The Best Thermal Scope Shots of 2023

The Best Thermal Scope Shots of 2023

Thermal riflescopes have become a cornerstone for nocturnal hunters worldwide, and Pulsar’s offerings are known in hunting circles all over the world for their quality, accuracy, and dependability. The exceptional image sharpness and extensive detection ranges offered by Pulsar’s renowned thermal riflescopes have ensured the success of varmint control and predator culling endeavors everywhere from the plains of the Dakotas to Germany’s Black Forest.

At Pulsar, we deeply appreciate the dedication of hunters who put hard work into stalking, baiting, and calling to pursue their prey. Moreover, we acknowledge the important role they play in safeguarding livestock and property through the use of our products. In this article, we highlight three extraordinary shots captured on Pulsar devices over the past year.

 

Mitchell Graf, out on a hunt with his buddies from Black Sheep Outdoors, caught sight of a pack of feral hogs from about 500 yards away. Now, he could have gone for the shot with his hefty Barrett M107A1, but that distance was too far for an ethical kill. So, they decided to play it up close and personal, creeping up on the pigs until they were at a mere 75 yards, hauling that hefty 40-pound rifle attached to a Kopfjäger K800 tripod all the way.

When they finally got within range, lo and behold, two of the hogs just happened to line up perfectly. Graf, seizing the opportunity, let loose a single 660gr .50 caliber FMJ round that dropped both hogs! His trusty Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro scope barely even flinched at the recoil thanks to its hardy construction and the stability from the Kopfjäger tripod.

Of course, Graf's buddies weren't just sitting around twiddling their thumbs. They laid into the rest of the sounder, taking down all four pigs in the blink of an eye.

Fresh off a hunting event at the Sellmark Ranch, Chris Kreiner drove home sporting his shiny 3rd place trophy from the event’s shooting competition: a spanking new Telos LRF XQ35 thermal monocular. Just as he unwrapped his new prize, fate decided to throw him a curveball – in the darkness, he spied a pair of pesky coyotes stirring up trouble in the field nearby, harassing a herd of deer on his turf.

Quick on the draw, Kreiner snatched up his trusty .223 Anderson Manufacturing Sharpshooter rifle and drove off to about a half mile down the road to get in position. With precision, he started calling, and in no time, his brand new Telos LRF XQ35 worked its magic, spotting the two sneaky predators lurking in the shadows.

Hypnotized by Kreiner's imitation of a distressed rabbit, the coyotes fell right into his trap. Kreiner relied on the tried-and-true Thermion 2 XQ50 mounted on his rifle, which is where he captured this footage.

After luring in the male coyote with a convincing growl and taking it down, its partner-in-crime bolted. Kreiner took a shot as she paused at 300 yards, but she was a wily one, darting the moment his finger twitched. But Kreiner wasn't about to let her off the hook that easy. With lightning reflexes, he calculated her distance and speed on the fly, lining up the perfect shot at a jaw-dropping 424 yards.

The pair would never bother the local deer again, and if it hadn’t been for Pulsar’s crystal clear thermal sensors, he would have never known they were there.

Back in February during the coyote mating season, Shane Hofer captured this video in freezing temperatures with a light dusting of snow on the ground. Patiently waiting for over an hour, Hofer and his crew had their eyes locked on a bunch of hay bales a mile away. Earlier in the day, Hofer spotted a few coyotes who took cover behind the hay. Knowing full well that the coyotes were lurking nearby, he and his crew had to be patient. It was just a matter of time before they'd make their move and reveal themselves.

The hunters tried every call they could think of, before resorting to sounds of breeding coyotes. That made a pair of yotes finally took the bait and came charging in. Although it might seem like a single shot took down both animals in the video, a keen ear will pick up on the fact that there were actually two shots fired in quick succession.

All this action was captured with the Trail 2 XP50 LRF, allowing Hofer to spot the coyotes from a mile away. By the end of the day, Hofer and his crew had bagged a total of 6 coyotes and a fox, much to the relief of the South Dakotan property owner, who could now breathe easy knowing his farm animals were safe from these cunning predators.

Pulsar’s thermal riflescopes continue to prove their mettle as indispensable tools for hunters worldwide. The captivating stories recounted here, each underscored by remarkable shots captured through Pulsar devices, exemplify the dedication and skill of hunters in their pursuit of prey and in the vital task of protecting property and livestock. From Mitchell Graf's precision double kill to Chris Kreiner's lightning-quick reflexes and Shane Hofer's strategic patience, stories and shots like these are tributes not only to the capabilities of Pulsar riflescopes but also to the perseverance and ingenuity of those who wield them. As we reflect on the advantages modern technology has given us, we're reminded of the profound impact that innovation and expertise can have in the ancient art of hunting, ensuring its continuation as both a sport and a crucial conservation effort.

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1 comment

Pulsar has great image quality and clarity from what I can see in these videos.I may buy pulsar when I get ready to upgrade to 640 resolution !

Casey Townsend

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