Western Hunting Journal, Premiere Issue whj001_premiere | Page 28

SHORT BLASTS
What to Look For When
Buying Optics
26
WESTERN HUNTING JOURNAL
L ANDING
ZONE
We hunters are hard on our equipment.
We expose ourselves and our gear to ex-
treme temperatures, harsh weather, and
often drop, crush, and pound our gear.
Optics that we use get abused which is
why it’s important to choose the right
ones and make sure that you also com-
pliment the glass to increase our suc-
cess in the field.
BINOS Binoculars should be used more
than your rifle scope and spotting scope
combined. A good pair of “field glass-
es” are weatherproof or waterproof
as well as shock proof and filled with a
non-fogging or anti-fogging gas such
as nitrogen. The glass itself needs to be
multi-coated which helps cut through
atmospheric noise (a term often used
by photographers) as well as bead up
any rain or moisture so you can see in
adverse conditions.
SPOTTING SCOPES Spotting scopes are
often bulky and heavy but they really
help when it comes to finding and judg-
ing game. When there are antler restric-
tions in place or brow tine requirements
for elk a spotting scope is a necessity.
Ones with a large frontal lens allows for
more light gathering. A tripod is a must
to use the full potential of the spotting
scope.
RIFLE SCOPES Lastly is the rifle scope.
A scope with quality glass that is
multi-coated and sealed for moisture
is essential. Variable power scopes
make it easier for the hunter to zoom
in on game but keep in mind that it also
makes it harder to hold the rifle still and
keep the game in sight. A fixed scope
makes for a good tool on top of the rifle
but you are limited to one field of view.
I personally recommend a variable pow-
ered scope.
When you combine all three togeth-
er—binoculars, spotting scope, and rifle
scope—you will find more game and
increase your odds of making a quality
shot on a quality animal when it counts
most. JASON BROOKS
Spread ’Em:
With wind at your back, create a ‘LZ’ with Dekes.
W
ind is one of the most im-
portant determining factors
when placing duck decoys,
and placing your dekes ac-
cordingly can make or break your hunt.
Most seasoned waterfowl hunters want
the wind at their back or quartering away
if they can at all help it. Placing your decoys
in front of you allows for the ducks to land
in your spread facing you. It also makes for
easy duck identification and on final ap-
proach it gives you a straight shot which is
one of the easiest shots in all waterfowling.
Another important factor in decoy place-
ment is creating a landing zone. Too often
hunters place decoys randomly. While this
may look authentic, it creates issues once
the ducks commit to your decoys. Ducks of-
ten land outside of your decoys. Best advice
is to set your decoys in a tight pattern that
forces the ducks to land where you want
them to land. Your landing zone should be
in direct relation to where you set up your
blind, or where you’re shooting from.
And in a perfect world, the wind will be
at your back.