All the options — in sharp focus

You don’t actually need much kit to go deerstalking. Binoculars to spot a beast and a rifle to bring it down are essential, but I would argue that a telescopic riflescope is the most important part of the set-up. There’s a reason why most stalkers advise spending more on a scope than a rifle.

A scope turns your rifle into a more accurate tool; it connects you to your quarry before you squeeze the trigger. It has to be reliable to ensure humane shot placement, and to withstand recoil, weather, knocks and being dragged through undergrowth and dirt when crawling into position.

Scopes haven’t changed much over the years, but at any gun shop you’ll be