it doesn't depend on the magnification of the scope it depends on the type of hunting you are doing?
if you are spot and stalking or sitting and waiting at distance you would want a bit more magnification
if you are stalking through the bush of course you would not want a scope at higher magnification
I know hunters who use 2-4x scopes to stalk through the bush but shots are very short, I would not see 8.5 as to high for doing the same myself
everyone has an opinion, do what works for you, at least you are doing it
if you are filling the freezer who cares
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