Night-vision scopes are compact optical devices that are used for enabling one to see at night. Besides many purposes like aiding vision in military operations, night-walks, nocturnal researches and security patrolling, night-vision scopes are used most commonly in hunting. Hunters use these scopes to target and shoot down wild animals at nights. Hunters use specific types of devices—like the thermal-imaging based night vision scopes for hog hunting—depending upon their specific needs and purposes. Riflescopes are especially designed for mounting on to rifles and such equipment for easy operation.
Just like a regular scopes, night-vision riflescopes are designed to see through the dark night but are designed for enabling vision through a longer distance. Mounting onto weapons, these scopes can aid in aiming and shooting accurately even through the night. Hence is this device one of the unavoidable companions to hunters. Giving crisp and clear images even in the absence of ample light these compact devices act like secondary eyes to hunters. This is important especially in hunting wild animals like boars. Devices designed especially as night vision scopes for hog hunting are available these days.
Use of a proper riflescope is unavoidable if you wish to go for hunting at night. Depending upon the needs and purposes you can choose a device from Generation 2 to 4 or simply a riflescope with the latest digital technology. Anything less than this gen-2 or with an older technology will not help you in seeing through the night. This may not only cause the risk of misfiring but also put you in danger at night. For hunting at night, normal light-based night-vision riflescopes may not help. Then thermal imaging is the technology to look for.
Thermal night vision devices are sophisticated night-vision riflescopes equipped with technologically advanced devices like IR blasters and IR sensors. Replacing the conventional image processing using available light, these devices make use of thermal imaging technology to produce clear images of objects at night. Unlike traditional night-vision scopes that require minimum ambient light to fashion a visual image at night, infrared imaging technology exploits the thermal contrast between warm animal bodies and their naturally cooler surroundings. This is done by recognizing the minute differences in the IR rays that all heated objects produce. The thermal devices fitted on to these thermal scopes can detect these IR rays accurately. So sharp contrasting image of the object is produced even when there is absolutely no light. Night vision scopes for hog hunting are best examples of thermal scopes. They are most popular among hog hunters because hogs tend to hide in farms or plantation or can be found in open moors, and they are active only during late midnights.
Almost all top brands like ATN and Armasight produce thermal riflescopes. They are available in different sets and in varying prices. Firefield and Sightmark also have introduced thermal imaging technology in their latest releases.
