7 of the Best Riflescopes for Deer Season 

Rifles in general are pretty accurate. In fact, most newer rifles are more accurate that the operators. This is because of technology. Technology has improved everything about rifles, from barrels to triggers and actions to stocks. 

That same technology has also improved riflescopes for deer and other shooting activities. The riflescope is, in fact, just as important as the rifle when it comes to hunting and shooting. This is why shooters should carefully consider their options, especially with the number of brands and models that range greatly in price. This is no different when choosing a rifle for deer.

Now many folks claim that hunters need to spend as much or more on a riflescope for deer as the rifle. Doing so would provide a riflescope that should last a lifetime. However, most hunters would do just fine spending between $200 to $400. At the basics, a riflescope needs to be clear and hold a zero. Everything else is just extra. Of course, extra can be nice. 

Riflescopes for Deer 

Choosing a riflescope for deer is just as personal as choosing a rifle. Some hunters prefer a riflescope with all the bells and whistles, such as high magnification, parallax adjustment, illuminated reticles, ballistic reticles and zero stops for specific purposes. Other just want something affordable that helps them accurately take deer. Luckily, optic manufacturers put out a variety of riflescopes to fit needs, wants and budgets. Even better, some affordable riflescopes come with some of the high-end optic features. 

Leupold Mark 5HD

Leupold produced the first fog proof scope in 1947. Since then, it has consistently brought out new technologies, making it one of the premier optic companies in the world. Leupold produces a variety of options, with the Leupold Mark 5HD being one of its most popular premium riflescope

Featuring Leupold’s professional-grade optical system, the Mark 5HD delivers exceptional resolution and extreme light transmission. It is not night vision, but it works pretty well in twilight. It also comes with advanced coatings that reduce glare, shed water and dirt, and resist fingerprints. Shooters can also choose between first and second focal plane, and among a variety of reticles, including illuminated. It even comes with a custom dial system allows for quick and precise adjustments. 

Available in a variety of powers, from 2-10×30 to 7-35×56, the Mark 5HD provides everything a shooter needs to be successful, for quick fast shots to extreme long range, in any conditions. The features and reliability of the Mark 5HD doesn’t, however, come cheap. At Leupold, made in America still means something. Of course, Leupold also makes more affordable models for those looking for quality at a lower price. 

EOTECH Vudu 

Another made in America optic is the EOTECH Vudu. EOTECH got its start making holographic sights for close quarters use by military and law enforcement. Civilians also saw the benefits of these fast shooting optics. Then, in 2016, EOTECH brought out its Vudu line of magnified optics. 

The EOTECH Vudu comes in a variety of powers, as well as both first and second focal plane models, with multiple reticle options, including illuminated and ballistic. This provides options for shooters, whether using a modern sporting rifle or a long-range bolt action. All Vudu models come waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. Users can treat them as hard as needed. The Japanese glass is extremely clear, with anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare and shine. 

EOTECH might have gotten its start in non-magnification optics, but its Vudu line provides the ability to reach out in addition to fast action, especially with its 1-8×24 and 1-10-x28 models. Those looking for an all-around riflescope might want to consider the EOTECH Vudu. It is lightweight, accurate and completely reliable. 

Trijicon AccuPoint 

Trijicon is best known for its ACOG riflescope used by the military, particularly the Marines. However, the company also makes riflescopes for deer hunters that use fiber optics and tritium for targeting in all light conditions. 

The Trijicon AccuPoint originally came out in 3-9×40, featuring illuminated and BAC rapid target acquisition reticle, and it still does. Shooters can choose among three reticles and three colors—amber, red, green. Of course, shooters have options to go bigger and smaller in the AccuPoint line, all of which feature non-battery powered reticle illumination. 

Other features include multi-coated lens, precise windage and elevation adjustments, edge to edge clarity and ultra durability. And while none of Trijicon’s products would be considered cheap, there are more affordable lines, as well as higher end. The AccuPoint is Trijicon’s standard riflescope for deer and hunting, but the company’s other products would probably work just as well. 

Burris Signature HD

Burris has long been a premium optics brand, producing some high-end optics. However, the company also makes the Burris Signature HD line that provides high-end features at a reasonable price.

The Signature HD line features both binoculars and riflescopes, allowing hunters to carry all Burris if desired. The riflescopes come in three magnification levels, all of which are nitrogen purged with premium multi-coated lens. The lowest (2-10-x40) features the Ballistic E3 reticle and push/pull locking turrets in a 1-inch tube for less than $500. The next up comes in 3-15×44 with either the Ballistic E3 Illuminated or Plex reticle, and side parallax. The largest is 5-25×50 and features a choice of reticles and illumination. Prices obviously go up with features and power, but can still be picked up for less than a grand. 

Riton Primal 

Riton might not be the oldest optics company, it was founded in 2013, but it has made quite a splash. Part of this comes from the company’s fully transferable, unlimited lifetime warranty. The other part comes from Riton building excellent optics that are affordable, including the Primal line. 

The basic riflescope typically used for deer—3-9x40mm—starts at just over $200, but still provides clear glass, durable construction and reliable performance. Many, in fact, consider it to one of the best for the price. Of course, those looking for adjustable parallax, illuminated reticles and more magnification have more options, but they come with a higher price. 

Vortex Crossfire II

Vortex is another company with an unlimited, unconditional, lifetime warranty. And it comes on every optic it makes from the $3,000 Razor to the more affordable Crossfire II. In fact, the 3-9×40 Crossfire II can be picked up for under $200. This riflescope features long eye relief, fast-focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lenses and resettable MOA turrets. 

It is also made of aircraft-grade aluminum and low-glare matte anodized aluminum. Its gas purged and O-ring sealed to be fog proof and waterproof, and it is designed to withstand recoil and impact. Those who want something other than the accepted standard magnification riflescope for deer have a few from which to choose. These include lower power options such as 1-4x and 2-7x, all the way up to 4-12×44 for crossing bean fields. 

Athlon Optics TALOS 

A fairly new company, Athlon Optics started in 2014. It has, however, become quite popular by providing good optics at competitive prices. The company produces a variety of optics, such as binoculars, spotting scopes, thermals and riflescopes, at a few price points. This includes the Athlon Optics TALOS line.

The TALOS is known for providing clear glass and sturdy construction. It also comes with good turret tracking and a plethora of options, such as illuminated reticle, side parallax, mildot reticle and more. Most consider these to be very good budget or beginner riflescopes for deer and other large game with an excellent warranty.