Spot More Game: How to Use Binoculars Like a Pro with Morgan Wines

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

In this episode of the Soul Summit Podcast, host Courtney Prete sits down with Morgan Wines, a guide and game warden whose passion for hunting started at just 12 years old. Morgan opens up about her early hunting days with her mom, the unforgettable lessons from an Alaskan moose hunt, and why self-reliance in the wilderness is a must-have skill for every young hunter.

The heart of the episode is all about glassing—the art and science of spotting animals from a distance without disturbing them. Morgan breaks down how understanding your optics, including what those numbers on your binoculars actually mean, can dramatically improve your success in the field. She shares tips on using a stable rest, why comfortable harnesses are game-changers, and how consistent practice with your optics can elevate your skills.

We also highlight the power of community through events like the Women’s Wilderness Summit, where women in hunting come together to grow, learn, and connect.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your backcountry techniques, this episode delivers practical strategies, memorable stories, and inspiration to help you become a more effective and confident hunter.

ON THE BLOG:

How to Choose the Right Hunting Optics

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Morgan began hunting at age 12, mentored by her mom.
  
  
• Her Alaskan moose hunt taught her resilience and patience.
  
  
• Glassing is vital for identifying animal behavior and location.
  
  
• Learn how to read binocular specs: magnification vs. lens diameter.
  
  
• A solid rest and steady hands improve clarity and reduce fatigue.
  
  
• Good harnesses = better accessibility and comfort in the field.
  
  
• Community events like the Women’s Wilderness Summit create space for connection and learning.
  
  

🗓️ Join Us:
Check out the Women’s Wilderness Summit coming up in Lewistown, Montana!
👉 https://www.heroutdoorjourney.com/product-page/women-s-wilderness-summit

SOCIALS:
@heroutdoorjourney_

@soulsummitpod_

@morganwines

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS
From long glassing sessions to quick scans, Maven optics deliver unmatched clarity straight to your hands—without the markup.
👉 Visit www.mavenbuilt.com and use code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT to save!

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES
Get deeper into the backcountry with Bakcou’s powerful E-bikes built for serious outdoor adventure.
👉 See more at www.bakcou.com and use code SSP200 at checkout!

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY
Designed to perform when it matters most. Hoyt’s bows are built tough for hunters who go the distance.
👉 Explore your options at www.hoyt.com

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS
Trusted gear for clean water, insect protection, and all-around outdoor safety—plus global impact initiatives.
👉 Learn more at www.sawyer.com

🗺️ onX MAPS
Know where you stand, every step of the way. From public land boundaries to topo details, onX Maps keeps you informed.
👉 Try it free at www.onxmaps.com

Enjoyed the episode?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and share what resonated with you—or what you’d love to hear more of. Thanks for being part of the Soul Summit community.

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your glass-to-harvest moments!

TAGS:
SoulSummitPodcast HerOutdoorJourney WomenWhoHunt Glassing101 MavenOptics HuntingSkills FieldToFreezer HuntingTips BackcountryLife WomenHunters OpticsEducation