virginiashadow

First off, I am not a high tech guy when it comes to hunting. But man I was just watching a science show on thermal imaging and started to think how thermal imagining could impact the hunting industry.

You know how many advantages you could gain if you had something that did this:



You wouldn't bump deer on the way in. You could see where the deer are coming from in the morning and where they leak out of in the afternoon.Youcould see where deer are bedded justprior to sun-up. It is not something I would buy because I am personally not into that type of thing when it comes to hunting, but heck people are using big time game cams(evenlive time)to check up on deer movement, why not this? I see no difference.

MeanV2

I doubt I would spend the $$ for it.

Dan

Rory/MO

Nahh, I wouldn't buy it. Or take one if it was given to me for that matter.

brucelanthier

If it was given to me I would definitely use it when scouting.

BTBowhunter

Scouting? Maybe.

Use when hunting? I think not. I can't imagine any way of using thermal imaging in an actual hunting situation that wouldn't violate my idea of fair chase.

Game recovery after dark when no weapon is being caried? By all means yes! Once that animal has been hit, we owe it to them to do anything we can to avoid loss and waste.

virginiashadow

Good points BTB--would be a heck of a recovery tool after dark and when the deer is still warm.

rybohunter

I would buy it only of they sold it built into a cool "Predator" helmet. Then I'd mount a laser gun on my shoulder & climb around the trees zapping deer like in the movie. [8D]

virginiashadow

Rybo, then you could really hunt the "lone wolf way".

louddrummer69

I've thought of this same idea but the price is too expensive and the ethics involved are very controversial. I think it would eventually ruin hunting if a device like this was used regularly by the masses.

txjourneyman

Here at the university where I work we have a thermal imaging scanner for checking temps on our electrical equipment. I took it home once. That night my dogs were in my woods barking, I got the scanner out and checked out what was going on. I could clearly see the dogs and the raccoon they had treed. The thought has crossed my mind to use it as a scouting aid. It would be great to find bedding areas. I decided against it for a couple of reasons. First, I'm not sure it would be legal, however I'm very sure it wouldn't sit well with my ethics. Thats just me though. If someone else wants to do it thats not my concern.
The second reason, although its not a problem for me to borrow tools from work I am financially responsible for them if I leave campus with them. Our imaging camera cost close to $10k. I can't justify taking that on a scouting trip in hilly terrain on a 4 wheeler at night. Its just not worth the risk. If I can't find the deer the old fashioned way I don't need to be hunting.