Is digital aiming the future

[danhuntingmi]

As a true luddite, I know the answer is no.

But I think for things like tactical, hog, and predator hunting it's probably a done deal. The advantage of seeing after dark or even thermal is too much to overcome with traditional optics. Plus, these people have grown accustomed to red dots already so many have already crossed the electronic aiming bridge already.

For a hunter, I can see a few benefits.

1. Electronic/AI enabled aiming perhaps integrated with the trigger/fire control.
2. Ability to record/spot shots.
3. Eliminate the zero retention/tracking issues everyone complains about.

The disadvantage is that electronics are known to completely fail due to abuse or planned obsolescence .

 

[WeiserBucks]

It's pretty universally against the law for big game, and that ain't changing.

 

[danhuntingmi]

It's pretty universally against the law for big game, and that ain't changing.

If they actually become popular it would definitely change. At most I could see restrictions on night vision and thermal capabilities, but even that's a stretch.

 

[WeiserBucks]

The regulations are getting tighter, not looser. They'll never allow it for big game in most of the western states.

 

[danhuntingmi]

The regulations are getting tighter, not looser. They'll never allow it for big game in most of the western states.

To some extent it'll depend on state. But despite increased out of state interest in some places, hunting is losing numbers and popularity. And out of state hunters don't have a ballot.

In my state, I wouldn't be surprised if we were night hunting deer within a few decades. Usually, equipment restrictions are the last hill the DNR folks want to die on, it seems. They use new gear to placate hunters while they make other unpopular changes.

And non night vision scopes don't provide any additional ability. Which is why I wonder if I would use one for only day capability.

 

[WeiserBucks]

In my state, I wouldn't be surprised if we were night hunting deer within a few decades.

In my state, if we allowed night hunting for mule deer they'd be on the endangered species list in three or four years.

 

[danhuntingmi]

In my state, if we allowed night hunting for mule deer they'd be on the endangered species list in three or four years.

Mule deer are in the downhill I guess.

Regardless, I think we'll see a lot more from digital optics. While I don't think they'll completely replace the regular scopes any time soon.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Have you noticed that as tech advances, the laws against it seem to advance too? There's simply no place for night hunting deer, elk, ect. in any western state. In fact, many states have already banned night observation optics much less night shooting shooting optics.

 

[danhuntingmi]

Have you noticed that as tech advances, the laws against it seem to advance too? There's simply no place for night hunting deer, elk, ect. in any western state. In fact, many states have already banned night observation optics much less night shooting shooting optics.

Again, I'm not necessarily talking about night capabilities only. That is only an aspect.

Also, I'm talking in general terms. Trends are driven by nationwide realities not just local ones. Specifically, hunting trends are driven by whitetail deer. Game populations may be struggling in your state but that's not anywhere near a universal phenomenon. While I'm not saying whitetail deer will someday be hunted at night, I wouldn't be shocked if they were.