P Dogs Hunting in SD With A Thermal Scope

[Tommy28]

I am in the process of selecting either a thermal scope (N-Vision HALO 50 LR) or just go with N-Visions Atlas 50 binocular. This will be a 3rd rifle (this build will be a 204 Ruger) and I have an extra NF 3.5-15x56 scope I can mount on it. FWIW, my other 2 builds are 26".223's with the same scope mounted.

I love the portability of a thermal binocular but have to consider a thermal sight mounted on this new build. (Another 26" heavy varmint barrel - with the thermal, NOT very portable...) Does anyone have experience with a thermal scope shooting P Dogs out in South Dakota? I'd like to hear about it.

 

[JSH]

? Didn’t know they were a nocturnal critter. Maybe walk around in the towns afternight and see them underground

 

[sdbob]

Watch out for those snakes!!!

 

[D Coots]

[/ISPOIL

? Didn’t know they were a nocturnal critter. Maybe walk around in the towns afternight and see them underground

 

[5spd]

A pal used his thermal a couple times pdogging w me out here. Even with 80* weather everything glowed, but he still killed a lot. Not close to what he normally kills w his regular p dog gun though.
Told him if he brings it again he ain't shooting as he kills more with a standard scope.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I've looked thru my thermal during the day at prairie dogs, hot days dogs and dirt are pretty much the same temp. Digital night/day scope was much more fun, easy to record hits with my 204R. Still would choose a good traditional scope over anything digital.

 

[RegionRat]

And don't forget to check the state regulations and also The Tribal regs if you are on the rez.
They made some narrow exceptions for predator hunting and rodents with some narrow rules but see the link below.

Thermals for p-dogs isn't a thing and sometimes that is because it isn't useful but sometimes it is also because it is not legal or restricted. YMMV

https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/41-8-17