The merits and pitfalls of technology

Technology is making an impact in the rabbit control world, but will it replace the skills of fieldcraft?

echnology is starting to make an impact in the rabbit control world, especially in the form of night vision and thermal imaging equipment. Neither are new to the market, but the quality is becoming better and more affordable. That’s not to say it will replace skills in the shape of fieldcraft – because it won’t – but it can help in many situations.

I use the stuff about three or four nights a week in a variety of locations and weather conditions. I tend to use it on foot

Tbecause I find it’s a lot more thorough than if I rigged them up for driving. So if you wish to cover a lot of ground quickly over a big acreage, then lamping from a quad is a better option.

Kit

From day one I’ve used an Archer night vision “add-on” to my Leupold scope, and it has served me well. Last year I upgraded it and had the tube inside changed to a higher spec. This was after 10 years of use that could be classed as abuse! A lot of folk use digital equipment, which varies in quality and price, and I have recently been tempted to buy some, but I can’t really fault the Archer.

There are many infrareds (IR) on the market these days, I use the Dragonfly but have had good success with the

Night Master range, too.

I use the Guide IR510 thermal imager to spot rabbits at night. Although it is now four years old and well used, it is an amazing piece of equipment to find rabbits or any species at night.

“Without using fieldcraft alongside technology, you won’t get A-grade results”