Thermal scope?

[wytx]

You'll have a nice place to come visit him, student at UW or a job up here?
Same wytx (wytex).
You should come up this summer for a look see.

 

[Downeaster]

Ill agree that range isnt a limiting factor for picking up heat sigs. Like others have said, terrain features and humidity seem to be the most limiting.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

You'll have a nice place to come visit him, student at UW or a job up here?
Same wytx (wytex).
You should come up this summer for a look see.

He's transferring from A&M down here in Kingsville on the coast to UW and we're coming up for his orientation first week of June. I'm gonna send you a PM so as not to further hijack the thread.

 

[Bubblehide]

The limiting factor of any thermal unit depends on the unit and what it was designed for. That Leupold unit is an entry level thermal unit not designed for long range use, or even medium range use. The are units with interchangeable lenses which can change a unit from long range to wide angle short range... Basically, when it comes to thermal imagers, you get what you pay for.

 

[swampokie]

This is a very appropriate response to the high and mighty!!!

 

[swampokie]

I love how all the "fair chase" "ethical" hunters start throwing out the unfair advantage and theres a line between technology and unfair advantage. Id be willing to bet these same hunters shoot 2000$ compounds confidently at 80 yards but would sell their soul to see crossbows eliminated from the face of the earth. I say if its legal use it if u choose but if its not then don't.

 

[Jwukie]

Besides not being legal for hunting in some states, the effective range would limit their use.

Detection range on a decent thermal is over 1000 yards.

 

[chindits]

There are many limits to technology when it comes to hunting in Colorado. Some of them have already been cited: drones,optics on muzzle loaders,optics and any electronic on bows, electronic calls, scouting by plane within a 24 hour window of hunting, etc... in case you can’t tell, social expectations and legislation combined with fish and wildlife department recommendations regulate this. So if you are surprised or upset by this, move on to the next state.

IME overseas, thermals are devastatingly effective in open terrain. The same terrain that optics are effective in during day light with a diligent and trained eye. In timber the target is not identifiable until the trees become thin enough for the bits and pieces of thermal signature to coalesce into an identifiable form.

Personally, which doesn’t matter to you, I have other priorities for spending my limited expendable income. Elk are out there and easy to find during the off season. Harder at times to find during hunting season and that’s the nature of hunting.