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Introduction
Hunting in the vast landscapes of Arizona requires the indispensable skill of glassing. Josh Kirchner, an experienced hunter and full-time content creator, shares his expertise through gear reviews, hunting tips, freelance articles, photography, and films on his blog. He’s also the author of Becoming a Backpack Hunter and Becoming a Bowhunter. Josh’s work is dedicated to inspiring and educating hunters to push their limits and fully embrace the hunting experience.
In a recent episode of the Soul Summit Podcast, Josh Kirchner shares his expert tips for mastering glassing techniques that can significantly boost your hunting success. Whether you're pursuing the elusive Coues deer or the more commonly spotted black bears, these insights will help you become a more skilled glasser.
1.) Dedicate Time to Each Glassing Spot
One of the biggest mistakes hunters make is not spending enough time at each glassing location. Josh emphasizes the importance of giving each spot at least an evening and a morning of glassing before moving on. This allows you to observe the animals’ natural behaviors and movements, as they are on their own schedule and not yours. By being patient, you increase your chances of spotting animals that may have been hidden initially.
2.) Plan Your Glassing Route
Pre-planning a glassing route can make your efforts more systematic and effective. Josh suggests choosing a route along a ridge line or other vantage points that allow you to look into different basins. Spending about an hour at each spot along your route can help you cover more ground without missing potential targets.
3.) Choose the Right Optics
Josh prefers using 10x42 binoculars for their versatility and wider field of view. He also mounts them on a tripod to ensure stability and accuracy during long glassing sessions. For bigger country, he recommends carrying a smaller spotting scope, such as a 65mm, to keep the weight manageable while still providing the necessary magnification.
4.) Positioning with the Sun
The position of the sun plays a crucial role in glassing. Josh advises having the sun at your back in the morning to illuminate the hillsides, making it easier to spot animals like mule deer whose hides pop in the sunlight. In the evening, look into the shaded areas, even if it means facing the sun. Blocking the sun with your hand can help reduce glare and improve visibility into these shaded regions where animals are likely to be bedded.
5.) Wind Direction Matters
Always consider the wind direction when choosing your glassing spots. By keeping the wind in your face, you not only avoid being detected by scent but also position yourself to look at the leeward side of hills where animals might be seeking shelter from the wind.
6.) Grid Search Method
To tackle the overwhelming task of glassing large areas, break the landscape into smaller sections and grid search each section thoroughly. Josh recommends focusing on areas that seem most promising and using both binoculars and naked eye to spot movement.
7.) Stay Concealed
Finally, maintaining a low profile is essential. Josh uses face paint instead of masks to avoid altering his anchor point when drawing his bow. Covering reflective surfaces and minimizing movement can prevent animals from spotting you.
By incorporating these techniques into your glassing routine, you can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately leading to more successful hunts. Remember, patience and preparation are key. Happy glassing!
For more insights from Josh Kirchner, check out his book Becoming a Bowhunter and stay tuned for more expert tips on hunting and outdoor adventures via the Soul Summit Podcast!
LISTEN TO EPISODE #148 BELOW!
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