quiksilver

Okay, I've been thinking about something, and I wouldn't mind hearing some input from you guys about it.

We all know that technology continues to change the dynamics of hunting, whether it be new cams, new metals, lighter materials, digital video, infrared images, laser rangefinding equipment, waterproof materials, etc...

Anyway, I've been following this for a while now, and I think the technology that is most likely to change the landscape of hunting in the next 10 yearsis thermal imaging.

Thermal Imaging cameras have been around for a while now, but the technology has finally reached civilian levels with user-friendly devices. Years ago, these contraptions were quite cumbersome, and were only available to military personnel. Over time, things have evolved, and this technology has become available, and it is becoming more affordable to civilians. Prices have dropped from $20-$40K into the $3,000 range currently. Increased entry into the market now has dozens of manufacturers developing the technology and driving prices downward.

Eventually, it's forseeable (just like night vision) that these units will be available for $100-$200.

I just think that when these units are readily available to the general hunting population, it will change the face of hunting forever. You can just imagine how an image like the ones below could help you fill your tags.

Going one step further, imagine having a riflescope with a thermal imaging camera built-in.

A device like this would allow a spot & stalk hunter to cover a large area, almost "shopping" for his trophy. Alternatively, a thermal scope and night vision technology could allow a poacher to slink into your lease, under cover of darkness, and hunt your deer without a sliver of daylight. Now, I'm not saying that this will be a problem 3, 4 or even 10 years down the line, but as things become more affordable, the more likely it is that these items will show up in a deerwoods near you.

Just something for you guys to kick around.






http://www.x20.org/thermal/

kevin1

That technology already exists at the consumer level to some degree , "Game finders" are based on thermal detection , they just don't display an image , only an approximate range to the heat source . Thermal devices are already illegal in many states anyway , so thermal imaging systems would also be illegal . In the long run it boils down to "Is it legal ?" and "Is it the way I want to hunt ?" , you have to answer those questions for yourself . Personally , I don't need or want that .

hunter9022

Cant hunt after dark. No, i would not use one cause i don't see the point or the sport. Can u even use them in the daylight? Having one for night time surveys might be beneficial. Or maybe tracking a deer in the dark that you cant find. I guess i would have to see the restrictions on usage to be able to say whether or not they should be available to the public.

Bob H in NH

A tool like that would most likely be made illegal to posses while hunting. Similar to electronic calls and live decoys which are illegal in many places.

It would remove one of the natural advantages of the animal, the ability to seemingly vanish.

Germ

I do not think antlers show up on thermal image[&:]

So who cares, I can tell you at night "There are deer in those woods", but who cares? Not me, let the deer have the night!!

loanstarhunter

I do not see them being legal to hunt with.

I do see them being used for scouting cameras/videos.

quiksilver

I agree - this type of equipment has no place in a hunter's hands. But, I'm just pointing out that this kind of technology is readily available, and is something that must be dealt with at some point. It'll become a growing problem as prices drop.

What about states where it is illegal to spotlight deer at night - Do you guys think that a hunter should be able to drive around all night looking at deer through his thermal video camera? You're doing the same thing, just without the spotlight.

My point is that we've all seen the lengths that some will go to in search of trophy game. It'll surely be interesting to see how states handle this. Just something to watch, I guess.

atlasman

I have said on many occasions that theramal cameras would sell like hotcakes if they become affordable. I can only hope they will not be made legal for hunting.

Imagine the difference these would make for drives during gun season. There would be trucks full of maniacs just hanging these things out the window until they saw a blip on the screen.........then jump out and run 15 guys through that plot.

I'm sure that they would all say they still hunt "fair chase" too

loanstarhunter

You would not be able to detect deer that are in dense cover.

The animal would have to be in plain sight in order to pick up the heat signature.

I am by no means an expert, but I do use this technology in my daily work environment and have a working knowledge of it use.

KCMO Cityboy

Your right. It's just a matter of time. Now we just need more law enforcement out there armed with their own IR device. The poachers would be like sitting ducks, wouldn't they?