Hey there, fellow hog hunters! Joel Mccartan here, and boy do I have a treat for you today. As an avid hunter who’s spent more nights in the field than I can count, I know firsthand how crucial good night vision gear is for bagging those elusive pigs.
Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a big ol’ boar through your scope in the dead of night. But to experience that rush, you need the right equipment. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the absolute best night vision scopes for hog hunting in 2024.
I’ve field tested dozens of scopes over the years, and let me tell you – night vision technology has come a long way. The scopes available today would’ve blown my mind a decade ago. We’re talking crystal clear images, insane detection ranges, and features that make hunting after dark an absolute breeze.
But before we dive into my top picks, let’s quickly cover why night vision is a must-have for serious hog hunters:
Why You Need Night Vision for Hog Hunting
If you’ve spent any time chasing pigs, you know these critters are primarily nocturnal. They’ve evolved to forage and roam under the cover of darkness, making them a real challenge to hunt during daylight hours.
With a quality night vision scope, you can:
– Easily spot hogs in pitch black conditions
– Extend your hunting time well past sunset
– Increase your success rate dramatically
– Stay safe by clearly seeing your surroundings
Trust me, once you experience the advantage of night vision, you’ll never want to hunt hogs without it again. It’s a total game changer.
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff – my top night vision scope picks for 2024:
1. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x – Best Overall Night Vision Scope
Folks, if you want the cream of the crop when it comes to digital night vision, look no further than the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro. This bad boy has been my go-to scope for the past year, and it continues to impress me every time I take it out.
Key Features:
– 4K ultra HD sensor and display
– 5-20x magnification
– Day and night modes
– Built-in rangefinder and ballistic calculator
– Video recording and streaming
– 18+ hour battery life
What I Love:
The image quality on this scope is mind-blowing, especially at night. I can clearly make out hogs at 300+ yards with the included IR illuminator. The smart rangefinder and ballistic calculator take the guesswork out of long shots.
Being able to record hunts in 4K is awesome for reliving the excitement or sharing with buddies. And the battery life is phenomenal – I can hunt all night without worrying about it dying.
Room for Improvement:
The user interface takes some getting used to. There are a ton of features, which is great, but it can be overwhelming at first.
Overall:
If you want the best of the best and don’t mind the learning curve, the X-Sight 4K Pro is tough to beat. It’s transformed my nighttime hog hunting success.
2. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 – Best Thermal Scope
Now, if you really want to feel like the Predator while hunting hogs, you need to check out a thermal scope like the Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50. This thing is an absolute beast for detecting heat signatures at ridiculous ranges.
Key Features:
– 1.6-12.8x magnification
– 2000 yard heat detection range
– Built-in laser rangefinder
– Picture-in-picture mode
– 8 hour battery life
– Video recording and streaming
What I Love:
The thermal imaging on this scope is next level. I can spot hogs from over half a mile away on a cool night. The picture-in-picture mode lets me zoom in on targets while maintaining situational awareness.
The built-in rangefinder paired with the ballistic calculator makes long range shots a breeze. And being able to switch between white hot and black hot modes helps in different environments.
Room for Improvement:
The price tag is not for the faint of heart. You’re looking at a serious investment here.
Overall:
If you’ve got the budget and want the ultimate in hog detection technology, the Trail 2 LRF is hard to beat. It’s changed the game for my long range nighttime hunting.
3. Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 – Best Budget Digital Night Vision
Not everyone wants to drop a few grand on a night vision scope. If you’re looking for a solid digital option that won’t break the bank, check out the Sightmark Wraith HD.
Key Features:
– 4-32x magnification
– Day and night modes
– 10 reticle options
– Video recording
– 4.5 hour battery life
What I Love:
For the price, the image quality is impressive. I can clearly identify hogs out to about 200 yards at night. The multiple reticle options are great for different hunting scenarios.
Being able to use it during the day is a nice bonus. And the video recording lets me show off my hunts without spending a fortune.
Room for Improvement:
The battery life could be better. I usually carry spare AAs for longer hunts.
Overall:
If you’re new to night vision or on a tight budget, the Wraith HD is a great entry point. It’ll definitely up your hog hunting game without emptying your wallet.
4. Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 – Best for Long Range
For you long range hog hunters out there, the Pulsar Digisight Ultra N455 is worth a serious look. This scope is built for precision shooting at extended distances, even in complete darkness.
Key Features:
– 4.5-18x magnification
– 550 yard detection range
– Picture-in-picture mode
– Variable reticles
– One-shot zero function
– Video recording
What I Love:
The clarity at high magnification is outstanding. I can make precise shots on hogs well beyond 300 yards at night. The picture-in-picture mode is clutch for maintaining situational awareness while zoomed in.
The one-shot zero function saves a ton of time at the range. And the variety of reticle options lets me customize for different hunting scenarios.
Room for Improvement:
It’s on the heavier side compared to some other scopes. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.
Overall:
For serious long range hog hunters, the Digisight Ultra N455 is a top contender. The combination of clarity, magnification, and smart features makes it a killer choice.
5. ATN THOR 4 384×288 – Best Value Thermal Scope
If you want to dip your toes into the world of thermal without completely draining your bank account, take a look at the ATN ThOR 4 384×288. It offers a lot of the benefits of high-end thermal at a more palatable price point.
Key Features:
– 1.25-5x magnification
– 384×288 thermal sensor
– Ballistic calculator
– Video recording and streaming
– 18+ hour battery life
What I Love:
The thermal imaging performance is solid for the price range. I can reliably detect hogs out to about 500 yards on cooler nights. The ultra-long battery life means I never have to worry about it dying mid-hunt.
The ballistic calculator is a nice touch for making accurate shots at varying distances. And being able to record thermal footage of my hunts is just plain cool.
Room for Improvement:
The lower resolution sensor means less detail than pricier thermal scopes. But it’s still more than adequate for hog hunting.
Overall:
For hunters wanting to try thermal without breaking the bank, the ThOR 4 384×288 is a great choice. It delivers the core benefits of thermal imaging at a more accessible price point.
6. Trijicon REAP-IR Mini Thermal Riflescope – Best Compact Thermal
Sometimes you want top-notch thermal performance without lugging around a huge optic. That’s where the Trijicon REAP-IR Mini comes in. This compact powerhouse packs a serious punch in a small package.
Key Features:
– 12-micron thermal core
– 2.5x optical magnification (up to 20x digital zoom)
– Multiple reticle options
– MIL-SPEC ruggedness
– Made in the USA
What I Love:
The image quality from the 12-micron sensor is outstanding. I get crisp, detailed thermal images that make hog identification a breeze. The compact size means I can easily maneuver in tight spaces or add it to an already decked-out rifle.
The rugged build quality gives me confidence it’ll hold up to anything I throw at it. And the intuitive controls make it easy to use, even with gloves on.
Room for Improvement:
The battery life isn’t as long as some competitors. I usually carry spares for extended hunts.
Overall:
If you want premium thermal performance in a compact package, the REAP-IR Mini is tough to beat. It’s become my go-to for more mobile hunting scenarios.
7. AGM Rattler TS35-384 – Best Entry-Level Thermal
New to the world of thermal and not sure you want to invest big bucks just yet? The AGM Rattler TS35-384 offers a solid entry point without sacrificing too much performance.
Key Features:
– 1280×960 LCOS display
– 2.5-10x magnification
– 8 color palettes
– Video recording
– Weighs only 14 ounces
What I Love:
For an entry-level thermal, the image quality is impressive. I can reliably spot hogs out to about 300 yards on cool nights. The multiple color palettes are great for adapting to different environments and personal preference.
The lightweight design means I barely notice it on my rifle. And the simple controls make it easy to use, even for thermal newbies.
Room for Improvement:
The refresh rate isn’t as high as pricier options, so fast-moving targets can be a bit choppy.
Overall:
For hunters curious about thermal but hesitant to invest in high-end gear, the Rattler TS35-384 is a great starting point. It’ll give you a solid taste of what thermal can do without emptying your wallet.
8. Armasight by FLIR Zeus 336 3-12×50 – Best Mid-Range Thermal
Looking for that sweet spot between entry-level and top-tier thermal? The Armasight Zeus 336 hits a nice balance of performance and price.
Key Features:
– 336×256 thermal sensor
– 3-12x magnification
– 6 reticle options
– Video output
– MIL-SPEC lens coating
What I Love:
The image quality is a noticeable step up from entry-level thermals. I get clear, detailed heat signatures that make hog identification easy out to 500+ yards. The 3-12x magnification range is versatile for different hunting scenarios.
The rugged build quality inspires confidence in rough conditions. And the intuitive menu system makes adjusting settings a breeze.
Room for Improvement:
No built-in video recording – you need an external device to capture footage.
Overall:
For hunters wanting high-quality thermal performance without the sticker shock of top-end models, the Zeus 336 is a fantastic choice. It’s become a favorite among my hunting buddies.
9. Pulsar Krypton FXG50 – Best Night Vision/Thermal Hybrid
Can’t decide between night vision and thermal? Why not both? The Pulsar Krypton FXG50 combines the best of both worlds in one impressive package.
Key Features:
– Fusion mode combines thermal and night vision
– 2000 yard detection range
– Picture-in-picture mode
– Stadiametric rangefinder
– Wi-Fi streaming
What I Love:
The fusion mode is a game changer. I get the heat detection of thermal with the detail of digital night vision. It’s incredibly useful for positively identifying targets at long range.
The 2000 yard detection range is insane – I can spot heat signatures from over a mile away. And the ability to stream to my phone lets me share the view with hunting partners.
Room for Improvement:
It’s a complex piece of gear with a learning curve. But the payoff is worth it.
Overall:
If you want the ultimate in nighttime hog hunting technology, the Krypton FXG50 is hard to beat. It’s pricey, but the combination of thermal and night vision is incredibly powerful.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – my top night vision scope picks for hog hunting in 2024. Whether you’re a budget-conscious beginner or a seasoned pro looking for the latest and greatest, there’s an option here for every hunter.
Remember, the best scope is the one that fits your specific needs and hunting style. Consider factors like:
– Your budget
– Typical hunting ranges
– Desired features (recording, rangefinding, etc.)
– Size and weight preferences
No matter which scope you choose, I can guarantee that adding night vision to your hog hunting arsenal will be a game changer. There’s nothing quite like the rush of spotting a big boar in total darkness and making a clean, ethical shot.
So get out there, gear up, and enjoy the thrilling world of nighttime hog hunting. Stay safe, have fun, and may your freezer be full of pork!
This is Joel Mccartan signing off – happy hunting!