Thread: Thermal Optics under scrutiny?

Originally Posted by Trout

DOC have made their decisions on the use of thermal monoculars.To help reducing the pest numbers down damaging our forests.In the last ten years more people have been accidentally shot out hunting without thermal gear being involved than with thermal gear involved.If he thinks it not safe out hunting or fair chase,he should stay at home.His big loud opinions will fall on deaf ears.

Very true, if it's not plain old mis-identification during the day, it's plain old criminal spotlighting at night that does it. If anything, thermal is probably safer to an extent, not that I am condoning either of the two.

Originally Posted by woods223

Initially I thought ‘fuck you Dave Benfell’ but then again he’s allowed his opinion. Personally, when when culling animals I’ll use whatever equipment I can if it helps to get numbers. But when hunting recreationally the use of thermals is a no go for me. Using a thermal makes it ‘spot and shoot’, removes the hunting challenge. Hunting presently has never been easier compared to 80-90’s, handheld thermals aren’t needed. Just my opinion, others will probably disagree. Lastly, I no longer regularly buy Rod and Rifle and probably won’t while Benfell is the editor.

Well opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one, even Dave Benfell. I've never hunted with one, but wouldn't go as far as to not use a monocular. I'd not go with a mounted thermal optic solely due to lack of versatility, dusk or dark (on private land) it'd be handy but during mid summer sun I think it would become a handicap.