Hog hunting presents a unique set of challenges that demand the right equipment. These intelligent, often nocturnal animals require a scope that can perform in low-light conditions and provide a clear, ethical shot opportunity. Whether you’re guarding crops or managing populations, your success hinges on your ability to see your target clearly, regardless of the time of day. The market is flooded with options, making the selection process difficult.
This 2025 field review cuts through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most effective scopes for hog hunting. We have evaluated a range of models, from advanced thermal imaging systems to trusted daylight optics optimized for dawn and dusk. Our goal is to help you find the perfect tool to enhance your effectiveness and ensure clean, humane harvests in the field.
Our Top Picks for Hog Hunting Scopes
- ATN ThOR-HD 384 2-8x Thermal Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Hog Hunter
- ATN ThOR 4 Thermal Rifle Scope 2-8x
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Hunting Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Nikon P-Tactical Spur 3-9×40 BDC 600 Riflescope
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9x40mm
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
ATN ThOR-HD 384 2-8x Thermal Rifle Scope
For hunters who pursue hogs during the night, the ATN ThOR-HD 384 is a game-changing tool. Its thermal technology detects heat signatures, allowing you to see clearly in complete darkness, through light fog, and even in dense brush where hogs often hide. This capability gives you a significant advantage over these elusive, nocturnal animals, making it possible to identify and track them when traditional optics fail.
This scope is more than just a viewing device; it’s a comprehensive shooting system. It includes a built-in smart rangefinder and a ballistic calculator that automatically adjusts your point of impact based on the calculated bullet trajectory. Combined with features like high-resolution video recording, WiFi, and GPS, the ATN ThOR-HD provides a high-tech solution for the serious hog hunter.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 Hog Hunter
The Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter is purpose-built for the task at hand. Its standout feature is the massive 56mm objective lens, which is engineered to gather a tremendous amount of available light. This results in a bright, clear sight picture during the critical low-light hours of dawn and dusk when hogs are most active, providing a distinct edge for hunters relying on traditional optics.
Vortex optics are renowned for their durability and clear glass, and the Hog Hunter lives up to this reputation. It features a long eye relief and a fast focus eyepiece, allowing for quick target acquisition on moving hogs. The scope is also O-ring sealed and argon purged, making it waterproof and fog-proof to withstand harsh field conditions.
ATN ThOR 4 Thermal Rifle Scope 2-8x
Representing the next generation of thermal scopes, the ATN ThOR 4 offers improved sensor technology and image processing for even sharper thermal imaging. It allows you to detect heat signatures at greater distances, making it easier to spot hogs bedded down in thick cover or moving along tree lines before they are aware of your presence.
Like its predecessor, the ThOR 4 is packed with smart features that assist in making an accurate shot. The combination of a high-resolution sensor, robust ballistic calculator, and built-in rangefinder creates a powerful package. For hunters who require the absolute best in night-time capability, this scope provides a significant technological advantage.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Hunting Scope
The Sig Sauer Whiskey3 is a versatile and reliable scope that performs well in a variety of hunting situations. Its 3-9x magnification range is ideal for the typical engagement distances encountered in hog hunting, allowing for both wider field-of-view shots and more precise aiming when needed. The quality of the glass ensures a sharp, color-accurate image.
This scope is built to handle recoil and rough treatment. It is waterproof and fog-proof, so weather conditions will not interfere with your hunt. The Whiskey3 offers a good balance of optical performance, durability, and value, making it a solid choice for hunters who need a dependable daytime scope.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold is a trusted name in the optics world, and the VX-Freedom series brings their quality and heritage to an accessible level. Known for its exceptional light transmission, the VX-Freedom provides a bright, high-contrast sight picture in low-light conditions, which is essential for spotting hogs at first or last light.
The scope is incredibly rugged and lightweight, built to American standards in a waterproof and fog-proof configuration. With the Twilight Light Management System, it helps maximize light transmission at dawn and dusk. For hunters seeking a no-frills, high-performance scope from a top-tier manufacturer, the Leupold VX-Freedom is an excellent option.
Nikon P-Tactical Spur 3-9×40 BDC 600 Riflescope
The Nikon P-Tactical Spur is designed with modern sporting rifles in mind, but its features translate very well to hog hunting. It comes equipped with Nikon’s BDC 600 reticle, which is calibrated for fast, holdover-style shooting at various distances. This is particularly useful for taking quick shots at moving hogs or at different ranges without needing to dial adjustments.
Nikon’s optical systems are known for their clarity and brightness, and this model is no exception. The spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets are a practical feature, allowing for easy adjustment and a quick return to zero. It’s a robust scope that offers a feature set well-suited for dynamic hunting scenarios.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9x40mm
As the name suggests, the Bushnell Banner is specifically engineered for performance during the prime hunting hours of dusk and dawn. Its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multicoated optics are designed to provide maximum light transmission when you need it most, offering a clear and bright image even as light fades.
This scope represents outstanding value, delivering critical features for low-light hunting without a high cost. It is both waterproof and shockproof, ensuring it can handle the recoil of larger calibers and the unpredictable conditions of a hog hunt. For budget-conscious hunters who refuse to compromise on low-light performance, the Banner is a top contender.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
For hunters who frequently encounter hogs at close quarters or in dense cover, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) like the Primary Arms SLx is an ideal choice. The 1x setting allows for fast, both-eyes-open shooting, similar to a red dot sight, which is perfect for quick, close-range shots on moving animals.
When you need more magnification for a precise shot at a longer distance, you can quickly zoom up to 6x. The scope features Primary Arms’ acclaimed ACSS reticle, which provides useful holdovers and ranging information. This versatility makes the SLx an excellent all-around optic for dynamic hunting environments.
What to Look For in the Best Scopes for Hog Hunting
Choosing the right scope for hog hunting isn’t just about magnification; it’s about matching your gear to the unique challenges of the hunt. I’ve spent a lot of time in fields after dark, and the wrong piece of glass can mean the difference between a successful night and a frustrating one. Based on my experience, here are the key things I consider.
First and foremost is low-light performance. A huge portion of hog hunting happens at dawn, dusk, or under the cover of night. This makes the scope’s ability to gather light absolutely critical. I always look for a scope with a large objective lens—something in the 44mm to 56mm range is a great sweet spot. But the lens size is only part of the story. The quality of the glass coatings is what really separates good scopes from great ones. Fully multi-coated lenses drastically reduce glare and increase light transmission, giving you those precious extra minutes of shooting light.
Next, consider the reticle. For fast-moving targets like a sounder of hogs, a simple, uncluttered reticle is your best friend. A standard Duplex or a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle allows for quick target acquisition without unnecessary visual noise. For night hunting with a digital day/night scope or a thermal imager, a bright, illuminated reticle is non-negotiable. Having multiple brightness settings, including a very low setting for night vision device compatibility, is a feature I always check for.
Finally, think about durability and forgiveness. Hog hunting often involves hiking through thick brush, riding on rough terrain in a UTV, and dealing with recoil from larger calibers. Your scope needs to be tough. I make sure any scope I use is both fog-proof and waterproof (look for nitrogen or argon purging). A generous eye relief is also a safety must, especially on hard-kicking rifles, to prevent scope eye. A minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief gives me peace of mind. When you’re looking at the 8 best scopes for hog hunting in our 2025 field review, these are the exact criteria we used to separate the winners from the rest.
FAQ
What magnification range is best for hog hunting?
For most hog hunting situations, I find a variable power scope in the 1-8x, 3-9x, or 2-10x range to be the most versatile. On the lower end (1x to 4x), you have a wide field of view for close-range, fast-moving shots on a whole sounder. On the higher end (8x to 10x), you have enough magnification for precise shot placement at longer distances, out to 200 or even 300 yards on a calm boar.
Is an illuminated reticle necessary for hog hunting?
While not strictly necessary for daytime hunting, an illuminated reticle is a massive advantage during low-light conditions. When the background is dark and your target is a dark-colored hog, a black reticle can get lost. A faint red or green dot in the center allows you to maintain a clear aiming point. For any dedicated night hunting, it’s an essential feature.
Can I use a .223/5.56 for hog hunting, and what scope works with it?
Yes, a .223 with the right ammunition is effective for hogs, particularly with good shot placement on smaller to medium-sized animals. For this caliber, a scope with a BDC reticle calibrated for the .223’s trajectory is very helpful. A 3-9x or 4-12x scope is a perfect match, allowing you to make the most of the cartridge’s flat shooting characteristics.
What is the difference between a traditional scope and a digital night vision scope for hogs?
A traditional scope uses glass lenses and relies on ambient light. It’s fantastic for daytime and twilight but is useless in pitch black without an external light source. A digital night vision scope uses an electronic sensor and an infrared illuminator to see in total darkness. It projects an electronic image onto a screen inside the eyepiece. For hunting hogs after legal shooting light, a digital night vision or thermal scope is the only real option.
How important is eye relief on a scope for a hog hunting rifle?
It’s extremely important, especially if you’re using a rifle with significant recoil like a .450 Bushmaster or a 12-gauge slug gun. Generous eye relief (over 3.5 inches) ensures that the scope won’t hit your eyebrow during recoil, a painful experience known as “scope bite.” It also gives you more flexibility in your head position for faster shooting.