Optics in the form of binoculars or a spotting scope are a valuable asset for an elk hunter. Elk country is vast, and a hunter simply can't afford to spend most of his hunting time hiking through every ridge and draw searching for elk sign.

Good optics can save a lot of time and effort. Whether you are scouting or hunting, always carry a pair of quality binoculars to glass distant hillsides and openings for elk. The usual procedure is to climb to a high vantage point in morning or evening, such as a ridge top, and carefully glass distant openings for elk who have come from their bedding areas to feed in the openings. You'll also learn where the elk's bedding area is located by watching from what direction the animals emerge into the open.

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Most rifle hunters choose standard size 8 or 10 power binoculars. Bowhunters usually use smaller glasses, such as a compact 7 power that can be fitted into a shirt picket and used for scouting and hunting.

Even distant hillsides can be glassed if you use a spotting scope. A promising area five miles away can be glassed from a vantage point using a 20 power or 20-40 power zoom spotting scope mounted on a tripod.