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Best Strategies for Thermal Hog Hunting in the South

Take advantage of thermal imaging to dispatch wild hogs after dark.

Best Strategies for Thermal Hog Hunting in the South
Scopes with thermal technology let hunters target feral hogs in complete darkness, whether the animals are in wide-open fields or thick cover. (Photo by Bethany Beathard)

It is no secret that feral hogs are causing serious damage to parts of the Southern landscape. These invasive animals wreak havoc on both natural habitats and agricultural lands, damaging fields, uprooting crops and outcompeting native wildlife for resources, sometimes disrupting the balance of ecosystems.

The aftermath of their destructive rooting and foraging spans beyond the South, too. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that there are more than 9 million feral hogs in our country. Their presence has been confirmed in 35 states, and with a year-round breeding cycle and average litters of five to eight piglets, their populations expand rapidly.

Hunting is widely considered an effective means to get feral hog numbers in check, so wildlife managers and biologists, ranchers and other land owners welcome the assistance of hunters. The fact that the animals are primarily nocturnal poses a major challenge, however, as many hunters have had a tough time locating and taking down wild pigs under the cover of darkness. Luckily, the advancement of thermal imaging now provides a welcome solution.

NIGHT-SHIFT SWINE

Wild hogs tend to reside in places with dense vegetation and rugged terrain. And they mostly venture out to forage between dusk and dawn, when they are least likely to be discovered by people and predators, such as coyotes, bears, panthers or mountain lions and smaller felines like bobcats. Therefore, hunting them during daylight hours, especially without dogs, can be difficult and not very productive. Digital night-vision optics would seem like just the ticket to target feral hogs at night, but they have some limitations.

On a recent hunt in south Georgia, a wounded hog ran off into the swamp and was almost impossible to follow along the trail it made through the briars. The thick underbrush and lack of natural light even made it difficult to spot the animal with digital night vision, which works by amplifying existing light and does not see well in complete darkness. But thermal-imaging technology in specialized scopes and monoculars has proven to be a true game changer.

TACTICAL ADVANTAGE

Unlike digital night vision, which intensifies existing natural or artificial light to create an image, thermal imaging doesn’t rely on ambient light and it works in total darkness. Thermal optics detect the infrared radiation (heat signature) emitted by animals and objects, thus allowing hunters to spot hogs and other targets as their heat signature stands out against the background, even in thick underbrush.

Thermal-imaging devices make use of different color palettes to display the details and features of a target and its surroundings, and they provide different viewing modes to let users select the most helpful option based on their preference or the situation. Warm colors like red, orange and yellow point out the heat signature of hogs and other animals registered by infrared sensors, while blue and black signal vegetation and other objects with cooler temperatures. But the “white-hot” viewing mode, my personal favorite, shows the objects emitting the most heat or energy in white, while cooler objects or environments appear some shade of gray or black. This more basic and contrasting palette allows the hunter to easily distinguish animals from their environments in the dark.

gaf-night-shot

Overall, thermal optics significantly enhance the hunting experience by improving the detection and tracking of wild hogs, especially in challenging conditions. They provide an edge where traditional methods fall short. This improved detection not only increases the likelihood of a successful hunt but also enhances safety by affording better situational awareness. Hunters can easily identify animals and potential hazards in their surroundings, reducing the risk of accidental encounters with dangerous game or other hunters.

Additionally, the ability to hunt effectively in complete darkness opens up new opportunities, allowing for more flexibility and expanding the hunting window beyond daylight hours.

BASIC SKILLS REMAIN CRUCIAL

While the use of thermal optics may seem like cheating, hog hunters still need to rely on their traditional hunting skills to succeed. Pre-hunt scouting is essential, starting with observing locations during the day to identify areas of hog activity and understand the animals’ behavior and travel patterns. Knowing where hogs move, feed and bed down can help hunters choose the ideal tactics and strategic locations to set up for a nighttime hunt.

Setting up in areas with good visibility and scanning methodically are key for maximizing coverage and spotting hogs. Despite the advantages of thermal-imaging technology, however, hunters still need to remember to stay downwind, minimize noise and use calls or bait to tip the scales in their favor. In team-hunting scenarios, coordination and clear communication among partners will enhance efficiency and coverage. By combining technology with time-tested hunting practices, hunters can considerably increase their odds of success.

SCOPING FROM BLIND OR STAND

Hunting from a blind offers the advantage of concealment, while hunters who use tree stands gain the benefit of an elevated position. Often, the best placement of either is near a food source or a known hog trail. The use of thermal optics in these scenarios allows hunters to track the heat signatures of hogs as they move through the darkness. This often results in a more controlled and precise shot.

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A rifle with a thermal optic rests on the window of a hunting blind.
Whereas night vision amplifies existing light to create an illuminated image, thermal optics reveal targets by detecting their heat signatures. (Photo by Bethany Beathard)

Years ago, when we first started hunting wild hogs in south Georgia, they would run deer off our feeders and eat all the corn. Every time we checked our trail cameras, it seemed like their numbers were growing, so we started attaching green lights and motion sensors to the feeders. When pigs approached and tripped the sensors, the lights would illuminate the pigs well enough for us to take aim. But the use of a thermal monocular now enables us to see them coming well before they reach the feeders.

SPOT-AND-STALK IN THE DARK

In contrast to waiting in ambush in a strategically located stand or blind, spot-and-stalk hunting in the dark is a more active but challenging approach. On my most recent hog hunt in Texas, we spotted a group about 200 yards away. We stalked the feral pigs until we got within 50 yards and harvested two large sows.

With this method, hunters use thermal monoculars or binoculars to locate hogs from a distance, then slowly and quietly move toward them. This requires a higher level of skill in navigation and a good understanding of wild pigs’ behavior, as any noise or wind shift can alert the animals and cause them to flee. The spot-and-stalk method is also more physically demanding and requires a keen awareness of the terrain, as moving in the dark can be risky. However, the thrill of the chase and the challenge of getting close to the target can make the hunt more rewarding. This approach offers a more immersive experience and can be especially effective in areas where hogs are more spread out or where blind setups are impractical.

HUNTERS BEWARE

Due to the aggressiveness of feral hogs when they feel threatened, close encounters with these animals can be dangerous. They are known to charge when cornered, and their sharp tusks can cause serious injury. This unpredictability requires hunters to remain cautious and in high alert throughout the hunt.

I still remember the advice I got during my early hog hunts in Georgia: “If a hog charges, run behind a tree.” While that doesn’t really apply when targeting wild pigs in Texas’ open fields, it’s still smart to remain alert and, when possible, put something between you and an ornery swine.

A wild hog stands in a field.
When stalking hogs, keep in mind that they can be aggressive when they feel threatened and have the means to inflict serious harm. (Shutterstock photo)

SELECTING A THERMAL SCOPE

Riflescopes with thermal-imaging technology can be pricey, but some manufacturers offer good options for the more cost-conscious. No matter the price level, however, there are certain key features to look for when shopping for thermal optics. High resolution and a long detection range are among the most desirable, as these features will enable you to spot feral swine from greater distances and see them clearly enough to monitor their activities. Also look for rugged construction for durability’s sake and intuitive, user-friendly controls that will allow easy adjustments during a hunt.

As stated earlier, multiple display modes in different color schemes will allow you to pick the one that best helps you zero-in on your target, whatever the scenario. Don’t forget to also consider battery life. You certainly don’t want your thermal scope to run out of juice at the moment of truth.

OPTICS OPTIONS
  • There’s a right thermal scope for you, whatever your budget.

PULSAR THERMION 2 LRF XP50 PRO

A pulsar thermion riflescope.
Photo courtesy of Pulsar USA

A premium investment for hunters who want a top-tier thermal scope, Pulsar’s Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro boasts a detection range of 1,800 meters and numerous bells and whistles. Hunters will love the rugged construction and the integrated laser rangefinder, which allows for precise distance measurements in the field. It also incorporates a high-definition thermal sensor for exceptional image clarity in all sorts of conditions, Wi-Fi integration, ambidextrous focusing and more. ($4,999; pulsar-nv.com)

ATN THOR 4 384 2-8X

An ATN Thor 4 thermal optic.
Photo courtesy of ATN Corp

An offering from ATN packed with advanced features, the THOR 4 384 2-8X makes use of Smart HD thermal technology to provide clear imaging in any environment. The integrated video recording lets users capture and share their hunts effortlessly, and the built-in ballistic calculator enhances accuracy by accounting for key factors like distance, wind and elevation. The smart rangefinder, Bluetooth connectivity, 3D gyroscope and the mentioned ballistic calculator stand out among the many features. ($1,999; atncorp.com)

SIGHTMARK WRAITH 4K MINI

A Sightmark Wraith thermal optic.
Photo courtesy of Sightmark

Despite its compact size, Sightmark’s Wraith 4K Mini 2-16x32 mm offers a wealth of capabilities and impressive magnification, providing detailed visuals in various lighting conditions. With multiple reticle options, it accommodates different shooting preferences. The scope’s long battery life ensures continued performance during extended outings. The top features include an HD digital display, built-in recorder with up to 4K resolution, five color palette options and a lightweight and compact design. ($799.97; sightmark.com)


  • This article was featured in the December/January 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.



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