Colorado - Routt Nat. Forest - Spotting Scope

[thump55]

I'll be heading to Colorado for my first elk hunt (unguided, second rifle season) in October, 2012. Just was wondering if y'all think a spotting scope is a necessary tool out there. (I am assuming so)

I'll have a nice pair of binocs, but I have no experience with spotting scopes. Any tips on what to look for?

I'm not opposed to spending money on things I will use anyway (binocs, new scentlok, etc.), but this is an item I don't really have much use for at home.

Can you get a decent spotting scope for $100? Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Golden]

I have a spotting scope and I never use it.

It kinda depends on what style of hunting you will be doing.

If you are going to be driving around on an ATV or in a vehicle then I could see how it would help I suppose.

I spend most of my time in the woods looking for sign so binocs work just fine for me.

[Crusher23]

I have a very nice Burris spotting scope and it spends 99.8% of its life in the case. I use it in the summer when I am scouting and I will use it when I am antelope hunting to judge whether or not to stalk a herd. Other than that I trust to my 10X50 Leupolds for anything I need to see during a deer or elk season. They are a little heavy but they are incredible, especially in the timber.

My .02
The Crusher

[MrStarnes1]

i have had a few friends that have done mountain hunts for elk and their styles of hunting were very different. one was spot and stalk and the other was a "walk around the woods and call" type hunter

if you plan on doing a lot of scouting and spotting, a spotting scope is something you should invest in. otherwise a set of binocs will do you just fine.

as far as money spent, i think a nice spotting scope can be had for a few hundred dollars. easiest thing to do is read reviews from multiple places and then take away your top few reviews and your bottom few reviews, and take your pick from the remaining candidates.

i have been let down by what other people claim to be a nice set of optics and when you look through them, they aren't what you are expecting. so spend a few weeks looking through a hand full of scopes, take them OUTSIDE of the store and use them at a distance you feel would be a distance you would be at while scouting or hunting. use bill boards, signs and license plates to judge your optics. don't settle on the first scope you pick up, and if a store wont let you take the scope outside to use, find a new store.

sorry for the book, but i am picky about my optics, and don't like to settle for so-so quality when there could be a shot of your lifetime riding on whether or not you can locate your target quickly in a scope or if your scope can't gather enough light in the early morning hours.

[Golden]

I agree with Crusher in that Burris makes a very good spotting scope.
In fact....the majority of my optics are Burris.

[thump55]

Thanks for the opinions guys. Very helpful.

It is hard for me because I have never been out there, but we will be arriving before the season actually starts, so we will have 1-2 days just for scouting. I'm thinking that is where a scope could really make more efficent use of the time.

I agree with you guys that it probably wouldn't get used much during the actual hunt, but just like pre-fishing for a tournament, that scouting time can make all the difference and I am determined to do everything I can to make this a successful hunt.

[BroadwayBill]

If you are planning to spend a 100 bucks on a spotting scope save your money. You really need to get something in the 300 plus range to get a scope that you will think it was worth spending the money. Even then you are on the edge of really making a difference. If you buy one of the cheaper ones you will need to get a big honking 80mm to see a big difference and you wont want to carry it. I personally wouldn't be without one when I go out. Depending on where I am glassing from will determine if I need to use it. If you are scanning a hillside 1/2 mile away then a decent set of 10x binos will do the trick. If you want cover something greater than that then spotting scope. I have picked up some of my biggest bucks in a scope at more than a mile and was able to tell if they were a worthy trip. If you see it as a inconvenience then you wont want to carry it and shouldn't buy it. Mine is a very valuable tool.

Good luck on your hunt.

Bill

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

A quality spotting scope is a MUST. I spend a lot of time hunting out west and I would never consider hiking out there every day without a spotting scope.

You can waste many hours or even days hunting small animals or inadequate ground all because you couldn't see what you wanted to from a distance.

Broadway Bill has some good pointers. However I'd up the ante and say if you aren't willing to spend $1000 on quality glass then I'd say save your money. I know that's a lot, but I seriously wouldn't even consider buying a spotting scope for under $500.

I can tell you I've put my "top shelf" Leupold's up against comparable Swarovski glass and they didn't even compare. So now I hunt with Swarovski and I'd never go back.

The spotting scope should get used during the hunt. I never go into an area making noise and leaving stink until it's been thoroughly assessed with the scope from a long distance off. Once there is an animal of interest that I'm going after, then the scope goes in the pack and the binos are put to good use.

Good luck on your trip. The year of preparation is planning is a lot of fun. Be sure to take lots of pics and post the hunt/story/pics when you get back.

[USArmy11]

Hey I was born and raised up there and plenty to tell you! Bow season 2010 6x7, bow season 2011 6x6. I know where they are at all times and what is needed up there. Throw the spotting scope away. 90% is all dark timber and maybe if get a meadow you can see 300 yards. No need for anything but a good set of eyes and binos. Message me and I will help you out!

[bigbear40]

I have hunted the Routt Nat. Forest for several years and have done very well with a pair of good 10 by 50 bino's. A spotting scope could be helpful in some areas. The Routt can be rough hiking depending on where you hunt and the extra weight of the scope and tri pod could be a factor.