When people hear “night hunting,” they often think it’s illegal. This is because hunting rules usually say you can only hunt 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. While this is true for many animals, it’s not the full story. Some animals are legal to hunt at night, and doing so is actually helpful for managing wildlife.
Animals Active at Night
Some animals, like feral hogs, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, and nutria, are active at night. These animals are hard to control during the day, so hunting them at night is more effective. Here are some examples:
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Feral Hogs: These animals reproduce quickly and destroy farms and forests. Hunting them at night helps protect farmland and natural habitats.
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Coyotes: Coyotes hunt at night and can attack livestock. Night hunting allows hunters to catch them when they are most active and easier to track.
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Raccoons and Bobcats: These animals can overpopulate, damage crops, and attack small pets. Controlling them at night reduces these problems.
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Nutria: These invasive animals harm wetlands, causing erosion and destroying habitats for native animals. Hunting them at night helps keep their numbers under control.
Rules for Night Hunting
Every state has its own rules about night hunting. While many states allow hunting at night for certain animals, some states, like Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, do not allow it at all. In states like Texas and Florida, night hunting is encouraged to control animals like feral hogs and other invasive animals like the nutria. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Permits: Some states require special permits for night hunting, especially if you use special equipment like lights or night vision.
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Equipment Rules: Make sure your gear, like thermal scopes or spotlights, is allowed by your state. Call your local game warden.
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Private Property: Night hunting usually happens on private land, and you’ll need the landowner’s permission.
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Safety: Always make sure you know your target and what is behind it. This keeps people, livestock, and non-target animals safe.
Using Technology for Night Hunts
Thermal imaging has been a true game changer in the world of hunting. Before its rise in popularity, hunters from the 1970s to the 1990s relied heavily on spotlighting, limited night vision devices, or moonlight to track animals. These methods were often less effective and required near-perfect conditions. With thermal technology, hunters can now detect heat signatures regardless of lighting, weather, or terrain, giving them an unparalleled advantage. This breakthrough has made night hunting safer and more efficient, and it’s one of the reasons why there may be more night hunters today than ever before.
Having the right gear is key to successful night hunting. Pulsar’s new 60mm thermal riflescopes make night hunting easier and more effective with standout features such as:
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AMOLED 2560x2560 Display: This ultra-sharp display provides crisp visuals, enhancing your ability to spot and identify targets.
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Impressive Detection Range: Depending on the model, these riflescopes can detect heat signatures from as far as 2,187 yards for the Thermion 2 LRF XP60 to an incredible 3,062 yards for the Thermion 2 LRF XL60 and XG60.
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Built-In Laser Rangefinder: This feature provides accurate distance measurements and even calculates ballistics, helping hunters confidently aim at distant targets.
Why Hunt at Night?
There are good reasons for hunting at night:
- Control Animal Numbers: Some animals are overpopulated, and hunting them at night keeps their numbers manageable.
- Protect Farms and Livestock: Feral hogs and coyotes can destroy crops and attack animals. Night hunting stops them before they do damage.
- More Success: Nocturnal animals are easier to find and track at night, giving hunters better results.
The Future of Night Hunting
Thanks to new tools like Pulsar’s thermal riflescopes, night hunting is safer and more effective than ever. These tools help hunters be accurate and responsible while enjoying the thrill of hunting after dark.
Before your next night hunt, make sure to follow local rules, use the right gear, and always hunt safely. Whether you’re stopping feral hogs from ruining farms or keeping coyotes away from livestock, night hunting is an important and legal way to help manage wildlife. With the right tools, it can also be an exciting adventure you won’t forget!
To shop Pulsar riflescopes, click here.
