‘Spot and stalk’ hunting takes on a different approach to more traditional hunting tactics. Instead of remaining stationary and waiting for targets to come to you, this kind of hunting involves finding game from a distance before stealthily approaching them to get within the necessary shooting range. Since it requires the constant evaluation of animals from far away, you will need reliable optics that can offer great zooming and magnification.

One of the most useful optics for ‘spot and stalk’ hunting is undoubtedly spotting scopes, as unlike binoculars, these accessories provide a higher magnification, allowing you to spot game from even greater distances. This extra space can be invaluable for helping you plan a more effective approach and further decrease the chances of alerting your prey, keeping you in the hunt for longer. Let’s take a closer look at why spotting scopes are so valuable.

Why Spotting Scopes Are Useful for ‘Spot and Stalk’ Hunting

One reason why they are useful for ‘spot and stalk’ hunting is down to the fact they have a higher magnification than what hunting binoculars can offer. A typical spotting scope will be expected to offer a 20-60x zoom, which trumps a standard pair of binoculars (which usually offer a still-impressive 8x-10x zoom). This means you can zoom in several times as much with this alternative.

This greater level of magnification grants you two additional benefits. Firstly, you can observe animals more closely, allowing you to correctly identify the kind of game you are hunting. This means you are more likely to know for sure that a target is not too young, too small, or the wrong species, meaning you are much less likely to waste time on unnecessary stalking.

Another benefit from this magnification increase is an improvement in stealth. Spotting scopes let you observe animals from even further away than binoculars would allow. This extra distance results in being less likely to be detected by game, offering an even more low-profile approach.

How to Effectively Use a Spotting Scope for ‘Spot and Stalk’ Hunting

Whilst these optics can give you an edge when it comes to zooming in on potential targets, it is also important to ensure that you use spotting scopes effectively in order to further increase your chances of a successful hunt. Firstly, you should make sure you choose the right places to use them. The best locations for glassing are places which are on higher ground, in the shade, and downwind of your target area. Higher terrain will offer a wider field of view over valleys, ridges, and open plains. Glassing from areas that are downwind of your targets can prevent animals from picking up your scent, allowing you to more stealthily observe them. Lastly, shaded locations reduce glare from your scope and also contribute to keeping you less visible.

You should also take care to steady a spotting scope in order to get as clear an image as possible. Handholding can potentially lead to shaky, unclear views. Instead, we recommend that you use a sturdy tripod to stabilise the image better. If no tripod is available, then a quick solution can be found by bracing the scope against a tree or rock. In addition to using manmade or natural supports, you can also position yourself in a comfortable, low-profile stance to further reduce movement.

A spotting scope is your best friend when observing game from afar, so make the most of it by thoroughly scanning the terrain rather than just aimlessly looking through the lens. We have a few pointers for making this easier. Firstly, try breaking the surrounding landscape into sections, looking at each one slowly. Try to look for movement rather than animals too, such as ears flicking, tails swishing, or antlers shifting. Also, dedicate a large portion of your focus to feeding areas, water sources, and bedding zones, as animals are likely to appear in these places.

The Final Verdict

‘Spot and stalk’ hunting is a highly skilled and strategic approach that requires patience and sharp observation, with hunters needing to actively locate, evaluate, and pursue targets without being detected. Spotting scopes are excellent for accommodating this hunting style, providing long-range visibility, precise game assessment, and the ability to stalk without unnecessary movement.

Owning this type of optic is one thing, however, mastering its use is what truly sets the platform for a successful 'spot and stalk’ hunt. Setting one up in the right location, stabilising it, and properly scanning the terrain are all critical skills that can make your spotting scope a powerful ally.

So, if you are serious about improving your hunting skills, then we advise you to equip yourself with one of these valuable hunting tools. We have plenty of them available on our online hunting shop, with models from well-known brands such as Swarovski and Vortex. No matter whether you buy new or second-hand, we’re confident that you’ll be making a high-quality investment that can have a great return when hunting across UK landscapes. If you want to discover our complete range, then click here, or if you wish to look at all of our hunting supplies, then browse our website.