First off, bino's are definately less important during bow season then rifle. My plan in the early season is a trophy bull. I get up high and glass the various herd movements and locate a trophy. From that point on, I will focus on that bull, maybe for the entire season. Secondly, I wouldn't go anywhere without my bino's. While my goal is an elk, my passion is being out there and enjoying all that nature has to offer. I have spent hours glassing animals during bow elk season, maybe it is a perched eagle, or frolicing bear or whatever. I suppose if your only goal is to kill an elk then fine, but to me I don't want to miss natures show. When I take the boat out fishing I bring my binos, I'm convinced they havn't lead to an increased catch, but I take them. The is more to elk hunting then elk.