Well, Steve, here's a couple of things that come to mind. The average hunter doesn't need the high magnification found on your typical competition scope. Most competition scopes have fixed magnifications on the order of 20 to 45 power (I understand there are 6 power competition scopes also, but that's not what I was referring to). This means a very limited field of view and poor low light performance. In addition, high magnification target scopes tend to be longer and heavier. Most hunters I know prefer smaller, lighter scopes.

Also, I would venture to say that most hunters like thicker duplex type reticles so they can be seen easier in low light conditions. The target scopes I've seen have thin wires for the pinpoint aiming a competitor needs. In low light or shadowy conditions those wires can practically disappear.

Some other things come to mind like the tall target turret adjustments found on most competition scopes. These would just get in the way of a hunter. Then there's parallax adjustment. While many hunters like this feature (I'm not one of them), it's really not necessary for big game hunting. I'd think it would be an absolute necessity, however, for the target shooter.

I understand, of course, that both hunters and competitors want durable scopes with good glass, but other than that, their needs in a scope are not the same.