It's hard to go wrong with 8x. An awful lot of folks like 10x, though some remark about image instability (shaking). Those remarks become more plentiful as you go to 12x and higher, and that's why you hear/read more about tripods with those bins.
I have loved my 8x42 Victory's, but I've also been able to appreciate the view through 10x's, too. If I had it to do all over again, I might well end up with the 10's.
You'd be best served to handle & look through as many pairs as you can, & come up with what works best for you. Size, weight, & ergonomics are awfully important, too.
I'd prioritize "Western Hunt" spending thusly:
1) Boots - you're in 'em all damned day, and maybe the night, too. Bad boots could really screw-up your hunt.
2) Binocs - you'll be glassing more than hiking, eating, maybe sleeping, and certainly shooting. You can't kill what you can't find. Make sure you get a pair that you can be really comfortable looking through all day long.
3) Everything else.
Let us know what you come up with.
FC
