Glassing is usually using a spotting scope or higher powered binoculars overlooking an area where you get a long and wide view. Few places like that exist here, but I still "glass" using 8-10x binoculars. I more often use the terms "scout" or "scouting" instead of "glassing".

When I rifle hunt(scout), I like to glass. This way I get to utilize my rifle's long distance potential on a longer shot if I happen to see something during that period. Normally when I do this, I may even be so far away that it's too long for a shot and am not looking for a kill at that moment. I do this often as well when bowhunting.

I like to glass early morning and later evenings... like prime time for deer movement. I'm trying to find where the deer are moving to in the morning. I'm trying to see what trails or routes they take back to their bedding areas so that I can plan an ambush based on that movement. I'll also take note of the time. Same thing in the evening... trying to catch them coming from their bedding area to see which routes/trails they're taking to the feeding areas. Usually when I see them in the evenings, they're not wandering as much and are usually making a straight shot to where they want to go. If I see them pass through a certain spot or see them jump a fence at a particular place... or even see them pass by a tree, I might want to set up in the that tree if I'm bowhunting.

In the morning, I'd glass as long as I see deer movement or about when I think they're done. In the evening, I'd glass all the way up 'til dark. Just be careful you slip in and out unnoticed to preserve your ambush later on.

Even if you think you won't see a deer and just want to glass, ALWAYS bring your rifle. LOL! If you don't, you'll soon learn why. LOL!

Good luck,

iSnipe