Binos? Or Spotting Scope?

[SarcasmPhD]

Hi all. This is my first post to the Elknut forums. I'll be going on my very first elk hunt this September. Getting my gear list together. One thing on my list is glass. I'm leaning towards binos for convenience and easy access. Distancewise, I know the spotting scope is the way to go. What's your preference? And why? I apologize if this topic has already been discussed. Thank you in advance.

[bowhunter04]

I think Binos are a necessity. A spotting scope can be a good supplement to Binos but I don't think I would use a spotting scope as my sole glossing options. If this is a "one or the other" question, I would definitely say Binos.

[CurlyTail]

Are you rifle hunting, or archery, or muzzleloader? Glassing is way more important during rifle season when elk are less vocal. If you are hunting September, you find the elk more by sound and calling than by optics. If you get a 12x50 binocular with a tripod adapter you can use your binoculars both hand held and on a tripod. Sometimes a decent compromise if you don't want to drop the coin for both.

[idahoghost]

I use a spotting scope in my pre-season scouting. Then I use Binos for the actual hunt. With that being said my Binos are 15X.
Hope that helps, good luck.

[Indian Summer]

Elk are easy to spot with binos, even at distances. Spotting scopes are for seeing more detail. In other words judging the size of a bull. Since it is your first elk hunt there is absolutely no question that any elk is a trophy so in my opinion you really have no need for a spotting scope.

The other thing is they aren't really practical everywhere. I have places where I leave mine home...areas where I take it but only pack it on days where I head in a certain direction.... and spots where I take them out every day. So even if you were picky about your elk you would have to know something about your area to know whether it is even possible to use a spotter.

[Pop-r]

Binos are definitely a necessity! & to outdo a decent set of binos with a scope is going to run you some cash! Get the best binos you can afford & some sort of harness system that you like & get after them!

[Thunderfoot]

I use a spotting scope in my pre-season scouting. Then I use Binos for the actual hunt. With that being said my Binos are 15X.
Hope that helps, good luck.

This

[SarcasmPhD]

Thank you to all of you guys! Much appreciated. Looks like I'll be picking up a good pair of binos w/a good chest harness. I'll tell ya, elk hunters are all very helpful. From speaking to Paul on the phone to asking questions here. You all don't disappoint when it comes to giving advice. Again, thank you.

[Indian Summer]

For a really nice bino harness look up Alaska Guide Creations. I've used Jarrett's products for a long long time and love it. Zero failures too.

[ElkNut1]

Yes, Binos for sure! There are times when glass can be very useful even for us bowhunting elk. We generally have ours everyday! I do bring a Spotter to camp as well. I do not carry it on OTC hunts in my pack but do use it in the evenings from elevated positions not far from the rig. It helps save the legs a bit from all day hunts yet still gets me checking areas out from a distance to see if I can locate any elk. It's amazing what you can find at times last 2 hours of light. If a spotter is not in the budget then stay with binos at minimum as a spotter isn't a must but it is nice to have.

ElkNut1

[elkaholic]

Like many have said binos are a must. Depending on the country you hunt a spotter could either be optional or a must. For me it is a must while hunting simply because of the terrain I hunt. If you are hunting more timbered areas then I would leave the spotter at camp.

[Trophyhill]

I'll echo what others have said. Binos are a must and spotter an option if you want the extra weight.

Now open country mulies on the other hand, I have both in my pack.

[huntfishtrap247]

I will second the AK Guide Creations chest harness. Great customer service and an awesome harness. It really protects your glass.