Optics for BC Goat Hunt

[JasonM]

Have a hunt booked in southeast BC - the hunt may be a ride or walk logging roads glassing for the right goat OR we may spike out depending on where the goats are……looking for some insight on what optics to take, here is what I have available:

Swarovski EL 8.5x42 2023 manuf

Revic BLR10b

SLC 15x56 2022 manuf

Swarovski ats 65mm

And a BR4 range finder….

Outfitter says bring spotter if desired….but not mandatory

I’ll be looking for a decent billy not looking for any record book animal.

This is my first goat adventure…any recommendations or guidance is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jason

 

[tater]

When is your hunt booked for? Some big differences between early and late season.

 

[JasonM]

When is your hunt booked for? Some big differences between early and late season.

It will be late September early October

Sorry i forgot to mention that

 

[Stew]

would take your 8.5 x42 binos and your spotter although the guide should have one.
If you dont mind saying who your going with for live in the SE area of B.C.

 

[Yung6ix]

I used a Leupold 12-40x60 Gold ring last year, worked great. Clear and very compact. 12x was great for panning the mtn side looking for goats to zoom in on, however 40x isn't as good as 60x when you're comparing side by side with the bigger spotters. And 40x isn't as good for judging horns as a 60x

Might try a Vortex Viper 15-45x65 this year since I sold my Leupold to a begging friend. Eventually I'll bite the bullet and get the Swarvoski 20-60x65

 

[StupidLightweight]

Wonderful hunt. That will be an awesome trip. Good luck!

I did a goat hunt in that area in 2018. It was the first time 8X glass disappointed me. That said, we were glassing a long ways. If I did that hunt again, I'd pack Swaro 15Xs and a tripod or image-stabilized 14x50 or 16x50 binos. Since you already have the Swaros, that makes the choice easier. If I were starting from scratch, I'd go with image stabilization. They're that good.

No way would I bring a spotting scope. Let your guide carry his.

 

[JasonM]

would take your 8.5 x42 binos and your spotter although the guide should have one.
If you dont mind saying who your going with for live in the SE area of B.C.

Silent Mountain Outfitters

 

[JasonM]

Wonderful hunt. That will be an awesome trip. Good luck!

I did a goat hunt in that area in 2018. It was the first time 8X glass disappointed me. That said, we were glassing a long ways. If I did that hunt again, I'd pack Swaro 15Xs and a tripod or image-stabilized 14x50 or 16x50 binos. Since you already have the Swaros, that makes the choice easier. If I were starting from scratch, I'd go with image stabilization. They're that good.

No way would I bring a spotting scope. Let your guide carry his.

Thanks my gut is telling me to take the 15x and tripod and run the revics in my harness the range finder is very robust that’s why I like them. The glass isn’t that bad actually

 

[tater]

15's on a tripod are a nice compromise: Not too much to carry if you have to gain 2500', but you can participate in glassing in a meaningful way.
No offence, but you shouldn't be judging sex or horns so you don't need a spotter.

 

[JasonM]

15's on a tripod are a nice compromise: Not too much to carry if you have to gain 2500', but you can participate in glassing in a meaningful way.
No offence, but you shouldn't be judging sex or horns so you don't need a spotter.

Good point. 15s and a nice light compact tripod.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Good point. 15s and a nice light compact tripod.

For a guy living in Pennsylvania, how many days are you going to get in goat country, with a tag in your pocket?

On my dall hunt, as my guide watched rams a long ways off, judging them, it was torture waiting for my turn to look through his spotter for a little bit to see what he was seeing. I swore then and there, I would never go on another western hunt in the mountains without my own spotter. Fast forward to my next sheep hunt, I was able to look through my spotter while the guide looked through his, we are able to watch the same things happen at the same time, and discuss what we were seeing. I learned so much more that way and felt more like a participant in the effort, even glassing up some animals myself on occasion. Totally different experience.

If you are in shape, I 100% recommend you take your ATS 65, and get a digiscope adapter for it if you dont have one.