There’s a special kind of silence out in West Texas when the clock hits past midnight — the kind that makes you feel like you’re the only person left on Earth. On October 11, 2025, at 12:37 a.m., that silence was broken by the echo of my Tikka T3x rifle. It marked not only the end of a long stalk but also my first-ever night hunt success — and my first time using a Pulsar thermal scope.
For years, I’d heard about the advantages of thermal optics, but nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. I was running the Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro, and from the moment I powered it on, I knew I was dealing with something next-level. The clarity was unreal — every detail of the terrain stood out in crisp contrast. What amazed me most was how easy it was to identify animals through the thermal view. Instead of squinting through the darkness or relying on moonlight, I could clearly see every movement, every shape, every bit of heat out in front of me.
I was scanning across a brushy flat when I first spotted him — a big, lone boar, easily the largest I’d seen that night. He was moving slow but steady, rooting along a mesquite line about 70 yards out. The Talion’s image made him glow against the background, clear as day. I took a breath, steadied the Tikka on my rest, and followed him through the scope as he walked.
Shooting a moving target is always a challenge, even in daylight, but that night everything felt dialed in. The combination of the Tikka’s smooth action and the Talion’s precision made it feel almost effortless. When I squeezed the trigger, the shot landed clean. The boar dropped where he stood. It was a moment I won’t forget — not just because of the successful hit, but because of what it represented: my first kill using thermal vision.
Walking up to the hog, the size hit me. He was a big, tough old male — the kind that makes every ounce of the preparation worth it. I couldn’t help but replay the moment in my head, realizing how much the Pulsar had changed the game. Without it, I might never have even known he was there.
That night, the West Texas sky was clear, the stars were out, and my Talion XQ35 Pro had proven itself beyond doubt. For me, this wasn’t just a successful hunt — it was the start of a new kind of adventure. I’m already planning my next night out, knowing that with Pulsar’s technology, I’ll always have the upper hand in the dark. Once you experience what thermal optics can really do, there’s no going back.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro ideal for night hunting?
The Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro delivers exceptional image clarity, allowing hunters to spot and identify game even in total darkness. Its thermal imaging technology highlights heat signatures clearly against the environment, making it easier to track and take precise shots.
How far can you detect animals with the Talion XQ35 Pro?
Detection ranges vary based on environmental conditions and target size, but the Talion XQ35 Pro can detect large heat signatures, like a hog, out to more than 1,400 yards. Identification and recognition distances will be shorter, but still excellent for real-world hunting ranges.
Can the Talion XQ35 Pro be used during the day?
Yes. Because it detects heat instead of light, the Talion XQ35 Pro works in daylight, total darkness, fog, or smoke. It’s designed to perform in nearly any condition where visibility would normally be limited.
What rifles are compatible with the Talion XQ35 Pro?
The Talion XQ35 Pro mounts easily to a wide variety of rifles, including popular bolt-action models like the Tikka T3x. Its adaptable mounting system ensures a secure fit and consistent zero, even after repeated recoil.
Where can I buy the Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro?
You can purchase the Talion XQ35 Pro directly from Pulsar’s official site at pulsarnv.com/products/talion-xq35-pro or from authorized Pulsar dealers nationwide.
