When using a spotting scope for lengthy glassing sessions—searching a hillside for an invisible group of elk, or searching the sagebrush flats for that trophy mulie or antelope–fatigue and strain quickly set in, causing discomfort in the non-viewing eye and surrounding facial muscles. The muscles try to hold steady in this unpracticed position in order to support the viewing eye. This can be very uncomfortable, causing headaches or ultimately causing you to miss the ear twitch, or the antler tip of the big ‘un that is just waiting for your tag.
There is a simple and inexpensive solution for this problem. Before your next glassing session, visit your local drug store and purchase a black eye patch with an adjustable or elastic strap. Wearing the patch over the non-viewing eye will allow your eye and facial muscles to relax so that you can concentrate on glassing without the risks mentioned above. A second benefit is that you may resemble Rooster Cogburn while searching for your quarry.
Remember to store the eye patch in a handy spot for the next use. I keep mine inside the zippered field cover that protects my spotting scope.
Editor’s Note: A light-colored patch would also work, and allows the covered eye to receive light and track with the uncovered eye.
Excellent idea. Never thought of that.
The Rooster Cogburn part was the clincher 🙂
An option is just to keep both eyes open. It does take practice, but it is certainly doable.
I agree with Rick Nelson. Actually, the Rooster Cogburn thing should be the first reason. Anyway, excellent tip, thanks.
Thank you! This is a great tip, and one a guy from TN is not likely to stumble upon on his own. One conjoined thought; even if you do hunt the swamps and thickets of the South, don’t leave the truck without optics. You will kill more game, and you will enjoy your time on stand more deeply.
Thank you again for a tip that would have gotten by me!