Author Topic: Light (Read 481 times)

tipiguy · « **on:** November 02, 2004, 10:21:41 AM »

I just picked up a portable spotlight (1,000,000 candles) with a red lense. When predator hunting do you leave the light on all the time and constantly scan or do you scan every few moments and then shut off the light?

Thanks for the help!

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:52:40 AM »

I have always seen people on hunting movies scan...then shut it off.

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2004, 02:24:37 PM »

I've personally found that it's better to constantly scan when night hunting. The main reason is because it only takes a few seconds for a predator to go from "out of sight" to "in your lap". This seems to always happen while the daggone light is off!

With that said though, I scan a couple times around my area, then cut off the light for about 30 seconds to a minute in most cases. Most rechargable spot lights don't have very much battery life, so they won't hold up to very many 15-30 minute stands if you burn them constantly.

The worst feeling in the world is to see eyes coming in, only to have the light die before you get a shot. I carry 2 or 3 lights in the truck. I'll use one, and keep the others charging between stands.

Ladobe · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2004, 11:50:33 PM »

Just a quick response to consider.....

Good answers guys, but the right (productive) way to night hunt for preds is to leave the light on and continually scan 360 degrees. You want to know a pred is coming as far out as possible. When eyes are picked up keep the light low with only the halo still illuminating the eyes to keep track of the pred as it comes in. Use the calls/lip squeaks only enough to keep it coming after seen and then to stop it where you want to shoot it.

My lights mount right on my scopes, so I "scan" right through the scope and am ready anytime the pred is. The 350 runs off the truck with a 15' cord and'll pick up eyes several hundred yards out - the 100 off a belt battery pack and is for when a pred hangs up and I have to walk to it for the shot. Yes, you can walk right up to them if you have the wind, stay behind the light and don't get too heavy footed. They can see nothing behind the light as long as you keep them in its halo.

Have fun - be sure to check the spotlighting laws in your state/county.

L.