Spotting Scope?

FitToHunt

Active Member
How many of you carry a spotting scope for your backcountry hunting trips? Archery mainly... I've always hunting the heavy timber of Washington, so they are kinda useless. I'm planning to hunt wyoming archery elk this year, and hopefully a muzzleloader muley hunt somewhere.

If so, any recommendations for an inexpensive one?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

go_deep

Veteran member
Nov 30, 2014
2,650
1,984
Wyoming
I use a 60mm angled. I can use a smaller tripod and sit it right on the ground and put the tripod between my legs and with a smaller tripod it saves on space and weight. Vortex makes a good product. Best bet is go somewhere that has a large amount on display and try them out.
 

CoHiCntry

Veteran member
Mar 31, 2011
1,390
21
Colorado Mountains
Depends what I'm hunting. If I'm hunting cow elk, or areas where its very thick with few glassing opportunities... it stays at home. Mule deer, sheep or other especially above timberline it's a must have! So to me it really depends on the type of hunt. It goes with more times than not though.
 

Tim McCoy

Veteran member
Dec 15, 2014
1,855
4
Oregon
Nikon makes some good affordable spotting scopes, some kits with tripods. I picked up one 4-5 years ago for my son, it works great for us. Mostly to decide if that critter a long ways away is worth a stalk. You won't be counting age rings on a ram or the last 2-3" of score on antlers a mile away, but it does 90% of anything we'd ever ask of a spotting scope. Not made any more, but close to their pro staff 3 15-45x60 I think. Waterproof etc., about 2 lbs.
 

missjordan

Veteran member
Dec 9, 2014
1,136
22
Missoula, MT
Nikon makes some good affordable spotting scopes, some kits with tripods. I picked up one 4-5 years ago for my son, it works great for us. Mostly to decide if that critter a long ways away is worth a stalk. You won't be counting age rings on a ram or the last 2-3" of score on antlers a mile away, but it does 90% of anything we'd ever ask of a spotting scope. Not made any more, but close to their pro staff 3 15-45x60 I think. Waterproof etc., about 2 lbs.
Also have a nikon prostaff spotting scope in a different power and really like it, and very affordable for a nice optic