Nikon's Fieldscope III gives hunter's good quality for long-distance Observations. Photo by Steve Bartylla.

If you live where you can watch deer from a distance, you've got an edge. Long-range observations ensure you don't break up the very pattern you're trying to lock up.

There are two effective ways to accomplish this.

• Cruise the back roads at dusk, or
• Set up at a distance from the food or water source. This is often the only way to observe remote or hidden areas.

The keys are to keep the wind in your face, remain unseen and have good entrance and exit routes.

In either case, a good spotting scope is a must. Here are a few I used and recommend.

NIKON
Nikon offers an impressive range of spotting scopes to meet every hunter's needs. I personally have used their Fieldscope III for the last four years and have never been disappointed in its capabilities and quality. www.nikonhunting.com

VORTEX
With four spotting scopes, Vortex's models range from the $2,000 RAZOR HB to their $250 IMPACT model. www.vortexoptics.com.

BUSHNELL
Bushnell also offers a full line of seven spotting scopes. Their $313 Trophy 20-60x65 waterproof model is a popular choice. www.bushnell.com

SWAROVSKI
Swarovski offers eight 80mm and seven 65mm spotting scopes. These high-end optics range to several thousand dollars. www.swarovski.com

-- Steve Bartylla is a writer, photographer and seminar-speaker who specializes in bowhunting.