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Do I really need a spoting scope.

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porkchop401 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote porkchop401 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Do I really need a spoting scope.
    Posted: June/13/2016 at 00:13
Howdy fellas,i am getting my gear list to do a spike in mule deer and bear hunt in Idaho in Sept. A friend and I will be carrying every thing in on our backs for 3 days of scouting and 4 days of hunting. After locating some game we plan on sitting on a long range bush location and wait as long as necessary glassing an opposite hill or canyon. The only spotter I own is one of the cheapo freebee's that Burris would give with a scope purchase.
I do have a quality pair of 8x40 kahles bino's that are great but I see many folks lugging around a spotter and a tripod as well. My rifle scope is a 4.5-14 and my shots are under 700yds. Your input is appreciated.
The unprepared are the most likely to suffer;    Teddy R.
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billyburl2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/13/2016 at 11:08
The only way I see a spotter helping you, is for judging a trophy. I hunt much the same way down here in Arizona and prefer to have my bino's on the tripod. A tripod allows you to lock it on the animal so your hunting buddy definitely knows where you are looking without any guess work. Depending on your laser you might want to tripod mount that as well to make finding range easier.
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/13/2016 at 12:02
Originally posted by billyburl2 billyburl2 wrote:

A tripod allows you to lock it on the animal so your hunting buddy definitely knows where you are looking without any guess work.


Very good advice.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bird_hunter66 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/14/2016 at 08:00
I totally agree with billy.  Get a good or very good pair of binoculars and a nice tripod and your all set.  It is a lot less weight to carry around and you don't have to worry about damaging another set of lenses.  I went through the same thing 4-5 years back and I went with a pair of Swarovski SLC in 7x42 and love them.  I use them for all of my hunting applications where I use a rifle.  I just never could convince myself to pack another piece of equipment (spotting scope) to walk around with not to mention the expense of buying a very good spotting scope.  A tripod is much cheaper and easier to carry around on your hunts.
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/14/2016 at 08:52
If u do decide u want one. Something like the Vortex Razor compact model would make a nice backpacking scope and give u a good jump up in magnification vs a bino. My dad and i hunt with spotters a lot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/14/2016 at 11:37
It would be nice to have one. But as you mentioned, you're carrying everything on your backs for several days. The trade offs come quick in that situation.

I had a major surprise when I first got a really expensive 3-15 rifle scope and quickly discovered that, on 15X, it resolved bullet holes at the range better than my cheap spotting scope at 30X. Later, when I tried my buddy's $2K Swaro binoculars I realized that I could glass all day with no fatigue using something like that. A huge plus is that they're always right there if you're wearing a good shoulder harness.

If I was in your situation (and I backpack hunt in Montana every season) I'd want the best, lightest 8X bins I could afford.  I can't directly compare the Kahles to Swaros but they're probably really good. Otherwise, having a great backpack, an extra day or two to adjust to the elevation, even titanium cookware are all ways to have a better hunt.
Reaction time is a factor...
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porkchop401 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote porkchop401 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/14/2016 at 13:23
I am not a diehard trophy guy, I have no desire to pick apart a legal animal  , I pretty much enjoy a hunt and a legal animal will get the lead . I have had great luck with my bino's and my rifle scope,  I wander what I am missing out on in addition to a heavier pack. I think you fellas have answered my question. 
The unprepared are the most likely to suffer;    Teddy R.
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