Night hunting is a unique form of entertainment that is quickly gaining popularity. It offers the opportunity to collect valuable trophies, observe a different side of wildlife, enjoy the starry sky, and appreciate the atmosphere around. However, night hunting is a demanding activity. To carry it out, you will need the right equipment and, of course, NV optics. Choosing the optimal night vision device will be a crucial task for the hunter, during which it is necessary to consider the terrain where the event will be held. This approach will enable the identification of the optimal model that works effectively, thereby increasing the chances of success. This article discusses the key criteria and features of choosing NV devices for each type of terrain. Taking them into account, even a novice hunter will be able to find a suitable model for himself.
What NV devices do hunters use?
The mass production of night vision devices has provided hunters with a wide range of models tailored to their specific activity. Companies such as AGM now offer a variety of optics with optimal characteristics, a large number of functions and unique additional features. Using them, hunters increase their chances of finding and hunting an animal even in deplorable lighting conditions.
The most popular AGM NV devices among hunters are binoculars and monoculars. They open up unlimited opportunities for observing the surrounding area and identifying animals at any distance. They also help to notice various dangers, navigate the terrain and choose the right direction of movement.
In combination with binoculars and monoculars, hunters almost always use NV sights. They have approximately the same appearance as similar optics for the day, but are capable of forming a clear and detailed image in poor lighting conditions. Thanks to such devices, hunters can see their target well and make accurate shots.
Hunters also often use night vision goggles. They are fixed on the user’s head and do not interfere with various actions. Such optics become indispensable when moving around any terrain and conducting preparatory activities (for example, when placing bait).
NV devices equipped with a thermal imaging function are especially popular with hunters. They enable the detection instantly of warm-blooded animals, the determination of their species, gender, size, and other vital parameters. In some cases, such devices are replaced by full-fledged thermal imagers. They become an addition to the NV devices used and expand the capabilities of hunters as much as possible.
Features of choosing night optics for each type of terrain
Night hunting can be done in almost any terrain. Dense forests, open fields, mountains, swamps and places with little vegetation are the most popular options. Each of them requires a specialized approach to selecting night optics, taking into account numerous vital aspects. All of them will be described in this section of the article.
Dense forests
This type of terrain is one of the most popular among hunters. In a dense forest, there is always a wide variety of game, and the abundance of vegetation creates a pleasant atmosphere that adds to the overall pleasure. However, many trees block starlight and moonlight. As a result, hunting at night becomes extremely challenging. To make the task of getting an animal more realistic, you need to use not the first optics you come across, but NV devices with special characteristics and capabilities. Models with IR illumination are ideal for dense forests. It will help to compensate for the lack of natural light and provide good visibility even in such difficult conditions. Additionally, suitable models should have a high resolution, which will help produce a more precise and more detailed image. An additional plus will be the presence of a thermal imaging function, which will help to detect even well-camouflaged animals.
Open fields
Hunters who prefer not to hunt in the forest often opt for open fields. This area is full of various games, even at night, the extraction of which will bring great pleasure. In areas where there are no tall plants, the light from the moon and stars is not blocked by anything. This allows hunters to use even inexpensive night optics, which can provide them with a high-quality image. At the same time, an open area forces you to cover a vast area with your eyes. Due to this feature, NV devices with the maximum range are best suited for outdoor fields. It is also important that the night optics have a zoom function. It will allow you to approach any object located far from the hunter visually.
Places with little vegetation
Night hunting is also possible in areas that are between a forest and a field. In such places, there is a small amount of vegetation, which often interferes with regular inspection of the area and creates obstacles to finding game. In this case, the best option would be to use universal NV devices. They will be equally effective in all areas and will help the hunter achieve his goals. The only special requirement for night optics will be a wide viewing angle. It will allow you to cover a large area with your eyes and quickly find animals in it.
Mountainous terrain
Mountains are always rugged terrain, unpredictable weather and a vast number of dangers along the way. Hunting in such terrain is considered extreme even during the day, so only the bravest hunters go hunting at night. Advanced night optics are used for hunting in the mountains. They must be reliably protected from moisture (in case of sudden rain or snow) and other external influences (for example, sudden temperature changes, accidental contact with stones, etc.). Additionally, when using models in the mountains, consider selecting those with automatic brightness control and other suitable features. This will enable comfortable use of optics in rapidly changing conditions. An additional advantage is the lightweight design. It will simplify long-term wearing of NV optics in a backpack or special bag.
Marshy terrain
The swamp is a popular destination for hunting. During the day, this area is visible, but at night, high-quality NV equipment will be needed to explore it. It will allow you to find the game, notice dangerous areas, pits, and flooded paths. Optics with a thermal imaging function are suitable for night hunting in swampy areas. It will allow you to quickly find warm-blooded animals and birds even if they are in reeds or behind other natural obstacles. It is also essential that the selected night vision devices are reliably protected from moisture. In this case, accidental falls into water and exposure to fog, which is an integral attribute of any swamp, will not be “fatal” for the equipment.
Recommendations for choosing NV optics for hunting in a different terrain
To choose the right night optics for hunting, the opinion of the seller of such a product will not be enough. It should be supplemented by recommendations from experienced hunters who have repeatedly chosen the dark time of day for their hobby. The available level of illumination is the primary factor to consider. In forests, mountains, open fields, and other areas, the situation will be different, so you need to choose NV devices accordingly. Where there is more natural light, simple night optics with minimal functionality are enough. However, in places where it is difficult to see anything at arm’s length, more advanced and expensive equipment will be required.
The following important recommendation is to pay attention to the dimensions and weight of night optics. In rugged terrain (for example, in swamps or dense forests), it will be more convenient to use compact and lightweight devices. At the same time, in open areas, you can use larger equipment (only that which will not create transportation problems to the hunting site). Also, do not forget about the surrounding conditions in the chosen area. For example, in excessively wet or swampy areas, it is recommended to choose models with the highest level of moisture protection. For mountainous regions, devices with a robust design that can withstand accidental impacts with rocks are recommended.
Choosing NV optics for night hunting is not just about finding a specific model or a product with a certain price. This is a choice of a device that will be as well adapted as possible to the conditions of the area where the event will be held. Taking into account various criteria and recommendations from experienced hunters, even a beginner can quickly find the optimal model, which will become a valuable assistant and increase the chances of success.
