October 01, 2024
By Lynn Burkhead
For many hunters throughout time, the idea of hunting at night is about as familiar as a Fourth of July snowstorm in downtown Key West.
The reason for that, of course, is that in most every U.S. state, the act of night hunting for game animals like white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, wild turkeys, small game animals, upland game birds and waterfowl is strictly prohibited.
But when the topic turns to fur-bearing animals like raccoons and coyotes along with other non-game animals like the nation's runaway wild hogs, the practice of nighttime hunting—and in using artificial lights and night-vision equipment to do so—is legally acceptable and becoming more so each year.
In fact, in my home state of Texas, night-vision gear is quite common these days when the subject turns to wild hog hunting under the cover of darkness. This attempts to stem the tidal wave of wild hogs swamping the Lone Star State landscape—a problem that is akin to a Biblical plague at times as you scan fields in the dark as the foraging snouts of these wild pigs root about and create plenty of damage.
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The Wild Pig Problem
You might be wondering just how big the wild pig issue is between the Red River and the Rio Grande. Well, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, it's Texas-sized big.
In fact, in a 2020 report , TPWD notes that from 1982 to 2016, the wild pig population in the United States grew from 2.4 million to an estimated 6.9 million as the wild swine expanded from 18 states to 35 states during that same timeframe. And in some instances, reliable sources, like veteran outdoor writer and hunting firearms authority Craig Boddington in a recent story for Game & Fish Magazine, details the wild hog problem being even bigger, perhaps as many as 9 million and counting.
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The problem in Texas, like many other things found within the outsized state at the bottom of the Great Plains, is a 10-gallon hat issue. So much so that the state has an estimated 2.6 million wild pigs living in some 253 of 254 counties. What’s the one county that has yet to have a report of a wild pig within its borders? That would be El Paso County, the state's westernmost county.
While nighttime hunting is strictly prohibited for game species, the use of thermal imaging riflescopes has opened up a new world of hunting possibilities in the ongoing war against wild hogs. (Photo by author) One problem that hunters and land managers have in controlling wild pigs across Texas—and in other states too, for that matter—is that it takes very little hunting pressure before wild swine go nocturnal in their daily movements and feeding patterns.
Another issue is that they can make themselves quite at home just about anywhere, in rural settings and even in suburban environments, thanks to their tolerance for a wide range of habitat types and ability to dine on varied food resources.
Perhaps the biggest problem is how prolific wild pigs are at producing the next generation, with the average age of a sow reaching reproductive maturity being only 8 months. And, when that sow achieves the ability to reproduce, she can have 1.5 liters per year on average, with each litter producing 5.64 piglets per litter.
With few natural predators able to take a large wild pig down, the landscape is quickly overrun with wild hogs once they get established, and that expensive problem isn't going away anytime soon.
How much economic damage do these wild rooters cause? TPWD says that in 2007, research into the growing problem figured out that each wild pig "...carried an associated (damage plus control) cost of $300 per year."
When TPWD did the math on the estimated U.S. wild pig population at the time (estimated then at 5 million) and Americans were spending over $1.5 billion annually in damages and control costs. Since then, the number of wild pigs roaming the countryside has only increased, leading TPWD to opine in 2020 that annual costs associated with the critters were likely near the $2.1 billion damage and costs mark.
While hunters certainly enjoy adding yet another critter to hunt to their list of annual possibilities—in this case, something of a “big non-game” animal—they’ll need some specialized gear to do so, namely a good rifle capable of taking a big old wild boar down efficiently, as well as the specialized scopes and binoculars required to do so.
Enter Nighttime Hunting Gear
As you might understand, the practice of using nighttime thermal optics hunting gear is acceptable in Texas when the subject turns to the wild hog invasion that continues, as well as the battle that is waged on many nights to control, if not eradicate, these wild swine.
When the sun goes down, the wild hog hunting action is about to heat up in places like Texas and Oklahoma. (Photo by author) And with that willingness to use such gear in a nighttime hunt for pigs , the products available for such efforts continue to grow and expand as the industry builds on its surprisingly lengthy history. In fact, within the digital pages of the Game & Fish website, you'll find a number of articles on hunting problem pigs , including how to use these thermal imaging optics that illuminate the dark thirty sky in a way that hunters can see the light, when it comes to wild hogs, at least.
You might want to ask about the lengthy history of such devices because it would appear that such technology is only recent. But, according to thermal imaging optics maker Pulsar, the history of such devices can trace its roots back into the 1800s and even beyond as astronomers began to use plates of darkened glass of different colours , or light filters, to look at the surface of the sun. Over time, and through a series of increasing discoveries, advancements were made all the way up to Great Britain's development of a TV system for detecting aircraft.
By the 1950s and 1960s, collaborative efforts by Texas Instruments, Hughes Aircraft and Honeywell made additional discoveries, although the costs were even too high for the U.S. military for scanning of a scene and the production of a usable image. Enter Raytheon in 1978. Its research and patented ferroelectric detectors (based on barium strontium titanate (BST) helped push forward thermal imaging systems for the military.
From riflescopes to binoculars to monoculars, there are a number of thermal optics products that will help nighttime pig hunters knock down some wild pork chops. (Photo by author) Today, while I can personally attest to the fact that I don't understand necessarily how these devices work, I can vouch for the fact that they do the job in a nightime grain field being overrun by feral hogs. And thanks to the push for newly refined thermal imaging technology, the industry has plenty of current and future fuel to discover both new military applications and civilian applications well into the future on what is an increasingly crowded field of manufacturers providing the latest in thermal imaging equipment. Be forewarned that even years into this thermal iimaging optics revolution, however, such equipment remains pricey at best. Although recently, costs have trended downward a slight bit as more and more competition arrives in the marketplace.
Thermal Optics Options for 2024
As noted above, it’s easy to get sticker shock when looking at new optics in the thermal imaging world. Thankfully, prices have come down some over time and should continue to do so.
But for now, get ready with a large stack of George Washingtons if you want to get into the nighttime hunting of wild hogs with thermal imaging devices.
While digital night-vision optics add additional possibilities to this nighttime hog hunting concept, we’ll save those products for another preview somewhere down the road.
And with that, here is a look at several of the newest thermal optics options available for wild pig hunting this year:
AGM Rattler TC35-384
(Photo courtesy of AMG Global Vision) A compact thermal imaging clip-on system, the AGM AGM Rattler TC35-384 thermal imaging scope allows quick transforming of daylight optics into thermal imaging without any special tools or equipment.
Coming with a 35mm germanium lens and a 384x288 resolution with a high sensitivity NETD <35mK detector, this scope has a detection range of up to 1,235 yards. The Rattler TC also gives users a clear image even when weather conditions are less than ideal, including fog, rain, snow and more.
Like other units profiled here, the Rattler comes with built-in recording capabilities and still picture-capturing options. With 16GB onboard storage, 4.5 hours of battery life (utilizing two CR123 batteries), external power options, and photo and video sharing through a Wi-Fi hotspot and the AGM Connect app, and this is another high-tech modern design.
A final reason to love this unit for nighttime hog hunting is that the company notes that its Rattler TC can be easily attached in front of daytime scopes with magnification of up to 8X for medium-range use. MSRP: $2,525
FLIR Scion OTM Thermal Monocular
(Photo courtesy of Flir) Able to capture clear thermal imaging in a smaller, easier-to-use package, the FLIR Scion OTM Thermal Monocular is built around the company's powerful Boson Core. That means advanced image processing and a vivid OLED display with superb viewing no matter the environmental conditions.
Producing 9 or 60 Hz thermal imaging and geotagged video and still images for playback after a nighttime of scouting, you can review sharp thermal imaging thanks to the unit's internal and microSD expandable memory.
And with polished, easy-to-use menus, users can make quick thermal palette adjustments and utilize such features as picture-in-picture zoom function, video recording and GPS functionality, according to FLIR. With a rugged, IP67-rated housing and single-hand operation, this unit definitely fits the bill as it finds its way into a nighttime hunter's gear backpack. MSRP: $3,149
Pulsar Merger LRF XT50 Binoculars
(Photo courtesy of Pulsar) Thermal imaging riflescopes aren't the only thing that a nighttime hog hunter will want in the field because a set of thermal imaging binoculars certainly comes in handy as you search for wild rooters tearing up the landscape.
If a pair of thermal binos is on your wish list, the new Merger LRF XT50 binoculars from Pulsar should fit the bill. Offering plenty of versatility, these binoculars are equipped with 1280x1024 pixel resolution and a built-in laser rangefinder (up to 1,500 yards), giving these binos the ability to provide a wide field of view and high magnification at the same time.
Thanks to the European-made, high-def thermal imaging sensor, exceptional clarity is available in all weather conditions including rain, fog and cold temperatures. Add in the fact that this is the first Pulsar device to feature image stabilization and motion blur, and shakiness is eliminated as a hunter switches between targets and follows pigs trying to exit stage right when the shooting starts.
And with a rugged magnesium alloy housing, a selection of eight color palettes, an IPX7 waterproof rating, built-in photo and video recording with 64GB of storage, and app support for Wi-Fi integration with iOS and Android devices, these are truly about as high-tech and advanced as such products can get in the world of modern hog hunting. MSRP: $8,799
Pulsar Thermion 2 XG50 Thermal Riflescope
(Photo courtesy of Pulsar) According to Pulsar, the Thermion 2 XG50 Thermal Riflescope is yet another step forward in the evolution process of the company's lineup of thermal riflescopes.
To start with, the detection range of this thermal scope is 2,500 yards, matching the shooting potential of long-range precision rifles operating in full daylight. Then add in the scope's sensitive <40 NETD 12µm pixel pitch sensor, and the delivery of 640x480 resolution brings crisp imaging in a sharp image package required for identifying the appropriate nighttime wild hog target.
The 1024x768 AMOLED display means that users can view their targets downrange with stunning clarity, not to mention in amazing detail thanks to the scope's rapid F50 F/1.0 lens, its base magnification of 3x and digital zoom capabilities all the way up to 24x.
With a built-in photo and video recorder, up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge, 10 reticle shapes in nine color modes, eight different color palettes, improved Wi-Fi connectivity, and being impervious to moisture with full IPX7 waterproofing, and this is a superb thermal scope suited for big rifle calibers like .30-06, .300, and even .375H&H. MSRP: $3,400
RICO HD 1280 2X 75mm Thermal Weapon Sight
Why would a nighttime hog hunter need a thermal scope costing the price of a decent used pickup truck? In a word, clarity. And in two words, superior clarity.
Such clarity is made possible in the RICO HD 1280 2X 75mm Thermal Weapon Sight thanks to a 1280x1024 sensor and a sensor frame rate of 30hz., a 12-micron sensor pixel size, 2X optical magnification, 16X digital magnification, and an objective F# of f/1.0. This video and image-providing scope has a detection range of 3,600 yards.
And with an objective focal length of 75mm and an objective diameter of 75 mm, all of this adds up to a thermal scope that will make a big old boar hog stand out like it's high noon as you settle the crosshairs on a wild swine reduction project. MSRP: $17,999
Sig Sauer ECHO SV50-LRF Thermal Sight
(Photo courtesy of Sig Sauer) For 2024, Sig Sauer utilizes its years of experience and blends thermal imaging technology with its rugged optical systems, resulting in the Sig Sauer ECHO SV50-LRF THERMAL SIGHT .
Featuring a LWIR 640x512 VGA 12um 50Hz thermal core with ≤20mK sensitivity, this unit streamlines the shooting process, eliminates the needs for additional devices, charts, and formulas, and improves shooting performance in the field.
Able to record still photos and video with audio, courtesy of the unit's 32GB of solid-state —perhaps future footage for an Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel or MOTV hunting show—the ECHO is also BDX 2.0 enabled and includes Sig Sauer's Applied Ballistics Ultralight with a complete AB bullet database.
Add in the 1000-yard integrated laser rangefinder, and this is a superb thermal optics offering from Sig Sauer. MSRP: $5,999
Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16X35 Thermal Scope
(Photo courtesy of Sightmark) The Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35 Thermal Scope is a budget-friendly option that has plenty of hunting-friendly features. In part, it does so thanks to the product's unique green hot, rainbow and magenta color palettes in addition to black hot and white hot. These all give eye comfort, more precise heat detection and added background contrast, important considerations after midnight when you're trying to zero in on a quick-moving herd of wild hogs.
Offering 384x288 thermal resolution, an OLED display, 10 reticles and nine reticle colors, five weapon profiles, the five color palettes noted above and build-in recording with sound, this unit has a display resolution of 1024x768 along with a NEDT Sensitivity of <40mK.
Rated for the .308 Winchester caliber, the Sightmark product comes with 2X optical magnification, a detection range of 1,400 yards and supports a 256GB memory card for recording the night's hunting action in temperatures that can range from -4°F to 122°F.
And that means that you can chase your dark thirty bacon when it's cold enough to freeze it or hot enough to fry it on the spot, which can happen on a Texas hog hunting expedition, all within a single week! MSRP: $1,699
Trijicon REAP-IR 24 mm Thermal Riflescope
(Photo courtesy of Trijicon) Renowned optics maker Trijicon offers its REAP-IR 24 mm Thermal Riflescope as an option to hog hunters looking for a nighttime thermal imaging edge.
While the REAP-IR thermal riflescope is on the smaller side, it's rugged and powerful and lets the hunter engage their target in any light condition. With a 640x480, 12-micron thermal image sensor that delivers crisp, clear images through smoke, dust and complete darkness, the unit features a thumb-stick system controller that gives rugged, weatherproof, multi-directional and fast operation out in the field.
A made-in-the-USA product, this Trijicon unit also has a newly integrated DVR that records 640x480 MP4 video to an SD card or to an external recorder vis a USB-C attachment that also offers the use of an external battery pack.
And, with the scope's user-selectable reticle choices including the classic crosshair along with the new MRAD, MOA, .223 Rem, .308 Win, and 300 BLK BDC reticles, this Trijicon product can be put into use in a number of hog-getting ways on your next nighttime wild swine hunting adventure. MSRP: $7,209
