Binoculars while bird hunting…?

[hunting_with_bailey]

Wondering if anyone hunting behind point dogs carry binoculars with you? Especially when chasing grouse and chukar out west….if so, what magnification/objective?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Montana Slim]

I had a shorthair that it was handy to have binos with... sometimes i couldn't quite make out the flushing birds at that distance without them

 

[Montana Slim]

In all seriousness though - I usually carry a pair of 8x30s in a shell pocket on the belt of my vest (Q5). The longer the hike, the less likely I am to take them though - usually opting for more weight in water

 

[Idhunter777]

Wondering if anyone hunting behind point dogs carry binoculars with you? Especially when chasing grouse and chukar out west….if so, what magnification/objective?

Thanks in advance!

I always carry them when grouse hunting in Idaho with my pointer but do not for any other kind of upland game

 

[digger]

My thought is if you need em carry them. Next for me is a stick

 

[Irish Miner]

Never here. I dont have a small enough pair or I might. My Swaros stay in the truck and I want to go as light as possible. I have enough stuff in the vest as it is. Just my preference.

 

[Speaks]

Nope. I do carry a camera though.

 

[kcm2]

After reading this, I could see where the old 8x23 Nikons may be a good option. (You can buy them used on Ebay for $30 or so, and they are optically pretty darn good.)

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Maven 8X30s. Just handy. Final Rise Summit. Attached a Kifaru small belt pouch. They go with me everywhere. Just for neat shit and nature you run across after miles with a dog. Badgers, big bucks, sheds, etc.

 

[mills0713]

Idaho chukar here. If I carry them, it's because I want a closer look at the mulies and elk I run into. I have never used them for birds (I can't see them 20ft in front of me) or for the dog.

As a side note: I found that the piece of gear that has made the most difference for me is a gps collar. That has been a game changer in Hells Canyon.

 

[Bearlodge10]

Yes, I run a pair of 10x42 binos, especially in areas that I might hunt of big game and to spot coveys of Sharptails further out. I do like the idea of having a pair of 8x30s or even a monocular to save a bit of weight and make it more practical.