Thermal imaging technology, with its core advantage of "capturing heat and ignoring light," has become a key tool in modern hunting. It significantly improves target identification efficiency and hunting safety, particularly in complex environments such as nighttime, dense forests, and heavy fog. The following details the application logic and key practical points of thermal imaging in hunting, combining technical features with practical requirements.
I. The Core Value of Thermal Imaging Hunting: Why is it Superior to Traditional Methods?
Compared to traditional hunting methods that rely on visible light and experience, thermal imaging technology achieves both efficiency and safety improvements throughout the entire process, from target detection and identification to aiming. This is directly related to its technical principle: by capturing the temperature difference between an animal's body temperature and the surrounding environment to generate a heat map, concealing hidden targets.
(I) Breaking Through Environmental Limitations, Achieving Full-Scene Detection
Thermal imaging does not rely on ambient light such as moonlight or starlight. It can clearly capture targets even in complete darkness, densely covered nights, dense grass, or rain, snow, and fog. For example, the second-generation Yingrui Cruiser PS50, equipped with a large 50mm lens, can detect animal heat sources at a distance of 2,300 meters and penetrate dense forest branches and thick fog, resolving the pain point of traditional hunting: "seeing the muzzle but not the target." The Zixi County Farmer Protection Hunting Team, using thermal imaging equipment, was able to fully detect wild boar tracks within a 2-kilometer diameter farmland area, resulting in 232 boar captures in 75 days, far exceeding the efficiency of traditional dog hunting.
(II) Accurately Identify Targets, Eliminating the Risk of Accidental Injury
Traditional hunting relies on visual judgment, which can easily misidentify livestock, protected animals, or even humans due to dim lighting. Accidents involving the accidental shooting of oxen have occurred in Zixi County. Thermal imaging can accurately distinguish species based on temperature differences. While the body temperature of wild boars (38-39°C) and oxen (38-39°C) is similar, their thermal profiles differ significantly. The thermal distribution characteristics of humans and animals are even easier to distinguish. Combined with a triple-check approach of "drone high-altitude search + goggles for mid-range identification + scope for close-range confirmation," the risk of false positives can be reduced to zero. For example, the Onick optical thermal sight RE series uses a 17-micron vanadium oxide detector to produce detailed thermal images, clearly showing the contours of animal limbs and avoiding misidentification.
(III) Reducing Hunting Costs and Improving Endurance and Reliability
Traditional hunting requires significant investment in hunting dogs, and on average, one dog is lost for every 20 wild boars hunted. Thermal imaging equipment, while initially costing approximately 100,000 yuan, offers long-term reuse and requires no additional maintenance. Furthermore, professional hunting thermal imaging equipment often utilizes replaceable batteries.
II. Hunting Thermal Imaging Device Selection: Three Core Categories and Parameter Priorities
Hunting scenarios place extremely high demands on device detection range, recognition accuracy, and portability. Suitable devices should be selected based on the target (e.g., wild boar, deer, birds) and the environment (dense forest, plains, nighttime/daytime). The main categories and selection logic are as follows:
(I) Core Device Categories: Scenario Determines Type
Thermal Imaging Goggles/Handheld Devices: Dedicated to Search and Positioning
Suitable for large-scale searches, requiring a balance between field of view and portability. Handheld devices like the oncik RE45L are recommended. Its large 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate allows for smooth tracking of moving animals, and its one-touch red and green laser switching function allows for quick target marking—the red laser prevents birds from being disturbed, while the green laser accurately locates wild boars, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios. Head-mounted goggles are suitable for hands-free hiking and searching. Choose models weighing under 300g and with a field of view of 25° or greater to avoid head fatigue.
Thermal imaging scopes: For precision shooting
These are core hunting equipment, requiring a balance between resolution and magnification. For entry-level options, consider the Onick Optical Thermal Sight RE series. Its 1.0mm large aperture lens offers superior light transmittance compared to 1.2mm aperture options on the market. Its shutter-free technology ensures smooth image lag upon power-up and provides strong shock resistance during shooting, making it ideal for lightweight rifles. For professional-level options, we recommend the N-Vision HALO-LR. Its resolution allows for clear deer body details at 350 yards. While the 1-8x digital zoom may produce slight blur at high magnifications, its ability to detect heat sources up to 10 miles away satisfies long-range hunting needs. Thermal Imaging Drones: Designed for Large-Scale Reconnaissance
Suitable for blanket searches of open areas such as plains and farmland. For example, the Zixi County hunting team uses drones at altitudes of 200-300 meters, covering a 2-kilometer radius. They can quickly locate wild boar herds and guide ground-based shooters closer, significantly improving search efficiency. When selecting a drone, consider its thermal imaging payload resolution (recommended ≥384×288) and flight time (≥30 minutes) to ensure sufficient coverage. (II) Key Parameter Priority: First, consider the "Three Elements of Detection," then consider auxiliary functions.
Priority 1: Detector and Lens (Determines Detection Capability)
Detector: A 17-25 micron vanadium oxide detector (such as the Onick Optics RE series) is preferred. The lower the NETD value, the better (≤50mK can detect a temperature difference of 0.05°C; ≤15mK, such as the Innolux PS50, can detect subtle changes in body temperature).
Resolution: For close-range hunting (≤100 meters), choose 384×288; for long-range (≥300 meters), choose 640×512 or higher (such as the HALO-LR).
Lens Focal Length: For close-range scenes like dense forests, choose a 25-50mm focal length (wide field of view); for long-range scenes on plains, choose a 50-100mm focal length (longer detection range). Second Priority: Operation and Battery Life (Impacts the Combat Experience)
Refresh Rate: ≥60Hz (such as the Innolux PS50) to avoid image artifacts when tracking moving targets.
Battery Life: Prefer models with replaceable batteries, with a single battery lasting ≥4 hours, and a backup battery.
Protection Rating: IP66 or higher (such as the Onick Optical RE series, IP67), suitable for rain and snow.
Third Priority: Accessibility (Improves Efficiency)
Color Palette: Use "White Hot/Black Hot" mode for nighttime searches (clear outlines), and "False Color" mode for dense forests (highlights temperature differences).
Ranging Function: Built-in laser ranging module (such as the Onick Optical RE series) allows for quick target distance calculation and bullet trajectory matching.
Image Storage: Supports screenshots and video recording (some devices, such as the HALO series, require an external recorder; please note this when purchasing).
III. Practical Skills: A Four-Step Operation from Search to Shooting
Thermal imaging hunting requires a streamlined process of "search - identify - aim - shoot." By optimizing the details of the action in conjunction with the equipment's characteristics, the team can achieve "efficient hunting and safe evacuation."
(I) Search Phase: High-altitude + Ground Collaboration to Expand Coverage
Drone Preliminary Reconnaissance: Within authorized airspace, the thermal imaging drone ascends to an altitude of 150-300 meters and uses a "spiral scan" to cover the hunting area, focusing on hidden areas such as brush and gullies. Upon identifying a heat source, the team transmits the coordinates and thermal profile (e.g., "800 meters northeast, approximately 1.2 meters long, suspected wild boar herd") via intercom.
Close-range Inspection with Goggles: Ground personnel, wearing thermal imaging goggles, advance in the direction indicated by the drone, maintaining a low profile and utilizing the goggles' wide-angle advantage (e.g., 25° field of view) to scan the surrounding area and avoid missing scattered targets. At this point, it's recommended to use a "red-hot" color palette to highlight the contrast between the animal's heat source and the cold surroundings.
(II) Identification Phase: Triple Verification to Confirm Target Legitimacy
Thermal Profile Determination: Use the device's zoom function to observe the target's body structure. Wild boars have a "short, plump torso and small head" thermal image, while deer have a "slender torso and forked antlers" thermal image. Birds, due to their small size and high body temperature, have a "point-like highlight" thermal image.
Behavioral Characterization: Wild boars often move in groups, and their torso thermal image is continuous when they move. Deer are adept at jumping, and their limbs can be seen in the thermal image as they move.
Environmental Cross-Verification: Verify that there are no livestock sheds or residential areas near the target to avoid entering prohibited hunting areas. Zixi County explicitly stipulates that thermal imaging hunting is limited to farmland and not in mountainous areas to reduce the risk of contact with protected animals. (III) Aiming Phase: Matching Equipment Parameters and Targeting the Vital Zone
Adjusting Magnification and Focus: Select the appropriate magnification based on the distance (1-2x for ranges within 100 meters, 4-8x for ranges beyond 300 meters). Avoid blurring the image due to high magnification (e.g., HALO series zooms above 4x, which reduces detail).
Targeting the Heat Center: Vital areas of an animal, such as the heart and lungs, have higher body temperatures and appear as bright areas in the heat map, such as the chest of a wild boar. Aiming at this area increases your chances of a fatal shot.
Addressing Environmental Interference: When hunting during the day, be mindful of heat reflection from the ground caused by direct sunlight. Switching to "Dark Heat Mode" can reduce background interference. When using waterproof equipment in rainy weather, wipe off raindrops with a lens cloth to prevent image clarity. (IV) Post-Shooting Processing: Quick Evacuation and Equipment Maintenance
Confirming Target Status: After shooting, observe the target's thermal profile using thermal imaging to see if it's still moving. If the heat source gradually weakens and there's no movement, a hit has been made.
Emergency Shutdown and Storage: Adjust the scope to the lowest magnification, disable the laser function, remove the battery, and store it separately to prevent accidental triggering during bumpy conditions.
Cleaning and Calibration: After hunting, wipe the lens with a special cloth, inspect the detector for dust, and regularly calibrate the device according to the manual (recommended every three months) to ensure accuracy the next time you use it.
IV. Compliance and Safety Red Lines: Legal and Operational Guidelines You Must Know When Hunting
While thermal imaging equipment improves efficiency, it must strictly comply with laws, regulations, and safety standards to avoid legal risks or safety incidents. (I) Legal Compliance: Complete the three certifications and stay within the legal boundaries.
Equipment Compliance: Purchase products certified by the National Radio and Television Administration, such as domestically compliant brands like Onick Optics. Avoid using illegally imported high-power equipment (which may be suspected of "illegal possession of specialized spy equipment").
Hunting Permit: Obtain a hunting permit specifying the species, area, and time of hunting. The use of thermal imaging equipment to hunt nationally protected animals is strictly prohibited (for example, the sika deer, a Class I protected species, is strictly prohibited).
Regional Permit: Register your hunting area with the local forestry department in advance. For example, Zixi County requires that thermal imaging hunting be limited to areas near farmland and prohibited in nature reserves, forest parks, and other areas. (II) Safe Operations: Four No's to Eliminate Risks
Do not blindly shoot thermal targets: Targets that fail three verifications (thermal profile, behavior, and environment) must not be shot, especially near residential areas, to confirm that the target is not a human or livestock.
Do not hunt alone at night: While thermal imaging can clearly identify targets, it cannot identify hazards such as ground traps and steep slopes. Therefore, a team of three or more people is required, with responsibilities for searching, aiming, and guarding.
Do not modify equipment without authorization: Modifying the laser module of a thermal imaging scope (which may increase power and violate the "Laser Product Safety" standard) or removing the equipment's calibration components is strictly prohibited.
Do not disclose hunting information: Avoid posting thermal imaging hunting videos on social media platforms to prevent illegal hunting imitations and protect the ecological privacy of hunting areas.
Summary
Thermal imaging technology has become an "efficiency multiplier" and "safety barrier" for modern hunting. Its core value lies in overcoming environmental limitations and accurately identifying targets. When purchasing, it's important to match the device type to the hunting scenario, prioritizing key parameters like detector resolution and lens focal length. In practice, adhere to the "search - identify - aim - shoot" process and strictly adhere to legal and safety guidelines. Thermal imaging equipment is an irreplaceable tool for wild boar control and legal hunting, but it's important to always remember that technology serves the interests of compliant hunting, and protecting the environment and human safety is always paramount.
