Night Hunting

[Soup]

Folks,
I've never tried hunting coyotes at night. In PA I can use a rifle at night but in NJ I have to use a shotgun.
Please explain the difference between the thermal scopes and night scopes . I'd like to stay in the $2500 range . Is that feasible? What do I need to look for? The last time I used a night vision it was a "Starlight Scope" in 1969 RVN. Yes, I'm an old guy.
Thank you in advance for your time, help and consideration.
Semper Fidelis
Soup

 

[5spd]

Thermals pick up heat signatures, night vision picks up light sources to highlight targets.
Good, decent 384 thermal scopes start at $2400 and go past $40k.
Get a thermal Adder thermal scope at $2400 off Amazon, good company.
100s of other brands, many to stay away from also.

 

[Keith Stone]

When chasing critters at night the thermal is king. AGM and Bering optics have some offerings within your budget to get started.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Some thermal scopes use ring mounts like traditional scopes, others have a base more suitable for AR platform. This could be a factor for you. Night vision that uses IR emitters don't work well when rain, snow, fog, grass or brush reflect light back to the scope, washing out the image of the target. Average shooting range will be a factor in cost of unit, higher base magnification costs more. Low fur prices have slowed the thermal market, so good used units are showing up. If positive species ID is required, night vision maybe your only option. I really enjoyed nv for 2 years, compared to full moon standard scope hunts. Thermal this winter was so much better for me. My unit has a 2.3 base, most of my shots are over 100 yards. Wish I could have afforded a sight with 3+ base magnification. If you aren't interested in recording (video) shots, there are units (thermal)that are slightly cheaper without that option.

 

[Soup]

Thank you gentleman for your informative replies.
Do any of you know of anything I can read up on?
I don't want to talk to a salesperson at this point and end up buying something I don't need and can't use. Anymore tips please PM me .
Thanks again.
Soup

 

[Keith Stone]

The Late Night Vision Show

Sports Podcast · Updated Weekly · Welcome Night Hunters! TLNVS is the first podcast dedicated to you... Jason and Hans have many years of experience and use that knowledge and expertise to bring you the most informative Night Vision a…

podcasts.apple.com

These guys are a pretty good listen for general info.

 

[Knotwild]

This helped me more than anything. And, it made me realize I can't afford what I am expecting.

Thermal Optics Terminology

 

[Soup]

TTT

 

[Kcbullets]

Review multiple informational videos on YouTube “The outdoor vision show” by the guys at Outdoor Legacy. Very helpful …

 

[wkndwarrior]

You could always get started with a red light set-up. I think bering optics is the only company that has night vision that doesn't require an IR light, and the animals see IR in the same manner that they see red or green (shadows and the presence of a light) - so the real advantage to night vision is that people around you don't see your lights if you hunt near civilization. You could easily get into a nice red light set up with a thermal spotter under your budget.

What part of PA are you hunting?