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.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Game populations may be struggling in your state but that's not anywhere near a universal phenomenon.

It's universal throughout the entire western US, where are you located?

 

[Nine Banger]

I agree that we will be night hunting white tails in the southeast before long. Probably have to pay for a permit and register property.

There were 17 antlerless deer in my front yard ruminating last night and about 47 across the road at the neighbors.

Basically a depredation permit without the caveat.

 

[scaast]

I don’t think thermal/night vision will ever be allowed for big game…day or night. Scopes are already evolving with built in range finders, levels, etc. Just a matter of time before a fully integrated aiming solution with range and environmental conditions is available. I’m sure it’s already being developed.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Just a matter of time before a fully integrated aiming solution with range and environmental conditions is available.

Been illegal here for decades.

 

[scaast]

Been illegal here for decades.

Has it? Have chronographs, range finders, and ballistic apps been illegal for decades? They're all "digital" aiming solutions. It's just not all integrated into the optic (yet).

 

[WeiserBucks]

Has it? Have chronographs, range finders, and ballistic apps been illegal for decades? They're all "digital" aiming solutions. It's just not all integrated into the optic (yet).

It has been effectively outlawed and future proofed here. The only electronics we can have in a rifle optic is an illuminated reticle. That eliminates the gizmos that are available now like Burris Eliminator type scopes and any future developments.

 

[scaast]

It has been effectively outlawed and future proofed here. The only electronics we can have in a rifle optic is an illuminated reticle. That eliminates the gizmos that are available now like Burris Eliminator type scopes and any future developments.

That's good. I like the way ID is thinking. I have one of the Burris gizmo scopes...not a fan. I prefer my Arken and Vortex scopes. I don't even care for an illuminated reticle. Too many knobs and bullshit going on for me.

 

[RockAndSage]

For any big game west of the Mississippi, I can't see anything beyond an illuminated reticle in a traditional scope being permitted - even just a simple digital day-scope will be caught up in existing regs meant to eliminate things like internal laser range finders and thermal. Plus, I don't know any Western big game hunters who would consider thermal scopes or night hunting for that kind of game to be ethical, at all.

That said, in the places back East where whitetail or hogs are overpopulating to the point of culling or depredation being necessary, I could see specific animal types entered into a separate category of game where those regs no longer apply. Thermal and night hunting for hogs, coyotes, and, say, whitetail in an excessively overpopulated zone in a state? No problem with that at all. It's not about ethical fair chase, it's about problematic excesses of populations that need culling.

 

[Mentholspliff]

Call me a synic but to me the idea of firearms in general is a tool for the worst case scenario. And yes they may have a place in hunting but every gun I’ve ever built I’ve always had the idea in mind that it would double as protection when it comes down to it so for me, I would never rely on an electronic scope.