Coyote mostly come out at night, therefore you’ll most likely require the best thermal scopes if you want to go coyote hunting.
Coyotes are also swift and agile, giving you little time as a shooter to focus on a clean shot.
Advantages of thermal scopes
Thermal scopes have several advantages over traditional night vision scopes for hunting in the dark, which include;
The ability to see in complete darkness
When it gets completely dark night vision scopes tend to struggle because they rely on ambient lighting to illuminate a target. The thermal scope on the other hand relies on thermal energy and therefore still works in total darkness.
Works in bad weather conditions
When hunting in bad weather, a standard night vision scope may fail to provide a clear image of the target. The thermal scope can still detect heat signatures in inclement weather.
Detects camouflage
The coyote, like other predators, is very good at hiding, which can make hunting difficult because the hunter may fail to detect and identify them. The thermal scope can detect a camouflaged animal because it can distinguish the thermal energy emitted by an animal as distinct from that of the surrounding environment.
Disadvantages of the Thermal Scope
The thermal scope’s only disadvantage is that it is generally more expensive than a regular or night vision scope.
Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
- ATN ThOR 4 4.5-18x50mm
- Armasight Contractor 320 6-24X
- AGM Global Vision Rattler
- ATN ThOR LT 4-8x50mm
- SIG SAUER ECHO3 1-6x23mm
- Burris BTS 50 3.3-13.2x50mm
1. ATN ThOR 4 4.5-18x50mm Thermal Smart HD Rifle Scope
This is a great option if you require dependability, and it comes with a three-year warranty to ensure your peace of mind. Moreover, it has numerous features that give it one of the best performances when used for coyote hunting.
One of the features is a sensor measuring 384 x 288 pixels mated to a high-quality processor making it highly sensitive to thermal signals. It includes a ballistic laser rangefinder, which can estimate the distance to a target up to 1000 yards away and is very useful for long-range shots.
Next, it has a ballistic calculator that adapts every shot to the underlying environmental condition and ballistics of the rifle, ensuring better shot accuracy.
Lastly, the scope comes with a durable battery that can last 18+ hours courtesy of the processor with low power consumption.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.5 – 18 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 384×288 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- Weight: 1 kg
Key Features
- Rangefinder
- Long battery
- Long 1800 yards detection range.
- 3 color modes
- Video recording and wi-fi streaming
2. Armasight Contractor 320 6-24X Thermal Weapon
This is the ultimate rifle scope for coyote hunting at night. One of the reasons is because of the impressive 1865 detection range which can easily detect even hidden targets.
Next, the scope comes with a powerful sensor measuring 320 x 240 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate on the HD display which results in one of the best-quality thermograms.
Not to mention useful features such as different reticles, video recording, image capture, Inclinometer, Angle Cosine Indicator, and a stadia metric rangefinder to accurately estimate the distance to the target.
Additionally, this is one of the most durable options on the market. It is waterproof to IP67 standards and has a solid metal body, that we guarantee will resist a remarkable amount of abuse.
This is the best option for a shooter who doesn’t compromise on performance, without worrying about price. This thermal scopes have just about everything that would help a shooter to efficiently find and hunting coyote.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 320×240 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- Field of View: 4.4 – 3.3 degrees
- Range of Detection: 1865 m
- Dimensions: 3.7 x 8.2 x 3.4 in
- Weight: 2.02 lbs.
Key features
- Rugged
- Rangefinder and inclinometer
- Video recording ability
- excellent quality images.
3. AGM Global Vision Rattler TS35-384 Thermal Rifle Scope
This is a compact thermal scope that is very capable because it has a sensor with a resolution of 384 x 288 and can detect a target at 1750 yards.
The scope comes with a very versatile 2-16x magnification which is effective in bringing the target closer for a perfectly placed shot. It’s notable however that an increase in the zoom results to some extent a deterioration of the thermogram quality.
The battery life isn’t as good as some of its competitors, with only 4.5 hours of continuous use. This is, however, compensated for by the inclusion of an external power supply capability via a micro-USB port.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for a shooter looking for a lightweight scope (511g) that supports video recording and has a good detection range. The scope is also tough, with an IP67 waterproof rating, and it supports wi-fi data transmission.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2.14 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Sensor Resolution: 384×288 pixels
- Eye Relief: 45 mm
- Field of View: 10 – 8 degrees
- Dimensions: 2.46 x 7.37 x 2.33 in
- Weight: 0.91 lbs.
Key features
- Lightweight and portable
- Supports external battery
- Built-in 16GB EMMC
- Decent 1750 yards detection range.
4. ATN ThOR LT 4-8x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
This is a slightly stripped-down version of the ATN ThoR 4 thermal scope from ATN. It misses out on features like video recording, a rangefinder, and a more capable sensor and processor. However, it’s still very capable in its abilities and to add to that it comes at a fairly affordable price.
The ThOR LT comes with a sensor measuring 160 x 120 pixels. The sensor is able to deliver a very well-defined thermogram but the detection range is rather average at 625 yards.
The scope is also simplified in its functionalities with an easy-to-use interface together with an ergonomic design paired with a high-quality 1280 x 720 pixels screen to display the thermogram.
Furthermore, the scope has two color modes from which to view the thermogram, which is a useful feature that allows the scope to adapt to different environments.
Overall, this is an excellent scope, not least because it incorporates the dependability associated with ATN. It’s lightweight, easy to mount, simple to use, and with a long battery life.
This makes it an excellent choice for a shooter looking for a short-range scope at a reasonable price. the lightweight characteristic also makes it the preferred option for shooters who hunt using a crossbow.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 8 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensor Resolution: 160×120 pixels
- Display Resolution: 1280×720 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Eye Relief: 90 mm
- Dimension: 11.5 x 2.2 x 1.4 in
- Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Key features
- Lightweight
- High-quality thermogram
- 10+ hours of battery life
- Very simplified to use
5. SIG SAUER ECHO3 1-6x23mm Thermal Reflex Sight
This is a reflex sight which means it’s agile and would easily be used in place of a rifle scope to acquire targets fast and easily, especially when hunting coyote.
The reason for these advantages is that it’s very compact and lightweight with a customizable reticle that can be adapted to different hunting conditions for the Coyote. The sensor measures 320 x 240 pixels and gives a decent thermogram even in complete darkness.
It comes with a 1-6x magnification that can be used to zoom in on close targets, and one does this quickly using a built-in throw lever. Using a high zoom, however, results in a highly pixilated image unfortunately.
Additional features include video recording capabilities and wi-fi connectivity. The battery also gives a decent 6 hours of life with continuous use.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 23 mm
- Refresh Rate: 30 Hz
- Resolution: 320×240 pixels
- Battery Life: 6 hours
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-4
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.6 x 3.3 in
- Weight 14.3 oz.
Key features
- Different reticle options
- Lightweight
- Video recording and wi-fi connectivity
6. Burris BTS 50 3.3-13.2x50mm Thermal Rifle Scope
This rifle scope was practically designed for use when hunting coyote to give a shooter an advantage in low light conditions and harsh environments. It has a powerful sensor that measures 430 x 300 pixels and is simple to use and is lightweight allowing for one-handed operation.
The scope is packed with great features such as 7 reticle options and 10 color palettes all of this in the quest to help even a half-skilled shooter to accurately aim and shoot at a target.
Additional features include a stadiametric rangefinder to accurately determine the distance to a target, and temperature tracking that displays a box highlighting the area with the highest temperature which is most likely a living creature. It can also record video.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 13.2 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Display Resolution: 1024×768 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz
- Resolution: 400×300 pixels
- Eye Relief: 48 mm
- Battery Life: 3 – 5 hours
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 3.5 x 2.9 in
- Weight: 720 g
Key features
- Lightweight
- High-quality images
- 7 different reticles
- Video recording capability
Buying Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting
These are the general features to look for in a thermal scope before purchasing one for coyote hunting.
Detection range
This is typically indicated on thermal scopes, and it assists the shooter in determining how far the target can be for the heat signature to reflect on the scope. We have thermal scopes that can be used on short-range targets as well as others with a long detection range that can be used on long-range targets.
Sensor
A CMOS sensor is what detects the thermal energy and converts it into an electric signal for display to a shooter. The size of the sensor is measured using pixels size and the bigger the sensor the higher the pixel size and the more sensitive it will be for heat signatures.
A higher resolution also results in a better thermogram (Image) of the target, but it’s unfortunate because bigger sensors are more expensive.
Display
A higher quality display will definitely display a better image irrespective of the size of the sensor. Just like the sensor the display’s size is measured using pixel size and the more pixels the better the image quality.
Magnification
Some hunters prefer to zoom in on their targets to get a clear view, so the magnification size is important to them. Although higher magnification can help with this, zooming in on a target usually results in a pixilated image.
Battery life
The meaning of battery life is basically how long your thermal scope can function. The thermal sensor is powered by the battery, and the longer it can last the more reliable the thermal scope.
Durability
Because thermal scopes are expensive its ideal to Look for one that’s well built and can withstand a reasonable amount of the harshness that characterizes the outdoors. A good warranty will also give an assurance that the scope is of good quality and will last.
FAQs
Is ATN a good brand
Yes. The ATN brand is a company based in the USA and manufactures high-quality night vision and thermal devices. The performance of these devices will however depend on the specific model and price point.
Can you use a thermal scope in the daytime?
Yes. Unlike the night vision scopes, the thermal scopes do not work by amplifying ambient lighting instead they detect the thermal energy emitted by a target. This makes them harmless to the bright light present during the day and will function just as well as in the nighttime.
See also: Can thermal scopes be used during the day
When is the best time to hunt coyotes?
Most hunters agree that the best time for hunting coyotes is during the winter season when most of the them are desperate to eat, and they take chances when doing this. Its also more likely that the bushings, where the coyote would hide, have wilted and this makes them easy to spot
What time of day are coyotes most active?
Coyotes are nocturnal animals that are often active between dawn and dusk. They are, however, quite adaptive and can be active during the day in locations where there is little human activity. Their activity habits therefore rely on the habitat where they are domiciled.
CONCLUSION
Thermal scopes are great for hunting coyote, and most of them record footage that can be played back later for some of the best memories.
The best thermal scopes however come at a price, as they are typically more expensive than standard night vision scopes. Based on the reviews, the ATN ThOR 4 and the Armasight Contractor 320 6-24X are the best alternatives that will guarantee the shooter the best hunting performance.
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