Spotting Scope for Mtn Goat Hunt

[cotuja]

Currently my most powerful optics are my 18x56 binos. Considering a spotting scope for an AK mtn goat hunt. I haven't hunted goats before and wondering if I would be best served with the highest power spotting scope I can afford in order to help judge billies v nannies...thoughts?

 

[AK Troutbum]

My designated spotter for mountain goats is a Kowa TSN 553. I have a better, more powerful, and heavier scope, but I use that for sheep hunting where determining legality is priority number one. Determining sex isn’t that hard with goats, not that it’s necessary anyway, and I’d much rather pack around a 28 oz. scope, than one that weighs twice that much.


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[cotuja]

My designated spotter for mountain goats is a Kowa TSN 553. I have a better, more powerful, and heavier scope, but I use that for sheep hunting where determining legality is priority number one. Determining sex isn’t that hard with goats, not that it’s necessary anyway, and I’d much rather pack around a 28 oz. scope, than one that weighs twice that much.


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Thanks, that helps.

 

[Jimbob]

I have one scope 15-45x65 cabelas krotos and I use it for goats and sheep. While goat hunting I have never needed more power, the Kowa 553 is my dream goat scope.


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[Seamaster]

My eyes see better with higher quality than with higher power in spotting scopes. I would much rather have a sharp 45x view than a fuzzy 60x view. I gave found that very few spotters are usable at their top power, but the ones that are usable are more expensive.

The tripod quality makes a huge difference. Vibration will ruin the view through any spotter, so use the best tripod that you can.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

I’ll second the Kowa 55x.

Took my 554 on my Kodiak goat hunt last year as it was half the weight of my STX 65. it also compared favorably to my guide’s STS 65.

If I were to do another goat hunt, the STX will be staying home again and the 554 will be coming along again.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Kowa TSN-55 Series is the supreme spotter for this. Give a call and we'll help you out, 516-217-1000

 

[Overdrive]

I've used my Leupold 12-40x60 Gold ring for years and don't see myself going bigger. Fits in my pack easy, it's light and compact and has served me well.

 

[WCT3]

I have a nanny only hunt this fall in Colorado. My current spotter is a Vortex Razor 11-33x50. What scope would you recommend when identifying sex is very important?

 

[COShunter]

Bumping this thread. I do not own a spotting scope at the moment and would only like to purchase one for my upcoming mountain goat hunt in CO and for future sheep hunts. Do you all still recommend the 553?

 

[WCT3]

Bumping this thread. I do not own a spotting scope at the moment and would only like to purchase one for my upcoming mountain goat hunt in CO and for future sheep hunts. Do you all still recommend the 553?

Do you have a nanny only or either sex tag? I took a 553 on my hunt which worked well but wish I had a little more magnification

 

[COShunter]

Either sex tag. I have 10x and 12x vortex binos but no spotting scope. Is a spotting scope necessary even though I don't need to identify sex?

 

[WCT3]

I think it's worth packing one but I bring my mini razor everywhere. You could rent a spotter for the hunt from Rent Guns N Gear. I've used them a couple of times and been happy.

 

[Antares]

Either sex tag. I have 10x and 12x vortex binos but no spotting scope. Is a spotting scope necessary even though I don't need to identify sex?

You don’t need a spotter if you just want to shoot any goat, but if you want to shoot a good goat (i.e., old, long, etc) I would definitely recommend a spotter. Unless you have A LOT of experience judging goats, they’re all going to look pretty similar through your binos.

 

[COShunter]

You don’t need a spotter if you just want to shoot any goat, but if you want to shoot a good goat (i.e., old, long, etc) I would definitely recommend a spotter. Unless you have A LOT of experience judging goats, they’re all going to look pretty similar through your binos.

I have no experience hunting goats and definitely feel that a spotter is a good idea. Just starting my shopping journey. I see this post regarding the 553 is several years old. Is that still the spotter of choice or are there other recommendations?

 

[Antares]

I have no experience hunting goats and definitely feel that a spotter is a good idea. Just starting my shopping journey. I see this post regarding the 553 is several years old. Is that still the spotter of choice or are there other recommendations?

I goat hunt with a 554 (same as 553 but straight eye piece).

 

[AK Troutbum]

I agree with what’s been said above about not necessary given your any goat tag but, well worth the added wt. IMO. This is especially true if you want to do some digiscoping. There’s nothing like being able to video your hunt, especially the shot, through a spotter. These are all different goats from different hunts, some through a straight Swarovski and some through a TSN-553 coupled with my phone.

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[COShunter]

I agree with what’s been said above about not necessary given your any goat tag but, well worth the added wt. IMO. This is especially true if you want to do some digiscoping. There’s nothing like being able to video your hunt, especially the shot, through a spotter. These are all different goats from different hunts, some through a straight Swarovski and some through a TSN-553 coupled with my phone.

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Are you able to record from your phone just by placing the camera lens on the eye piece of the spotting scope or do you need a special attachment for your phone?

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Are you able to record from your phone just by placing the camera lens on the eye piece of the spotting scope or do you need a special attachment for your phone?

you really want a digiscoping adaptor to make it work well, that aligns the phone lens to eyepiece. Ollin, for example, you put a special piece on the scope eye piece that magnet aligns to the phone (you use a special case) to "snap" in alignment. Phone Scope is another brand for "digiscoping."

 

[AK Troutbum]

I use a Phone Skope but, I’m sure others probably work just as well, maybe better.


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