Looking at all of the pics makes me think I should be using a spotting scope. I have a compact Leupold 15-30x50 that I thought id use in the field but it stays in the truck once the real hunting starts, the weight isn't worth the benefit to me.
I carry 10x42 Swarovski binoculars that I bought 3 years ago and went to a 3-15x50 Zeiss Conquest last year so I can identify points or brow tines right before squeezing the trigger. All the upgrades including the little spotter were the result of not being able to determine if a bedded bull was legal at a little under 400 yards in thick brush. He stayed there 45 minutes before we were sure he was legal by changing viewing angles a few times, very lucky he didn't spook. By the time we were sure he was good to shoot some cows had wandered into range so we got a bull and cow in a few seconds once my buddy shot at that patient bull.
An excellent quality spotting scope is next on my list probably still a few years away.
