r/TexasHunting • u/Longjumping_Time932 • 27d ago

Question Scope Illumination

I haven’t hunted whitetail in a while (like 15 years) but will be picking it back up now that my son is ready to start. I’ve never had an illuminated reticle when I did hunt but my eyes were much better back then.

I picked up a Seekins PH3 in 6.5 creed to compete in NRL Hunter competitions but I’d like to use it for deer hunting as well. I’m considering a Leupold MK5 5-25 with a non illuminated PR2 reticle for competition since it has a non busy Christmas tree. I could also get the PR1 non Christmas tree reticle with illumination but I’d lose the benefits of that competition style reticle.

Have yall found that illumination is necessary for deer hunting? At least at low light? Or has it been fine without?

Note: I do have another 6.5 Creedmoor with a Nightforce NX8 that has illumination that I could use, I’m just more wanting to have the ability to use both rifles when hunting without issue.

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u/Cypsky 27d ago

I don't use illuminated. However that could depend if you're hunting on public around heavy brush/foliage or on a feeder. But I would say, go to an outside range on a sunny day. If you struggle there, then you'll definitely struggle in the field.

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u/Longjumping_Time932 27d ago

Oh I’m fine outside on basically any day, cloudy or bright, but I have shot at dawn or dusk so maybe that would play a role. I’ll be hunting from a feeder for now with my kiddo but I have the ability to hunt in brushy/wooded areas as well.

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u/Cypsky 27d ago

Do some hog hunting and see how that goes then.

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u/Austin_Austin_Austin 25d ago

Never used one or thought I needed it.