Getting kids started with deer hunting is one of the best outdoor traditions around. The right scope makes hunting safer, more enjoyable, and boosts confidence—helping young hunters spot deer, make ethical shots, and have fun in the woods. Kids need scopes that are lightweight, easy to use, and designed for shorter distances and smaller rifles. This guide breaks down the best scopes for kids’ deer hunting, with a buyer’s guide, detailed reviews, a comparison table, and real answers to your most common questions.
Quick Picks
- Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 — Best Overall
- Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire — Best for Light Rifles & Budget
- Burris Droptine 3-9×40 — Best Classic Value
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Kids Deer Hunting Scope?
Choosing the right optic for a youth hunter is different than picking one for an adult. Here’s what really matters:
- Lightweight Build: Under 13 oz is ideal—keeps youth rifles balanced and easy to shoulder.
- Low Magnification: 2-7x or 3-9x is perfect for the typical 30–150 yard deer shot. Higher zoom is rarely needed for beginners.
- Simple, Bold Reticle: Duplex or V-Plex reticles are easy for kids to see and center on a deer—no busy BDC or tactical marks.
- Generous Eye Relief: 3.5” or more helps avoid “scope bite” and is more forgiving for quick shots.
- Easy Adjustments: No-nonsense turrets and fast focus eyepieces make zeroing and sighting straightforward for new shooters.
- Rugged & Weatherproof: Waterproof, shockproof, fogproof—built to handle bumps, drops, and all kinds of weather.
- Low Mounting Profile: Lower objective lens (32-40mm) helps with quick cheek weld and faster target acquisition for small frames.
Detailed Reviews — Best Scopes for Kids Deer Hunting
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33
Who it’s for: Youth and new hunters who want the best lightweight, clear, and easy-to-use scope for a first deer rifle.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-7x zoom for woods, fields, and food plots
- 33mm objective for low profile and plenty of light
- Ultra-light (just 11.1 oz)
- Simple duplex reticle for quick target acquisition
- Long eye relief (3.7”)
- American-made, lifetime warranty
- Pros:
- Super clear glass, easy for kids to use
- Stays zeroed, even after drops or bumps
- Forgiving eye box and fast focus
- Cons:
- No illumination
- Priced a bit higher, but worth it for reliability
- Final Verdict: This Leupold is the gold standard for kids—simple, bright, and built for years of deer seasons. Click for today’s price:
See Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 Price
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire
Who it’s for: Kids, teens, or anyone using a light deer rifle, .243, .350 Legend, .30-30, or even a youth .22 for small game and learning.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-7x zoom for every deer hunting distance
- Lightweight (14.3 oz) and easy to mount
- V-Plex reticle—simple, bold, and easy to see
- Fully multi-coated glass for good dawn/dusk clarity
- Forgiving 3.9” eye relief
- Lifetime Vortex VIP warranty
- Pros:
- Easy for kids to find the target
- Stands up to field bumps and weather
- Great value and customer support
- Cons:
- A little heavier than the Leupold
- No illuminated option
- Final Verdict: The Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a fantastic, affordable choice for youth rifles—clear, simple, and tough. See today’s price:
See Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Price
Burris Droptine 3-9×40
Who it’s for: Kids and new hunters who want a “classic” deer scope—just like Dad’s, but with modern glass and warranty.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x zoom for all deer hunting ranges
- Simple Ballistic Plex reticle for fast aiming
- Lightweight (13 oz) and easy to zero
- Bright, clear glass for morning or evening hunts
- Forever Burris warranty
- Pros:
- Time-tested design, easy for kids to use
- Simple, uncluttered crosshairs
- Very reliable for years of hunting
- Cons:
- No illumination
- No parallax adjustment (not needed for 200 yards and in)
- Final Verdict: The Droptine 3-9×40 is a classic, proven deer scope—affordable, lightweight, and built for the next generation. Click for today’s deals:
See Burris Droptine 3-9×40 Price
Bushnell Banner 2-7×36 Dusk & Dawn
Who it’s for: Families on a budget who want a dependable, bright scope for legal hunting hours in the woods or fields.
- Key Benefits:
- 2-7x zoom, 36mm objective—great for quick shots and low-light clarity
- Dusk & Dawn multi-coated lenses
- Simple Multi-X reticle
- Weighs just 11.5 oz
- Weatherproof and shockproof
- Pros:
- Light and compact for youth rifles
- Great for close stands and thickets
- Consistent zero, proven durability
- Cons:
- No parallax adjustment
- Less “high end” glass than others on this list
- Final Verdict: The Banner 2-7×36 is a true budget hero—reliable, light, and easy for new hunters to use. Click for today’s price:
See Bushnell Banner 2-7×36 Price
Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Truplex
Who it’s for: The youngest shooters, youth .22 deer rifles (where legal), or families on a very tight budget. Great as a starter scope for practice, small game, and learning marksmanship before deer season.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-9x zoom for versatile use
- Truplex reticle for easy target finding
- Rimfire parallax for close-range practice
- Lightweight (10 oz), comes with rings
- Pros:
- Super affordable
- Perfect for learning safety and marksmanship
- Trusted by generations of shooters
- Cons:
- Not intended for heavy centerfire recoil
- Glass is basic, but good for the price
- Final Verdict: The Simmons .22 Mag is unbeatable for budget builds and first-time practice—great for kids to gain confidence before stepping up to larger rifles. Click for deals:
See Simmons 3-9×32 .22 Mag Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Weight | Eye Relief | Reticle | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leupold VX-Freedom | 2-7x | 33mm | 11.1 oz | 3.7″ | Duplex | Check Price |
| Vortex Crossfire II | 2-7x | 32mm | 14.3 oz | 3.9″ | V-Plex | Check Price |
| Burris Droptine | 3-9x | 40mm | 13 oz | 3.1″ | Ballistic Plex | Check Price |
| Bushnell Banner | 2-7x | 36mm | 11.5 oz | 3.3″ | Multi-X | Check Price |
| Simmons .22 Mag | 3-9x | 32mm | 10 oz | 3.75″ | Truplex | Check Price |
FAQ — Scopes for Kids Deer Hunting
What’s the best magnification for youth deer scopes?
2-7x or 3-9x is best. Most kids’ shots are inside 150 yards. Lower magnification gives a bigger field of view and faster aiming for new hunters.
Is a rimfire scope okay for centerfire deer rifles?
Most rimfire scopes are designed for lower recoil. Use scopes labeled “centerfire rated” on larger calibers, or use rimfire scopes on .22 LR or .350 Legend, .30-30, and similar mild recoil rifles.
Do I need an illuminated reticle for kids?
No. Bold, simple crosshairs are easier for youth to center and focus on deer. Illumination isn’t necessary for daylight hunting.
How important is eye relief for youth hunting?
Very! Long eye relief helps prevent “scope bite” and gives new shooters confidence when learning proper head position.
Can these scopes handle bumps, drops, and bad weather?
Yes. Every scope here is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—built for real field use by young, energetic hunters.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Starting a new deer hunter off with the right scope means more safe, enjoyable, and successful days in the woods. Every optic here is trusted, easy to use, and perfect for young shooters and their families. Click any link above to check today’s prices, see more reviews, and make sure your young hunter is set up for a season full of memories!