Do you keep a spotting scope in your backpack?

[shaginator]

I'm thinking about getting a spotting scope (either 20-60x or 15-45x) for the convenience of using during spot-and-stalk style hunts. I backpack a lot, and prefer travelling very light. I'm sorta concerned by the extra few pounds this would put in my pack, but at the same time it could help me scan better areas in those up-and-down canyons and hills kinds of areas.

So far, my binocs have served me well enough to find game (getting close is a whole 'nuther story), but I noticed after borrowing a friend's spotting scope that I'm able to better pick out signs like hog rooting, active game trails, "tunnels" and deer bedded down under shady trees.

I see other guys from time to time use them from their trucks, but where I hunt, I wouldn't be able to scan until I'm quite a ways from my vehicle.

[Spitzer]

Just get a compact spotter in 15-45x60mm range. I use mine all the time and I spot way more game than just using binos. Baush & Lomb Elite, or Nikon are great spotters, both are waterproof/fogproof. They're relitively light too.

[Frank]

Shaq, I never hunt deer without one in my daypack. Your odds are great you will tag less deer and/or miss a larger buck without it. The biggest buck I killed was due to a spoting scope.

You also do not need 60X IMO. Mine is a 10-30 variable, with 30X being plenty. There are lots of quality, light weight scopes out there by various companys.

My .02 cents.... Good Luck
Frank

[shaginator]

(Moved to "Binocs, Spotting Scopes & Other Optics" forum from the "Gun Optics & Sights" forum, because it's obviously more appropriate here).

[1SoCalHunter]

I voted no because I don't have one and also because I don't feel the need of a spotting scope on top of my binoculars....

[Spitzer]

SoCal, just think of all the game your missing out on! lol.

Here in B.C. I feel it's an essential piece of kit. I went for years without, because I couldn't afford the one I wanted. Now that I've had one for 5yrs, I realized that an area just ain't spotted, until spotted with a good spotting scope! Binos have their limitations when looking for ears, antlers, and hair in brushy places at a distance.

When I was in Guide school, an ol'timer outfitter said to me, "Let your glasses do the walking son".

It may be different in your neck of the woods, but here there's alot the critters can hide in.

If you can afford one I highly recommend a good quality spotscope.

[MrRee]

I voted never because where I hunt the brush is so thick it would be usless. Sometimes I carry Binoculars, just to get a better look for horns, but the area is so brushy, no need for spotting scope. 50 yards would be a long shot in this area. most are about 15 or 20 yards.

[doghouse95]

I've got to toss my.02 in here.
I do use a spotting scope to score a trophy before I pull the trigger, but I find them with
GOOD binoculars.
I can sit and look through my Leupold binos all day without eyestrain or a headache.
When I find something that looks interesting, I check it out with the spotting scope.

[COHunter]

Dont leave home with out it !!!!

[traxman]

The only reason I don't hunt with one, is that I don't own one. It's on the short list of things to get, and I will probably be using one this fall for deer.

Nate

[hronk]

I always carry one. The only time I don't is when I am bugling in Black timber and know that I will be there all day. I won't go after Deer without one....hronk

[shaginator]

Thanks for the info everyone! Keep 'em coming.

I just ordered a Leupold Wind River 15-45x60. We'll see how it goes during the next hunt.

Should also be handy during those 200+ yard sessions at the range.

[ult-predator]

I won't be without mine when above timberline! In the timber it isn't necassary. Spot and hunt about a mile in front and then stalk in for close-ups.

[paulc]

i got a great Nikon spotting scope in the trading post. check it out.

[prohunter]

How about sometimes.

[MNHNTR]

Use Pentax 12x50's on tripod. On neck Leupold 9x40's on crooked horn outfitter straps. I've used Leupold spotting scopes before, I just get too much eye strain and shake.....

[twacker]

I always carry a 20x80 in my pack. We have huge deep cayons with thick brush down here in the D16. I can't even guess how many bucks we taken that were detected with that scope. What it does best is tell me if we have a shooter or a dink. We count points at extremely long range and decide if a buck is worth going after.

[GVOllie]

I'd rather be over prepared than under prepared. Binos on the harness, full size 20-60 spotting scope with window mount in the truck, and a mini 15-45 spotting scope with a monopod mount in the pack.

[slanttop357]

Thats mine too 15-45 Nikon.

[sancho]

i dont hunt from my truck. but if i did. i would get that window mount.

out west, YES!! saves alot of walking. back in the day, we used to see brown bodies and hike closer only to find all does. i was younger and dumber, but stronger. now i like to take a peek while sitting on my butt. we typically use the Leupold scope..but they are decent, not great.

i am buying my own. probably gonna be the Vortex viper HD. i think all scopes should have a micro focus knob. the leupolds dont.

[Where's Bruce?]

I rarely carry my Vortex Skyline ED 20-60x80 Straight eye spotting scope in my pack, I select an area to glass from or near the road but once I'm hiking I usually rely on binos. Exception to the rule is in very open areas (NV and AZ mostly) and my pack has a special compartment for the scope. I've used it to glass across valleys and such but mostly from the window mount in the truck or a high spot near the road.