How often do you bring binoculars hunting?

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Seldom here.  When hunting out west and Alaska, they were essential. Where I can hunt here in NY, generally I can't see more than 30 or 40 yards, usually less. I found them to be one more unnecessary gadget.  

I will admit on occasion I wish I had a set of binoculars but its seldom enough, I make do without.

[VTer]

Like American Express, "I never leave home without it"

[ChuckC]

Shag, i am hoping you are not the one "scoping" me with your rifle cause you dont have binoculars.

I have used them many times at 30 yards on cloudy day last minute decisions.  Does that deer have little spikes ( technically a buck, for tag purposes) or is it a doe.  Also, as others point out, i can search the thick stuff.

[gregg dudley]

Originally posted by ChuckC:
Shag, i am hoping you are not the one "scoping" me with your rifle cause you dont have binoculars..

That was my first thought too.

[twitchstick]

Every time.

[toddster]

Food for thought, Bino's was one of the item's that Mr. Hill would always have when he hunted.  To this this explain's the importance of having them for stalking.

[FerretWYO]

I would rather hunt without my bow thank without my glass.

[Trenton G.]

All of the areas that I bow hunt are fairly thick, so I generally don't. It's just something else that I need to carry with me into the woods. The only time that I carry them is during rifle season if I'm sitting where I can see a long ways.

[YosemiteSam]

Glad to hear there are some other "never" or "seldom" guys out there.  Maybe it's just one of those skills I've never mastered.  I keep hearing folks talk about how essential binocs are for hunting.  But I've never been able to find much of anything with binoculars. The deer I find are usually within a couple hundred yards & I catch them moving or by their shape.  I carry a cheap monocular but by the time I get it out, whatever deer I saw has already moved on into the brush.  It's mostly just for fun.

I did use them once to some measure of success about 20 years ago.  I had walked up on a deer feeding in the brush.  He was behind some thick manzanita & soon moved his head behind it so I couldn't even see his head anymore.  His head didn't come into view again until he laid down to take a nap right in front of me.  I spent about 15 minutes slowly unzipping my backpack to retrieve my binocs with this deer sleeping about 12 yards from me.  I was hoping to see enough of a branch on his antler to take a shot (forked-horn or better out here & I was carrying a rifle).  I glassed those antlers hard but, alas, he was a solid spike.

[BAK]

I've also never viewed high quality optics of any kind as a traditional skill.  That's why I don't put a scope on my muzzle-loaders either.

[last arrow]

I have them with me but rarely use them.  However, since antler point restrictions were implemented in my area I have been using them more.  The thick areas I hunt a lot of times the animal is right on top of me before I see it so I don't get a chance to glass them. I need a good harness so maybe I would use them more.

[Buxndiverdux]

I've come to enjoy the simplistic nature of traditional gear, and the added difficulty. But I haven't given up the modern technology to help me find and locate game. As more people take to the woods to hunt during "archery" season, locating game has never been more important. I will not be without my binoculars.

[TSchirm]

Always, always, always take binoculars.  I would feel almost naked without them.  Almost as important as the bow and arrows.  I can see farther, look into thick cover, see what critters are doing, etc.  So many times i have seen something that caught my attention, but needed the glass to tell what it is.

[FoCoBlackWidow]

In the Midwest, I almost never carried them. Now that I'm in the Mountain West, I almost always carry them. That includes whitetail hunting on the plains. The terrain makes a big difference, but I've come to appreciate them even in a bit more cover. You can always stop and confirm what you think you're seeing.

[Gdpolk]

Looks like a good poll. I'm enjoying the discussion.

[Boxbow]

I never head to the woods without them. Sometimes, I have been in a rush and started to my woods without them. I always go back and get them.

Like others have stated. I almost feel naked without them. Even in the thicker parts of the woods that I hunt. They help me spot and identify game easier.

[bowslinger]

I rarely go without them when I bowhunt.  I carry them occasionally when squirrel hunting just to keep track of fellow hunters in a skirmish line.  I sometimes carry them when fishing if I am in a wildlife rich area.  Certainly carried when fly fishing Yellowstone and Alaska to watch for bears, buffalo, or other hazards.

As many have stated, I use them to watch other wildlife.  I am guessing my glassing activities have alerted deer I never saw because of extra movement.  But I am willing to accept that as part of the total experience.

[mj seratt]

I am among the Always votes.  There is so much more to see than just the animal you're hunting.  I know tons of folks like those harnesses, my wife among them.  She always has her glasses with her, too.  I prefer to just shorten up the neck strap to where it'll just go over my punkin head, and the binocs ride high on my chest.  They're out of the way of my bowstring, my rifle, my camera, my whatever.  We have become sort-of bird watchers, and have enjoyed many times identifying a bird that only binocular use would allow.  We have them in both our vehicles, and on the tables at home that allow viewing outside.

Murray

[Wild Bill MCP 808]

All the time, once you get use to them it is hard not to use them. It is amazing what you miss with the naked eye.

Tundra

[highlow]

Never. One less bulky item to tote along. Plus, I do most of my deer hunting from treestands. No antler restrictions here in NJ, yet, so don't need them to ascertain a legal buck. And by the time they're within shooting range, I wouldn't need them anyway.

Now if I hunted out west, that would be a different story.