I hunt in AZ. I have taken 4 deer in the last 5 years. All were coues deer. I shot them at the following distances.
720yds
546yds
991yds
341yds
I use a 300wm with 200gr eldx. Can glass deer up a mile or two out. I enjoy long range hunting. I am sure there will be many haters for those...
I have one buddy who glassed up an and shot a lion while deer hunting. I predator hunt hard and sometimes specifically call for lions and in 8 years and hundreds of stands have called in one lion that I did not get a shot at.
I pretty much only run the Leupold mark 5. I think a FFP is a requirement and I typically require locking elevation turret and and a covered or locking windage turret with a matching mil/Moa reticle.
Leupold
Nightforce
USO
Zco
Zeis
There are numerous good choices. I personally would not...
I have never hunted Montanan, however here in AZ bears don’t seem to mind people at all. Some of my best bear spots are freakishly close to people, roads and hiking trails. Find food and water where they feel safe and they do not seem to care how many cars or people come close to them. At least...