Though hunters are proud of our history and heritage, things aren’t the same as they used to be. Since the beginning of time, hunting has been evolving and changing as humans discovered and created new methods and tools. In the past couple of decades, technology has brought hunting to places our ancestors never dreamed — think about things cellular trail cameras and way-out-there rangefinders. How much further can technology go? What’s next on the horizon?

Well, one of the newer trends that’s getting a foothold in the hunting community is the use of thermal imagery. When you think of thermal, you’re probably envisioning military situations you’ve seen on TV and in the movies — but this technology has a host of useful applications in the hunter’s world, too.

Without getting too detailed, thermal optics “see heat,” which means they work as well during the day as they do at night. (You can check out more details about how thermal works here.) Nighttime hunters love thermal because it allows them to spot hogs, coyotes and other predators in the dark, while big-game hunters can use thermal to find game that might be hidden from sight by brush, fog or other obstructions. And perhaps most importantly, thermal is an excellent tool for tracking, helping a hunter find a wounded or downed animal after the shot.

Thermal comes in a vast array of price points with options regarding optic size, resolution, color options, detection range and more. As a hunter, you generally won’t need the high-end military optic. You just need something that will provide you a clear image at hunting/stalking range, that isn’t too bulky or heavy, and that is simple to use. 

ATN has the answer in the new OTS LT line of thermal scanners. These monoculars are made to scan the landscape in search of game, day or night, at a competitive price. ATN has redesigned the line with a new Obsidian LT Core and cutting-edge sensors that give hunters sharp, crisp images. It’s slim and relatively lightweight for a thermal device — 1.2 pounds — and won’t take up a ton of room in your pack or get heavy as you hold it and scan the terrain for potential quarry. 

“We created this scanner to offer shooters and hunters an affordable option to enhance their outdoor experience,” says ATN’s Steve Lemenov, “making game retrieval easier, scouting for game a breeze and protecting your property when something goes bump in the night."  

Depending on the model, the OTS LT can detect heat signatures from 475 out to 1700 meters, showing images in black and white (you choose whether black is hot or white is hot), and it’s operable in temperatures from -20 to 120 degrees F. 

As every tech-savvy hunter knows, perhaps the biggest hassle with anything tech-related is the power source — does the device require batteries, how easy are those batteries to obtain, and how often do they require changing or charging? The OTS line has you covered in this regard. It uses a proprietary internal power source that’ll run for 10-plus hours before needing a recharge — no batteries to remember or to fumble with in the field. Just charge it up with the included USB cable (a full charge takes about six hours) and run it all day or night!

The OTS LT line offers two different resolutions (160x120 and 320x240) and assorted magnification ranges, from 2-4X up to 6-12X, for a total of six different models. The higher-resolution models (320x240 sensor) are capable of detecting smaller game at distance, and they provide a better quality image. 

Perhaps most importantly, the ATN OTS LT line was designed with hunters in mind — although it certainly has plenty of application for law enforcement, military and home defense, it was built specifically to address the needs of hunters and shooters. With a weather-resistant housing, a three-year warranty and a price you don’t need a military-grade budget to afford, what’s not to love? The line will be available in stores in September and retails for as low as $999 depending on the model. 

Of course, laws regarding night hunting and the use of thermal imagery vary state to state; be sure to check your local regulations. But where it’s allowed, the kind of thermal technology offered by ATN can help take your hunting to the next level.