Is thermal imaging cheating or just a tool?

[Tag_bud]

Some people say it's unfair advantage and others say it's just modern equipment, where do you stand on using thermals for hunting?

 

[Ruckus]

I view thermal scopes as tools but it depends on the situation. For dealing with hogs at night, I'm all for it. But for regular deer hunting, I'd rather stick with regular scopes and my skills.

 

[Wadlow Palerider]

A tool for controlling the population of feral hogs and coyotes is OK IMO. Ive also seen videos of thermal scopes attached to air rifles and used to kill rats. another great application. If a large predator was attacking / killing off livestock and you had the chance to protect your livelihood - I'd take the shot - period. I'm against spot-lighting wildlife, so I wouldn't agree to the use of thermal scopes to hunt deer, rabbits, turkey, etc ...

 

[BKLooney]

They're another new tool in the evolution of things, if I did still hunt I would most likely not use one as I always enjoyed the challenge...unless it were for predators such as coyotes.

 

[Redhawker]

For hogs and coyotes, I have no problem with it. For deer and such, no. However, I think you should be able to use a handheld thermal device to assist with the recovery of the game. I mean, it's already shot and in most cases lying dead somewhere, or will die shortly. Why waste it if there's technology to assist in finding it?

 

[BKLooney]

For hogs and coyotes, I have no problem with it. For deer and such, no. However, I think you should be able to use a handheld thermal device to assist with the recovery of the game. I mean, it's already shot and in most cases lying dead somewhere, or will die shortly. Why waste it if there's technology to assist in finding it?

Never considered that aspect, recovery, not a bad idea!

 

[Wadlow Palerider]

Recovery is a great idea, especially in a state where dogs are not permitted.

 

[MC2]

I recently acquired a thermal. I just wanted to see what was wondering around the dark on my farm. After my dog got sprayed by a skunk, I am all for using it for varmint control.