Binoculars or Spotting Scope

[Grumpyfoot]

So, I'm going on an elk hunt in Colorado next year. I am starting to collect the gear I will need, and of course what I get is going to be the best I can afford.

On the subject of glass, I have an okay pair of binoculars, and a cheaper spotting scope. I do plan on getting high quality binos and scope.

What I would like to ask opinions on is, with all the gear I need to get, if finances only allow me to upgrade one of the two, which do you think would serve me better?

Baring in mind that what I get will be my new piece of glass for my deer and hog hunting here in East Texas as well.

I appreciate any and all suggestions and opinions, on this subject and any advice on elk hunting. It will be my first elk hunt, hoprfully of many to come.

Thanks
Grumpy

[gscout01]

High quality Binos over spotter any day. You will use the binos way more. And good binos are deadly on a tripod.

[gscout01]

I will also add that depending on the style of hunting you're doing and where you will be you won't need a spotter. I dont even bring a tripod for elk anymore. Just 10x42 Leicas

[Grumpyfoot]

High quality Binos over spotter any day. You will use the binos way more. And good binos are deadly on a tripod.

Thanks. I'm thinking the binos myself, I just don't know what to expect in the mountains, and I want to make sure I do my homework.

I'll be hunting in the Gunnison Basin, at 10,000 ft. elevation, GMU #54.

[gscout01]

I'd also add that if you arnt going for a "trophy" and are planning on taking the first legal animal you can. Having a spotter and a tripod isnt going to do much for you.

[Jspradley]

Binos all the way. Take the money you were thinking about spending on the spotter and put it towards binos.

[Grumpyfoot]

Binos all the way. Take the money you were thinking about spending on the spotter and put it towards binos.

That's an interesting thought. I never thought of that.

So ya'll don't think I will need the spotting scope?

I'm not going to say I won't take the first legal elk I see, being as I have never seen an elk in the wild. I do hope that there is an opportunity to take a good bull. That said, I do want a freezer full of elk.

[Grulla]

I’d say get great binos and a tripod for them . If it’s your first time hunting the mountains sitting around and resting while you glass is worth every second .

[JLivi1224]

Are you DIY? we are looking at CO elk hunt for 21 or 22 and I think we are gonna go public in CO.

[Grumpyfoot]

Are you DIY? we are looking at CO elk hunt for 21 or 22 and I think we are gonna go public in CO.

I'm on the fence about DIY or guided. The difference is about $2,ooo.

I'm thinking guided so I can learn and increase my chances my first time out, and DIY from then on.

[HOOKNBULLET2]

Guided is the way to go. You won’t need to upgrade optics then.

[MRWHITE87]

Depends on where you hunt. I hunt SW Colorado and in my unit of choice, a scope is useless. Binos on a tripod are more than sufficient. Good luck to you though. Colorado is GORGEOUS and since my first hunt there in '18 my days are filled with dreams of the next venture up.

[darthur]

Binos for me. Get the best binos you can afford.

[Wolf6151]

Definitely binos. Do your research and then buy good quality glass that'll last you a lifetime. I've got a pair of Swarovski binos that I bought in 1993ish and they're still my favorites. Depending on how your hunting you might also keep in mind size and weight. In the early 90's I met an old man from Montana, while I was working at a gun store, and he told me never skimp on binos or boots. You can't shoot what you can't see and if you can't get there it doesn't matter anyway.

[El General]

Binos and a quality tripod.