Best Leupold Scope for Mule Deer Hunting
Mule deer are one of the most hunted wildlife in western north America. However, they are exceptionally smart and difficult to hunt as they are impressively fast. This makes them the perfect target for hunters looking for hunting tasks that are more challenging. Besides, with their population declining year in year out, it becomes even harder to hunt them down.
If you are looking to have a rewarding mule deer hunting trip, it is important that you have nothing but a high-quality scope for hunting. In this post, we are going to take you through some of the best scopes for mule deer hunting from Leupold brand. These scopes will help you spot the target with ease at any environment and make your hunting experience more competitive and successful.
With that in mind and without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Leupold Scope for Mule Deer Hunting-Comprehensive Review
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Leupold Mark 5HD Rifle Scope 3.6-18x44mm
This Mark 5HD rifle scope is built around Leupold’s professional grade optical system to give you unmatched optical performance. Whether you will be hunting mule deer during the day or in low light settings, this scope got you covered. It offers superior image clarity and exceptional optical performance from dawn to dusk.
This rifle scope features a variable magnification from 3.6x to 18x. At close ranges, it offers a wide viewing angle for quick and easy target scanning which every hunter needs. It also offers quick target acquisition at long distances thanks to high 18x magnification.
The scope is ergonomically designed to make your hunting expedition a success. It has a high-speed throw lever for quick and easy magnification adjustment, a lightweight design for easy portability and a Combat Competition Hunter Reticle for accurate aiming even in low light settings.
In terms of construction, the scope is well made using high-grade materials for ultimate durability. It is also shock proof to endure rough handling and fully waterproof and fog proof to offer reliable performance in any weather condition. It also offers a long eye relief at every magnification for comfortable glassing.
Features
- Generous eye relief
- 40mm objective lens
- Robust aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- High-speed throw lever
- Combat Competition Hunter FFP Reticle
- Lightweight design
- 35mm main tube
- 6-18x variable magnification
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Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm CDS Riflescope
If you are looking for a rifle scope that will help you reach out further, the VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm CDS Riflescope suits you. It has a variable magnification from 4.5x to 14x for hunting mule deer at both close and long ranges. It also provides high-quality image views at every magnification setting thanks to the large 40mm objective lens.
This scope features a SFP duplex reticle that stays visible even in low light settings. It also boasts an elite optical system which provides unmatched optical performance and DiamondCoat 2 ion-assist lens coating for higher light transmission.
Furthermore, this scope is made ready for hunting. It is crafted from aircraft grade aluminum and punisher tested to stand up to the harshest recoil. In addition to this, the scope is fully waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition and shockproof to ensure rough field conditions. It also comes with scratch-resistant lenses and a matte finish to camouflage your hunting position in broad daylight.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Second focal plane duplex reticle
- Matte finish
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Recoil resistant
- Aircraft-quality aluminum body
- DiamondCoat 2 ion-assist lens coating
- Precision 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Scratch resistant lenses
- Long eye relief
- 1-inch main tube diameter
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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope. It features a magnification suitable for hunting mule deer in wide open fields as well as thick forests. The magnification is also adjustable from 3x to 9x for hunting at varying ranges.
This scope is made with ease of use in mind. First, it has a lightweight design for easy carrying in the field. It then offers a long eye relief for comfortable shooting and quick target acquisition. It also features a Tri-MOA second focal plane reticle that is easy to use, even for beginners.
When it comes to construction, this scope is made to be virtually indestructible. It is crafted from high-strength aluminum to withstand anything you throw at it. It also features scratch resistant lenses for added protection and a shockproof body to stand impacts and falls. Above all, it is 100% waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition.
Features
- Durable aluminum housing
- Long eye relief
- Tri-MOA second focal plane reticle
- Versatile 3:1 zoom ratio
- Custom dial system
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Lightweight and portable
- User-friendly design
- Quick grip power selector
- Military grade scratch resistant lenses
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Leupold VX 3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
Mule deer hunting gets better when you use a quality optic like the VX 3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope. It offers amazing performance in low light settings thanks to the Twilight Max Light Management System.
It features a variable magnification from 3.5x to 10x for hunting at both close quarters and long distances. Even better, this riflescope provides brighter image views at every zoom range thanks to the high-quality optics coating and the large 40mm objective lens. Furthermore, the scope comes with a Duplex reticle which is perfect for virtually any hunting application.
Weighing just 0.63 pounds, the scope is ultralight and appropriate for hunting. In terms of construction, it is made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to offer a lifetime of recoil resistance. It is also 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof for all-weather reliability and greater durability.
Features
- Precise 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Duplex reticle
- Matte finish
- Ultra-lightweight design
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Robust 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Versatile 3.5-10x magnification
- 1-inch main tube
- Long eye relief
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Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope
The VX-6HD 3-18x50mm Riflescope is the best Leupold scope for mule deer hunting at long ranges. With the massive 18x magnification power, you will be able to bring the distant targets closer and place the shot more accurately and ethically.
The scope is built for use in any condition. It is built to be 100% waterproof and fog proof for all-weather integrity. It also comes with an illuminated reticle which is ideal for hunting in low light conditions. Besides that, it has a ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 system which eliminates the need for holdovers and ballistic calculations. This helps simplify longer range shots.
And that’s not all. This riflescope has a Twilight Max Light Management System for easy shooting in low light settings and glare elimination when hunting in broad daylight. It also boasts an in-scope electronic reticle level which simplifies mounting and improves accuracy at long ranges.
Features
- Ultralight design
- Generous eye relief
- Variable 3-18x magnification
- 30mm main tube diameter
- Unmatched low light performance
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- In-scope electronic reticle level
- Twilight Max Light Management System
- Removable throw lever
- Illuminated reticle
- ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 system
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Leupold VX-5HD Rifle scope 7-35×56
Another best Leupold scope for mule deer hunting on our list is the VX-5HD Rifle scope 7-35×56. It features a powerful 5:1 zoom ratio which delivers the versatility you need to hunt at varying ranges and in multiple environments.
This riflescope features an Impact-14 MOA reticle to help you push your long range hunting skills to a whole new level. Better yet, it has a CDS T-ZL3 elevation adjustment which takes target style adjustments a notch higher thanks to the push-button locking feature and easy-to-read revolution indicator.
Moreover, the scope brings to the table a Twilight Max HD Light Management System which provides amazing image quality even in critically low light settings. It also features a 34mm main tube which provides more room for windage and elevation adjustment as well as reticle movement.
To add on everything else, this optical device is 100% waterproof, fog resistant and shockproof to provide a lifetime of reliable performance.
Features
- Powerful and versatile 5:1 zoom ratio
- Matte finish
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Impact-14 MOA reticle
- CDS T-ZL3 elevation adjustment
- 34mm main tube
- 100% waterproof, fog resistant and shockproof
- Lightweight, rugged performance
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Leupold Mark 8 Rifle Scope 3.5-25x56mm
With the Mark 8 scope, you get an optic that delivers unmatched optical performance in any environment. It features the top-tier optics that are coated to maximize light transmission and reduce light loss through reflection. This gives you ultra-bright, clear and tack-sharp image views from sunrise to sunset.
Featuring a versatile 3.5x to 25x zoom power, this scope is ideal for hunting mule deer in multiple environments. At close ranges, it offers an incredibly wide field of view and excellent target acquisition at longer distances.
Furthermore, the scope features a first focal plane reticle which magnifies at every magnification for easy and accurate range estimation. It also features a fast focus eyepiece for secure reticle focusing and a large 35mm main tube which provides ample room for reticle movement. Last but not least, the scope has a robust aluminum body which is 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
Features
- 8:1 zoom ratio
- Lockable fast focus eyepiece
- Robust aluminum construction
- 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof.
- First focal plane Tremor 3 reticle
- Low profile M5C2 turrets
- Diamond Coat 2 lens coatings
- 34mm main tube
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- Matte finish
See Also
Best Leupold Scope for Mule Deer Hunting Buying Guide
Whether you are buying your first Leupold scope for mule deer hunting or you are looking to upgrade the old model, here are some of the important factors you should consider.
Magnification
Mule deer are always fast and difficult to hunt. So, having the right magnification is important to help you lock the target accurately. Your ideal magnification will depend on these two major things, your hunting environment and shooting distance.
A 3-9x scope should be sufficient for hunting in thick forests and at close and medium ranges. However, if you are looking to hunt mule deer in country settings where you will be shooting long range, go for a scope that offer higher magnification of not less than 10x.
Objective Lens
When it comes to hunting mule deer, it is always best to get a scope with a large objective lens. It will allow more light to pass through for bright and crisp image generation. A large objective lens also provides a wide viewing angle which every hunter needs for quick target scanning and rapid target acquisition.
Eye Relief
The next thing you should consider is the eye relief the scope offers. This is particularly important if you will be using a heavy recoil rifle and if you wear eyeglasses. Look for a scope that offers a generous eye relief of at least 3.5 inches.
Quality Lenses
For a scope to offer outstanding performance even in low light settings like dawn and dusk, it should have highly quality optics and properly coated lenses. Go for a scope that has fully coated or fully multi-coated lenses and good quality optics.
Weight
Whether you will be hunting mule deer in forested areas or in wide, open plains, make sure that you pick a scope that has a lightweight design. This way, you will be able to carry it around with ease as you look for the game. Lightweight scopes also have an added advantage of being easy to use and more accurate.
Advantages of Best Leupold Scope for Mule Deer Hunting
- Outstanding optical performance in low light settings
- Fully waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions
- Quality construction which maximizes the scopes durability
- Versatile magnification for hunting at varying ranges and in multiple environment
Best Leupold Scope for Mule Deer Hunting FAQs
- Are Leupold scopes good for mule deer hunting?
Yes. Leupold scopes offer a wide range of features suitable for mule deer hunting and hunting in general. They included outstanding low light performance, all-weather reliability, rugged durability and high-quality image views.
- Where are Leupold scopes made in?
All Leupold scopes are designed, machined and assembled in the USA. There are no other rifle scope manufacturing facilities anywhere else.
- Which is better, Vortex or Leupold?
When it comes to mule deer hunting, both brands have excellent reputations. However, Leupold has an advantage when it comes to quality, while Vortex offers excellent scopes at a much cheaper price.
Conclusion
We hope that this comprehensive buying guide has given you the insights into the best Leupold scope for mule deer hunting. Remember that your hunting environment and hunting distance will majorly determine which scope you pick. Whether you are a beginner or season mule deer hunter, invest in any scope listed above and use it to make your next hunting trip a success.