Hunting is all about the moment, and not everything goes to plan – so optics (and judgement) matter. Challenges like hunting elusive Japanese Sika deer in Sutherland, Northern Scotland are where tools like the Leupold VX6 3-18 x 50 HD riflescope and RX1400 rangefinder really prove their worth.
Known as the “ghosts of the forest” for their intelligence and alertness, Sika are prized conquests in hunting circles, being far trickier to take than Red or Fallow deer. They’re also tougher to kill by rifle shot than native European deer.
While vastly experienced, hunter Owen Beardsmore hadn’t stalked Sika for years. He relied on guide Nathan Windle, his Leupold optics to ensure their quest for a stag was successful.
Overcast but mostly dry conditions promised a successful hunt, but the pair had their work cut out with rugged, undulating terrain, dense vegetation and lingering atmospheric conditions from the previous day’s heavy wind and rain. Clear natural views were at a premium.
After arduous hiking, Owen and Nathan found promising signs – fresh deer muck, wallow scrapes. With the animals at least 150 – 200 m distant obscured by grass, rocks, gullies and dips, high quality optics were essential.
Constantly spotting using scope, monocular and rangefinder alongside Nathan’s BX5- SANTIAM 10×50 binoculars, the hunters struggled to pinpoint the Sika. Assisted by the VX-6’s HD optics, Owen discerned the deer through the contrasting gloom and glare.
Nathan’s masterful whistle calls visibly lulled the animals as Owen painstakingly lined up his first shot. The water- and fogproof Leupold scope maintained a beautifully clear picture even at over 200 m distance.
The combination of minimal sleep, long hikes and intense nerves can easily affect distance judgement. Trusting your tools and your shooting partner can spell the difference between success and a potentially wasted outing.
Ultimate Guide to LEUPOLD OPTICS
A magnificent stag emerged from the treeline, superseding the hind they’d initially earmarked. Owen fired once, missing by a hair. “I’d gauged him as about 8 clicks, 240 m away – but my first shot was off. I overcompensated and it went over his back.” Owen readjusted his sights and steadied his nerves, returning the sight to zero and aiming higher. The VX-6HD allowed him to make a split-second decision and a second shot that connected – but was it successful? “Japanese Sika are tough as old boots,” he laughed. “It’s not my first rodeo but I almost fell off the horse. I’ve overcompensated with the best scope in the world and a lovely rifle.” Checking the shot site 20 minutes later, Nathan confirmed the kill nearby amid thick spruce. His optics had saved the hunt from disaster. “Thank God we had a thermal,” Owen said. After gralloching the animal, Owen and Nathan extracted it. “It was a beautiful stag that provided a lovely carcass – Sika make fantastic eating, and it’s a lovely memory that we can share with the hunting community,” Owen concluded.
