Glassing effectively

Joined
May 20, 2012
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Maryland
Im trying to pick some vantage points on google earth for my upcoming hunt and was wondering How far away i can glass an area effectively? FYI I'll be useing a vortex viper spotting scope. Thanks dan
 
Joined
May 29, 2012
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Lewiston ID
Biggest factor here is what species you're hunting, and how picky you are... Goats, sheep, antelope all are hard to judge from farther away than elk or deer are!

Mike
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2012
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Annapolis, MD
Aron did a nice article a while back (can you believe I have to say "a while back") on how he would scout an area, initially with a spotting scope from a few miles away and then go to the areas that showed promise for a closer look. If you can find it, or if he remembers where it is that should help.

Also, if you can get into the terrain view on GE or GMaps you will be able to check the contours to see if there is a terrain feature that would block your view from your likely glassing location.
 

broncoformudv

Lil-Rokslider
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Jun 25, 2012
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Anchorage, Alaska
Too many what ifs in this scenario for someone to tell you how far away you can spot game.

I have some areas that I can glass game for 5 miles if not more and others were I can only glass 1 mile. The terrain, species being hunted, time of year, weather, heat mirage, glassing position all play a part in it.

Typically I try and get to a good glassing knob or spot and play it from there.
 
OP
flatlander51
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May 20, 2012
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Maryland
Sorry for being to vague. I'll be hunting elk and mule deer the last week of sept. in western wy. I have several vantage points picked out where I can see the faces of the surrounding mountains anywhere from 1-4 miles away. So my question is, will I be able to spot a deer or elk and be able to make out a shooter at those distances?
 
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Lewiston ID
I would say yes for sure. Though it depends on what classifies an animal as a "shooter". If you're looking for a big mainframe and a mature deer then yes definitely. If you're going to pass up a buck because he's 175 and not 180", well then probably not at greater than 1-2 miles. Though you should be able to define if a deer/elk warrants a closer look from your selected vantage points!

Mike
 

Matt Cashell

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Mike has it. In good atmospheric conditions 2 miles should give you a good idea of trophy quality. Up to 4-5 miles, you should be able to tell if bucks are "big" or "little."
 
OP
flatlander51
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May 20, 2012
Messages
511
Location
Maryland
Thanks for the replies guys. I don't get to glass long distances here in md so these replies will help me out a lot in planning my hunt. Thanks again
 
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