In the case of the Leaf River and George River herds, it may be part of a natural cycle, but I'm certain that greed, on the part of many different factions, was a major contributor in their decline.
Of course, only you can determine what your wallet can withstand. As for myself, in a years time I'd forget the fact that I may have gone a bit over budget. I can say I'm confident that you won't regret going for the 553/554. Good luck.
@Air Bear
I can't speak for Heat, but I can tell you that after six years with my TSN-554, it is still the perfect spotter for my use. That being, to scan with 10.5 X44s on the tripod, then pull out the spotter for a better look. FOV is small, but that's a non-issue for me since I'm not...
Reading through this thread, it strikes me that perhaps you should post a list, either here or on your website, of chambers that you currently produce, as well as those you plan to produce in the near future. Just a thought.
If there is, in fact, a variance between examples, I count myself as extremely fortunate. I have two pairs of Kowa Genesis binos, a TSN-554 and a TSN-884. I'm not a birder, and I don't have access to multiple examples of each, but I couldn't expect, or even imagine, better optical quality in any...
I have a Pocketboy 130 with fine teeth that stays at camp for cutting skull caps. I keep a Pocketboy 170 with large teeth on the ATV. They are very well made, and I love the grippy rubber handles. But in reality, aside from being a bit faster, they don't do anything that my cheapo 40 y/o Sierra...
Sounds like you've already got the perfect (for you) set up. You seem extremely happy with your 10X25s. And you won't find a lighter spotter with the optical quality of a Kowa 553/554.
My set up is light, also, though not as light as yours. If I'm running and gunning, I carry Kowa Genny 8X33s on...
Yep, Pop Up 28 sounds like it would check all your boxes, and you can remove the waistbelt. Plus, it's narrow and short so it doesn't hang up while walking in thicker woods. I've had mine for 5 years now, hunting the NE woods of NY, Pa and Maine. Great little pack, built like a tank. I think the...
WMR
Nope, despite your sarcasm, 300 would be fine. That's my personal limit for shooting game, but I prefer to get inside 200.
Though a sharpshooter like myself is capable of ringing steel at 500.
Generally, 3X9 should be a fine choice. And it was for decades, until the manufacturers created a market for bigger and bigger scopes, with more and more magnification, and all the whistles and bells. But only you can tell if a 3X9 will work for you, given the condition of your eyes and your sight.
My longest was a Wyoming whitetail at 232.
I'm not a long ranger. I won't shoot at game beyond 300yds. I do like shooting off my pack whenever possible, though, and much prefer sitting to prone. I still always carry my sticks for when sage and other veg is too tall and dictates a standing...