What Scope Should I Use for Deer Hunting?
How do you choose a rifle scope for deer hunting? Today will get to the bottom of this. Walk with us and get enlightened on how to choose a rifle scope for deer hunting.
Deer hunting season is around the corner and it’s time to revamp your arsenal to be fully set for the season. One critical component in your hunting gear is rifle scope.
For the best results in the field, you must pair your rifle with a dedicated scope that performs brilliantly in low-light conditions and has all the key ingredients to effectively hunt the deer.
With numerous options in the market, selecting the right fit for your hunting needs can be a taxing process especially for first-time buyers. We were there and learnt that sometimes things are easy solved together.
Here are some of the key pointers on how to choose a rifle scope for deer hunting.
Hunting Environment
The hunting environment is a critical point when you start to look for a rifle scope for deer hunting. A scope that adapts seamlessly to different hunting environments is what you will need more so if you are not a recreational hunter.
You will be able to depend on it in different hunting environments and rest assured that it will be there for you when you need it the most.
Read: Best 308 Scopes for Deer Hunting
Glass
The next important thing to consider is glass. Investing in the best glass money can get you is the key to revolutionizing your deer hunting expeditions.
In this day and age, the best rifle scopes for deer hunting employ top-grade glass elements called extra-low dispersion glass. Abbreviated as ED, this type of glass is found in nearly all premium scopes.
It stands out among the rest in that it goes a long way to enhance resolution and color accuracy irrespective of the ambient light conditions.
Magnification Power
Rifle scopes have two types of magnification power: fixed and variable. It is this power that determines how much an image of the target is enlarged and how far you will be able to shoot.
For deer hunting, it is best to get a variable-powered scope over a fixed one. Such scopes allow for greater versatility in different terrains.
Low and moderately powered rifle scopes with up to 9x magnification power are ideal for close and mid-range deer hunting.
They provide a wider field of view and more natural sight pictures especially when you are hunting in a thick brush environment.
On the other hand, high-powered rifle scopes are better for long-range deer hunting. They bring the distant subjects closer to you so you can plan the shot more accurately.
If you often hunt in open fields or in an area where you are quite far from where the deer is, you should invest in a high-powered scope.
Read: Best Deer Hunting Binoculars
Picture Quality
The next thing to factor in when trying to figure out how to choose a rifle scope for deer hunting is picture quality both in terms of brightness and clarity. Here are things to look for:
Objective Lens Size
The objective lens is responsible for gathering light inside the rifle scope’s optics. It is the front part of the scope and its size is measured as a diameter in millimeters.
A large objective lens collects more volume of light and sends it down the tube. This means that you can see the targets even in low light. It also provides a wide field of view that is very important when hunting deer.
Lens Coatings
Another thing that affects the picture quality of a rifle scope is lens coatings. Check the quality of coatings applied on the lenses and go for a scope that has either fully-coated or multi-coated optics.
Lens coatings play a vital role in cutting glare and alleviating internal reflection that causes light loss. They also provide an additional shield from scratches when you are in the field.
Read: Best Riflescopes for Deer Hunting
Construction
Solid and sturdy construction is another important feature that a rifle scope for deer hunting should have. Deer hunting is always rough on the scope, especially when you are pursuing the game in thick timber.
One way to gauge the build quality of a rifle scope is by looking at the construction quality and materials used.
Rifle scopes that are made with premium-grade materials such as magnesium alloy or aircraft-grade aluminum are generally more robust and resistant to wear and tear.
Furthermore, rifle scopes that are built with a single-piece main tube are typically more durable compared to those with multi-tubes. This is because they are less prone to leaks.
Reticle
In a rifle scope, the reticle is the aiming point you see when you look through the eyepiece. It can either be the dots or thin crosshair lines that intersect in the middle to provide a precise point of aim.
The most common type of reticle for deer hunting is a duplex reticle. It features a thick crosshair in the middle and thinner crosshairs towards the outer edges. This reticle is very easy to use and the best at providing precise aiming points at longer ranges.
The other popular type of reticle that is ideal for deer hunting is mil-dot which is characterized by a series of dots spaced along the crosshairs.
Unlike the duplex counterpart, the mil-dot reticle is a bit tricky to use and requires prior practice to use effectively.
Weight
An ideal rifle scope for deer hunting weighs not more than 2 pounds. This is irrespective of the magnification power, size of the objective lens, or the type of material used.
With a lightweight design, the scope is easy to mount, seamless to shoot with and simple to maneuver as you look for the deer.
Over and above that, lightweight rifle scopes are important in that they disperse recoil of any amount effectively to enhance durability.
Conclusion
When hunting deer, having the right hunting gear is vital. You will need to choose the correct caliber and type of ammunition. Furthermore, you will need a sighting tool to improve your vision and boost your accuracy. This is where rifle scopes for deer hunting come into play.
A humane, ethical kill is crucial when hunting deer. The rule of the thumb is to aim for the heart and lungs if you want to have the best chances of success. And to achieve this, you need a rifle scope that will bring you closer to the deer and help you place the shot in the right place.
Rifle scopes for deer hunting come in different sizes and designs. Besides, so many brands have come up to try and meet the ever-rising demands from hunters.
The best rifle scope for deer hunting will largely depend on your specific needs, preferences and hunting habits. With tons of products available on the market, it is essential to find a rifle scope that dispenses reliable performance in all the environments you will be hunting in.
Hopefully, you have found the information in this article to be insightful.