Glassing, or spotting game at a distance from a vantage position, is a great way to calculate how many animals are using a specific area, the size of the animals, and trails showing where they are entering and exiting.
But many hunters make common mistakes that prevent them from having a successful trip. From not planning a strategy to using binoculars incorrectly, these mistakes can increase your odds of missing out on your prized game.
Not Using Binoculars
Using your eyesight is a great way to get an idea of the area, but once you spot movement, you’ll need something more powerful than your natural sight to have an effective glassing expedition…especially if weather isn’t perfect.
You can use a scope for glassing but your depth of view will compromised by only using one eye and your field of vision will decrease, leaving you with less ground to cover.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a pair of binoculars with you at all times. The best binoculars can put up with most weather conditions and give you HD like vision from over 1000 feet away.
Not only will you have an enhanced field of vision, your chances of seeing a buck or turkey hiding in the brush will also increase tremendously.
Not Having A Game Plan
A good glassing voyage starts with planning a strategy. You may know of prime glassing positions, but what you need to focus on is the schedule of the game you are hunting.
Before you head out, you need to decide if you want to catch your prey at feeding time or when they are heading back to their shelter.
If you choose feeding time, this means setting up your spot in the dark before the sun rises so you can see what direction they are entering.
If you’re looking to catch them before they head back to their shelter, you need to be in position before the sun goes down.
The more detailed your plan is, the more information you will learn about the game you are scouting.