THERMAL IN DAYLIGHT

The question is regarding the use of thermal imaging during daylight.

It was an unexpected question I was asked, and I needed to explain my immediate response of "not really worth" it.

OK, yes it can be used in daylight, but thermal detects temperature differences, without going into the specs of any specific product, you need to be aware that during the day the general temperature of ALL the surroundings are hotter than at night regardless of the general temperature, even though it will detect temperature differences of a few one thousandths of one degree.

This was asked in relation to deer hunting. In general, one would be looking to locate the target in "forest" type country I guess (??) If it was in the open it would not need thermal.

The problem in my mind is that if you can see the animal then you would be able to use your binos ??

If the animal was substantially obscured by trees , general shrubbery etc with only a small part of the animal visible, it would be very difficult to (a) Realize the small hot spot was a potential target. (b) To assess it as a deer, not a kangaroo or whatever.

If the "hot spot" was substantially large enough to "use" the image, your binos would probably still be preferable.

Then the discussion went on to fading afternoon light. 

Until the surroundings have cooled substantially there will still be no real benefit from a thermal device.

Now I am aware that thermal has been used successfully in daylight for pigs from a helicopter. Yes, for locating them in swampy cover from a low height, therefore a very short range, and knowing it is only pigs you will be "seeing" when you are detecting some hot spots.

Now all this is my opinion based on some 14 years of thermal use as contractor, and over 60 years a shooter, but cannot be construed as a TOTAL answer. I am ready to be proved wrong.

It is an expensive thing purchase just to try it, best if you can get a mate that already has a thermal device to let you have a look in daylight first.