It's not needed here (Idaho Panhandle) - a lot of the hunting is done in heavy timber where a scope doesn't do a lot of good. It's not useless but not required either.
Rick where do you hunt in the North Country? Its home for me also and its a mixed bag, from very heavy timber, to some ocassional real long shots. I admit you can get in and stay in heavy timber in the Panhandle, but I tend to hunt the clear cuts, right on the Idaho/Montana border is one of favorite spots so is a few miles south of the Candian border ( unless I am lazy and drive out my backyard up on the Bunko).
Anyway its mixed country and I like a scope, it must be set at lower power, and I have either 4X fixed or 1.5-2.5X--?? variables set to the lowest settings for the best field of view. Once in a great while I need to crank up the magnification ( measured in years, and its always for elk). I could have used iron sights on my last three successful deer hunts, a good rear peep would have worked, but I still like scopes on my rifles.
Long story, but once around 25 years ago I was on a hunt ( Not in North Idaho) I had a really decent chance at a real Boone and Crocket record class mule deer. But it was a long shot, uphill in a crosswind. I had a model 70 270 Winchester with iron sights. I know now after many years of rolling that lost chance in my mind that it was a deceptive shot, this bucks rack was about a thiry six inch spread min, with 6 inches past his ears on either side on the inner tines. It was so big I misjudged the distance buy a 100 yds at least. And the steep up hill angle didn't help matters.
Short and sweet I missed that deer and never have forgotten it. I did get a good buck the next day, dressed at over 200 lbs, almost 18" between the inner tines. It looked like a midget compared to the deer I missed. I swore that day I would never go to the field without a scope on my rifle again. Never seen another deer that big, but if I ever get the chance again I want a scope. A magum cartridge would have been a real plus that day also, but a scope was essential.
I haven't been on a hunt since without a scope. I admit the dark timber up the Panhandle makes this less important, but I also know the first time I go afield without one I will get my once in a lifetime shot at a royal bull elk out at 500 yds and I will be cursing my foolishness all over again.