Thread: Hand held thermal now legal on public land

Originally Posted by Tahr

A danger is that thermals pick up indistinct heat signals, especially in scrub and bush. And the cheaper thermal spotters that will be mostly used (35mm/$2.5k types) have lower definition. Even in open country it can be difficult to clearly define what the heat source is. Shooting at these heat spots could be a disaster, and people will do it - you can bet on it. People will also be tempted to shoot at heat signals when shooting light is marginal - you can bet on that too.

It will be an absolute essential to check heat sources with good binos, or be absolutely certain through the thermal the shape is an animal. Using these on public land adds another level of risk to everyone. Ive previously seen poorly edited You Tube vids of these being used on DOC land by hoons. With drinking involved. It makes me uneasy.

The risk is less on private land because other people are less likely to be about - but there are no guarantees.

A mates Uncle was shot dead in the Horomunga a few months ago by miss identified heat signature. I don't know a lot of details about it but there's certainly going to be an increased danger level.