So I bought some cheap digital Night Vision toys.
- Thread starter JamieZ
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Shoots100
.44 mag
If you have sole access to the spots your hunting, You carry it in once, set it up and leave it there, preferably looking over a bait pile.
Add some snow camo when needed and your set.
I do have a liteweight pop up I carry with me at times, but only when traveling in the UTV or very close stands.
Otherwise I use a turkey hunting 1/2 blind that sticks into the ground, just to cover movement.
I used to carry so much crap, I would get tired thinking about carrying it, but I've refined my gear over the years and can carry everything in a half ruck or gunslinger pack now.
On most nights, coyote can see better than you can with an IR lit night scope, that's why being behind cover and out of sight is key, especially when hunting with a companion, when noise discipline is hard to control.
I've had animals come from behind and walk right by me in a blind.
I know that wouldn't have happened if I was out in the elements.
With a 1/2 or full moon, you have to be wary of the moon reflecting off of your scope's Objective lens.
Try to set up where it'll be at your back or overhead when rising.
I should be getting my pulsar thermal back this week and I went to the range today and confirmed zero with my back up thermal on the 20 practical.
I haven't had to use it since last year and couldn't remember what rifle I had it sighted in for.
SJC
Add some snow camo when needed and your set.
I do have a liteweight pop up I carry with me at times, but only when traveling in the UTV or very close stands.
Otherwise I use a turkey hunting 1/2 blind that sticks into the ground, just to cover movement.
I used to carry so much crap, I would get tired thinking about carrying it, but I've refined my gear over the years and can carry everything in a half ruck or gunslinger pack now.
On most nights, coyote can see better than you can with an IR lit night scope, that's why being behind cover and out of sight is key, especially when hunting with a companion, when noise discipline is hard to control.
I've had animals come from behind and walk right by me in a blind.
I know that wouldn't have happened if I was out in the elements.
With a 1/2 or full moon, you have to be wary of the moon reflecting off of your scope's Objective lens.
Try to set up where it'll be at your back or overhead when rising.
I should be getting my pulsar thermal back this week and I went to the range today and confirmed zero with my back up thermal on the 20 practical.
I haven't had to use it since last year and couldn't remember what rifle I had it sighted in for.
SJC
I definately hear you on the amount of stuff to carry. I almost always hunt alone, so I developed a system that works pretty well for me. First, I bought one of those OTTER SLEDS. It's about 4-1/2 feet long and just over 2 feet wide, and it's finished in snow-camo. I found a piece of closed cell foam and cut it to fit in the bottom of the sled. Closed cell foam won't absorb water and gives nice cushion to sit on while also providing insulation from the cold ground. I made a few modifications to the sled to allow me to attach a snow-camo skirt to act as concealment. I attached a bracket to 2 of the corners to hold a bog-pod to keep the gun in a ready position. I put plastic box on the end to put the remote, lights, batteries, thermos, etc. in so it isn't rolling around and making noise. Once I get to where I'm hunting, I just park and take the sled out of the back of the pickup. Everything is already in it. Pull it behind you to your ambush location, and in just a couple minutes you are all set up and comfortable. Works great to drag your game back, too. I also try to hunt from treestands when possible, and I keep my climbing treestand in the truck. If I go to certain places, I just put the climber in the sled. ( just a word of caution: climbing stands are dangerous in the daytime...be EXTRA careful in the dark !! ) The sled works well though. Just put your call, gun(s), food, whatever else in it, and go. It was worth the $ I spent on it. I could have done it a bit less expensive, but I wound up with something that works perfectly for me.
Go talk to all the farmers. Every single one of them will let you whack coyotes on their property unless they have had a bad experience or they already have someone else doing it for them. Many of them will assist you by putting roadkill or a dead calf in a designated location for you - bait.
Go talk to all the farmers. Every single one of them will let you whack coyotes on their property unless they have had a bad experience or they already have someone else doing it for them. Many of them will assist you by putting roadkill or a dead calf in a designated location for you - bait.
Here is the blind Ive thought of getting with the 100 dollar Amazon gift card my sister just gave me
and its funny Tisto mentioned the sled, its something Ive thought about getting for goose hunting
and its funny Tisto mentioned the sled, its something Ive thought about getting for goose hunting
Yeah, that's the sled I have, but mine is snow camo. Those ice fishing shelters are nice for fishing, but I don't think they would be too good to hunt from. Most of them are insulated, and you can't hear much from inside them. There are times I wish my setup had a roof. Still working on that. When I get a fabulous idea that works, I'll let you know.
Shoots100
.44 mag
That blind is good.
If you still have snow in your area, Make a snow cover for it and you'll be golden.
My hunting territory is snow free most of the year, So a sled is a no go for me.
If there's enough snow, I use snow shoes and a snow cover for the blind.
I try to stay as light and portable as possible, so everything is carried and kept to the minimal.
I was looking at getting a trail E bike to quicken my traveling to my blinds, but the decent one's are very expensive, so I'm looking into getting a bolt on motor conversion for my mountain bike.
My van is home base and I have it loaded with what I need to use in any area I'm hunting, so as long as I can get within walking distance, I'm set.
SJC
If you still have snow in your area, Make a snow cover for it and you'll be golden.
My hunting territory is snow free most of the year, So a sled is a no go for me.
If there's enough snow, I use snow shoes and a snow cover for the blind.
I try to stay as light and portable as possible, so everything is carried and kept to the minimal.
I was looking at getting a trail E bike to quicken my traveling to my blinds, but the decent one's are very expensive, so I'm looking into getting a bolt on motor conversion for my mountain bike.
My van is home base and I have it loaded with what I need to use in any area I'm hunting, so as long as I can get within walking distance, I'm set.
SJC
Didnt realise it but I must of been out there an hour tonight.
After about 15 mins or so of calling with female invitation howls and silence I had a coyote come running in full blast from the downwind side,,,,well Mr. Predator Hunter had his rifle mounted on his tripod pointing upwind, so more than likely Mr. Hunter scared Wile e Coyote when he got off the mono and tried to move his whole tripod rifle setup to point downwind because I never saw it through the scope.
15 mins later I had a fox come in from the downwind side and had my gun setup perfectly and could of smoked it,,,,it came in to distressed cottontail.
15 mins later I had another fox come in from the upwind side,,,,might of been able to hit it being the scope is sighted in at 50yds and the fox was at about 200yds
Anyways it was a better night than what I thought it would be being the gusts were pretty strong at times
The coyote made me want a thermal instead of the night vision,,,,think I would of spotted him sooner
No video tonight,,,for some reason it never occured to me to take it
After about 15 mins or so of calling with female invitation howls and silence I had a coyote come running in full blast from the downwind side,,,,well Mr. Predator Hunter had his rifle mounted on his tripod pointing upwind, so more than likely Mr. Hunter scared Wile e Coyote when he got off the mono and tried to move his whole tripod rifle setup to point downwind because I never saw it through the scope.
15 mins later I had a fox come in from the downwind side and had my gun setup perfectly and could of smoked it,,,,it came in to distressed cottontail.
15 mins later I had another fox come in from the upwind side,,,,might of been able to hit it being the scope is sighted in at 50yds and the fox was at about 200yds
Anyways it was a better night than what I thought it would be being the gusts were pretty strong at times
The coyote made me want a thermal instead of the night vision,,,,think I would of spotted him sooner
No video tonight,,,for some reason it never occured to me to take it
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
Seeing critters is half the battle. I haven't gotten a scope yet so haven't bothered to even go looking. Wife wants to buy me one for my birthday but I told her there's more important things to be taken care of right now. Especially now that her son was in his snowmobile accident.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
And wont ya know the friggin song dogs are going crazy around here tonight!
Tried going out to the same spot that I went out on Friday night when I saw 2 fox and 1 coyote,,,tried early this morning right at day break with my buddy who owns the property. Saw nothing but flocks of crows and flocks of geese. Buddy tried shooting one of the crows with a double 00 shotgun coyote round. It laughed at us.
So it seems that this has turned into the predator hunting thread.
Went out last night. Great weather - not too cold or too windy. First set I had a small red fox come check out the call / decoy. Smelled it and looked around then wandered off. ( I don't generally shoot fox unless they look mangey or sick ) the one of the neighbor's dogs showed up. Next set I had a coyote come in charging and pounced on the call. Shot and missed the damn thing. It stopped moving for a split second and I shot just as it began to put it in overdrive to get out of there. Missed again ! Third set, I parked and got out of the truck only to hear competing electronic calls from each side of the road. I think they were trying to call each other. Back in the truck and on to another location. Got all set up and everything was quiet and calm. As soon as I let go a little baby bunny scream there were at least 4 sets of eyes on the other side of the field. Oh, good ! I thought...Here we go ! 10 minutes later they all showed up directly downwind right where I figured they would. In the front was a big female. Whacked her. Dropped in her tracks. 2 dogs behind her moved closer to her and then turned and disappeared. A minute later one that had been hanging back in the hedgerow stepped out and I let loose. Thought for sure I hit it, but I watched it take off in the thermal scope. After a while I went over to the one I knew was down. Found her laying there all tore up. The .204 caught her in the neck and damn near decapitated her. What a mess. To top it off, she was in bad shape with mange. Went over to where i thought the last one was and looked around. No sign of anything, so I watched the video in the scope. After instant review, I came to the conclusion that it was a clean miss. Still a while before sunrise, I stopped at a gun club and set up on the trap field. 15 minutes after I got settled and another vehicle pulled in. WTF !? Who the hell is here at 5 am on a Sunday ?! Turns out it was one of the members getting ready to open for an archery shoot that was going on today. By then it was getting a little light out and I called it a night. Wasted a bunch of ammo, and nothing to show for it. If someone can explain how to upload the video from the scope, I will. I can't figure out how to do it. Somehow would have to connect the scope to the phone. ???
Went out last night. Great weather - not too cold or too windy. First set I had a small red fox come check out the call / decoy. Smelled it and looked around then wandered off. ( I don't generally shoot fox unless they look mangey or sick ) the one of the neighbor's dogs showed up. Next set I had a coyote come in charging and pounced on the call. Shot and missed the damn thing. It stopped moving for a split second and I shot just as it began to put it in overdrive to get out of there. Missed again ! Third set, I parked and got out of the truck only to hear competing electronic calls from each side of the road. I think they were trying to call each other. Back in the truck and on to another location. Got all set up and everything was quiet and calm. As soon as I let go a little baby bunny scream there were at least 4 sets of eyes on the other side of the field. Oh, good ! I thought...Here we go ! 10 minutes later they all showed up directly downwind right where I figured they would. In the front was a big female. Whacked her. Dropped in her tracks. 2 dogs behind her moved closer to her and then turned and disappeared. A minute later one that had been hanging back in the hedgerow stepped out and I let loose. Thought for sure I hit it, but I watched it take off in the thermal scope. After a while I went over to the one I knew was down. Found her laying there all tore up. The .204 caught her in the neck and damn near decapitated her. What a mess. To top it off, she was in bad shape with mange. Went over to where i thought the last one was and looked around. No sign of anything, so I watched the video in the scope. After instant review, I came to the conclusion that it was a clean miss. Still a while before sunrise, I stopped at a gun club and set up on the trap field. 15 minutes after I got settled and another vehicle pulled in. WTF !? Who the hell is here at 5 am on a Sunday ?! Turns out it was one of the members getting ready to open for an archery shoot that was going on today. By then it was getting a little light out and I called it a night. Wasted a bunch of ammo, and nothing to show for it. If someone can explain how to upload the video from the scope, I will. I can't figure out how to do it. Somehow would have to connect the scope to the phone. ???
What are you using for scanning, thermal, night vision or red lights?
What 204 loads are you shooting,,,purchased rounds or reloads? What twist is your 204? I love my 204 but ended up setting up my night vision on the 223. I reload for the 204,,,,my barrel is a 12 twist,,,,cant shoot anything accurate but 32's. 39's were semi ok but not as accurate as the 32's.
I have 2 rifles chambered in .204 Ruger. The first is a Thompson / Center Venture ( Predator ). It has a 1-10" twist. The other is a custom built AR with a Wilson Combat barrel using a 1-12" twist. Ironically, they both shoot the best using Hornady Superformance 40gr V-Max ammo. I have tried almost everything in both rifles, and they both like the Hornady. I have read a ton of other's reports that their rifles like the 32's the best. While the 32's are OK in mine, the 40's are definately better. I don't reload the .204, but I am saving the brass and I will reload it eventually. I still have over 600 factory rounds though, so it may be a while. The Venture has a Nikon 3.5 - 14 x 50 mounted, and has a place to mount a kill light. The AR has the FLIR thermal mounted, and I switch that with my nightvision since both have QD mounts.
I scan with everything. Usually one of the lights because it produces less movement that may be seen by an animal, but I do swing the rifle around to use the thermal or nightvision.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
@JamieZ did you end up moving your scope rearward? I was looking at this mount to push the scope farther back if that's better.
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Not sure what type of gun you would be using this for,,,,,its similar to what I used on my AR and its not really the right or wrong setup for a Photon scope and a AR. I had to turn my mount around so that the scope would sit back further and mount properly to my eye. In all honesty I dont think there would be much difference between an extended scope mount and a set of rings because with either you would still have the scope mounted further back to be comfortable.
See how Tisto has his thermal mounted to his AR in the pic above? Thats the way you would want the Photon mounted,,,,further back towards your eye.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
That's what I was wondering, if you turned your mount around from what your first pic was. I figured this style would more rearward adjustment. It will be going on my AR.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
That's exactly what I had in mind.
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
Another question for ya, @JamieZ . I remember you saying the daylight view sucked. Sitting here watching some astronomy shows I got to thinking, these Photons being suited for IR light gathering may be allowing IR light to mess with daytime views. What about using an IR cut filter fitted to the lens cap with a big hole cut into it? Could probably tape it to the front as a trial and if it worked then cut out a big hole in the lens cap?
With the IR light out of the way the view may be much cleaner.
Maybe someone has a filter for a camera to try it with first before committing to buying one?
With the IR light out of the way the view may be much cleaner.
Maybe someone has a filter for a camera to try it with first before committing to buying one?
The scope came with a scope cap that had a tiny hole drilled through it for daytime use. I remember reading somewhere to make this hole bigger but dont remember exactly what size,,,,they said it would work better in the daylight. I just dont care if it works well in daylight except for the fact of having to sight the gun in.
By the way my buddy stopped over with his beautiful little daughter last night and brought with him something for me to try,,,,,,his father's Pulsar thermal monocular,,,,,,,,,,,,ummmm, lets just say it blows my mono away,,,,,,,,it was so beautiful to look through. My dog lit up bright white,,,cars going by the tires were bright white and underneath the car was bright white but the rest of the car was black. I really freaking loved it.
Made me want a thermal monocular so much more now
who knows,,,,maybe I will have a brand new NV mono for sale soon LoL
By the way my buddy stopped over with his beautiful little daughter last night and brought with him something for me to try,,,,,,his father's Pulsar thermal monocular,,,,,,,,,,,,ummmm, lets just say it blows my mono away,,,,,,,,it was so beautiful to look through. My dog lit up bright white,,,cars going by the tires were bright white and underneath the car was bright white but the rest of the car was black. I really freaking loved it.
Made me want a thermal monocular so much more now
who knows,,,,maybe I will have a brand new NV mono for sale soon LoL
Attachments
My nightvision scope has a small hole in the center for use in the light. I can measure it when I get home later. Sighting it in was easy: dusk. Put a 4" square of reflective tape on a large piece of cardboard. Shine a flashlight at it from your shooting bench. It shoyld be easy to see in the scope. Once you have that set, go to a 2" square for fine tuning.
I'll try that,,,,thanks.
If the hole in that cap is factory, I wouldn't mess with it. Letting too much light into the scope is probably causing your problems. Your scope is digital, correct ? If it isn't, too much light will damage the intensifier tube. My scope is auto-gated, so in theory, a bright light shouldn't hurt it, but I know that the intensifier tubes are super-sensitive.
I bought reflective tape at Home Depot. It was near the mailboxes and house numbers. A bit expensive, but it worked well. The only thing that sucked was having to walk down range and back after every shot. You might mark your shots with small pieces of reflector to help you adjust the scope.
I bought reflective tape at Home Depot. It was near the mailboxes and house numbers. A bit expensive, but it worked well. The only thing that sucked was having to walk down range and back after every shot. You might mark your shots with small pieces of reflector to help you adjust the scope.
Shoots100
.44 mag
I warned you about trying thermal !
Don't worry, you have two kidneys and the surgery isn't that painful.
You can also take a loan out to pay for it.
Spotting with a thermal and ending the deal with a NV scope has worked for me for a long time.
SJC
FrankenCub
.338 Win Mag
Yep lol.....
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Thermal vision devices have become one of the most cost-effective systems on the market. Where night vision used to be the most affordable route, thermal imaging technology has, over the years, become much more accessible to the consumer market. Thermal devices offer a unique advantage, as they...
Whats hard for me about buying one is that I dont need a loan,,,,,I have the money but do I spend that money when its suppose to stay in the savings account and do I spend the money when I just got done robbing the savings account to buy the night vision that I havent even used 5 times yet. Whats pushing me not to buy it was all the times I went out with red lights and shot nothing but went out and bought night vision and scored a kill on my second time out!!!! Soooooo,,,,I'm thinking it might be smart for me to use my night vision for another season before I consider buying thermal. Thats what I have to keep telling myself.........Especially for the fact I just spent 900 bucks for new lights for my saltwater reef tank.
Everyday I look at thermals on the internet and its killing me,,,,NEED TO STOP
A thermal monocular is what I want,,,,the scope I think I would stick with the night vision
Shoots100
.44 mag
You can get a used spotter for less than $2k and seal the deal with the NV scope.
I use my thermal spotter's all year long.
Great for knowing whats making that noise before the sun rises while in your deer stand and I've used them to find deer that needed to be found after dark many times.
I really like it for when I go out for a night walk with the misses.
So you need to look at the purchase as an investment in your safety, as well as a hunting aid.
Mine all run for hours on powerX rechargeable 2700 MaH AA batteries.
SJC
I use my thermal spotter's all year long.
Great for knowing whats making that noise before the sun rises while in your deer stand and I've used them to find deer that needed to be found after dark many times.
I really like it for when I go out for a night walk with the misses.
So you need to look at the purchase as an investment in your safety, as well as a hunting aid.
Mine all run for hours on powerX rechargeable 2700 MaH AA batteries.
SJC
Yep lol.....
Handheld Thermal Imagers & Accessories | Night Vision Guys
Thermal vision devices have become one of the most cost-effective systems on the market. Where night vision used to be the most affordable route, thermal imaging technology has, over the years, become much more accessible to the consumer market. Thermal devices offer a unique advantage, as they...www.nightvisionguys.com
You will be the first person I offer my mono to if I decide to sell it. It would be a great purchase for anyone being that it has a limited lifetime warranty. Fucked up thing about it was, is that I was perfectly happy with the mono,,,,it works much better than the scope. Thats why I havent decided if I'm going to sell it.
Ummmm,,,,,I couldn't take the nagging feeling any longer and its what I wanted before buying the NV mono. Sitting on this damn computer, reading so many reviews, watching so many damn videos and dreaming of coyote kills I just ordered a Pulsar Axion XM30. I believe its the same manufacturer that makes the Sightmark NV scope and mono I just bought.
They make a Key XM30 and a XM30. The non key version has a better display, more magnification and can record video and take pics. It also can wifi to a phone or a tablet just like my previous mono and scope can. Hopefully I will be ok with the magnification starting out at 4,,,,I would of rather had it start at 1.
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