Thread: I've Experienced the Advantage of Hunting with Thermal and Night Vision

Sorry Muzza, i haven't tried to change reticule brightness on either the Pulsar I was using, or on my Sytong HT-60. But I have found that some of the reticule shapes or colours seem better to use than others... and these can be selected from a menu.

Back to my thoughts about effective hunting at night....

I think the greatest 'game changer' for me was using a thermal monocular. The one I used was a Burris. It detected animals hundreds of yards away. I didn't know there were so many hedgehogs around, and I noticed small critters like rats and mice. So for a hunter who goes to a lot of areas or who is hunting on unfamiliar territory, a thermal spotter will be a big help and possibly quite an eye-opener.

For someone who knows the territory well, I think a low powered NV scope like the Sytong HT-60 might be the only bit of high technology needed to increase the success rate. When you know where the animals are likely to be, you can scan the area with your scope. A thermal monocular is amazing, but may cost a lot. If it adds to your pleasure... or increases your knowledge of animal behaviour it may be well worth getting one.

Somebody asked about costs. The Burris thermal monocular sells for about $3500. A Pulsar Digex night vision scope might cost you $2500. Both these items are excellent as far as I can tell from my rather limited experience. However you can have very good night vision ability with a Sytong HT-60 without a rangefinder for $999. And if you don't need a dedicated NV rig, an add-on Sytong NV unit only costs $600 or so. I picked the rangefinder version (HT-60 LRF) because I shoot subsonics from a .22 and a Bergara .357 magnum where knowing the range is really useful. While it cost $400 more than the basic model, I simply wanted to have it. Some newly retired guys go on a cruise .... or trade in their missus for a new model.... or buy a Harley. I'd rather spend on something that adds to my enjoyment and success in the outdoors.

Recurring Pig Visits. I have had pleasing results trapping pigs that keep coming to certain areas. A trap is hunting for you all day, every day. The law rightfully requires traps to be checked every day, but they can be very effective. From previous experience I know that the topic of trapping can be controversial, but I will be happy to share what I know. Perhaps send me a private message if you are interested.