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Thermal #7169286
02/04/21 05:54 PM
02/04/21 05:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
WadeRyan Offline OP
trapper
WadeRyan  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
Well, we ended up getting dumped on. 12-14 inches of snow. We’ve had off and on snow/ice since. My hopes of being able to get around for more cats has been kind of dashed. I decided to enter the world of thermals with the coyotes/cats I took this year.

I am just getting my feet wet and just picked up the ATN Thor 4x8. I’ve been kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I only got out for an hour last night before the wind/rain started again but it’s a different world. I was watching rabbits in waterways from over 100 yards. Watched a raccoon and skunk race for the jackrabbit squall. It’s crazy.


I’ve learned very quickly you can put as much into it as you’d like. I don’t have all the bells and whistles but I’ve been impressed with what I have so far. With the snow cover I’m easily picking up heat signatures out around 500-600 yards. By 100 yards I could identify most everything and haven’t seen anything larger than a raccoon yet.

I did a one shot zero two days ago. I used HVAC tape in the sunlight and it made a perfect target. Took one shot, did the zero and shot four more times. At 50 yards I only had one outlier and I’m certain it was me moving. The other three almost punched through the same hole. Those ballistics put me at about 1.5 high at 100 and dead on at 200. I shouldn’t need to shoot past that. Waiting for it to get dark tonight we just got another skiff of snow. I’m going to go chase some lonely coyotes tonight.

[Linked Image]


Follow me on YouTube if you’re bored

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ulx1woYMmCN3IPLB0wwFw


Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169292
02/04/21 06:00 PM
02/04/21 06:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,787
Asheville, NC
C
charles Offline
trapper
charles  Offline
trapper
C

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,787
Asheville, NC
Suggest you use a much smaller bullseye - like an "X" drawn with a Sharpie pen. No circle. Will give you a better idea of your gun's accuracy, and your shooting ability. Hard to center your crosshairs on a large bullseye. I think you are dead on however.

I have never shot through a thermal scope. Is it like a regular scope or does the object you want to shoot need to be hotter than the surrounding area? Might not be able to see a Sharpie marker.


Last edited by charles; 02/04/21 06:06 PM.
Re: Thermal [Re: charles] #7169299
02/04/21 06:05 PM
02/04/21 06:05 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
WadeRyan Offline OP
trapper
WadeRyan  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
Originally Posted by charles
Suggest you use a much smaller bullseye - like an "X" drawn with a Sharpie pen. No circle. Will give you a better idea of your gun's accuracy, and your shooting ability. Hard to center your crosshairs on a large bullseye.


It’s a thermal scope Charles you can’t “use a sharpie.” That’s about a 1x1 inch square. With the foil tape in the sun it illuminates and you center the crosshairs inside the “cold” square when looking through the thermal.

I think most guys using a traditional scope would be hard pressed to get that group after one shot and adjustments.


Follow me on YouTube if you’re bored

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ulx1woYMmCN3IPLB0wwFw


Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169300
02/04/21 06:06 PM
02/04/21 06:06 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 860
Michigan
Northcountry Offline
trapper
Northcountry  Offline
trapper

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 860
Michigan
You can't see a sharpie pen X with a thermal scope. I also have an ATN Thor, so I know the challenge of creating a good target. Thats a great target and good shooting.

-NC

Re: Thermal [Re: charles] #7169301
02/04/21 06:07 PM
02/04/21 06:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Flipper 56 Offline
trapper
Flipper 56  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Originally Posted by charles
Suggest you use a much smaller bullseye - like an "X" drawn with a Sharpie pen. No circle. Will give you a better idea of your gun's accuracy, and your shooting ability. Hard to center your crosshairs on a large bullseye. I think you are dead on however.


You are not able to see an X with a thermal scope, only a heat change. I like to fold up one of those hand heat packs that you shake after you take it out of the foil pouch and tape it to a box or cardboard. Works anytime without the sun.


"Where Can A Man Find Bear Beaver And Other Critters Worth Cash Money When Skinned?"

Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169302
02/04/21 06:08 PM
02/04/21 06:08 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,787
Asheville, NC
C
charles Offline
trapper
charles  Offline
trapper
C

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,787
Asheville, NC
I understand now. Not meant to be critical. Good shooting.

Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169303
02/04/21 06:11 PM
02/04/21 06:11 PM
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10,726
SW Georgia
W
Wanna Be Offline
trapper
Wanna Be  Offline
trapper
W

Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10,726
SW Georgia
A buddy of mine uses those Hot Hands taped to a board at night. He tapes it on both sides where he only has about an inch or so to actually aim at. Personally I would’ve never thought of that, but it works for him.

Re: Thermal [Re: Flipper 56] #7169308
02/04/21 06:17 PM
02/04/21 06:17 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
WadeRyan Offline OP
trapper
WadeRyan  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
Originally Posted by Flipper 56
Originally Posted by charles
Suggest you use a much smaller bullseye - like an "X" drawn with a Sharpie pen. No circle. Will give you a better idea of your gun's accuracy, and your shooting ability. Hard to center your crosshairs on a large bullseye. I think you are dead on however.


You are not able to see an X with a thermal scope, only a heat change. I like to fold up one of those hand heat packs that you shake after you take it out of the foil pouch and tape it to a box or cardboard. Works anytime without the sun.

I picked up some outdated heal warmers (same thing) at work we use on newborns needing blood out of their heals. They throw them away otherwise. I plan to use those to check my zero from time to time I think it’ll work great!

It’s definitely a new world when you can see everything out there and they think they’re hidden. I’ve never been much of a caller but I think this will change that. It’s a little bit of an adrenaline rush. I plan to get a few stands in tonight. I know there’s still some coyotes that need thinned.

At some point I’d like to pick up a monocular scanner. Hopefully by next season. Just getting my feet wet now.


Follow me on YouTube if you’re bored

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ulx1woYMmCN3IPLB0wwFw


Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169311
02/04/21 06:22 PM
02/04/21 06:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Flipper 56 Offline
trapper
Flipper 56  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Yes, it's a pain to scan and look around with the gun.


"Where Can A Man Find Bear Beaver And Other Critters Worth Cash Money When Skinned?"

Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169430
02/04/21 08:12 PM
02/04/21 08:12 PM
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 279
Michigan
D
Duckie1 Offline
trapper
Duckie1  Offline
trapper
D

Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 279
Michigan
Please keep the updates coming. I have been looking at thermals also and I'm interested in hearing first hand accounts of their use. Anyone with monocular experience would be great to hear from. Like to know about durability, how far they are useful for identifying targets, and review of different brands.

Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169467
02/04/21 08:45 PM
02/04/21 08:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,159
chelsea,wi
keets Offline
trapper
keets  Offline
trapper

Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,159
chelsea,wi
yes^


2021 goals....make time to trap
PROUD MEMBER WTA NTA FTA GOA SPORTSMANS ALLIANCE
Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169510
02/04/21 09:06 PM
02/04/21 09:06 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Flipper 56 Offline
trapper
Flipper 56  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
I have a pair of night vision goggles to watch with and I have a 3X power magnifier I can add to it. More expensive than thermal but I can see detail with it. Thermal can see through brush because you only see the animals heat signature, night vision sees the brush like you would with your eyes.
With a 6X night vision scope you can see the bean pods on a soybean stalk at a hundred yards, with thermal you would see an animal but no beans. It's kind of hard to get used to after years of seeing everything through a scope. The cheaper night vision is way more dependent on Infrared illumination because they can't gather enough ambient light.
Thermals are kind of like a video camera and most can record and save your shots. It is also easy to electronically adjust your zero and save the zero for multiple guns and calibers. I put mine on a suppressed .22 and shot rats at 25 feet in a barn last summer and then replayed the shots for friends. No light so the rats don't have a clue, lots of fun.


"Where Can A Man Find Bear Beaver And Other Critters Worth Cash Money When Skinned?"

Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169512
02/04/21 09:06 PM
02/04/21 09:06 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
WadeRyan Offline OP
trapper
WadeRyan  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
Duckie, I have been researching the monocular. I’m not too worried about identification with it I just want to know something is running at me then switch to guns. I’ve been looking hard at the AGM Asp-micro TM160. Most reviews say it’s picking up heat at 400 yards and out. Identification within 1-200 yards. It’s equivalent from what I’ve gathered to the Flir Scout. Also about $200 cheaper.

What I’ve learned so far is for identification you’ll want to go up. I’m not too worried about it like I said if it’s running at a coyote vocal or distress I want to kill it. One thing I noticed right away was depth perception. I picked up the raccoon at about 200 yards when he came over the hill. I zoomed and thought I was shooting him around 100 yards. When I walked up to him I was closer to 50 yards when I put him down. I could fully make out his rings on his tail as he quartered in. I thought that was pretty good considering I am at the entry level on thermal. The skunk was also easily identified.

I watched a rabbit sit in a waterway at 100 yards and could make out his ears. Good enough for me. I’m still playing between white and black hot. Can’t decide which I prefer.


Follow me on YouTube if you’re bored

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ulx1woYMmCN3IPLB0wwFw


Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169535
02/04/21 09:16 PM
02/04/21 09:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Flipper 56 Offline
trapper
Flipper 56  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 6,635
Wabash, IN USA
Wade, that is what is tough with the thermal, depth perception because you can't see a background. I have mine on white hot and this is what rats in a barn wall look like for you guys that have not seen the view through a thermal. Notice the warm blood flying out! Ha Ha


"Where Can A Man Find Bear Beaver And Other Critters Worth Cash Money When Skinned?"

Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169540
02/04/21 09:20 PM
02/04/21 09:20 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,101
Northern Michigan
J
J.Morse Offline
trapper
J.Morse  Offline
trapper
J

Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,101
Northern Michigan
Wade, I still haven't had an opportunity to do anything with mine! I'm gonna be real interested on how your hunt goes.


Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169563
02/04/21 09:27 PM
02/04/21 09:27 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
WadeRyan Offline OP
trapper
WadeRyan  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,619
Nebraska
Flipper I’ve watched that before one of the vids that made me go out and get one. Solid work lol.

J. I’m just getting supper done with the kids and I’ll probably head out. I just called close to home last night. I plan to get into some coyote territory tonight. Hoping for about 5 stands.


Follow me on YouTube if you’re bored

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ulx1woYMmCN3IPLB0wwFw


Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169586
02/04/21 09:45 PM
02/04/21 09:45 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
S
Steven 49er Offline
trapper
Steven 49er  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
Wade, don't skimp on a monocular, you won't be happy with those cheap ones.

I've only had a thermal for this season and I've been using my buddies Axion XM30S monocular.

The monocular is crazy good. Recognition is several hundred yards, deer at half mile.
Knowing what I know now, if money is a concern I'd recommend to people to skimp some on the scope and buy a high quality monocular.

I skimped some on the scope because I'm cheap, this summer I'll buy a quality monocular and if finances allow for more I'll sell my scope and upgrade.


"Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon". Milton Friedman.
Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169589
02/04/21 09:48 PM
02/04/21 09:48 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
S
Steven 49er Offline
trapper
Steven 49er  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 10,421
mn north of blakely
What resolution Thor did you get? 384 or 640?

I got the 384 knowing I'd most likely not be happy and I'm right lol. Not because it isn't okay the 640 is worth the extra cash.


"Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon". Milton Friedman.
Re: Thermal [Re: WadeRyan] #7169595
02/04/21 09:54 PM
02/04/21 09:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241
The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane Offline
"HOSS"
Leftlane  Offline
"HOSS"

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,241
The Hill Country of Texas
Daggum it Wade I didn't end up going that way this last fall b/c of all the hurricanes but if I had I was thinkin of leaving you some blowin snow gear. Right now when the cats are prime and the big Tom's are roaming a snow storm is great news to a cat trapper.

Coils and buried traps freeze down easily but a DLS with a big pan set exposed will fire in almost any condition. If you can cross crocks on the ice great but if not the sows are and the toms are following. It is basically a fish out of a barrel circumstance if you are tooled up.

Good luck to ya. I know your a good hand but us old guys know tricks LOL


“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.”
Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers


Re: Thermal [Re: Steven 49er] #7169779
02/05/21 12:30 AM
02/05/21 12:30 AM
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 706
Michigan
B
BigBlackBirds Offline
trapper
BigBlackBirds  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 706
Michigan
Originally Posted by Steven 49er
Wade, don't skimp on a monocular, you won't be happy with those cheap ones.

I've only had a thermal for this season and I've been using my buddies Axion XM30S monocular.

The monocular is crazy good. Recognition is several hundred yards, deer at half mile.
Knowing what I know now, if money is a concern I'd recommend to people to skimp some on the scope and buy a high quality monocular.

I skimped some on the scope because I'm cheap, this summer I'll buy a quality monocular and if finances allow for more I'll sell my scope and upgrade.



^^^^^this

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