Best thermal monocular for deer hunting at night [field tested]

#Hunting #Monocular #OryxLRFXG35 #ThermalVision

Co-Author:

Freya Askjaer

Expert Contributor:

Riccardo Tamburini

Estimated read time: 9 min.

Disclaimer: It can often be illegal hunting at night in your area without specific permission, and you should always adhere to local law. Most of these tips can be applied for any low-light conditions. Even if you can’t hunt at night per se, you can still go out at night to learn about animals’ behavior, for later to hunt them in the allowed hours.

Quick answer

The best thermal monocular for deer hunting at night is the one that delivers a practical balance between real-world deer detection range, high sensor resolution for antler identification, wide yet usable field of view, long battery life, and silent, ergonomic operation for stealthy observation.

For deer hunters in 2025, the top-performing field-tested models are:

Best overall – Telos LRF XP50: Exceptional image clarity and long-range performance for confident buck identification at distance. Its built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator support precise, ethical shot placement.

Best long-range / rangefinder combo – Telos LRF XL50: Offers an HD thermal sensor and extended detection range, ideal for hunters tracking red deer or whitetail across open terrain.

Best compact / lightweight – Axion XG30 Compact: Perfect for mobile or stand-based deer hunters, where quick scanning and low weight matter most during pre-dawn or late-evening hunts.

Best value – Oryx LRF XG35: Combines solid detection range, image stability, and integrated rangefinding at a lower cost — a great choice for those seeking ethical accuracy without the flagship price.

Below you’ll find a field-tested buyer’s guide tailored for deer hunters — including detailed product breakdowns, real-use scenarios, and a concise buying checklist to help you choose the monocular that best matches your deer hunting style and terrain.

Short introduction

Hunting deer in low light conditions is a different game: deer are more active, wind and scent control can be harder, and identifying the animal’s size, condition and orientation before you shoot can be very challenging. A thermal monocular makes that possible in total darkness by detecting heat differences between animals and their background. But not every thermal device is equally useful for deer hunting. This guide is aimed at hunters, not engineers, and focuses on real-world behavior that separates the thermal devices you’ll use every season, from less quality devices that collect dust after the first night out.

Before we go further, we asked our expert hunter, Riccardo Tamburini, to briefly explain why thermal imaging has become essential for deer hunting and observation:

Some years ago, before the introduction of thermal devices, the hunter often reduced their deer hunting to a few minutes before twilight. Before taking the shot, it was imperative to understand if the animal in front of you was the right one. To do that, you needed a high-end standard bino, able to amplify also the smallest light available: we are talking about two or three thousands of euros.

Today, a good thermal unit helps the hunter to do that. Much better than any classic device: age class, sex, antler quality and number of points are easily visible with a thermal device. In these conditions, I prefer to use a monocular device because I can avoid using the dominant eye, thus not compromising the nocturnal vision of my eye.

Another thing to consider is the great safety given from the use of a thermal device: thanks to the possibility to identify a warm object within 1.5 km or more, you’ll always know if your line of fire will be clean or not.

Product deep dives, tested recommendations and field notes

We tested these models in a mix of stand, spot & stalk and mountain hunting scenarios. Below are hunting-focused summaries plus practical pros/cons and our field verdicts.

Telos LRF XP50 – Best overall

The Telos LRF XP50 is a high-end thermal monocular purpose-built for deer hunters who demand superior detection and antler identification in total darkness. It combines a high-sensitivity thermal sensor, crystal-clear image display, and a balanced field of view, optimized for spotting and recognizing deer in both open fields and dense woodland. Designed for long stationary sits and mountain hunts, its ergonomics allow stable, fatigue-free observation during extended sessions. The built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator give hunters precise distance data, helping ensure ethical shot placement when judging a buck’s position or antler spread at range.

Who this is for
Hunters who expect to take longer shots at night, who need reliable antler identification and want top image quality in mixed terrain.

For practical insight, here’s a quick Riccardo’s overview of the Pulsar Telos LRF XP50:

The Telos XP is my favorite choice when I need great image quality. The vision, using the base magnification, is rich in detail and it’s possible to get the smallest detail up to 150-200 mt. I’m talking about the point of the antlers of a red stag or a roebuck.

How can you do it? It’s simple: the most important rule to follow is to work with the settings; antlers are cold, and they look dark on the device display, so it’s important to have a light background. Using the white color palette, for example, it’s possible to have the grass in the open field in a light grey which makes a great contrast with the cold antlers; then, reducing contrast (3-4/20) and using a mid-brightness (8-9/20) can help a lot. But this setting increases eye fatigue, so it’s better to not use it during long observation sessions.

Key specifications (hunter-relevant)

High-resolution thermal sensor (top-tier class)

Large objective lens for extended range

Multiple palettes and zoom levels for identification and scanning

Long battery life and a rugged housing

Strengths

Outstanding image clarity and contrast for antler/neck/torso identification.

Excellent detection and identification performance in brush and open field.

Built rugged for cold, long and wet hunts.

Laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator.

Limitations

Heavier and more expensive than more compact units – less ideal for ultralight spot-and-stalk hunts.

Overkill for short-range stand hunts where a compact spotter is more convenient.

Use-cases / hunting scenarios

Mountain hunts on open ridgelines where you need to identify a buck at 300+ m.

Late-night thermal surveys where deer and antler size determines whether to stalk in the morning.

Expert experience & field test results
In mixed-wood environments, the Telos LRF XP50 detected deer heat signatures earlier and rendered antler points and body condition more clearly at longer ranges than other mid-tier devices. On nights with light mist its contrast handling easily separated deer from wet leaves. A valuable feature during early spring and late summer hunts.

Verdict
If your deer hunts include long detection ranges and you want the clearest thermal image for ethical decisions, the Telos LRF XP50 is the all-around choice.

Explore more:

In-depth review of the Telos LRF XP50

Browse all Pulsar Telos monocular series

Find a local dealer to compare the feel and handling of the device.

Axion XG30 Compact – Best compact / lightweight monocular

The Axion XG30 is built for mobile deer hunters who value speed, portability, and reliable thermal clarity during long stalks or pre-dawn scans. Its fast start-up and compact body make it ideal for tracking whitetail or roe deer along forest edges or open fields, where quick detection and one-handed operation are essential. Despite its lightweight design, the Axion delivers crisp deer heat signatures and accurate body contour recognition at typical hunting distances, helping hunters spot and identify bucks quietly without sacrificing image quality.

Who this is for
Spot-and-stalk hunters, archery whitetail hunters or anyone who needs to carry gear for many kilometers and favors quick target acquisition.

Key specifications

Compact body and low weight

Fast power-up and simple menu system

Good mid-range sensor optimized for detection within 200–300+ m

Strengths

Extremely portable; easy to hold for long hunts.

Fast start-up and intuitive controls for one-handed use.

Good battery life given its size.

Limitations

Not as long-range or detailed as heavier and more expensive Telos XP50 devices.

A smaller lens means less performance in tougher situations (e.g., heavy fog).

Use-cases / hunting scenarios

Quick pre-dawn glassing while stalking or sitting on a ridge.

Walking the edge of the forest and scanning quickly for movement without the need of carrying a bigger device or using both hands.

Expert experience & field test results
On a mobile hunt the Axion made locating a bedded doe in a low-contrast ravine straightforward; we appreciated the weight savings on the 6–8 km hikes and the ability to quickly switch the unit to video mode for a quick video clip of the animal.

Verdict
For mobile hunters who prioritize portability and quick scans, the Axion XG30 Compact is hard to beat.

Practical use-case: how our expert Riccardo uses his Axion XG30 Compact:

When I go hunting in the mountains, every single gram in my backpack can make the difference. I always use a bino harness and a small thermal device is perfect to fit in, always ready-to-use. I don’t need super image quality because mountain hunting also means super long glassing sessions with classic bino or spotting scope.

The thermal device is very important to see the animals from very far or through dense fog, which is one of the more usual companions in the mountains. For example, after spotting a herd of chamois with Axion, I try to get as close as possible to check if there is the animal with the class age or sex I’m looking for. If yes, I can prepare everything for a long-distance shooting.

Explore more:

In-depth review of the Axion XG30

Browse all Axion compact monocular series

Find a local dealer to compare the feel and handling of the device.

Oryx LRF XG35 – Best value

The Oryx LRF XG35 hits the perfect balance for deer hunters seeking dependable rangefinding precision and image stability without the premium price tag. Its integrated laser rangefinder and built-in image stabilization make it ideal for tracking and identifying deer across mixed terrain — from open fields to forest edges — where quick, steady distance confirmation ensures ethical shot decisions. Delivering high-quality optics and reliable thermal clarity, the Oryx helps hunters confidently judge a buck’s body size or antler structure even in low-contrast evening conditions.

Who this is for
Hunters who want an LRF-enabled thermal monocular but are budget-conscious.

Key specifications

Mid-tier thermal sensor with LRF integration

Balanced optics and weight for stand and limited spot-and-stalk use

Strengths

Great price-to-performance ratio

Useful LRF for range confirmation in many field situations

Image stabilization

Ballistic calculator

Limitations

Sensor detail and long-range clarity lag behind the top-tier Telos models.

LRF may not lock on small or semi-hidden game at extreme ranges.

Use-cases / hunting scenarios

Hunters who split time between stand and short stalks and need range confirmation without a separate piece of gear.

Verdict
If you are looking for a prime thermal device with an affordable sensor, the Oryx LRF XG35 delivers a strong core value with multiple features for ethical night hunting.

Riccardo’s feedback on Oryx:

Sometimes, the ergonomics drives your choice. The possibility to have an one-hand use thermal device can make all the difference; when I’m stalking a roebuck in mixed environment – from open field to dense forest – I need to have a stick always ready to place a good and precise shot, so, the possibility to use a device with only one hand is very, very important.

Then, if you plan to stay out two days in the backcountry, having a device with a super battery life helps a lot. Oryx is incredible, and you can forget about bringing another battery or a power bank with you.

Explore more:

In-depth review of the Oryx LRF XG35

Browse all Oryx LRF monocular series
Find a local dealer to compare the feel and handling of the device

Top Pulsar thermal monocular for nighttime deer hunting (comparison)

Below is a short comparison table of relevant Pulsar models (to help you see where Pulsar sits if you’re comparing brands). Pulsar often offers a range of devices well-suited for hunters, match detection range, sensor quality and weight to your needs.

Model	Detection range (m)	Sensor resolution (class)	FOV m@100m	Weight (w/o battery)	Battery life @22°C	Best suited for deer hunting scenario
Pulsar Oryx XG35 LRF	1800	640×480 Mid class	21.9	420 g	12 h	Mixed forest & open fields – ethical shot confirmation
Pulsar Telos series	1300–2300	384×288 to 1024×768 Low to high class	15.4–24.6	430–580 g	7–8.5 h	Long-range deer identification in open terrain
Pulsar Axion Compact series	750–1750	384×288 to 640×480 Low to mid class	23.3–34.7	250–300 g	7–8 h	Mobile whitetail stalking / pre-dawn scouting
Pulsar Krypton 2 series	1350–2300	384×288 to 640×480 Low to mid class	15.4–18.7	400–450 g	11 h	Attachment use for stationary deer hunts

Note: Manufacturer specifications vary — real deer detection and identification distances are typically shorter than theoretical maximums, especially in wooded or foggy environments where deer blend into background heat. Always test your device in similar terrain and temperature conditions to your actual hunting grounds for the most accurate results.

Read in-depth guide: Best thermal monocular for hunting

What makes a thermal monocular ideal for deer hunting at night?

Successful nighttime deer hunting with a thermal monocular depends on a combination of capabilities, but the ones that matter the most to the hunter are:

Detection range & identification range: the ability to detect a deer is different from the ability to identify it as a deer and judge its size (and antlers size). You want enough detection to be able to plan and enough identification range to determine whether the shooter conditions are within the ethical boundaries.

Sensor resolution & image clarity: higher-resolution sensors deliver crisper animal outlines and antler detail under low-light conditions. This helps identify bucks from does and to spot any injuries.

Lens aperture & optics: a bigger objective lens collects more thermal energy and improve effective range and contrast.

Field of View (FOV): wide FOV helps scanning and locating moving deer; narrow FOV helps in identification at a distance. The best hunting monocular offers a usable compromise between zoom ranges.

Refresh rate & display quality: smooth motion and low latency are crucial to track moving deer and pick the right time to take a shot.

Battery life & portability: long sits in a tree stand demand long runtimes; spot-and-stalk demands light weight.

Stealth & ergonomics: quiet operation, minimal IR glow (thermal has no visible IR, but electronics and noise matter), comfortable cheek/hand placement, and quick one-handed operation.

Durability & water resistance: hunting conditions are harsh; the thermal device must handle cold, moisture and rough handling.

Additional features: video recording, built-in LRF (laser rangefinder), ballistic outputs, and smartphone integration, useful but secondary to core performance for most deer hunters.

Why thermal beats traditional night vision for deer tracking

Night-vision amplifies light and gives excellent detail in starlight or moonlight, but it depends on visible/near-infrared illumination, and it struggles in total darkness, fog, or when animals blend into complex backgrounds. Thermal devices detect heat differences and are not dependent on external lighting. For deer hunting these things matters because:

Deer shows up as heat silhouettes against vegetation and ground even when being camouflaged visually.

Thermal sees through smoke, light fog and some cover better than infrared (IR); not magic, but often more reliable.

No active illumination required – you don’t need IR illuminators that may spook animals or be illegal in some places.

For identification at range in the dark (buck/doe/antler size), a good thermal monocular is your best bet.

How to choose a monocular that fits your  deer hunting style

Different deer hunters face different challenges depending on where and how they hunt. Below are the most common deer hunting archetypes and the key thermal features that matter most for each style:

Stand hunter (hour long hunts from a tree stand or blind): Prioritize battery life, image comfort, and clear detection at 150–400+ m, where deer often appear at the edge of a clearing or move silently under canopy shadows. A mid-resolution sensor with good optics and a comfortable eyepiece helps maintain visual focus through long sits. Examples: Oryx LRF XG35 (LRF helps confirm ethical shots) or Telos XP50 (provides excellent clarity)

Spot-and-stalk hunter (mobile): Lightweight, fast start-up, quick-focus units make a difference when stalking whitetail or roe deer along forest edges or open ridges. Prioritize low weight and quick activation over absolute range if you move a lot or need to scan pre-dawn bedding areas. Examples: Axion XG30 Compact or Axion XG35 Compact

Mountain / long-range deer hunter: Requires maximum detection and identification capabilities to spot red deer or larger bucks in open terrain or across valleys. Prioritize high-resolution sensors, LRF integration, and ballistic data for confident long-distance shot preparation. A mid- to high-resolution sensor with strong optics ensures reliable antler and body recognition even beyond 500 m. Example: Telos LRF XL50 or Telos XG50

Budget-conscious hunter / occasional night hunter: Look for the best sensor resolution and lens quality within your budget — enough to detect deer heat signatures in forest or field conditions and maintain clarity in cold evenings. A rugged, weatherproof body ensures reliability through multiple seasons. Example: Axion XQ19 Compact or Telos XQ35 are good value for money options.

Read in-depth guide: How to choose thermal monocular

How thermal monoculars help you track deer in total darkness, real examples

Example 1: Pre-dawn stand glassing

You arrive at your stand 45 minutes before legal shooting time. Use a thermal monocular to scan mountains, open fields or tree lines. In heavy shadows or in darkness, a bedded buck will appear as a warm silhouette against the cooler ground. You detect movement 180+ m out, zoom to identify the antlers of the buck, and use your LRF (if present) to verify the range. You decide to hold your shot, as the buck is quartering away and then wait for a better broadside shot within legal shooting time.

Example 2: Tracking a wounded deer

After an unlucky gut-shot, you lose visual contact with the animal at dusk. With a thermal monocular you can pick up residual heat along the trail of blood and tissue, confirm the direction and follow the deer at a steady pace without spooking it. You spot the deer 120 m away under a brush and mark the position for a safe approach later. Only use this method if you don’t have access to trained scent- or bloodhounds in your country.

Example 3: Scouting deer bedding areas

A deer bedded in tall grass during a cold night will stand out because the animal’s body retains heat differently than the grass after sunset. A thermal spotter helps you mark good bedding areas to set up stands the next morning.

Key features to evaluate, explained in a hunter’s language

Detection vs Identification: detection = seeing there is an animal; identification = seeing what the animal is (buck vs doe, spike vs large antlers). Make sure the monocular lists both detection and identification performance realistically.

Sensor resolution: higher resolution = more detail. For deer hunting aim for the highest sensor resolution, you can afford.

Lens size / aperture: larger objective increases range and contrast. For long-range mountain hunting, pick larger lenses.

Zoom & FOV flexibility: digital zoom helps identification but reduces resolution; units with optical or discrete (stepless) digital zoom are preferred.

Refresh rate: 50 Hz or higher is ideal for smooth tracking of moving deer.

Ergonomics: how comfortable is the monocular to hold for long hunts? Is it easy to operate with gloves?

Recording & connectivity: video recorders are helpful for scouting and documentation. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi integration can let you save clips and snapshots immediately on your smartphone.

Battery & spare battery options: long hunts mean spare batteries and hot-swappable batteries are a critical option.

Durability & waterproofing: look for IPX6/IPX7 ratings for reliability in harsh and wet conditions.

Practical use cases – how to use features in the field

Use a wide FOV scan to locate movement, then zoom in to identify. Start wide to locate, then zoom slowly. Sudden zooming can cause you to miss moving targets.

Use thermal palettes intelligently. White-hot or black-hot palettes make different features pop; try both when scanning dense undergrowth. Try other palettes to see if they fit your needs better.

Pair LRF data with topography. A measured distance plus slope also called horizontal component distance (HCD) helps you avoid unethical shots. If your unit lacks LRF, use a handheld LRF to confirm the distance. The HCD function calculates the effective range to the target by factoring in the slope angle, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy when shooting uphill or downhill.

Record short clips of bucks for post-hunt analysis. Looking at antler details in recordings can help identify a specific buck later.

Field-testing protocol, how to test before you buy (and during the first weeks of ownership)

Scan sample scenarios: Test in open fields, forest edges, heavy brush and fog. Make sure detection/identification fits your typical hunting ground.

Test target identification at night: Have a human stand at incremental distances to determine your identification range under real-life conditions (start at 100 m and move out in 50 m steps).

Test startup time & ergonomics: Power-on while wearing gloves; try holding the device for extended periods.

Test battery runtime in cold weather: Low temperatures reduce runtime, measure battery life at your typical temperature range when hunting.

Test LRF performance at angles and through partial obstruction.

Record & review: Record video clips and evaluate how well antler detail and body conditions are rendered.

Legal & ethical considerations

Legality varies by jurisdiction. Some areas restrict the use of thermal optics for deer hunting at night, while others allow them only for scouting or detection. Always check local regulations before using a thermal monocular

Ethical shot selection: Thermal devices improve deer identification and antler clarity, but the hunter remains responsible for a humane, well-placed shot. Confirm distance, angle, and full target visibility before shooting

Use in surveys and management: In many regions, thermal spotters are permitted for deer population monitoring and herd surveys — always follow legal frameworks for night observations and hunting seasons.

Final verdict & buying checklist

Match your thermal monocular to how you hunt deer and the terrain you hunt in. If you primarily hunt from stands or blinds and want the clearest view for long-range deer detection and antler identification, prioritize high sensor resolution and premium optics — models like the Telos XP50 or Telos LRF XP50 are top choices.

If you need precise distance confirmation in rolling terrain or open valleys, the LRF-equipped options such as Telos LRF XL50 or Oryx LRF XG35 provide valuable accuracy for ethical shot decisions.

For mobile or spot-and-stalk deer hunts, choose a lightweight, compact unit like the Axion XG30/XG35 Compact. Always invest in the best sensor you can afford, even if that means starting with an Axion XQ19 Compact or Telos XQ35 — both deliver dependable deer visibility and range confidence.

Buying checklist (quick):

What is your typical deer detection range? (150-300 m for dense woods; 300-500 m+ for open country)

Do you need an integrated LRF? (yes → faster decision-making at distance)

How much weight will you carry? (spot-and-stalk → compact)

How long are your hunts? (long hunts → battery life)

Is video/recording important for your scouting?

Is your hunting area wet/cold? (check IP rating and cold battery behavior)

Budget vs long-term use: buy the best sensor you can afford for deer identification.

Closing note

Picking the right thermal monocular for deer hunting is about matching device strengths to how you normally hunt. Use this guide to compare your real-world needs, not marketing specifications, and test different devices in conditions that match your hunting areas and seasons. Start with the checklist, test in the field, and prioritize detection and identification so each hunt in low-light conditions is both effective and ethical.

Frequently asked questions

Can a thermal monocular detect deer through thick brush?

They can detect warm bodies through light brush and some vegetation, but dense, wet foliage reduces detection and identification. Thermal helps more than night vision or infrared but is not magic.

What’s the ideal detection range for deer hunting at night?

Depends on terrain. In forests 150–300+ m is practical; in open fields you may want 300–500+ m detection and 200–400+ m identification capability.

Are thermal monoculars legal for hunting in the US/EU?

Laws and regulations vary widely. Some U.S. states and EU countries allow them with restrictions; others totally ban their use for hunting. Always check local hunting laws and regulations before using thermal devices.

Read further:

About the experts

Expert Contributor:

Riccardo Tamburini

Riccardo Tamburini is a lifelong outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, and professional wildlife photographer and filmmaker.

With over 35 years of experience across plains and mountains in Italy and abroad, he combines field expertise with a mechanical engineering background to explain the technology behind rifles, optics, and digital devices.

Co-Author:

Freya Askjaer

Freya Askjaer is a Danish huntress living in Sicily, with over a decade of experience hunting across the world.

She has tested Pulsar optics in snow-covered mountains, thick brush, and desert-like areas through every season.

Before purchasing any night or thermal vision device, please make sure you adhere to the local legislation and only use it when it is allowed. Our ambassadors come from various countries and travel a lot, which allows them to test different devices. We do not encourage or support the illegal use of our devices in any events. If you wish to learn more about export and sales restriction policy, please visit the following link: Export and Sales Restriction Policy.