I haven't hunted the east since I was stationed in North Carolina, but in the thicker parts of the west I use binos as much as I do in the open country. A quality pair of 8X binos helps more than most think in the dark timber or even the thick repod. You'd probably think I was just getting a great look at trees 20 yards away if you saw me, but I often am focused past the closest screen of trees, and finding antler tips or ears twitching.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but ditch the 8x20s and get some quality 8X42 or something of the like, put them in a quality bino harness and give them a try next season. I am sure there are times you won't get away with the movement it takes to use them and then raise your rifle, but I'll bet there's also times you could get away with that movement, if you're slow enough and the deer doesn't know you're there. I think if you got used to using them, they'll change how you hunt.
