Night Vision Point me in the right direction....

[SmartDonkey]

This may look like I just want you guys to do the leg work for me, but I'm a little lost on what I should be looking for:

The last couple of years we have been having more problems with predators messing with the cattle- we have only had a couple of wolf kills but the bigger problem is when something stirs them up and gets them all running- and in the morning we find calves that have been stepped on and have broken legs. I am wanting something that when the animals are getting all buzzed up I can scan the field and see what is causing it.... and then end the problem. That being said- they are in 160acre pens (1/2mile x 1/2mile) and I'm not sure what would have that range-- and still be affordable.

I have a old Gen 2 ATN rifle scope- but it doesn't have the range and it gets real heavy trying to scan with it. Just looking for some advice on what I should consider? I'd like to stay under $5000- but not sure if that's doable.

Thanks

 

[Victor-TNVC]

This may look like I just want you guys to do the leg work for me, but I'm a little lost on what I should be looking for:

The last couple of years we have been having more problems with predators messing with the cattle- we have only had a couple of wolf kills but the bigger problem is when something stirs them up and gets them all running- and in the morning we find calves that have been stepped on and have broken legs. I am wanting something that when the animals are getting all buzzed up I can scan the field and see what is causing it.... and then end the problem. That being said- they are in 160acre pens (1/2mile x 1/2mile) and I'm not sure what would have that range-- and still be affordable.

I have a old Gen 2 ATN rifle scope- but it doesn't have the range and it gets real heavy trying to scan with it. Just looking for some advice on what I should consider? I'd like to stay under $5000- but not sure if that's doable.

Thanks

The SuperHogster may be your huckleberry! It's gotten some very good reviews for the price and performance.

 

[TheHorta]

Good advice from Vic.

Also, depending upon where you’re located, there are a number of very proficient wolf/yote night hunters in this forum who might relish the opportunity to show up and do great harm to their otherwise unmolested population... for fun.

Just sayin’.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I reached out to my Pulsar rep and he replied:

"So with a budget at $5,000 I would go towards Thermal riflescope instead of Night Vision. You will get much further detection range with a thermal scope and be able to pick up targets much faster than night vision. I would recommend a Thermion XP50 (Pl76543) because of the 640X480 sensor with a base magnification of 1.9 so it will have a really good field of view as well that has a detection range of up to 2,000 yards. It’s also pretty light especially compared to an old ATN scope he mentioned."

 

[kirsch]

I would recommend a thermal scanner and rifle scope. The Super Hogster is great since you mentioned range. I have shot 150 coyotes with mine since September. I have many kills from 300-450 yards with mine. However, it is a great scope, but scanning is not ideal as it is hard to scan with a scope on a rifle. You could disconnect it with the QD mount but 7.5° isn't great for a scanning device.

I would team this up with a either a Bering Optics Phenom (640 res, 12 µm) scanner or a Bering Optics Hogster 25 (384 res 17 µm). The Phenom is a scanner only and the Hogster 25 is a scope but due to the compact size can be a scope and a scanner. The versatility is great if you need a backup weapon' sight or just want something around the backyard for shooting squirrels, rabbits, etc but need a scanner as well.

MAP Pricing for these units:
Bering Optics Super Hogster: $3195
Bering Optics Phenom: $3195
Bering Optics Hogster 25: $2355

You can get two or more of these for the price of an NVision and/or Trijicon. I have used these higher end devices and they haven't led to more animals in the back of my truck. Actually they result in less, because I would typically have just one vs with the Bering Optics I can have two quality thermals and have a scanner and a rifle scope.

If you have additional questions, send me a private message and I will give you my phone number and we can chat about this in detail if like. I am Prostaff for Night Goggles and get $0 commissions on sales, so I can give you the pros and cons on various models, and you know I am not just trying to sell you the most expensive item.

One of the really nice things about thermal is nothing can hide from it. So, if you have a cow over a ridge or behind some brush, you will see it. It is so much safer shooting near farms or cattle with thermal because you can see what is behind the target.

 

[TheHorta]

Really hankerin' to try a Phenom 640. Looks pretty epic for that kinda coin.

 

[SmartDonkey]

Thanks for the replies.... They have definitely changed my mind on what direction I need to go. I wish that some of those didn't have all of the features to record video- I'm not interested in that at all- but I don't have to use it.

 

[shields shtr]

I live out West and deal with some of the same issues regarding predators...I don't think anyone has mentioned the ability to range your target in the dark. One of the biggest problems for me hunting predators at night is that they pretty much act the same at night as they do during the day. When calling, typically they will hang up at an unknown range and try to get your wind. Sometimes they are within range, sometimes they aren't. Having a flat shooting rifle will help, but I know that I have probably launched numerous airballs on coyotes that were probably closer to 450 or 500 than 300 or 350. You have zero depth perception with thermals, so most of the time you are guessing. If you will be shooting at an absolute known range, then obviously the ability to range find becomes moot, your mileage may vary.

I have had my eye on the Pulsar xq38LRF, which I think is pretty much unobtanium now, but hopefully will be out soon. Seems to hit the mark for a reasonably priced scanner, and gives you the ability to range as well. I think you could probably then utilize one of the 35mm Hogster scopes and be above the 5k mark, but probably be well served. I have tried the "scan with scope" method. Although not impossible, pretty frustrating and unwieldy as hell.