This is my third year hunting and have a question about what the term "glassing" is being used as. In the army it's basically utilizing a spotting scope watching an area, structure or whatever for periods of time. I am assuming it is the same thing here; and is all a part of scouting. You set up somewhere obscure over looking a field or area (possibly all day?). Using a scope or binos you watch for deer activity. Entry and exit points etc....then later walk the area looking for trails to bedding areas, possible ambush points etc... Am I on the right track here?

You guess right.

What is the best time of day to glas and for how long?

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

You're right. I like "glassing" to get a feel of how many deer are using the area, size of bucks, and trails of deer entering the area.

If you could glass an area before you decide to hang a stand it will definately increase your chances of success.

Depends on your area. In the West we catch them moving in the morning and evening but "glassing" is used any time of the day (for as long as you want to hunt). The idea is to locate them, make sure it's what you're looking for, then sneak into a position for a shot.

All day long, animals are funny like that, some will be up and around at dusk and dawn, others during the midday. There's no rhyme or reason to it.