I SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN HUNTING BLINDS AND GAME VIEWING OFF THE FRONT PORCH AT THE RANCH AND ELSEWHERE. I SEE A LOT OF ANIMALS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE CLOSE UP PHOTOS OF FOR GAME COUNT/CENSUS AND OTHER REASONS. I NEED SOMETHING THAT WILL GIVE ME GOOD "CLOSE UP" PHOTOS AT UP TO 100 YARDS AND TRY TO HOLD COST DOWN TO AROUND $300, ANY SUGGESTIONS?

I assume you wanting a handheld camera not game camera? I?ve used Canon for all my photography for years (film and digital). Friends of mine are Nikon fans? I?d recommend looking at what each offers you in your price range and needs. Hope this helps
D.

This could be a real rabbit hole of information

You are going to want something with a good optical zoom. You might get away with some "digital" zoom but that just blows up the existing pixels and is similar to what you can do on your computer.

A long zoom may introduce a fair amount of camera shake and blur. You will get best results if you use a tripod and shutter timer.

https://www.dpreview.com/ is a good site for general reviews and comparisons.
They have a budget camera review
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-camera-bargains-of-2018

If you want to maximize your $$ a used DSLR (digital SLR) or digital mirrorles camera would be the way to go if you can learn enough to recognize a good deal or find someone to give you personalized advice.

Rey, All the photos I've posted here and in The Sixgunner the last 7-8 years were taken by my 3X4" Olympus digital camera with a 5X zoom. I get 8X10 photos made off it. The quality of the posts and photos has been excellent Long range photos are crisp and clear out to 400 yds.
I bought a Nikon the same size as a back up last year. It's quality and long range use is just as good.
I never thought cameras that small would give photos of that quality.

I use an Olympus like Doc. They have a "weatherproof" housing which makes them pretty much immune to fogging and moisture. I also bought the newer model which is more compact and has more zoom.