Hunting is a very visual sport. Without being able to see what you are looking for, you are probably not going to meet with a whole lot of success. But when it comes to ‘seeing’ game in their natural habitat, sometimes your eyes alone are not enough… which is why even hunters with the most acute vision will need the aid of optical tool options every now and then.
Here is a list of 5 optic tools that every hunter should own. These are five visual aids that you will probably have heard of, but only after trying them out will you realize the full benefits of keeping them with you whenever you hit the woods.
A High Powered Scope
This is one of the most popular types of ocular aides among hunters, and for good reason. A high powered scope will maximize the potential of your high powered rifle, making it capable of taking down large game from very extreme distances. Shooting such game though an open site is not even really feasible once you get to a certain range, which is why almost every high powered rifle is outfitted with a scope.
When shopping for a scope, make sure that you buy the right mounts. If your gun is not already outfitted with rings, then you might need to do a little bit of figuring to find out exactly which rails to use so that your rings can attach securely.
Night Vision Goggles
This is probably the most unique type of optical tool on our list, mostly because it is really the only one on the list that can be used after dark. Night vision goggles can be used to spot game, to identify landmarks, and to observe animals in their natural habitat after the sun has gone down.
For some people, figuring out exactly how to buy night vision goggles is tricky, as most sporting goods stores do not carry them. You can, however, find a lot of helpful information online. It is always a good idea to read customer reviews before deciding on a model, just so that you know exactly what you are getting for your money if you have not had the opportunity to try them out in person.
Binoculars
Binoculars can help you to view game, wildlife, or scenery from a much greater distance than is possible with the naked eye. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and range from cheap to very high end in price. When looking for binoculars, here are some features to look for…
- Resistance to impact (from drops or falls)
- Resistance to water
- A high-powered magnification
- A compact design (making them easier to carry into the wild)
Sunglasses
While sunglasses might not be a magnification device, they can definitely help your eyes by shielding them from harmful UV rays as you keep an eye out for game. Interestingly, sunglasses are useful both in snow-covered climates (to prevent snow blindness) and in warm sunny climates. Try to buy a high quality pair that will not break an hour into your hunting trip.
A Spotting Scope
A spotting scope is like a cross between binoculars and a rifle scope. In essence, it is like a high-powered scope that you mount on a tripod. Spotting scopes are incredibly useful for spotting small game from a long distance. They are especially popular in wide-open areas with thick vegetation that can hide big and small game animals with ease.
When it comes to spotting scopes, try to buy a good name-brand model that will make it worth the investment. Buying a cheap spotting scope is usually not worth the trouble, as a good pair of binoculars might actually work better.
Optic tools can make a huge difference during the hunt. Being able to survey the landscape and pick out game from a distance could mean the difference between going home empty handed and bagging a buck worth bragging about! And when it comes to small game, sometimes it is just too difficult to make out their presence with the naked eye if they are not on the move. In situations such as these, it is much better tobe overpowered when it comes to optic tools than underpowered.
Mark Harris is a successful internet marketer who makes his home along the beautiful west coast of Canada, in a town called White Rock, BC. Mark is an avid outdoorsman, and was inspired to write this article while shopping for optics and doing research on night vision tool options on websites such as http://www.nightvisionreport.com.