Night hunting hogs demands precision in darkness, and that requires optics that deliver clarity, range, and ease of use in low-light environments. In this guide, we will walk you through the best night vision scopes for hog hunting available today.
Whether using digital night vision (DNI), thermal imaging, or clip-on setups, choosing the right night vision scope can make all the difference in your success rate. The right optic will help you detect and track hogs in low-light conditions and also ensure accurate, ethical shots in challenging environments.
Why a Night Vision Scope for Hog Hunting?
A night vision scope is ideal for hog hunting for the following reasons:
- Hogs are nocturnal by nature. They are most active at night, which makes standard optics ineffective in low-light conditions.
- Improved visibility in darkness. The best night vision scopes for hog hunting amplify available light from moon, stars, or IR illumination, allowing hunters to spot hogs clearly.
- Enhanced accuracy and safety. With better sight pictures at night, hunters can make precise shots while avoiding mistakes like targeting the wrong animal.
- Stealth advantage. Furthermore, many night vision scopes use infrared technology that hogs cannot detect, letting hunters remain unnoticed.
- Extended hunting opportunities. Instead of being limited to daylight hours, hunters can maximize their time in the field during peak hog activity at night.
- Better target identification. Night vision helps distinguish hogs from other animals, reducing the risk of accidental harvest.
Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
With so many options on the market, from traditional night vision to advanced digital models, below are the top night vision scopes for hog hunting worth your consideration.
Let’s have a look.
1. SightMark Wraith 4K 4-32x40mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope
The SightMark Wraith 4K 4-32x40mm Digital Night Vision Rifle Scope is the best night vision scope for hog hunting. It is impressive optic that combines clarity, versatility, and modern technology in a rugged package.
The selling point of this night vision scope is its 4K CMOS sensor. It delivers sharp daytime imaging and exceptional night vision performance, making it useful across a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios. Besides, the 4-32x magnification ranging offers flexibility for both close-range shots and long-distance precision.
Optically, the scope features a large 40mm objective lens that helps gather light efficiently, enhancing low-light performance. The display is crisp and detailed, ensuring you can easily identify targets in various conditions.
Furthermore, the build quality is solid, with a durable design that is well-suited for outdoor use, and it mounts securely on most rifles without hassle. The scope also includes multiple reticle options and color modes, allowing you to tailor your view for different environments.
Pros
- Built-in video and photo recording capabilities
- Advanced night vision technology
- Straightforward controls and intuitive menu system
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Short battery life
2. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm Day/Night Rifle Scope
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition 3-14x50mm Smart HD scope is a versatile optic that blends modern digital technology with dependable day and night performance.
Its 4K Ultra HD sensor delivers sharp, detailed images both in daylight and low-light conditions, ensuring hunters and shooters get clear visuals no matter the time of day. Furthermore, the magnification range of 3-14x provides plenty of flexibility for medium to long-range shooting, while the 50mm objective lens gathers ample light to enhance clarity.
Built on a robust 30mm tube, the scope maintains a familiar profile for those accustomed to traditional optics, yet it integrates advanced features such as recoil-activated video recording, dual-streaming capabilities, and a ballistic calculator. These additions not only enhance accuracy but also make it easier to capture and share hunts in real time.
Battery life is another area where the X-Sight 4K Pro excels. It offers up to 18 hours of continuous operation, which is significantly longer than many competing digital scopes.
Above all, the aluminum housing feels sturdy and capable of handling the recoil of high-caliber rifles, while still being reasonably lightweight for its class.
Pros
- Straightforward user interface
- Lightweight design
- Solid aluminum housing
- Long battery life
- Traditional 30mm scope ergonomics
Cons
- Limited eye relief
3. ATN X-Celsior 3-9x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope
Whether used for hog hunting at night, varmint control, or general shooting applications, the ATN X-Celsior 3-9x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope stands out for combining traditional scope ergonomics with cutting-edge technology.
Built with a powerful 3-9x magnification range, it offers the flexibility to quickly scan wide areas at lower zoom levels while still delivering the detail needed for longer shots. Furthermore, the night vision performance is impressive, providing crisp imaging even in near-total darkness.
Another feature that makes this scope particularly appealing is its combination of modern features with user-friendly practicality. The digital reticle options allow customization for different shooting styles, and the ability to adjust brightness ensures visibility without sacrificing stealth.
Moreover, its battery life is dependable, lasting through extended hunts without constant recharging. The scope also boasts a high-resolution display that enhances target identification and intuitive controls that make adjustments smooth and hassle-free in the field.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable build quality designed to withstand rough handling
- Advanced functionality
- Dependable battery life
- High resolution display
Cons
- It has a bit of weight compared to traditional optics
4. PARD Optics DS35 FR-940 5.6x70mm Night Vision Rifle Scope
As one of the best night vision scopes for hog hunting, the PARD Optics DS35 FR-940 5.6x70mm Night Vision Rifle Scope excels in performance and value. It is a versatile and feature-rich optic built for hunters who demand reliability in low-light conditions.
One of its standout features is the advanced 940nm infrared illuminator. It provides strong visibility without giving away your position with a noticeable red glow. Besides, the 5.6x base magnification paired with a 70mm objective lens delivers impressive clarity and detail, making it easier to identify targets at longer distances even in complete darkness.
For added convenience, the high-resolution display and user-friendly digital interface allow for smooth operation, with options for video recording and ballistic calculations that enhance both hunting and tactical shooting applications.
Durability is another strong point of the DS35 FR-940. It is built to withstand recoil, adverse weather, and rugged outdoor environments. Moreover, the design is compact and ergonomic, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle, while still offering intuitive controls for quick adjustments in the field.
Pros
- Cutting-edge night vision capabilities
- Robust build quality
- Practical shooting enhancements
- Competitive price point
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Cons
- Comparatively short eye relief
5. ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x30mm Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope
Next, we have the ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x30mm Day/Night Hunting Rifle Scope. Whether you’re hunting hogs at night or deer during the day, the X-Sight LTV provides dependable accuracy and clear visuals that enhance the overall hunting experience.
This scope blends modern technology with practical functionality, making it a strong option for hunters seeking an all-in-one optic. Its digital technology delivers a crisp and clear image, allowing you to spot game with ease whether you’re out in the early morning or during a late-night hunt.
Furthermore, the lightweight and compact design makes it easier to mount without adding unnecessary bulk to your rifle. With its 3-9x magnification, it offers flexibility for both close-range and medium-distance shooting, ensuring accurate targeting across varied hunting environments.
Regarding optics, the HD display enhances clarity, and the simple user interface makes it easy to operate, even for hunters new to digital optics. The scope also boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 10+ hours on a single charge, so you can stay out longer without worrying about losing power.
Pros
- Rugged design
- User-friendly interface
- Impressive battery life
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to mount and operate
Cons
- The image quality doesn’t match the sharpness and detail of higher-end night vision scopes
6. ATN X-Celsior 5-15x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope w/Daytime Capability
The ATN X-Celsior 5-15x Hunting Night Vision Rifle Scope is our last recommendation for the best night vision scopes for elk hunting. It is a feature-rich optic designed for hunters who need dependable performance in both day and night conditions.
Its variable 5-15x magnification makes it versatile for medium to long-range shooting, offering clarity and precision when targeting game in different environments. Moreover, the digital night vision technology provides sharp images even in low-light scenarios. Its daytime capability is equally impressive, delivering bright and crisp visuals without the risk of image washout.
Durability is another strong point of the scope. It is built with rugged materials that withstand the recoil of larger calibers and harsh outdoor conditions.
Furthermore, the intuitive interface and control system make adjustments quick and hassle-free, even with gloves on. Battery life is optimized for extended hunting sessions, and additional features like video recording and Wi-Fi streaming enhance the overall experience for those who like to capture or share their hunts.
Pros
- Clear digital night vision with day mode capability
- 5-15x magnification for versatile targeting
- Built-in range finder and advanced features
- Durable housing suitable for rugged hunting environments
- Eliminates the need to switch optics for day/night use
Cons
- Heavier than traditional scopes
Criteria for Choosing the Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
Image Clarity and Resolution
The most critical factor in selecting the best night vision scopes for hog hunting is image clarity. Wild hogs are nocturnal and often move in low-light conditions, so having a scope that delivers sharp, high-resolution images is essential. A scope with higher resolution not only allows you to identify hogs at greater distances but also helps distinguish them from other animals or brush. Look for scopes with advanced digital sensors and high-quality optics to ensure clear visuals even in complete darkness.
Detection and Identification Range
A good night vision scope should provide a long detection range and the ability to identify hogs clearly at varying distances. Since hogs are often spotted in open fields or dense woods, a scope with at least 200–400 yards of effective detection is recommended.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Hog hunting often takes place in rough environments, muddy fields, thick brush, or unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, the scope must be rugged and durable enough to withstand bumps, drops, and exposure to dust and moisture. Furthermore, the best night vision scopes for hog hunting should be waterproof, shockproof, and fog-resistant to ensure reliability in different weather conditions.
Battery Life and Power Options
Night vision optics consume more power than standard scopes, making battery life a crucial consideration. The last thing you want is your scope shutting down during a hunt. Look for models with long-lasting rechargeable batteries or the ability to run on standard AA/CR123 batteries for convenience.
Reticle Options and Adjustability
The best night vision scopes for hog hunting should offer versatile reticle patterns and illumination settings. Adjustable reticles allow hunters to adapt to different shooting distances and environments. Features like variable brightness and color reticle options (red, green, or white) make aiming easier in low-light conditions. Having the flexibility to fine-tune reticle settings also improves target acquisition and increases your chances of a clean, ethical shot.
Magnification and Field of View
Magnification is another key factor to consider. While high magnification helps with long-range accuracy, it can reduce field of view, making it harder to track moving hogs. A balance between magnification and a wide field of view is ideal to help you switch from scanning wide areas to focusing in on a specific target with precision.
Price vs. Features Balance
Finally, choosing the best night vision scope comes down to balancing cost and features. While high-end scopes with advanced technology like Wi-Fi streaming, video recording, or ballistic calculators are appealing, they may not be necessary for every hunter. Focus on essential features and set a budget that matches your hunting needs.
FAQs
- What magnification is best for night vision hog hunting scopes?
A magnification range of 2x to 6x is ideal. Too much magnification reduces field of view and makes it harder to track moving hogs in the dark.
- Can I use a night vision scope during the day?
Yes. Digital night vision scopes are ideal for both day and night hunting. However, traditional night vision optics should not be used in daylight, as bright light can damage the internal components.
- How far can I see with a night vision scope for hog hunting?
Most modern night vision scopes offer detection ranges of 200 to 400 yards, depending on the generation, model, and use of an IR illuminator.
Final Words
Choosing a reliable scope for hog hunting ensures accuracy, safety, and success in the field. The best night vision scopes for hog hunting combine range, durability, and ease of use, giving you the confidence to track and take down hogs no matter how challenging the environment is. Ultimately, your ideal choice will depend on your hunting style, budget, and the level of visibility you need.