A spotting scope isn’t strictly required for hunting, but it becomes incredibly valuable once you begin hunting open terrain where animals are often miles away. The main benefit is long-range identification—something binoculars simply can’t match. A spotter allows you to confirm species, sex, and legal antler requirements from far off, helping you avoid unnecessary stalks or mistakes. It also lets hunters judge trophy quality with far greater accuracy, especially for mule deer, elk, antelope, or sheep, where tine length, curl, or mass can be difficult to evaluate through standard binoculars. In big western country, a spotting scope helps you pick apart distant ridgelines, find bedded animals, and verify subtle movement that would otherwise go unnoticed. This leads to more efficient hunting, saving time and energy by preventing long, fruitless hikes into the wrong basins. A spotter also plays a role in planning stalks—allowing you to study terrain, wind, and animal behavior before making a move. While it’s not as important in dense timber or whitetail habitat, a spotting scope becomes an essential tool for anyone hunting large, open landscapes or pursuing high-country species where long-distance glassing is part of the game.

The two biggest questions, outside of price, when picking a spotting scope are magnification/objective lens and viewing angle.

Magnification/Objective Lens: The general rule is if you’re going to move a lot you’ll want a lighter spotting scope. Options in the the 22-50 x 65mm range work well here. If you’re glassing large open expanses from a single location or from a vehicle you may want a scope with more magnification and larger optical lens. Something in the the 25-60 x 85mm range would likely be your best option.

Viewing Angle: The two options here are basically straight or angled. Straight is easier to find your target or look down steep grades. While angled cause less neck strain and are easier to look uphill. For a further in depth read check out GoHunt’s article here.