Set Your Scope for Success

Set Your Scope for Success—Mastering Eye Relief Based on How You Hunt

Whether you’re gearing up for whitetail season in a blind or preparing for a backcountry elk hunt from prone positions, one detail can make or break your shot: proper eye relief. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about clarity, speed, and confidence when the moment of truth arrives.

Why Eye Relief Matters

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the rear lens of the scope that allows you to see a full, unobstructed sight picture. Too close, and you risk scope bite. Too far, and you’re peering through a tunnel of black. But here’s the catch: your ideal eye relief depends entirely on how you hunt.

James from Barbour Creek Long Range Shooting School puts it plainly: “Set your scope up how you hunt.” That means adjusting your scope position based on whether you’re shooting from a blind, a bench, or prone in the field. Let’s break it down.

Bench or Blind Hunters: Upright and Steady

If you hunt from a blind or shoot from a bench, your posture is more upright. In this position, your head naturally sits farther back from the scope. You’ll want to mount your scope so you get a full sight picture without craning your neck forward or backward. If you see a black ring around the image, that’s a sign your scope needs to be moved—forward or back—until the image fills the lens cleanly.

Prone or Tripod Shooters: Leaning In

Hunters who shoot prone or from a tripod tend to lean into the rifle. This shifts your head closer to the scope, requiring the optic to be mounted slightly forward to maintain proper eye relief. If you’re setting up your rifle while standing or sitting upright, you’ll likely find your eye relief is off once you hit the ground. James recommends mimicking your hunting posture when mounting your scope to ensure it’s dialed in for real-world conditions.

Crystal-Clear Crosshairs: The First Step

Before you even worry about eye relief, make sure your reticle is sharp. Look up at the sky or a bright background and adjust the diopter (usually the rear eyepiece) until the crosshairs and numbers are crisp. Blurry reticles introduce parallax error, which can throw off your shot even if your target looks clear. Once adjusted, leave it alone—unless your eyesight changes.

Why TORIC Scopes Make It Easier

Here’s where the TORIC line from TRACT Optics shines. TORIC rifle scope offers a generous and consistent 4 inches of eye relief across the entire magnification range. That means whether you’re zoomed in tight on a distant mule deer or scanning a field at low power, your sight picture stays clean and safe—no surprises, no adjustments mid-hunt.

This consistency is especially valuable for hunters who switch between shooting positions or use high-recoil calibers. With TORIC, you get peace of mind and performance in one rugged, precision-built package.

Need Help Choosing the Right Scope? Let’s Talk

Still unsure how to set up your scope or which model fits your hunting style? The team at TRACT is ready to help. Whether you prefer to call, email, or chat online, you’ll get expert guidance tailored to your needs—from blind hunting to long-range mountain shots.

Call: 631-662-7354. Email: [email protected] or Chat NOW

👉 Don’t leave your hunt to chance. Reach out to TRACT today and make sure your rifle is ready when the moment comes.