Optics Essentials for Elk Season 2018

Few big game animals can match the challenge and thrill of a bull elk hunt.

Rifle seasons are arriving, and big bulls are on the move. Before you get after that herd bull, you're going to want to make sure your optics are up to snuff.

Here are a few offerings from Leupold that could help ensure you're punching your tag and calling friends to help with a pack out sometime this season.

Scope - VX-6HD 3-18x44mm Riflescope

Designed to be the best Gold Ring riflescope in its category, the VX-6HD offers an elite list of features, including high-definition lenses and extended low-light hunting performance.

There's a two-turn elevation adjustment for more accurate shooting at longer distances, ZeroLock windage adjustments, full illumination, an in-scope Electronic Reticle Level, Guard-ion lens coatings to shed water, dirt, and fingerprints, and a product lineup that was built to dominate in the field and on the range. Simply put, the VX-6HD has it all.

Get behind a VX-6HD and you'll see the difference. Every scope in the line offers superior edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance. Leupold's Twilight Max HD Light Management System delivers the perfect balance of image color and contrast, light transmission, and glare management, so you'll be able to see more in less light.

Another feature exclusive to the VX-6HD is Leupold's Electronic Reticle Level. Tilt the VX-6HD more than one degree left or right and the illuminated reticle blinks. Bring it back to level and the reticle will remain solid. Tilt beyond 30 degrees and the illumination turns off to save battery life. This is a great feature for long-range shooting or even mounting your scope.

Like every riflescope Leupold makes, it's backed by the company's legendary Full Lifetime Guarantee.

Binocular - BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm Binocular

For many, upgrading your binos means leaving your spotter at home. Designed for the elite hunter and made for picking out your once-in-a-lifetime bull from a distance, the BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56mm binocular dominates other optics in its class.

The generous eyebox is designed for long glassing sessions. Abbe-Koenig prisms and an elite optical system ramp up light transmission and redefine low-light performance, clarity, and resolution at extreme long range.

The BX-5 Santiam HD line also features the very same Twilight Max HD Light Management System as the VX-6HD riflescope and is available in Shadow Gray, Sitka Subalpine, and Sitka Open Country finishes. A binocular tripod tray is included with purchase.

Rangefinder - RX-2800 TBR/W Laser Rangefinder

It's the moment of truth — you're finally settled into your shooting position, eyeing a target that's hundreds of yards away. You're going to need to know the right distance before making the right scope adjustments. That's where the Leupold RX-2800 TBR/W comes into play.

Leupold's flagship rangefinder, the RX-2800 TBR/W is ready to help you reach farther than ever before. But distance without accuracy is pointless. That's why the RX-2800 TBR/W comes packed with all of the high-performing features hunters and shooters demand.

It's capable of accurately ranging reflective targets out to 2,800 yards, but it doesn't stop there. It features 7x magnification and is powered by Leupold's Alpha IQ ranging engine, which delivers a lightning-quick pulse rate, so you don't need as steady of a hand to get accurate readings.

The RX-2800 also offers continuous range updates in Scan Mode to keep you on target, and sports a high-contrast, red OLED display that's easy to read in any lighting conditions.

Thermal - LTO-Tracker HD Thermal Imager

Are you ready to experience relentless recovery? The LTO-Tracker HD delivers a powerful, handheld thermal device that's destined to become essential gear for any hunter.

It uses an advanced thermal sensor to extend its detection range out to 750 yards, and has eight color palettes to match your conditions. Compact and light enough to take on even the farthest backcountry hunt, the LTO-Tracker HD shows you the heat signature of game, blood trails, and more — day or night.

It delivers 10 hours of continuous use and features a 6x digital zoom. Always check your local rules and regulations before using in the field.

With these elk hunting essentials, there's no stopping you and your capabilities once the time to be relentless arises. Will you be prepared?

NEXT: LEUPOLD'S RELENTLESS PURSUIT: BOWHUNTING ESSENTIALS FOR 2018