This is going to rub a lot of Hunter Safety Instructors and advocates the wrong way, but I don’t wear orange when I’m hunting unless I’m required by law to do so.  In CA, there is no Hunter Orange requirement, so when I take to the field for hogs, deer, or upland birds, I’m usually dressed in camo, or at least earth tones and neutral colors.  I’m not worried about being spotted by the game.  I do, however, worry about being spotted by certain other hunters.

What I have experienced, particularly on public land (but also on private) is that if you stand out visually in the field, you’re going to get looked over.  That, in itself is normal enough.  If you spot something out of place in the field, it’s perfectly natural to want to get a better look.  Unfortunately, way too many of the idiots out there do their looking with the rifle scope instead of binoculars.  It’s happened time and again to me, and with that in mind, I’ve consciously chosen to try not to draw attention to myself by wearing orange or other bright colors.  I’d rather not be seen than to have some yo-yo looking down the rifle barrel at me. 

Yeah, I called them idiots, and if you, dear reader are one of the individuals that uses the rifle scope to glass unidentified objects in the field, then this applies to you as well.  It’s a stupid, dangerous, thoughtless move, and it’s totally unnecessary.  For my own part, I get angry and usually offer the one-finger salute to anyone I see scoping me in the field.  But I know other guys who will return the favor by aiming back at the offending party… and that creates a pretty dangerous situation, even if it is all a bluff. 

Fortunately, it’s easy enough to change your ways. 

A pair of binoculars should be a standard piece of gear for any big game hunter.  While quality binos are better, and generally worth the higher cost, a reasonable pair can be had for under $100.  Even a $20, Wal-Mart special will help you identify the odd-colored shape down in the canyon without pointing a deadly weapon at it.  Better to have something than nothing, especially in the open country of the western states. 

I’m not going to run through a comparison of all the various glass on the market right now, because the list is pretty exhaustive.   If you’re shopping, I would recommend buying the best you can afford.  All of the major brands make some pretty good glass.  For most western hunting, I’d go with something in the 10x power range, with a 40 or 50mm objective.  If you get much over 10x, you’ll need to consider a tripod, because it’s difficult to hold high-powered optics steady. 

But again, if you can’t afford real quality glass, at least get something.  And when you see a shape, color, or movement downrange, use those binos to identify it BEFORE you put the rifle on it.  Do yourself, and the other hunters in the field a favor.

Related Posts