Elknut1 is a timber rat, and so am I, bowhunting elk makes that a way of life. And the area and the way he hunts lets him get a way with that, without binos. When I am within 100yds of an elk in timber, I don't use my binos much either. But I used them a whole bunch before I got to that point. My binos are a tool as is my bow and a good knife, and I rely on my tools. And at timber line in CO, you better have your tools and know how to use them.
Gselkhunter