loading the pack

[ranjo]

Going thru my pack list, taking some things out and adding other things brings me to a question. Last year we hunted in some thick nasty and steep timber, matter of fact we had 2 bulls inside 40 yds and couldn't get the shot on them. Do you fellas think hunting in dense forest like that is worth carrying binoculars to look thru all the nooks and crannies. Last year I just ended up leaving them in the tent after the first day and I do t believe it cost me anything, just a bit of info of how we hunted, we packed in on foot between 5-6 miles so dropping weight is a plus, just trying to justify bring them or not, my pack loaded with bow and everything for the trek in was at 57/lbs

[msd1228]

I often ask myself the same question. Growing up as an open country mule deer hunter, I have a 100% appreciation for the importance of the highest quality glass you can afford, and would never dream of stepping foot in the field without my Swaro's, spotting scopes, tripods, etc. But with elk hunting in the thick stuff, I find them to be more of a pain in the rear end than anything (the binos, I certainly don't lug the scopes with me in the woods). I've tended to just leave the binos behind the last few years, but what I think I'm going to end up doing is just getting a pair of high quality 8x25 binos that I can easily stow away in any compartment in my pack and bring them out/put them away as needed. Seems to me that this is the best of both worlds when hunting the thick stuff where visibility is limited at the best of times.

[Wapiti]

I have a small pair around my neck always and when walking I just tuck them under the strap on my pack that goes from shoulder to shoulder strap. That way they stay put and don't bounce around.

Shane hunts very different terrain then I do as his areas are open for miles while my areas are solid bush with cutlines and roads that crisscross.

All I can say is Binos are a huge asset in the timber !! I look for legs or horn and any kind of tan !! Many times I spot a bull coming in silent while I'm doing cold calling !! I also use them to see how big a bull is that is coming in. This gives me time to decide if I am shooting my bow or just watching with my camera rolling. Being a solo hunter you have to learn real fast how to decide if you are shooting.

Find a small pair that are very clear to your eyes !! Mine are not expensive by any stretch but they are worth there weight in gold !!

[Indian Summer]

The thick stuff is where you are likely to get busted by elk. Let your binos lead the way and you'll avoid that way more often. I would never hunt without at least some binoculars. Like Wapiti said... just find the right ones for the cover you hunt. I think 8 powers would be the ticket. That bit of weight could make the difference between dead elk and elk you never knew were there until it's too late.

[Bow4me]

I'm trying a 8 power monocular this year. It's a little smaller and I can throw it up quickly. Just don't have a honest review yet. I'll know more in a couple of weeks.

[Screaming_btf]

I would def have a pair in thick brush or dense timber, I hunt both terrains allot. The next trick will be to fight the urge to just push through the brush and not use them when it seems slow and like no animals are around.

[elk.addict]

I don't like the weight either. I leave the big binos at home until I hunt muleys. For elk hunting, I use a small lightweight (Vortex) pair of 8x28 binos. They're not the best glass out there, but they are just fine for glassing in the timber and at reasonable distances in open country. I also like that they are small enough to mount to the waist belt on my pack (with my nimrod pouch), I have never been a fan of the bino harness or neck strap.

[Indian Summer]

I would def have a pair in thick brush or dense timber, I hunt both terrains allot. The next trick will be to fight the urge to just push through the brush and not use them when it seems slow and like no animals are around.

That post hits the nail right on the head. To hunt thicker cover you have to discipline yourself. If you ask me the thick stuff requires binos just as much and maybe more than open stuff unless you're happy just to bump elk.

[ranjo]

Thanks for the insight guys, I've had those thoughts that I should be useing them but didn't hunt with them because of the bulkiness and shoulder straps, I hate all the straps along with a pack on. Downsizing my glass sounds like a great idea, along with keeping it on my hip or pocket, Thanks again Randy

[Lefty]

Binos have always been an important piece of gear when I hunt,. ducks, geese, deer, elk, antelope.
They are not just a long distance tool. even close up , under 40 yards . Was that movement a bird, nope it was an ear of a deer, naw that's a bull elk
In tight areas I glass little sounds, change in color, a shadow,..
I really use them when stalking, Must have for me