5 Keys to Owning the Night With Pulsar Thermal Optics

Heat Vision Is A Huge Advantage, but You Still Need Your Hunting Skills

Click to listen to the audio version of this article.

The innovative thermal technology Pulsar continues to produce is truly unmatched. I’ve had the chance to shoot with Pulsar thermal optics at the range plenty over the past few years; each time I find the imagery and technology options have advanced beyond what I thought was possible. 

Even with cutting-edge thermal hunting optics, hunters must still hone their skills and choose optics that suit their hunting preferences and skills to have success. I recently spent the weekend on the Sellmark Ranch in Texas hunting hogs. It was a great opportunity to get my hands on all of Pulsar’s latest optics for some in-the-field testing, and I learned a lot about hunting with thermals. 

Gear Up Right: Choosing the Perfect Pulsar Thermal Optics

Pulsar’s optic lines, like the Talion and Thermion, offer various options with superior image clarity and reliability in the field. Essential features like detection range, resolution, and refresh rate make all the difference when it comes to identifying targets with a thermal.

But the offerings from Pulsar don’t stop at rifle scopes. The company’s extensive catalog also includes the Merger line of thermal binoculars and the Telos monocular. The binos are perfect for scanning large areas as they provide a wide field of view and are super comfortable for long glassing sessions. 

On the other hand, the Telos is a compact and versatile option that’s ideal for quickly identifying heat signatures and pinpointing locations. When used in conjunction with a thermal rifle scope, these tools create a dynamic that’s built for success.

You Should Be Using a Laser Range Finder

An optional, and often expensive, add-on feature for thermal optics is an on-board laser rangefinder (LRF), and many are reluctant to take the plunge and pony up the extra cash for this feature. 

“When it comes to thermal hunting, I am frequently asked, ‘Is the laser range finder worth the additional cost?’” says Pulsar Pro Creative Director Jeff Hamilton. “One of the hardest things to gauge in thermal imaging is depth of field, meaning it can sometimes be difficult to tell how far away your intended target is.”

The value of an LRF, he says, depends on the type of hunting scenarios one expects to encounter. 

If hunting on familiar terrain like a family farm or a seasonally visited piece of private land, hunters often use landmarks to gauge distances. But for every other hunting scenario, a rangefinder is an invaluable piece of hunting gear that provides precise information about the distance to a target and allows hunters to make informed decisions and take ethical shots on game. 

But, juggling a rangefinder and a rifle with a thermal can be a daunting challenge for hunters with only two hands. The on-board LRF doesn’t only make that a lot easier, it also unlocks advanced features in Pulsar products, like the Ballistic Calculator. Any way you slice it, the extra cost is worth it. 

Master Your Gear Before the Hunt

Nothing is more frustrating than fumbling with your equipment in the field. Familiarizing yourself with your thermal optic before going on a hunt is essential. And remember, every piece of hunting technology introduces a unique learning curve. Unlike traditional optics, thermal imaging relies on heat signatures rather than color or light, which can take a bit of getting used to for hunters accustomed to traditional optics. 

On the first day of my hunt at Sellmark Ranch, we took time to check our zeros on the Thermion 2 LRF; I took the time to get comfortable with the controls, settings, and button selection. Even though it was not my first time shooting with this optic, these basic functions can be overwhelming in the dark. Investing in some range time can make all the difference in the field.

Stealth Is Key

Just because you have a powerful tool like a thermal optic in your hands doesn’t mean your other hunting skills go out the window. You still must factor in scent and wind direction and develop a strategy that keeps you undetected. Using elevated hunting blinds offers a strategic advantage by allowing hunters to scan terrain and position for the perfect shot while remaining concealed. 

An elevated blind or treestand not only provides a higher vantage point, it also minimizes scent dispersion and keeps hunters out of sight. Pulsar’s Thermion 2 LRF XL50 can detect heat signatures from 2,300 meters or about 2,515 yards, enabling hunters to scan large areas without disturbing game. 

If you are putting the stalk on an animal, maintaining stealth is challenging as always, but thermals provide an advantage. On the second day of my hunt, we stalked within 50 yards of a group of hogs and ended up shooting two large sows. Having thermal monoculars to guide us that close was the key to maintaining stealth.

Understanding Your Target: Animal Behavior At Night

Nocturnal animals like hogs and coyotes exhibit different behavior patterns after dark. Hogs tend to move in groups, rooting for food under the cover of night. Hogs are a bit more predictable and frequently use the same trails, wallows, and feeding areas. 

Hunters can capitalize on this by setting up near feeding grounds or known travel routes. While coyotes are more active hunters, relying on stealth to stalk prey. They are opportunistic and highly adaptable. Hunters can use calls and scents to attract them into the area. 

By understanding and adapting to the animal’s night behaviors, hunters can strategically place themselves in prime positions, using the animals’ natural instincts to their advantage.

Pulsar thermal optics offer a clear advantage in night hunting, providing the tools needed for accurate target identification and precise shot placement when the light is so low it’s nearly full dark. With a rifle topped with a Pulsar thermal optic and a pair of thermal binos on your chest or a thermal monocular in your pocket, you’ll be ready to take on the night. 

Learn more about Pulsar hardware in the Hook & Barrel PULSAR INSIDER microsite: hookandbarrel.com/insider/pulsar