Thermal Binoculars and Scopes

gburk said:

I wonder what the consensus from hunters would be if they cost as much as, say, a rangefinder. Would hunters still think it’s not fair chase if everyone already owned one or could easily afford it? Does “fair” refer to the chase of game, or competition with other hunters with more disposable income? Ha

For the record I’ve not used it, and it does sound like a massive improvement in capability that skews the contest too much. Takes a lot of skill and luck out and replaces it with gadgetry, not good.

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I wouldn’t care if they gave a free thermal bino with each deer tag purchase, these have no place in fair chase hunting. Full stop

I Don't Own Any Of Them Either!

But Truth Be Known,Most DRAT'S Have Them!

They Use Every Advantage Imaginable!

Rather It Be Fair Or Not!

But Nobody In This State Can Figure Out Why The Deer Herd In This State Is Suffering!

Until 50+ Reasons Why Are Comprehended It's Never Gonna Change!

gburk said:

I wonder what the consensus from hunters would be if they cost as much as, say, a rangefinder. Would hunters still think it’s not fair chase if everyone already owned one or could easily afford it? Does “fair” refer to the chase of game, or competition with other hunters with more disposable income? Ha

For the record I’ve not used it, and it does sound like a massive improvement in capability that skews the contest too much. Takes a lot of skill and luck out and replaces it with gadgetry, not good.

Click to expand...

And Just When You Get To Thinking: What Else Will We See?

Another Piece Of GADGETRY Shows Up!

I'm Waiting For The Heat-Seeking Bullets!

I Know They're Out There!

Just Waiting For Them To Show Up In The Hunting World!

elkassassin said:

And Just When You Get To Thinking: What Else Will We See?

Another Piece Of GADGETRY Shows Up!

I'm Waiting For The Heat-Seeking Bullets!

I Know They're Out There!

Just Waiting For Them To Show Up In The Hunting World!

Click to expand...

From what everyone that has used them or seen them m they are devastating to wildlife. Todays trophy hunter is not satisfied with just binos and a spotter.. We already have the never ending over lapping seasons, why not harass them all night too.

The more I pay attention the more I notice deceitfulness in the hunting world. People were killing big bucks over apples all the time yet they will never post the apple pile or mention it. Also, a lot of these big bucks are taken on private land but they sure keep that quiet. Also, people are shooting bucks at night down in Mexico but they keep that quiet. If you're doing those things why are you hiding it, you must be ashamed of it. The hunting world is not what it seems. Much respect to those people out there hunting ethically on public land.

I have friend that owns one of the biggest Mule Deer collections in the World, its truly amazing to look at his collection. Let’s just say the bigger bucks with unique racks are bringing 30,000.00 to 50,0000.00 now with the giant state records bring more, finders fees 10,000 to 20,000 for finding big book Deer, night optics, airplanes, helicopters, trail cams, bait piles, salt licks, spotters and radios. I’m not seeing a lot of Fair Chase these days , but I guess that’s all in the eyes of the Guide or hunter.

I would go as far to say. Thermal is probably the most impactful, and efficient tool for finding anything with body heat. You just can’t hide from thermal. It has zero place in fair chase hunting. This needs to be getting way more attention from those making the rules, more then say: radios, trail cams, planes, bait, etc.
Thermal is very impressive and fun to use. The temptation to bust out a thermal monocular to find game is hard not to do. It completely changes the game. I can glass semi thick cover with a btx until my eyes bleed and not find anything. Bust out a thermal on a cool morning and game pops out like a headlamp in the dark. Really shouldn’t even be able to have a thermal in your possession while big game hunting. That’s the only way to stop it. Not in your pack, not in your truck, not on the quad, Nothing.
I own quality thermal and love it. But it has no place for hunting big game. If you want to use your thermal for bucks and bulls, go hunt a high fence.

I say if it is legal and you can afford them and you want to use them why not. Otherwise it’s just another gadget.