting that eye strain you're talking about.

[MountainWalk]

I have no need for a spotter. Thanks for the tip though phool.