Night Vision Goggles and Coyote Hunting

[dave3006]

Last night, after I finished hunting for the day, I decided to try as an experiment hunting with my night vision goggles. I have a pair of PVS-7B Gen III ITT goggles. They are top of the line.

I was surprized. It did not go that well.

Since it is near impossible to use a rifle with my setup, I used my Glock 22. I did not call anything in. But, I learned a few things. My night vision in a hunting environment does not give you enough resolution to accurately distinguish a coyote in sagebrush beyond about 25 yards. Also, being forced to use a handgun, you still can't aim. You would have to point shoot. This would not work.

So, here is what I will try next time.

1. Pick less obstructed terrain.
2. Use the NV to call as more of a surveilance/spotting device to see the animal coming in.
3. When a coyote is spotted, transition to my Mini-14 with an Aimpoint scope AND surefire light.

Anyone else use NVG to hunt?

 

[kytimberman]

You could mount an IR laser sight on a rifle or a shotgun, Dave, or use your 7B's with an NV compatible sight like an Eotech, or a Russian Kobra, which I use on an AR. I've got a USNV Mini-14 Gen 3 mono, and use it headgear mounted with either the Kobra or a Corsak IR laser on a Browning BPS 12 ga. An IR illuminator will really extend your recognition range with about any NV. This kind of setup is good for 100-150 yds, past that a dedicated NV scope is required.

 

[dave3006]

Thanks. I can see how an IR laser would work. But, I am not sure I understand how goggles would work with a NVG compatible Eotech. With my goggles, I can not get a cheek mount on my weapon. Plus, the goggles would have to be focused on both the sight and target.