Thermal Bow Sight Hog Hunting: Complete Night Guide

Last Updated: December 2025 | Reading Time: 15 minutes

It's 11:47 PM in south Texas. The temperature has dropped to a pleasant 62°F after a scorching 95°F afternoon. Through your GTGUARD thermal bow sight, the corn feeder 180 yards ahead appears as a cool gray rectangle against the darker background. Then, at the edge of your thermal display, multiple bright white signatures emerge from the mesquite brush—a sounder of 12+ wild hogs moving toward the feeder in single file, led by a massive sow.

You watch them approach for three full minutes, identifying the largest boar in the group—a thick-bodied animal walking fourth in line. At 35 yards, the sounder spreads out to feed. You range the target boar: 34.2 yards. Deep breath. Place digital reticle behind the shoulder. Release. The Carbon Express arrow equipped with a lighted nock streaks through the darkness. Perfect double-lung hit. The hog runs 40 yards and piles up. The rest of the sounder scatters but doesn't panic—giving you a second shot opportunity at another large animal 28 yards away.

Two ethical bow kills in complete darkness. The sounder never knew you were there. This is the reality of thermal bow sight hog hunting.

Wild hogs represent America's most destructive invasive species, causing an estimated $2.5+ billion in annual agricultural damage across 39 states. Texas alone hosts 2.6+ million feral hogs, with populations expanding northward and eastward relentlessly. Traditional daytime bow hunting barely impacts population numbers—these intelligent, nocturnal animals quickly learn to avoid human activity during daylight hours.

Thermal bow sights have revolutionized feral swine control for bowhunters. By enabling positive target identification and ethical shot placement in total darkness, this technology allows bow hunters to engage hogs during their peak activity periods—dusk through dawn—when rifle hunters historically dominated and traditional archery methods failed entirely.

This comprehensive tactical guide provides everything serious bow hunters need to maximize effectiveness against feral swine: understanding hog behavior, thermal detection strategies, stalking techniques optimized for archery, shot placement for quick kills, GTGUARD thermal bow sight setup for hog applications, and proven tactics developed across thousands of successful nighttime bow hunts.

Whether you're a landowner protecting crops, a recreational hunter, or someone committed to controlling this invasive species—thermal bow sight hog hunting delivers results traditional methods cannot match.

The Feral Hog Crisis: Why Night Bow Hunting Matters

The Scope of the Problem

Population Explosion:

Estimated U.S. population: 9+ million feral hogs across 39 states
Texas alone: 2.6+ million animals (highest concentration)
Annual damage: $2.5 billion nationwide ($800+ million in Texas)
Growth rate: Populations can double in 4 months under ideal conditions
Expanding range: Moving northward 25+ miles per year in some areas

Why Numbers Keep Growing:

Breeding capacity: Sows sexually mature at 6-8 months
Litter size: Average 5-6 piglets, up to 12
Frequency: 1.5 litters per year possible
Year-round breeding: No seasonal restriction
Survival rate: High, with few natural predators
Adaptability: Thrive in diverse habitats from swamps to agricultural land

Damage They Cause

Agricultural Devastation:

Crop destruction (corn, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, rice)
Pasture damage from rooting behavior
Livestock predation (newborn calves, lambs, poultry)
Water source contamination
Fence and infrastructure damage
Disease transmission to domestic animals

Environmental Impact:

Native vegetation destruction
Soil erosion from rooting
Water quality degradation
Competition with native wildlife
Ground-nesting bird populations decimated
Spread of invasive plant species

Economic Burden:

Direct crop losses: $1.5 billion annually
Property damage: $500 million
Disease control costs: $200+ million
Control/eradication efforts: $300+ million
Loss of hunting lease value
Reduced land productivity

Why Daytime Hunting Fails

Hog Adaptability:

Quickly learn daytime=danger, adjust behavior accordingly
Shift to purely nocturnal feeding in pressured areas
Utilize dense cover during daylight hours
Become increasingly wary and difficult to approach
Pressure from daytime hunting makes them smarter, not scarcer

Limited Hunting Hours:

Legal light restrictions limit daytime bow hunting to ~2 hours daily
Hogs most active at night (70-80% of movement after dark)
Missing 8-10 hours of prime hog activity nightly
Population growth outpaces daytime harvest rates dramatically

The Thermal Bow Hunting Advantage:

Hunt during peak hog activity (10 PM - 4 AM)
Silent operation doesn't educate entire sounders
Unlimited shooting opportunities compared to daytime restrictions
Access to hogs in conditions where they feel secure
Significantly higher harvest rates per outing

Why Thermal Bow Sights Dominate Hog Hunting

The Perfect Technology-Species Match

Hog Characteristics vs. Thermal Capabilities:

Nocturnal Activity → 24/7 Thermal Operation: Hogs evolved as nocturnal feeders with poor eyesight but excellent hearing and smell. Darkness provides security—except thermal bow sights eliminate darkness as a defense entirely.

Group Behavior → Multi-Target Detection: Hogs travel in sounders (family groups) of 6-30+ animals. Thermal imaging detects entire groups simultaneously, enabling selective harvest of largest/oldest animals while monitoring all threats.

Dense Cover Preference → Vegetation Penetration: Hogs bed in thick brush, brambles, and vegetation impenetrable to visual observation. Thermal signatures penetrate light-to-moderate cover, revealing bedded animals invisible to naked eyes.

Heat Signature Profile → Excellent Thermal Contrast:

Hog body temperature: 101-102°F (38-39°C)
Typical nighttime air: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Temperature differential: 25-50°F (14-28°C)
Result: Brilliant white signatures against dark backgrounds

Size Range → Easy Identification:

Piglets ("squeakers"): Small, dim signatures
Juveniles: Medium signatures, 50-100 lbs
Adults: Large, bright signatures, 150-300+ lbs
Thermal allows size-based harvest decisions instantly

Advantages Over Other Methods

vs. Traditional Daytime Bow Hunting:

✅ Hunt during peak hog activity (8× more hours)
✅ Detect hidden/bedded hogs impossible to see visually
✅ Monitor entire sounders for optimal shot selection
✅ Significantly higher success rates (300-500%)

vs. Rifle Hunting (Day or Night):

✅ Silent operation doesn't scatter sounders (multiple shot opportunities)
✅ Allows closer approach (20-40 yards vs. 100+ yards)
✅ Legal in some areas where firearms restricted
✅ Safer near residences/populated areas
✅ More challenging and engaging hunting experience

vs. Trapping:

✅ Immediate results (harvest same night)
✅ Selective harvest (target specific size/sex)
✅ No equipment investment beyond thermal bow sight
✅ No trap maintenance or bait costs
✅ Hunting satisfaction vs. pest control mindset

vs. Night Vision:

✅ Works in complete darkness (no moon/light required)
✅ Functions through fog, light rain, vegetation
✅ Superior detection range (500+ yards vs. 200 yards)
✅ Better target identification at distance
✅ No IR illuminator to potentially alert hogs

Real Success Metrics

Harvest Rate Improvements:

Traditional Daytime Bow Hunting:

Success rate: 15-25% per outing
Average harvest: 0.5-1 hog per hunt
Hours hunted: 2-3 hours (limited legal light)
Annual harvest (20 hunts): 10-20 hogs

Thermal Bow Sight Night Hunting:

Success rate: 60-80% per outing
Average harvest: 2-5 hogs per hunt (sounder opportunities)
Hours hunted: 4-8 hours (extended night coverage)
Annual harvest (20 hunts): 40-100 hogs
Improvement: 300-500% increase

Testimonial Evidence: "I bow hunted hogs for 8 years with limited success—maybe 15-20 hogs annually. First year with thermal bow sight, I took 87 hogs. The technology completely changed what's possible." - Mike T., Central Texas landowner

"Running ag operations, hog damage was costing us $25K+ yearly. Thermal bow hunting reduced our hog population by 70% in first season. Equipment paid for itself in saved crop damage." - Sarah M., Oklahoma rancher

Understanding Hog Behavior and Thermal Signatures

Sounder Dynamics and Structure

Social Organization:

Matriarch-Led Groups:

Sounders led by dominant sow (usually oldest/largest)
Composition: 1-3 adult sows + juveniles + piglets
Size: Typically 6-15 animals, can exceed 30
Males: Solitary or small bachelor groups, join sounders for breeding

Hierarchy Visible on Thermal:

Matriarch: Largest signature, leads movement
Adult sows: 200-300 lb range, bright signatures
Sub-adults: 100-175 lbs, medium-bright signatures
Juveniles: 50-100 lbs, moderate signatures
Piglets: <50 lbs, small/dim signatures

Thermal Identification Strategy: Watch movement patterns for 30-60 seconds. Matriarch leads, others follow. Target large animals behind leader (preserving group structure prevents complete scatter).

Thermal Signature Characteristics

What You See Through GTGUARD Thermal Bow Sight:

Body Signature:

Barrel-shaped torso appears as uniform bright mass
Short legs appear as extensions (often slightly cooler)
Snout projects forward (distinctive hog feature)
Ears visible as small bright points
Tail less visible than coyote/fox (short and tucked)

Behavioral Signatures:

Feeding:

Nose to ground continuously (rooting behavior)
Constant head movement (side-to-side)
Stationary or slow forward movement
Often produces disturbed earth (visible as temperature variation)

Alert:

Head raised, motionless
Ears forward (visible as bright points)
Body tensed
May freeze for 10-30 seconds before decision

Moving:

Purposeful, direct travel
Heads generally lowered
Single-file movement common
Consistent pace (not erratic like spooked animals)

Bedded:

Oval/rounded signature
Minimal movement
Often in groups (multiple ovals clustered)
Detected in cover impossible to see visually

Size and Age Estimation

Thermal Signature Size Guide:

Piglet (Squeaker):

Thermal signature: Small, relatively dim
Weight: 15-40 lbs
Length: 12-20 inches
Harvest decision: Generally avoid (population management)

Juvenile:

Thermal signature: Medium, moderate brightness
Weight: 50-100 lbs
Length: 24-36 inches
Harvest decision: Acceptable for meat harvest

Sub-Adult:

Thermal signature: Large, bright
Weight: 100-175 lbs
Length: 36-48 inches
Harvest decision: Prime meat size

Mature Adult:

Thermal signature: Very large, very bright
Weight: 175-300+ lbs
Length: 48-60+ inches
Harvest decision: Priority for population control

Trophy Boar:

Thermal signature: Massive, extremely bright
Weight: 300-500+ lbs
Length: 60+ inches
Often solitary
Harvest decision: Trophy/largest animals

Movement Patterns by Time of Night

Sunset to 9 PM:

Emergence from bedding areas
Cautious movement initially
Working toward feeding areas
Good detection time, animals somewhat wary

9 PM to Midnight:

Peak feeding activity begins
Travel to primary feeding areas
Less caution, focused on food
Optimal hunting period

Midnight to 3 AM:

Intense feeding activity
Sounders often at feeders, crop fields
Movement between food sources
Prime harvest window

3 AM to Sunrise:

Feeding continues but slows
Begin moving toward bedding areas
Increase in alertness
Still huntable but less predictable

Seasonal Variations:

Winter (December - February):

Extended feeding periods (metabolic demands)
Less heat stress, more daytime activity possible
Best thermal contrast (cold nights)
Prime hunting season

Spring (March - May):

Breeding activity increases
Sows with small piglets more common
Good thermal contrast (moderate temperatures)
Excellent hunting conditions

Summer (June - August):

Primarily nocturnal due to heat
Reduced thermal contrast (warm nights)
Focus on water sources
Challenging but productive with thermal

Fall (September - November):

Increased feeding (preparation for winter)
Mast crop consumption (acorns, pecans)
Excellent thermal contrast returns
Outstanding hunting season

GTGUARD Thermal Bow Sight Setup for Hogs

Optimal Configuration

Resolution Choice: For hog hunting, GTGUARD's 384×288 resolution thermal bow sight provides exceptional performance:

Detects hog sounders: 400-600 yards
Identifies individual hogs: 150-200 yards
Excellent detail at bow ranges: 20-60 yards
Cost-effective for hog-specific applications

Color Palette Selection:

White Hot (Recommended Primary):

Hogs appear bright white against dark background
Maximum contrast in typical conditions
Easy sounder counting
Best for: Most hunting situations

Black Hot:

Reverses palette (hogs appear dark)
Useful in very warm conditions or sun-heated terrain
Some hunters prefer for specific applications
Best for: Summer evening hunts, hot backgrounds

Red Hot:

Warm colors (red/yellow) for hogs
Cool colors (blue/purple) for background
Reduces eye strain for some hunters
Best for: Extended scanning sessions

Recommendation: Start with White Hot, experiment with others based on personal preference and conditions.

Zero Configuration for Hog Hunting

Recommended Zero Distances:

Most hog bow shots occur 20-40 yards (closer stalks possible with thermal detection advantage). Configure zeros accordingly:

Pin 1: 20 yards - Close shots at feeders, ambush hunting Pin 2: 30 yards - Most common shooting distance Pin 3: 40 yards - Extended but ethical bow range Pin 4: 50 yards - Maximum for experienced archers only

Optional longer distances (if scope allows 5-8 pins): Pin 5: 60 yards - Only for very experienced bow hunters Pin 6-8: Leave unprogrammed or use for specific scenarios

Thermal Sensitivity Optimization

GTGUARD ≤45mK NETD Advantage:

This excellent thermal sensitivity ensures hog detection even in challenging conditions:

Warm Summer Nights (85°F ambient):

Hog body temp: 101°F
Temperature differential: Only 16°F
Standard sensitivity might struggle
GTGUARD ≤45mK: Detects clearly

High Humidity Conditions:

Moisture reduces thermal contrast slightly
Requires excellent sensor sensitivity
GTGUARD performance: Minimal degradation

Dense Vegetation:

Thermal energy partially blocked by leaves
Sensitive detector picks up signature through cover
Result: Detect bedded hogs in thick brush

Rangefinder Setup

Integrated Laser Rangefinder Configuration:

Maximum Range Setting: 1,000+ meters (though hog shots much closer) Display Mode: Overlay on thermal image (instant reference) Activation: Quick-access button (rapid ranging without menu diving)

Hog Hunting Ranging Strategy:

Detect sounder at distance (thermal)
Plan stalk approach
At ~60 yards, begin ranging preparation
Range target hog when within shooting distance
Select appropriate pin based on exact yardage
Execute shot

Why Precise Ranging Matters: Arrow trajectory varies significantly with distance. At 30 yards, arrow might drop 8 inches. At 40 yards, 18+ inches. Exact ranging prevents high/low misses and ensures ethical vital zone hits.

Mount Position and Eye Relief

Bow-Specific Considerations:

Compound Bow Mounting:

Position thermal bow sight for comfortable viewing at full draw
Eye should see entire display without excessive head movement
Maintain proper bow hand position and anchor point
Test at full draw before finalizing position

Crossbow Mounting:

Easier than compound (more rifle-like position)
Standard top-rail mounting
Eye relief less critical (stable platform)
Excellent thermal bow sight application

Balance Considerations:

GTGUARD thermal bow sight: ~550g (19.4 oz)
May create slight front-heavy feel initially
Consider rear stabilizer weight adjustment if needed
Most archers adapt within 10-20 shots

Detection and Stalking Strategies

Systematic Scanning Technique

The Professional Scan Pattern:

1. Sector Division: Mentally divide hunting area into sectors (think clock positions):

Sector 1: 12-2 o'clock
Sector 2: 2-4 o'clock
Sector 3: 4-6 o'clock
Continue around full 360°

2. Slow, Methodical Scanning:

Pan speed: ~10-15 degrees per second
Pause every 30-45 degrees for 2-3 seconds
Look for any heat signatures (bright spots)
Don't rush—hogs often stationary/bedded

3. Distance Layers:

Close (0-100 yards): Immediate threat/opportunity zone
Medium (100-300 yards): Primary detection zone
Far (300-600 yards): Early warning/planning zone

4. Re-Scan High-Value Areas:

Feeders, water sources, known trails
Dense cover (bedding areas)
Field edges and transition zones
Scan these areas multiple times per session

5. Movement Detection: Even stationary scanning reveals movement:

Heat signatures changing position
New signatures appearing
Sounders emerging from cover

Identifying Shooting Opportunities

Immediate Opportunities (Ambush Hunting):

Scenario: Hogs at feeder/food source within range

Count animals: Identify all sounder members
Size assessment: Determine largest animals
Shot angle evaluation: Wait for broadside/quartering
Range confirmation: Laser rangefinder for exact distance
Target selection: Choose specific animal, watch until shot presentation

Stalking Opportunities:

Scenario: Sounder detected 200-400 yards away

Observe movement direction: Where are they headed?
Plan intercept route: Approach from downwind
Use terrain: Stay behind cover, low positions
Monitor with thermal: Continuous tracking during stalk
Close to bow range: 30-50 yards ideal
Final approach: Slow, quiet, when animals feeding (heads down)

Wind and Scent Management

Critical Reality: Thermal bow sights don't mask your scent. Hogs have exceptional smell—wind awareness is mandatory.

Wind Strategy:

Always Approach Downwind:

Wind blowing FROM hogs TO you = safe
Wind blowing FROM you TO hogs = instant detection
Crosswind = risky, avoid if possible

Wind Checking:

Powder bottle (check frequently)
Milkweed/thistle seeds
Wet finger method
Wind direction changes—constant monitoring required

Scent Control:

Scent-eliminating spray (clothing, equipment)
Rubber boots (less scent than leather)
Avoid tobacco, strong food odors before hunting
Store hunting clothes in scent-free bags

Stalking Execution

The 3-Phase Stalk:

Phase 1: Initial Approach (300-100 yards)

Speed: Moderate, covering ground efficiently
Noise: Conscious but not extreme caution
Thermal use: Frequent checks (every 30-60 seconds)
Goal: Close distance while maintaining downwind position

Phase 2: Precision Approach (100-50 yards)

Speed: Slow, deliberate
Noise: Extreme caution (avoid sticks, brush contact)
Thermal use: Constant monitoring
Goal: Achieve shooting range without detection

Phase 3: Final Close (50-30 yards)

Speed: Glacially slow, move only when hogs' heads down
Noise: Absolute silence
Thermal use: Near-continuous observation
Goal: Perfect shooting position, broadside opportunity

Pro Tip: Hogs feeding make noise (rooting, grunting). Use their noise to mask yours. Move when they're noisy, freeze when silent.

Shot Setup

Achieving the Perfect Shot:

1. Stable Position:

Kneeling or standing (based on cover and shot angle)
Use tree, fence post, or terrain for support if available
Ensure clear arrow path (no brush interference)

2. Range Verification:

Activate laser rangefinder
Range exact target animal (not nearest/farthest)
Select appropriate pre-zeroed pin

3. Shot Angle Assessment:

Ideal: Broadside (perpendicular to hog's length)
Acceptable: Slight quartering away (exits far shoulder)
Avoid: Head-on, straight away, severe quartering

4. Vital Zone Placement:

Place pin/reticle on vital zone (detailed in next section)
Ensure hog stationary or moving slowly
Wait for perfect presentation—thermal shows when it arrives

5. Execution:

Deep breath, slow release
Follow through (maintain aim through shot)
Watch arrow impact (lighted nocks help)
Note reaction and direction hog travels

Shot Placement for Ethical Bow Kills

Hog Anatomy and Vital Zones

Critical Understanding: Hogs are tough animals with thick shoulders, heavy bone structure, and incredible will to survive. Precision shot placement is mandatory for ethical, quick kills.

Vital Zone Anatomy:

Heart/Lung Area (Primary Target):

Location: Behind front leg, lower 1/3 of body
Broadside shot: Pin placement just behind and slightly above elbow
Target area size: ~8-10 inch diameter (adult hog)
Penetration path: Through lungs, possibly heart
Result: Double-lung hit = quick death (30-80 yards tracking typical)

Shoulder Blade Consideration:

Heavy, thick bone structure
Avoid: Shooting through shoulder on entry (arrow penetration failure)
Optimal: Arrow enters behind shoulder, exits through off-shoulder
Result: Maximum vital organ damage, best blood trail

Shot Placement by Angle

Broadside (90° to hog's body length):

Aim point: 1/3 up from bottom of chest, directly behind front leg
Arrow path: Through both lungs
Kill time: 30-90 seconds typical
Tracking distance: 30-80 yards common
This is the IDEAL shot—wait for it

Quartering Away (Hog angled away from hunter):

Aim point: Enter behind near-side ribs, angle toward off-side shoulder
Arrow path: Through liver, lungs, possibly heart
Kill time: Quick (massive hemorrhage)
Tracking distance: Often <50 yards
Excellent shot opportunity

Quartering Toward (Hog angled toward hunter):

Risk: Front shoulder blocks vitals
Only if: Very slight angle, clear path to vitals
Generally: Wait for better angle
Recommendation: Avoid unless extremely experienced

Head-On/Straight Away:

DO NOT TAKE: No vital zone presentation
Extremely high wounding risk
Wait for animal to turn broadside

Shot Distances and Energy Requirements

Effective Bow Ranges for Hogs:

20-30 Yards:

Ideal range for most bow hunters
Ample arrow energy for complete penetration
Precise shot placement feasible
Quick follow-up if necessary
Recommendation: Primary shooting distance

30-40 Yards:

Acceptable for experienced archers
Requires excellent form and consistent shooting
Arrow energy still adequate for vital hits
Recommendation: Limit for most hunters

40-50 Yards:

Maximum for very experienced bow hunters only
Energy diminishing, precise placement critical
Small margin for error
Recommendation: Only with extensive practice, perfect conditions

50+ Yards:

Generally unethical for bow hunting hogs
Insufficient energy for reliable penetration
Too much chance for wounding
Recommendation: Pass on shot, stalk closer

Arrow and Broadhead Selection

Optimal Setup for Hogs:

Arrow Weight:

Minimum: 400 grains total
Recommended: 450-500+ grains
Heavy arrows penetrate thick hog hide/bone better
Sacrifice some speed for momentum/penetration

Broadhead Types:

Fixed-Blade (Recommended):

Cut-on-contact design ideal
2-blade or 3-blade (both effective)
Blade width: 1.25-1.5 inches
Extremely sharp (replace/sharpen after every animal)
Advantage: Maximum penetration, reliable performance

Mechanical/Expandable:

Larger cutting diameter (2+ inches)
Opens on impact
Devastating wound channels
Caution: Requires higher arrow speed, may fail on bone impact
Recommendation: Only with proper arrow speed and quartering-away shots

Specific Recommendations:

Rage Hypodermic (mechanical, 2-inch cut)
Muzzy Trocar (fixed, extremely tough)
G5 Montec (one-piece fixed blade, indestructible)
Iron Will S100 (ultra-premium fixed blade)

Post-Shot Tracking with Thermal

Immediate Post-Shot Protocol:

1. Note Impact:

Watch arrow strike (lighted nock helps)
Listen for impact sound (solid "thunk" = good hit)
Observe hog reaction:
- Hunched, slow run: Likely good hit
- Frantic, fast sprint: Possible marginal hit
- Hog falls immediately: Excellent hit

2. Mark the Spot:

Note exactly where hog was standing
Identify landmarks
Use GPS waypoint if available

3. Wait:

Good hit (double-lung): Wait 30-45 minutes
Liver/gut shot: Wait 2-4 hours minimum
Uncertain: Wait 1 hour minimum, err on caution side
DO NOT push wounded hog immediately

4. Begin Recovery with Thermal:

Thermal Tracking Advantage:

Fresh blood appears warm (bright signature)
Blood trail visible 15-30 minutes post-shot
Downed hog remains thermally visible 1-2 hours after death
Can locate animal in heavy cover impossible to search visually

Tracking Strategy:

Return to impact site: Look for blood, hair, arrow
Scan with thermal: Look for bright signature (blood trail)
Follow blood: Thermal shows warm drops clearly
Locate animal: Thermal signature lower to ground (downed position)
Approach cautiously: Ensure animal expired before approaching closely

Blood Trail Reading:

Bright red, frothy blood: Lung hit (excellent)
Dark red blood: Liver/organ hit (wait longer)
Green/brown material: Gut shot (4+ hour wait mandatory)
Sparse blood: Marginal hit (careful tracking)

Hunting Techniques That Work

Feeder Ambush Method

Setup:

Feeder Types:

Gravity feeders (continuous availability)
Timed automatic feeders (specific feeding windows)
Manual bait piles (corn, soybeans, protein pellets)
Location: Known hog travel routes, water sources nearby

Ambush Position:

Distance: 25-40 yards from feeder (optimal bow range)
Wind direction: Downwind from feeder approach routes
Cover: Ground blind, brush pile, or natural terrain feature
Shooting lanes: Clear paths for arrow flight

Timing:

Arrive 1-2 hours before expected hog activity
Prime time: 9 PM - 2 AM
Peak feeding: Midnight - 1 AM typical

Thermal Advantage:

Detect hogs approaching from any direction
Monitor entire area (not just feeder)
Identify sounder composition before arrival
Select target animal in advance

Execution:

Sounder appears on thermal (often 200-300 yards out)
Watch approach, confirm wind direction safe
Prepare bow as hogs near feeder
Range feeder area with laser (know exact distance)
Hogs arrive, begin feeding
Select target (largest adult), wait for broadside presentation
Place pin, execute shot
Multiple opportunities often available as sounder feeds

Success Rate: 70-85% (hogs visit feeders predictably)

Spot-and-Stalk Method

Concept: Locate hogs from distance, plan and execute stalk to bow range.

Detection Phase:

Vehicle-Based Scanning:

Drive property roads/trails slowly
Stop every 200-400 yards
Scan with thermal bow sight 360°
Cover large acreage efficiently
Locate active hogs quickly

Stationary Scanning:

Set up on high points (hills, elevated stands)
Glass large areas methodically
Detect hogs in open areas or field edges
Plan stalks on spotted animals

Thermal Detection Range:

Hog sounders: 400-600 yards
Individual hogs: 300-500 yards
More than adequate for stalk planning

Stalk Planning:

Determine hog location precisely
Assess wind direction (critical factor)
Identify approach route (downwind, using cover)
Note landmarks for navigation
Estimate time to close distance

Thermal Optics

Thermal Monocular

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