Here’s the thing about hunting: sometimes you get surprised, and it feels like you have only a millisecond to make about fifty decisions and get all of them right. This is where an LPVO makes a difference. An LPVO optic is great for hunting because it is designed to give you versatility, speed, and precision, which are crucial in many hunting scenarios. Whether you use a Rimfire, turkey gun, or hog-hunting rifle, you can be sure to find one that fits perfectly. 

But, having an LPVO does not automatically solve everything: you must be able to make the most of it.

1. Set the Starting Magnification Appropriately

LPVOs have variable settings, and that is great, but different shooters use magnification in different ways. As a hunter, it is important to understand which magnification range works best for the majority of the situations you are likely to find yourself in and how to make adjustments where necessary. Here are some tips.

Keep the Magnification Level Low 

Think about most shots you take while out on a hunt: if you are like most Eastern hunters from north to south, you probably take your shots at around 100 yards and under. Setting magnification to the lowest will enable you to acquire targets quickly in such close quarters, even when you have to rely on one running shot,  much like using a red dot sight.

So, how low should you go?

Obviously, your personal approach to shooting matters, but when on a hunt, keep your LPVO at its lowest magnification (usually 1x). If you are hunting deer, for instance, there will be several instances where everything depends on a quick off-hand shot, especially if you are hunting on foot. With your LPVO at 1x, or at least at some lower magnification, you have the best chance. 

Increase Magnification Only When Necessary

If it happens that you spot game at a distance, you have no choice but to dial up the magnification, so do it. Also, if you have the time to set up for a longer shot, you can dial up the magnification and place your shot. This is why you have to practice adjusting the magnification quickly with the throw lever so you can switch up smoothly in these kinds of hunting scenarios.

Practice Makes Perfect

“Practice makes perfect” is the mantra you should adopt when mastering longer shots on our LPVO. Lower magnification is the standard (for a hunter, at least), but there will be several instances where you have to take a longer shot, and it would be a pity if you are unable to do so while having a good LPVO optic in your hand.

So, practice dialing up the magnification level and taking longer shots. Here’s a tip: find a higher range at which you are comfortable and efficient, and stick to it. If you can guarantee 85% and above accuracy within a certain range, set that as your default. Out there, you’ll have a good chance.

2. Use the Illuminated Reticle Wisely

It is no secret that Game is usually most active at dawn or dusk, so your illuminated reticle is precious. However, having an illuminated reticle does not always guarantee success in a low-light situation. Sure, it is an advantage, but you must be wise and practical in the way you use your illumination. 

Here’s a tip: adjust the brightness until it is just bright enough to keep the reticle visible. This will help you avoid glare and also prevent excessive battery drain.  

No Illumination? No Problem!

Also, knowing how to use your LPVO’s reticle without illumination can be an extremely valuable skill for a hunter. If the battery dies mid-hunt, you don’t want to be in a position where you cannot carry on, especially if you have not really been having the best day. 

• If your LPVO has an etched reticle, you can still have a clear enough sight picture to achieve something big. So, knowing how to shoot even without the illumination can make a big difference.
• Also, you want to make sure you have good batteries. A good optic battery has a longer lifespan and is capable of providing stable voltage output over time. CR2032 batteries are great, and modern brands like Gogunnr are using them.

3. Be Familiar with the Reticle Design

Most LPVOs come with reticles that have Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) marks. These marks are meant to help you estimate your shooting range and allow you to aim without adjusting the turrets. Practice using these marks at different distances to get a feel for your LPVO's accuracy.

Master the Holdovers

It happens many times during a hunt that you need to take quick, longer shots, and you don’t have time to adjust the turrets. This is where you have to rely upon the ability to adjust your holdovers effectively. Spend time practicing with the holdovers on your reticle at various distances. This knowledge will come in handy and might just be the difference between success and failure.

4. Practice Your Eye Positioning

Get comfortable with eye relief. At lower magnification, you don’t have to worry much about eye relief. But when you dial up the magnification in your LPVO, eye relief becomes stricter. Cheek weld and eye placement are two things you have to practice consistently as a hunter so you can quickly get a clear sight picture at any magnification level.

5. Zero Your LPVO Correctly

Knowing how to zero your LPVO is crucial. Most hunters zero their LPVOs for 100 or 200 yards, but there are other factors to consider when zeroing your LPVO. To put it simply, it depends very much on your hunting environment.

For close to mid-range hunting, 100 yards should suffice, but if your trajectory is flatter, or if you plan to take longer shots, a 200-yard zero can be better.

You might have to confirm your zero at different magnifications, too. Sometimes, there’s a slight shift in zero at different magnifications. Confirm that your point of impact remains consistent when zooming in and out.

Use Locking Turrets if you are certain.

Also, it would be a great advantage if your LPVO comes with locking turrets. Locking turrets keeps your windage and elevation settings securely in place to avoid any unintentional shifts while aiming or shooting. Good LPVO brands like Gogunnr recognize these functions, and that is one of the main reasons why their LPVOs are becoming a favorite amongst hunters nationwide.

How Good is Your LPVO?

Again, this is where getting a good-quality LPVO comes in. Ensure that your LPVO has a zero-stop function. The zero-stop mechanism prevents the turret from moving past the pre-set zero and makes it simple to return to the original zero. 

In other words, your original zero distance works like a default, and the zero-stop function ensures that you always return to it even after changes have been made. This can be crucial, especially when you need to switch between different levels of magnification.

So, your LPVO must have a zero-stop function. The zero-stop function is actually one of the key functions of modern LPVOs like the ODIN LPVOs (which, by the way, were only released this year!), and they have received positive reviews from shooters and hunters.

6. Make Use of the Throw Lever

Again, practice makes perfect. The throw lever is your best friend for quickly switching magnification, so practice until you master it. Here’s another tip: consider adding a larger throw lever or a “cat tail”. This can make adjustments faster and smoother when you need to change quickly.

7. Prepare for Environmental Challenges

Many LPVOs are fog-proof and waterproof, but your lens can always use some extra protection, especially when you are shooting in wet conditions. Keep a lens cloth handy to clean your lenses if they fog up or get dirty. 

If you are hunting in extreme cold or hot weather, give your LPVO a moment to adjust to the environment to prevent sudden fogging (or worse) from temperature shifts.

8. Practice for Different Shooting Positions

Practice shooting from various positions, such as kneeling, prone, or leaning against cover. First, there is no black and white when it comes to hunting. Sometimes, you have just one shot to take, and you find yourself in an awkward position. Second, your LPVO may react slightly differently depending on the angle. So, you have to be flexible enough to shoot from many positions. Practice is how you achieve that flexibility. 

AGAIN, HOW GOOD IS YOUR LPVO?

Now, all these tips and tricks will boost your chances of getting your big game. But at the end of the day, nothing beats a top-quality LPVO. And the good news is, you can definitely afford one. It's time to meet Gogunnr’s ODIN LPVOs.

GOGUUNR’S ODIN LPVOS

Gogunnr is supplying some of the best-quality LPVOs this year. The Odin LPVOS launched earlier this year received an immensely positive response from the shooting community. Experts and shooters praise the quality and clarity of the lenses (made of German Schott glass), the quality of the material (7075 Aluminum Alloy), the locking turrets, the zero-stop feature, and other main features of its three flagship LPVOs.

This end of year, Gogunnr is giving out an amazing discount on all of its Odin optics. If you place your purchase now, you can get 60% off, and Gogunnr will send your optic along with a free mount and one of Gogunnr’s runes boxes. Buy now, and get your set up ready to go!