Do I need rangefinder & spotting scope for 'lopes?

[Buckeyes]

Is it essential...or at least darn nice to have either a rangefinder and/or spotting scope for antelope hunting in Wyoming. We are hunting near Laramie and this is my first trip for antelope. I would like to be prepared to scout the wide open terrain well (ie: do I need a spotting scope?). I would also like to be prepared for 200+ yard shots that I am not used to taking here in the east(ie: do I need a rangefinder?)
You input would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Bwana Turtle]

I would say yes to both. Since I got my rangefinder I found that I didn't have a clue as to what I thought ranges were. The spotting scope just gives you such an edge over binocs.

 

[sagebrush]

Definately need a rangefinder, but if you have a good pair of binoculars, you can get by without a spotting scope. Just depends on how picky you are regarding trophy quality. Antelope are pretty easy to spot, harder to judge, from long distance. Make sure you spend a lot of time at the rifle range if you're not accustomed to shots over 200 yards.

 

[Modocer]

I would say that a good set of binocs or a spotting scope is far more important than a rangefinder. But I have pretty good luck at judging distance.

 

[huntducks]

SPOTTING SCOPE

 

[azbiggame]

"Great Advice",from the above posts,for a 1st time "LOPES"hunter,but since You do live in the East,I'd go with the Range Finder,more uses for this "Addition" to the optics collection,i.e. archery and muzzeloader,where "Exact Yardage" is a must.

For ME and Hunters with,WE "DON'T",go after any Antelope without a "Bipod",this is important,and will aid YOU for sure.A little extra weight,but will for sure help.Good Luck and "ENJOY" ---

 

[Buckeyes]

Great information. Thanks for the input.
I was considering a bipod or pair of sticks, but initially thought that I would shoot from my back pack. I recently found out that the backpack idea might lose me some helpful horizontal elevation when shooting though. Between us as a team, I think that we might as well get the sticks and practice shooting from them.
I think that I will go with the rangefinder and consider the spotting scope if the terrain allows us to scope a reasonable amount from the truck. I plan on walking a great bit (and actually prefer this to sitting on my butt in an automobile). However, I was under the impression that initially it may be helpful to scout or scope from the roads and then after confirming a decent rack, stalk via foot with a good pair of binoculars.
I have not hunted lopes before and just didn't know if the spotting scope would make a difference in this type of automobile/walking combination.