I will be hunting Aoudad in October and could use recommendations on a good Spotting Scope. I don't want to spend over $900 as I will rarely use one. Thoughts?

I would look at the vortex Viper HD or the Razor HD 11-33.

This.

There is also an online company that rents spotters and binocs.

I am really thinking about getting a 11-33 but can't decided between the 11-33 razor or the 15-45 viper.

Razor is smaller, but viper is more magnification.

I think for hunting and spotting shots out to 500 i would be better served with the 11-33

Lighter and better glass in the Razor. That's an easy pick. Beet glass trumps magnification, always. And being lighter makes it a better pick for lugging around.

I spot for students to 800 yards with my rifle scope at 20X. I'm not going to see bullet holes in paper, but I can call corrections with it. If you're talking 500 yards with 33X you're doing all the good.

Thanks for the input I'm looking to upgrade as well

thats what i was thinking...thanks

Cmorsch, which model did you have on the Elk hunt last year? Viper HD?

Thanks all for the input. I just bought a Leupold Gold Ring 12-40x60 spotting scope. More than I wanted to spend but do agree that quality of glass is paramount.

I have the razor HD 16-48x65.