Guns & Gear | July 15, 2026
When it comes to night hunting, particularly for hogs and coyotes, having the right gear can make all the difference. Thermal scopes are a vital tool for many hunters, allowing them to spot and track their targets in complete darkness. However, one of the biggest challenges hunters face at night is accurately judging distance. This is where laser rangefinders come in, providing a quick and precise way to measure the distance between you and your target.
One of the main reasons distance can be so difficult to judge at night is the lack of visual references. In daylight, hunters can use landmarks, terrain features, and other visual cues to estimate the distance to their target. At night, these references are often obscured or invisible, making it much harder to get an accurate reading. This is especially true when using thermal scopes, which can sometimes make objects appear closer or farther away than they actually are.
By using a laser rangefinder in conjunction with a thermal scope, hunters can get a much more accurate measurement of the distance to their target. This can be especially useful when hunting in open or unfamiliar terrain, where it can be difficult to get a good sense of scale. Many modern laser rangefinders are also designed with night hunting in mind, featuring compact designs, long battery life, and easy-to-use interfaces.
In addition to improving accuracy, using a laser rangefinder can also help hunters to make more ethical shots. By knowing the exact distance to their target, hunters can choose the right ammunition and shooting strategy, reducing the risk of wounding or missing their target. This is especially important when hunting at night, where the consequences of a missed shot can be severe.
Overall, mastering distance is a critical part of successful night hunting, and using a laser rangefinder with a thermal scope is one of the best ways to do it. By providing a quick and accurate way to measure distance, these tools can help hunters to make more effective, more ethical shots, and to bring home their quarry with confidence.