Thermal imaging is a popular tool for hunters, as it allows them to hunt at night where legal. But how effective is it? In this article, we’ll explore six facts about thermal imaging that every hunter should know.
Contents
- How Effective Is Thermal Imaging For Hunting?
- Can Deer See IR Illuminators?
- Can You Hunt With a Thermal Scope During the Day?
- Can You See Deer Antlers With Thermal Imaging?
- Does Aluminum Foil Block Thermal Imaging?
- Can Thermal Imaging See Through Leaves?
- Can You See Alligators With Thermal Imaging?
- The Wrap Up
How Effective Is Thermal Imaging For Hunting?
There is no doubt that thermal imaging can be helpful for hunting (where legal). It can help you spot animals that you would otherwise have a hard time seeing. However, there are also some drawbacks to using thermal imaging.
First, it can be expensive. Second, it requires clear conditions to be effective, so it may not be useful in all hunting situations.
Overall, thermal imaging can be a helpful tool for hunting, but it is not perfect. If you are considering using thermal imaging for hunting, be sure to weigh the pros and cons to decide if it is right for you.
Let’s talk more about some of the common questions we get about thermal imaging that may help you decide.
Interested in purchasing a thermal scope? Check out our review of the The Best Thermal Scopes of 2022 for a complete buying guide!
Can Deer See IR Illuminators?
IR illuminators are often used in hunting to help the hunter see the deer in the dark. But does the deer actually see the light from the IR illuminator?
The answer is yes, deer can see IR illuminators. In fact, they can see all forms of infrared light. However, they cannot see the visible light that is emitted by the illuminator. Instead, they see the infrared light as heat.
The best way to see what your target sees through an IR emitter is to stand at a distance of 50 yards with someone pointing the device at you. You will see a red light, which is what standard IR looks like to the naked eye.
Your target will just see a light in contrast to the darkness, but the movement of the IR emitter can help capture their attention.
Can You Hunt With a Thermal Scope During the Day?
Most people believe that thermal scopes can only be used during the night, but this is not actually true. Where legal, thermal scopes can be used during the day as well, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, the sun can reflective off of surfaces and create a glare that makes it difficult to see.
Second, you need to be aware of the background temperature. If the background is too hot, it can wash out the image on the thermal scope.
With these things in mind, you can definitely hunt with a thermal scope during the day. Just be sure to take the time to adjust the settings on your scope and be aware of your surroundings.
Can You See Deer Antlers With Thermal Imaging?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Deer antlers are made of bone, which is not heat-conductive. This means that they will not emit heat, and thus will not be visible with thermal imaging.
However, if the antlers are covered in something that is heat-conductive, such as blood or sweat, then they will be visible with thermal imaging.
With thermal imaging, you can observe deer antlers as they are growing and blood is flowing through them. However, once they stop growing and harden, it is unlikely that you will be able to see them, particularly from a distance.
Does Aluminum Foil Block Thermal Imaging?
You may have heard that aluminum foil can be used to block thermal imaging. Thermal imaging is a type of technology that can see heat. But how well does aluminum foil actually block thermal imaging?
It turns out that aluminum foil does block thermal imaging, but it is not 100% effective. If you are trying to block thermal imaging, it is best to use a thick layer of aluminum foil. You can also try using other materials such as metal mesh or crumpled foil.
Interested in learning more facts about thermal imaging? Check out our recent Thermal Imaging Cheat Sheet covering what it is and how it works!
Can Thermal Imaging See Through Leaves?
Thermal imaging is a valuable tool for seeing in low-light conditions or through obstructions. But can it see through leaves?
It turns out that thermal imaging can see through some types of leaves, but not all. Leaves that are dark or have a high water content will block thermal imaging, while leaves that are light or have a low water content will allow it.
So if you’re trying to use thermal imaging to see through leaves, it’s worth considering the type of leaves you’re dealing with. If they’re dark or have a high water content, they’re likely to block the thermal imaging.
Can You See Alligators With Thermal Imaging?
Alligators are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. This makes them difficult to see with traditional optical cameras, but thermal cameras can pick up on their heat signature.
Alligators are most active at night, so thermal imaging can be a great way to see them in their natural habitat.
If you’re interested in seeing alligators with thermal imaging, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need a thermal camera that is sensitive enough to pick up on alligator body heat.
Second, you’ll need to find an alligator-friendly area where you can get close enough to see them with your camera. And finally, you’ll need to be patient and wait for the alligators.
On the market for a great thermal viewer to check out alligator’s in their natural habitat? We recently covered the The Best Thermal Monoculars of 2022 with a complete buying guide!
The Wrap Up
Thermal imaging can be an effective tool for hunting (where legal), but it has its limitations. It is best used in combination with other methods, such as spotting and stalking. Thermal imaging can also be expensive, so hunters need to weigh the cost against the benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore six facts about thermal imaging that every hunter should know. Have any other questions? Leave a comment or a shoot us a message!