I have a Steyr Scout .308W which is set up specifically for dense woodland deer hunting, with an
Aimpoint 'Hunter S34' red dot sight.
Why not a traditional scope? Because I found virtually all my shots are at 40-60 yards, and I like the concept of 'both eyes open' shooting, as with a shotgun, for much increased field of view and peripheral awareness. Due to my working hours I also find myself hunting a lot midday rather than early AM or late PM, so a x1 magnification and 'light gathering' qualities some attribute to scopes
are not relevant for me.
A good quality red dot sight will be 1 or 2 MOA at 100 yards so the red dot covers only a very small proportion of the kill zone, therefore at my typical culling distance it is more than adequate. Also, in a dense woodland scenario, I shoot unsupported (no sticks or bipod) but I do use a Ching Sling for additional stability.
There are disadvantages to a red dot sight:
1. Long distance shots are tricky as the magnification is x1, and sometimes you have to let one go rather than place a bad shot.
2. At low light conditions you have 10-15 min less available daylight than when you use a more traditional scope, so maybe not ideal for typical UK lowland woodland high-seat deer hunting.
The 'Scout scopes' are a good compromise between a red dot sight and a more typical traditional scope, so to make the most of the Steyr Scout (short, light, pointable all-round rifle) I would stick to a Scout scope, quite far forward mounted, as intended when designed. the
Leopold VX.R 1.5-5 x 33 FireDot would be my choice.