Long Range Thermal Scanner/Spotter (drones are not an option)

[Tex_ponch]

I have an IRay Mini MH25. I love it because it is compact and has GREAT quality. I can not rave enough about the warranty too....sent it in once and had a new unit in 5days. That being said I am hog hunting some LARGE fields and need something that allows me to see MUCH farther. Drones are not an option because of power lines and wind turbines, but I need so see upwards of 1k yards or more. If you dont believe me watch the video, or if you do believe me and like seeing hogs get smoked also watch the video. I want to point out this is not a "I want a unicorn for under 2k". I will pay for quality, but I am not a lotto winner. Thanks in adv

 

[Solscud007]

Try the Pulsar Accolade.

But to PID a pig that far is not really possible.

Even PID a coyote at 700 yards is a tall order for a UTC XII.

You want a spotter with as large a lens as possible.

My UTBx with 120mm lens is better than the 75mm lens.

 

[corsairpilot62]

Tagging in for info

 

[corsairpilot62]

On a side note: how does the sig echo 3 stack up on thermals?

 

[BamaSE]

Just curious….are there flight restrictions around the windmills?
We fly a drone here in SE Alabama around trees, power lines, etc. and it is manageable. Just know your terrain and send it to max elevation if questionable….Autel Evo II. It is The Way.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Just curious….are there flight restrictions around the windmills?
We fly a drone here in SE Alabama around trees, power lines, etc. and it is manageable. Just know your terrain and send it to max elevation if questionable….Autel Evo II. It is The Way.

Echo the same. We fly way higher than any wind turbine.

You can also look at getting a high mag scope and use it as a spotter only. No need to mount it to a rifle if you’re going to get closer.

 

[shoots100]

I've only see a couple of military cooled unit's that would be good for what you want to do and none were legal for serfs to own, affordable or man portable.
Try to find a camera with a 1280 res core and decent magnification.

SJC

 

[Tex_ponch]

Just curious….are there flight restrictions around the windmills?
We fly a drone here in SE Alabama around trees, power lines, etc. and it is manageable. Just know your terrain and send it to max elevation if questionable….Autel Evo II. It is The Way.

Doing some homework on the drones and in Texas it is "iffy" about using them to "assist in hunting". By iffy meaning I don't want to spend the money and donate all my gear to the state and pay fines. But aside from the legal issues, the turbines put out a HIGH level of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) which interferes with drones operations etc. Another issue is with the turbines is there are a lot of power stations and power lines. Lastly its Texas....the wind is always blowing. Over all there are enough complications that I am kinda ruling it out as an option. And lets be honest I know me....I can see if now...nice new drone spotting hogs and SMACK theres a blade and a dead drone.

 

[Evolution 9]

A halo LR can be had for 4500 used and will easily spot hogs well past 1000 yards. PID will have to involve experience, animal location and movement/behavior as usual for thermals. I’ve located countless lone coyotes at over 1K so hogs will be super easy.

 

[Solscud007]

On a side note: how does the sig echo 3 stack up on thermals?

It’s not very good.

 

[corsairpilot62]

It’s not very good.

Damn, looked decent.

 

[ddavis]

Doing some homework on the drones and in Texas it is "iffy" about using them to "assist in hunting". By iffy meaning I don't want to spend the money and donate all my gear to the state and pay fines. But aside from the legal issues, the turbines put out a HIGH level of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) which interferes with drones operations etc. Another issue is with the turbines is there are a lot of power stations and power lines. Lastly its Texas....the wind is always blowing. Over all there are enough complications that I am kinda ruling it out as an option. And lets be honest I know me....I can see if now...nice new drone spotting hogs and SMACK theres a blade and a dead drone.

Per a Texas game warden, it's illegal to use them for ANYTHING to do with wildlife, even for scouting. I think there are some kind of exemptions where you can get a permit because I'm sure some of the bigger ranches are using them.

 

[Solscud007]

Per a Texas game warden, it's illegal to use them for ANYTHING to do with wildlife, even for scouting. I think there are some kind of exemptions where you can get a permit because I'm sure some of the bigger ranches are using them.

Not sure about Texas. But depredation permits can allow it in CA.