Coach Report post Posted September 9, 2012 Hunters seem to be on the "bleeding" edge of technology. We use the very best optics from binoculars to spotting scopes and range finders. I've noticed this year that some new tools are becoming increasingly available to hunters - specifically thermal imaging binoculars and monoculars. This technology has trickled down from military applications to the hunting community. There is no doubt about its effectiveness in combat - any any advantage our boys have in finding and eliminating those who want to kill them is a blessing. But what are your thoughts about the ability to locate and persue game based on thermal imaging? Cabela's has several units now under $3000 where this type of tool used to be 12K and up. I've seen all the youtube vids of hog hunters using thermal scopes to smack field-destroying pigs - but it looks like this technology could be equally effective at locating deer or elk, even during daylight hours. What are the ethical implications of hunters able to locate game via thermal imaging? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nighthawk Report post Posted September 9, 2012 I have used thermal imaging cameras for work many times. They don't do well in sunlight and far distance . Maybe threw binos it would work better?!? But night would be the best option IMO . We used our cameras at work to detect water leaks. I always turned all the lights off in house to help with reading the camera. They are amazing though and technology would blow ur mind! U can pick up fresh footprints or finger prints on walls or floors. A fun tool to play with! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted September 9, 2012 What are the ethical implications of hunters able to locate game via thermal imaging? I'd say as long as you are targeting a specific deer you have patterend on a game camera over a pile of corn and you're sitiing in a blind 800 yards away you're good to go. This is def the way to go for the hunter of the future. You can sleep in and wack a deer before lunch and if you have a wood cutting permit and the ambition to haul arse cross country you can be home by 3, posting pics. Perfect World. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZLance Report post Posted September 9, 2012 This technology has been out there for quite sometime. We used it to find elk and bears in thick cover 5 years ago. It works especially good at night. You can locate a specific animal before light , and be set up in the right place come first light. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted September 9, 2012 I've seen done BIG coues and mule deer bucks with thermal imaging in 36c.....pretty sweet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted September 9, 2012 I've seen done BIG coues and mule deer bucks with thermal imaging in 36c.....pretty sweet You're not supposed to be looking for deer on the job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZLance Report post Posted September 9, 2012 No offense to the guys that use this stuff, but I feel too much technology is taking away from the true spirit of hunting. Everyone is different, but finding wild game on my own, without the aid of gadgets and gizmos, is all part of the fun. The thrill of the unknown.! So I take it that you ride your horse from your house to your hunting area, and then use a long bow right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elpepe25 Report post Posted September 9, 2012 No offense to the guys that use this stuff, but I feel too much technology is taking away from the true spirit of hunting. Everyone is different, but finding wild game on my own, without the aid of gadgets and gizmos, is all part of the fun. The thrill of the unknown.! So I take it that you ride your horse from your house to your hunting area, and then use a long bow right? how is using technology in this capacity any different than using technology to shoot far (rangefinders), scout while your at home(game cameras) or recover game (vehicles)? Everyone has thier own method and is a hypocrite in some aspect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123456 Report post Posted September 9, 2012 As with anything in life, a line has to be drawn somewhere. I would draw mine on this topic. Seems like a little much to me. But to each their own. If you feel you need to use thermal imaging, use it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted September 9, 2012 brent, you should change your username to Debbie Downer. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cw4192 Report post Posted September 9, 2012 hunting has become a business. Guides have been using this technologhy for years. . Like I have said before get off ur butt and scout or know the unit you are hunting. If you are gonna use night vision why not just spotlight? all will be ILLEGAL soon. heck the gov't is already closing roads in coco national forest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted September 10, 2012 Just to clarify, I don't own any of these devices and have no plans to purchase one - just wondering what other hunters think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muleskinner Report post Posted September 10, 2012 At what point does it cease to be hunting...and become merely "killing"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mp_moody Report post Posted September 10, 2012 Unless the price continues to drop, I doubt less than 1% of hunters will acquire and use thermal imaging in the field. There may be money in guides purchasing them as there would be a quick return in investment after a few successful hunts. Personally, if I could afford it I would be all over this. I sure as heck wouldn't tell you guys though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hunterjohnny Report post Posted September 10, 2012 Unless the price continues to drop, I doubt less than 1% of hunters will acquire and use thermal imaging in the field. There may be money in guides purchasing them as there would be a quick return in investment after a few successful hunts. Personally, if I could afford it I would be all over this. I sure as heck wouldn't tell you guys though. Probably what most are thinking! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
