Hog hunting under the cover of darkness presents a unique set of challenges that demand specialized equipment. Successfully tracking and targeting these elusive, often destructive animals requires a scope that can pierce the veil of night, providing the clarity and precision needed for an ethical and effective shot. The right night vision or thermal optic can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating night in the field.
The market offers a wide array of options, from traditional night vision to advanced thermal imaging and feature-packed digital scopes. This expert review for 2025 is designed to cut through the confusion and help you identify the best tool for your specific needs and budget. We have compiled a list of the top performers to guide you toward a scope that will enhance your nocturnal hunts.
Our Top Picks for Hog Hunting Night Vision Scopes
- Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm F2 Hunting Scope
- BESTSIGHT DIY Night Vision Scope with 5″ Display
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope
- ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x Ultra Light Day/Night Scope
- Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16×28 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- Wicked Lights ShotPro Extreme Range IR Hunting Light
- Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini Digital Night Vision Riflescope
- AGM Rattler TS35-384 Thermal Imaging Riflescope
- AGM Taipan TM10-256 Thermal Monocular
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro Thermal Riflescope
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm F2 Hunting Scope
The Nightforce NXS is a premium optical scope built for hunters who require absolute precision and reliability. Its streamlined design and minimal weight make it an excellent choice for long stalks without sacrificing performance. The 42mm objective lens maximizes light transmission during dawn and dusk, giving you a critical advantage in low-light conditions.
This scope is equipped with advanced features like ZeroStop elevation technology, allowing for a rapid return to zero after making adjustments in the field. The adjustable parallax, from 25 yards to infinity, and the Digillum illuminated reticle ensure a clear, focused sight picture for accurate shot placement on distant hogs. The Power Throw Lever also enables instant magnification changes, even with gloves on.
BESTSIGHT DIY Night Vision Scope with 5″ Display
For hunters on a budget, the BESTSIGHT DIY kit offers a clever solution to enter the world of night hunting. This system is designed to transform any standard rifle scope with a 38-44mm eyepiece into a functional night vision device. It comes as a complete package, making setup quick and straightforward.
The unit features a built-in 5-inch HD display screen that provides a clear and comfortable viewing experience. With the powerful 850nm IR illuminator, you can see clearly in total darkness at ranges up to 200 meters. This is a practical option for those who want to add night vision capability to their existing setup without a significant investment.
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Smart Day/Night Hunting Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a feature-rich digital scope that bridges the gap between day and night hunting. Its Ultra HD 4K sensor and powerful Obsidian 4 Dual Core processor deliver a sharp, high-resolution image. With a 5-20x magnification range, it is well-suited for identifying targets at various distances.
One of its most powerful tools is the integrated ballistic calculator. This feature accounts for range, wind, angle, and other environmental factors to help ensure an accurate shot. The scope can also stream video to a mobile device while simultaneously recording in high definition to an internal SD card, allowing you to document your hunt.
ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x Ultra Light Day/Night Scope
The ATN X-Sight LTV is an excellent entry-point into the ATN ecosystem, offering a balance of performance and value. Its lightweight design and comfortable 3-inch eye relief make it easy to handle and acquire targets quickly. The QHD+ sensor provides a clear image during both daytime and night vision operation.
This scope simplifies the night hunting experience with reliable performance. It features a dedicated night vision mode for rapid target acquisition in darkness and can record your hunts in 720p video quality. For hunters seeking a straightforward, capable digital scope without the most advanced features, the LTV is a strong candidate.
Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16×28 Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith HD delivers high-definition imaging for day and night use. It uses a 1920×1080 CMOS sensor and an integrated 850nm IR illuminator to detect targets up to 200 yards away in complete darkness. The 8x digital zoom allows for detailed observation of distant hogs.
Versatility is a key strength of the Wraith HD. It automatically transitions between a full-color daytime mode and your choice of black-and-white or green night vision modes. This ensures you always have the optimal viewing profile for the conditions, providing sharp clarity whether you are hunting at dusk or in the middle of the night.
Wicked Lights ShotPro Extreme Range IR Hunting Light
This product is not a scope, but a critical accessory for any night vision hunter. The Wicked Lights ShotPro is a powerful 850nm infrared illuminator designed to work with your night vision device. It significantly extends the effective range and clarity of your scope by flooding the area with invisible IR light.
Its patented features include a rear beam width control for easy adjustment and a lock ring to secure your preferred setting. Adding this illuminator to your setup can dramatically improve the performance of digital and traditional night vision scopes, especially in areas with no ambient light.
Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini Digital Night Vision Riflescope
The Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini takes the power of 4K resolution and packages it into a more compact and lightweight design. Its powerful 4K CMOS sensor can capture objects up to 300 yards away, providing exceptional detail even in dark environments. The reduced size makes it highly portable and convenient for mobile hunters.
Despite its smaller footprint, it doesn’t compromise on features. The Wraith 4K Mini includes a built-in video recorder that captures footage in both 1080p and 4K resolution with audio. This allows you to record your hunting experiences with stunning clarity for later review or sharing.
AGM Rattler TS35-384 Thermal Imaging Riflescope
The AGM Rattler TS35-384 represents a step into the advanced world of thermal imaging. Unlike night vision, thermal detects heat signatures, making it possible to see hogs clearly through light fog, rain, and even in thick brush. Its 384×288 thermal resolution and high-sensitivity detector provide a clear image in the most challenging environments.
This scope is built for the modern hunter with features like an onboard Wi-Fi module. This allows for live video streaming and recording directly to a mobile device, making it easy to share your hunt. With 8x digital zoom and multiple color palettes, you can customize the display to your preference.
AGM Taipan TM10-256 Thermal Monocular
The AGM Taipan TM10-256 is a thermal monocular, which means it is a handheld spotting device rather than a riflescope. It is an invaluable tool for scanning fields and woodlines for heat signatures before you even shoulder your rifle. Its 256×192 resolution and high-sensitivity detector provide a clear thermal image for effective target detection.
Featuring a 1-8x digital zoom and video recording capabilities, this monocular allows you to thoroughly scout an area from a distance. Using a thermal monocular in conjunction with your primary scope is a highly effective strategy for locating hog activity without alerting the animals.
Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro Thermal Riflescope
Pulsar is a renowned name in thermal technology, and the Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro sits at the top of its class. This riflescope is engineered for serious hunters who demand the best in detection range, image clarity, and build quality. It is designed to perform flawlessly in all weather conditions, providing a reliable sight picture when you need it most.
The scope boasts a high-resolution thermal sensor and display, offering multiple color palettes and video recording functionality. Its robust construction is both waterproof and shockproof, built to withstand the recoil of high-caliber rifles and the rigors of the field. For the hunter seeking a premium, no-compromise thermal imaging solution, the Pulsar Thermion 2 is a top-tier choice.
What to Look For in a Night Vision Scope for Hog Hunting
Choosing the right night vision scope for hog hunting can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. I have spent many nights in the field, and I can tell you that not all gear is created equal. The key is to focus on a few critical features that make a real difference when you are staring into the dark, waiting for a sounder to move in.
First, let’s talk about the core technology: image intensifier tubes versus digital thermal. Image intensifier tubes, what most people traditionally think of as “night vision,” amplify available light. They are great for starlit nights but can be blinded by a sudden light source. Thermal scopes, on the other hand, detect heat signatures. This means you can see a hog perfectly through tall grass, fog, or even light brush. For hog hunting, where your target is often concealed, I strongly prefer thermal. It gives you a distinct advantage.
Next, consider the resolution and detection range. A higher resolution sensor will give you a clearer picture, making it easier to identify your target at a distance. Don’t just look at the manufacturer’s “maximum range” claim, as this is often under perfect conditions. Pay more attention to the detection and recognition ranges. You want a scope that lets you clearly see that you are looking at a hog and not a deer at your typical shooting distance.
Battery life is another huge one. The last thing you want is for your scope to die in the middle of a hunt. Look for models that offer a minimum of 5-6 hours of continuous use, and consider ones with external battery packs or the ability to use common, rechargeable batteries. Durability is also non-negotiable. Your scope will get bumped, exposed to moisture, and experience recoil. A rugged, waterproof housing is a must.
Finally, think about the reticle and user interface. Can you easily change the color palettes on a thermal scope? Is the menu system intuitive to navigate in the dark, perhaps with glove-friendly buttons? A clunky interface can cause you to miss a shot. When you are selecting from the 10 best night vision scope for hog hunting, keep these factors in mind to find the tool that best fits your style and budget.
FAQ
What is better for hog hunting: night vision or thermal?
In my experience, thermal has a significant edge for hog hunting. Hogs are masters of hiding in thick cover, and thermal imaging can pick up their heat signature through grass and light brush where traditional night vision fails. It also works perfectly in total darkness, without needing any ambient light. While good night vision is still effective, thermal gives you the best chance to spot hogs before they spot you.
What magnification is best for a hog hunting night vision scope?
I find that a base magnification between 2x and 5x is the sweet spot. Hog hunting often involves quick, close-to-medium range shots. Too much magnification can make it difficult to acquire a fast-moving target at 50 yards. A lower base magnification gives you a wider field of view, which is crucial for scanning and tracking groups of hogs. Digital zoom is a nice feature to have for confirming a target, but you will do most of your shooting on the lower end of the magnification scale.
Can I use a night vision scope during the day?
This is a very important question. You should never use a traditional night vision scope with an image intensifier tube during daylight hours. The intense light will permanently damage the sensitive internal components. However, many modern digital night vision and thermal scopes are perfectly safe to use in daylight. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to be absolutely sure. When in doubt, assume it is for night use only.
How important is battery life, and what should I look for?
Battery life is critical. A multi-night hunt can easily last 4-6 hours per session. I look for scopes that offer a minimum of 6-8 hours on a single charge or set of batteries. Some high-end models can last over 10 hours. It is also a great feature if the scope can be powered by an external battery pack, giving you virtually unlimited runtime. There is no such thing as too much battery life when you are in the field.
Are there any legal restrictions on using night vision for hunting?
Laws regarding the use of night vision and thermal optics for hunting vary by state and country. In some places, it is perfectly legal for hunting nuisance animals like feral hogs but illegal for game animals like deer. It is your responsibility to check the specific regulations in your area before you head out. A quick call to your local wildlife agency can give you the definitive answer and keep you on the right side of the law.