Money matters
The rabbits around here are getting lamp shy and I wondered if it would be worth investing in some night vision gear. What’s the minimum I need, and how much should I expect to spend?
Edward says:
Night vision equipment has advanced rapidly in recent years and you can now get usable kit at quite low prices. However, I still maintain that you need to invest at least £1,400 or more to ensure you get a set up that is safe to use. I want to know what my target is instantly, and do not be left wondering!
I use a high specification Archer sight that’s fitted to a Leupold scope, but recently I’ve been considering going digital for no other reason than I thought I should give it a go. On a practical note – we’ve reached a stage where we also need more equipment!
Once you have a night vison scope or attachment you will also need a spotter, so this will add another £1,000 to costs. Remember, too, that your choice of equipment will be dictated by the distances you want to shoot out at.
I do rabbit control for a living, so night vision is a tool which needs to work well in ever changing circumstances. For instance the thermal spotter I use costs £2,500, but it has proved utterly reliable even when it has been abused.
Night vision gear isn’t entirely fool proof and rabbits do learn to scarper when the IR is turned on. But if you are not dealing with a big concentration of bunnies sitting out on a field, it’s good stuff and does the job well. Always assuming, of course, you can hold the rifle steady!