Let’s face it, advancements in technology are all around us. Yes, that includes when we are trapping, predator hunting, scouting, big game hunting, camping, home security and a lot more.
Leading the way in technology advancements for the outdoorsman is the use of thermal cameras during many outdoor activities. These are not the same night vision cameras that many of us are accustomed to. Today, manufactures are offering top of the line thermal cameras that were once only reserved for our armed forces.
The good news is that purchasing a new camera does not have to mean taking out a loan, or saving for months just to purchase one. Yes, there are some models on the market that require a sizeable investment, but not all of them. Some models on the higher end will set a person back several thousand dollars, but quality optics with reduced capabilities can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars.
The camera that I’ve been using in recent months is the Scout III by Flir. This camera might cost more than what many sportsmen would like to pay, but when I consider the time I spend in the field as well as the terrain I am in a lot of times, this camera fitted my needs.
The Scout III has a line a sight out to 1,200 yards. This will allow me to spot game from long distances without disturbing the area. I will talk more about the uses in a moment.
A cheaper alternative is the Scout TK by Flir. For under six-hundred dollars, it is easier to justify for many outdoorsmen and women. Also, if a deer camp or group of gals or gals want to go in together on the camera to share, the investment drops dramatically for each person. Just something to think about.
The Scout TK has a view out to 100-yards. The pros are the affordability and the possibilities that come with the camera are endless. Also, by first purchasing this camera, you can get a good feel if you might want to purchase a higher-priced model.
So, what are the practical purposes for such a camera? I got this very question from my wife, and even the folks I hunt and trap with. After seeing the camera in action, they quickly seen the practical purposes behind it.
Something that got me real excited about these cameras happened the middle of last November while deer hunting in Illinois. Much of my family was out for an evening hunt when an unexpected light drizzle moved in. Not wanting to end the hunt before dark during the middle of the whitetail rut, the hunters stayed put.
Shortly before dark, shot opportunities were presented to three hunters. All three shots looked good, but the drizzle quickly washed away any blood. It wasn’t long before my phone started ringing. In a matter of minutes, I was able to recover each deer in the dark without having a blood trail to follow.
Far too many hunters give up on finding a deer that might not leave a blood trail, or lose deer when blood trails vanish. This is where thermal cameras prove their worth at deer camp. The Scout TK would be a perfect camera for deer camp. Priced below six-hundred dollars, it becomes very affordable when several people from your deer camp go in together on one.
Entering and exiting stand locations in the dark is a good way to ruin a hunting spot. With a thermal camera it is easy to spot game from a distance, and change your route as needed to avoid bumping deer and other game animals that you might get a shot at later on.
The list of opportunities is long for one of these cameras. Finding missing people in the dark, spotting dangerous game before they spot you, scouting, recovery, checking traps, watching wildlife, and so much more. If you haven’t tried a thermal camera yet, I recommend you do so. You don’t have to jump in feet first if you don’t want to. There are models on the market for all budgets. Find one that is right for you and give it a try.
