Best Thermal Scope For Hog Hunting in 2025 [Field Tested]

#Hunting #ThermalVision #Thermion2LRFXL60

Co-Author:

Freya Askjaer

Expert Contributor:

Peter Gibbon

Estimated read time: 9 min.

Quick answer

If you want the best thermal scope for wild boar or hog hunting in 2025, the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60 stands at the top with its unmatched detection range, ultra-sharp 1024×768 HD resolution, and integrated laser rangefinder for precision long-range shots. For hunters who value portability and price, the Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro is a compact, lightweight, and highly versatile option.

Note on terminology: In this guide, we use both wild boar and hog. Wild boar are the primary species found across Europe, while hogs are more common in other regions. Although local regulations should always be followed, the general information, field tips, and recommendations shared here apply equally to both.

Why thermal scopes are essential for wild boar and hog hunting at night

Hogs are mostly nocturnal animals. They usually bed down during the day and roam fields, swamps, and crops under the cover of darkness. They rely on their sharp sense of smell and hearing to detect threats. For hunters, this creates two challenges:

Visibility: You can’t see wild boar with the naked eye in total darkness
Movement tracking: Once spooked, hogs bolt in unpredictable patterns

Traditional night vision amplifies the available light. That’s useful under moonlight but falls short when skies are overcast, fog, or thick brush. Hog often emerges in marginal light conditions when night vision can’t deliver clarity.

Thermal imaging solves this problem. By detecting heat signatures, thermal scopes allow hunters to:

Spot wild boar hidden in tall grass or behind tree lines
Detect even small piglets from hundreds of yards
Differentiate hogs from horses, cattle, deer, or coyotes
Identify wounded wild boar during recovery

For landowners and hunters managing wild boar populations, thermal optics aren’t just a luxury. They’re the most effective tool for night hunting success.

Need more reasons? Here’s what Peter Gibbon, a hunter with 25+ years of experience, says about the use of thermal for wild boars:

Using a thermal scope for nighttime work—particularly when dealing with wild boar—gives you a major detection advantage by showing animals’ heat signatures in the dark. That can make you effectively “invisible” to the animal while allowing you to see farther and detect movement earlier than with a naked eye or conventional night-vision alone. The result is improved situational awareness and the potential to make more confident decisions at longer distances.

Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60 – Best overall

The Thermion 2 LRF XL60 is Pulsar’s flagship thermal scope, built for hunters who demand the highest clarity and precision.

Who’s this for?

Long-range wild boar hunters in open fields and farmland
Professionals who require top-tier thermal imaging for pest control
Shooters who want laser rangefinder integration for accurate ballistic calculations

Key specifications:

Sensor: 1024×768 HD thermal sensor (sNETD < 20 mK)
Magnification, x: 2.5 – 20
Detection Range: 2,800m
Lens: 60mm f/1.1
Laser Rangefinder: Built-in, up to 800m
Field of View (FOV): 11.7 degrees. Optimized for long-range scanning and shot placement
Weight: 1,2 kg
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours continuous (at 22° C)

Freya’s field insight:

When hunting over large fields, a sounder of wild boar can often be detected well beyond 700-800 meters. The integrated LRF makes it possible to confirm distances instantly, which is especially valuable for confident 300+ meter shots at night.

Strengths and limitations:

✅ Unmatched clarity and detail, even beyond 900m
✅ Integrated LRF makes ranging wild boar precise at night
✅ Strong recoil resistance (up to .375 H&H, 12-gauge)
❌ Premium price tag – not for casual hog hunters.
❌ Heavier than compact models.

Use-cases / Hunting scenario:

The Thermion 2 LRF XL60 is perfect for hunters who set up for long shots, clearings, and open fields, needing positive identification and precise shot placement.

Its ultra-HD resolution and integrated laser rangefinder make it an ideal tool for:

Open-field hunts: Perfect when wild boar are feeding in large crop fields, allowing you to scan hundreds of meters and identify wild boar with absolute clarity before taking the shot.
Long-range stand hunting: For hunters positioned in blinds or on elevated stands, the XL60 provides both the reach and detail to engage hog across open areas, powerline cuts, or ranch roads.
Night pest control on farms: Farmers dealing with destructive wild boar sounder’s can rely on the XL60’s combination of detection range and precise ranging to quickly evaluate groups, identify targets, and take confident shots even in poor weather.
Recovery of downed game: The superior resolution helps track wounded wild boar in thick grass or brush after the shot — a huge advantage for ethical hunting.
Mixed terrain hunts: When hogs transition from open fields into tree lines or brush, the wide detection range and laser rangefinder ensure you maintain situational awareness and accurate distance readings.

This scope excels in scenarios where positive identification and precision are critical, making it a go-to optic for serious wild boar hunters who want a professional-grade advantage at night.

Our expert experience & real test results:

In field tests, wild boar was easily located beyond 900m, with individual body details visible at 400+ m. The LRF saved us guesswork when taking shots across variable terrain.

Freya’s opinion:

If I could only pick one thermal for wild boar hunting, the XL60 would be it. The clarity is amazing – you don’t just see a wild boar; you see which direction its head is turned at 400 meters. It’s overkill for casual hunts, but if you’re serious, it’s unmatched.

Verdict:

The best overall thermal scope for hog hunting in 2025, a professional-grade optic that delivers clarity, accuracy, and range unmatched in the market.

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Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 – Excels in long-range hunts

The Thermion 2 XG60 strikes a balance between top-tier image quality, extended base zoom range, and long-range performance, making it one of the best choices for wild boar hunters in 2025.

Who’s this for?

Serious hog hunters who want long-range capability without the XL60’s premium price
Long-range wild boar hunters in open fields and ranch land
Shooters who want laser rangefinder integration for accurate ballistic calculations
Hunters who need sharp detail for positive identification before taking a shot, using the XG60’s high magnification range

Key specifications:

Sensor: 640×480 (sNETD < 20 mK)
Magnification, x: 4 – 32
Detection range: 2,800m
Lens: 60mm f/1.1
Field of View (FOV): 7.3 degrees. Optimized for targeting
Weight: 1,2 kg
Battery life: Up to 7 hours continuous (at t=22° C)

Strengths and limitations:

✅ Highest magnification in the class, ranging from 4x to 32x
✅ Long detection range suitable for open fields and large acreage
✅ Great balance of performance and price compared to XL60
❌ Heavier than Pulsar Talion models
❌ Lacks the ultra-HD detail of the XL60

Use-cases / Hunting scenario:

The XG60 is built for hunters who want reliable long-range capability with great 640-resolution clarity and extended zoom capability.

Open-field setups: Perfect for identifying and engaging wild boar across big pastures, crop fields, and open ranch terrain.
Stand hunting over feeders: Provides crisp detail out to 400+ m, ensuring positive identification before taking the shot.
Large acreage pest control: Farmers can depend on the XG60 to scan wide areas quickly and pick out wild boar even at extended ranges, taking advantage of the high zoom range.
All-weather confidence: Handles humid or foggy nights well, keeping image quality sharp when conditions get tricky.
Largest base zoom in the class: Starting at 4x zoom gives the XG60 a clear advantage when scanning for wild boar starting at 400+ meters.

Our expert experience & real test results:

In live hunts, wild boar sounders were consistently detected beyond 800+ m, with individual animals easily identifiable at 350+ m due to the high base magnification. Image sharpness was excellent even in humid conditions, where lower-grade sensors tend to blur out the image.

Verdict:

A proven, professional-grade thermal scope for long-range hog hunting. Perfect if you want 640-resolution clarity and long-distance detection without stepping up to the flagship XL60.

Freya’s opinion:

The XG60 hits that perfect spot – long-range performance and 640-resolution clarity without the XL60’s higher price, and better zoom capabilities than the Thermion XP50 Pro. It’s the model I’d highly recommend to hunters who want professional-grade optics but still need good value for the money.

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Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro – Very good for long-range hunts

The Thermion 2 XP50 Pro strikes a balance between top-tier image quality and long-range performance, making it one of the most trusted choices for hog hunters in 2025.

Who’s this for

Serious wild boar hunters who want long-range capability without the XL60’s premium price
Landowners covering large fields or open ranch terrain
Hunters who need sharp detail for positive identification before taking a shot

Key specifications:

Sensor: 640×480 (sNETD < 18 mK)
Magnification, x: 2 – 16
Detection Range: 1,800m
Lens: 50mm f/1.0
Field of View (FOV): 12.4 degrees. Balanced for both scanning and targeting
Weight: 1.05 kg
Battery Life: Up to 8.5 hours continuous (at t=22° C)

Strengths and limitations:

✅ High-resolution 640 sensor with excellent clarity
✅ Long detection range suitable for open fields and large acreage
✅ Great balance of performance and price compared to XL60
❌ Heavier than Pulsar Talion models
❌ Lacks the ultra-HD detail of the XL60

Use-cases / Hunting scenario:

The XP50 Pro is built for hunters who want reliable long-range capability with great 640-resolution clarity.

Open-field setups: Perfect for identifying and engaging hogs across big pastures, crop fields, and open ranch terrain.
Stand hunting over feeders: Provides crisp detail out to 300+ m, ensuring positive identification before taking the shot.
Large acreage pest control: Farmers can depend on the XP50 Pro to scan wide areas quickly and pick out wild boar even at extended ranges.
Mixed terrain transitions: Balanced FOV allows smooth tracking as hogs move from open fields into tree lines or brush.
All-weather confidence: Handles humid or foggy nights well, keeping image quality sharp when conditions get tricky.

Our expert experience & real test results:

In live hunts, wild boar sounders were consistently detected beyond 700+ m, with individual animals easily identifiable at 350+ m. Image sharpness was excellent even in humid conditions, where lower-grade sensors tend to blur out the image.

Verdict:

A proven, professional-grade thermal scope for long-range wild boar hunting. Perfect if you want 640-resolution clarity and long-distance detection without stepping up to the XL60.

Freya’s opinion:

The XP50 Pro hits that sweet spot – long-range performance and 640-resolution clarity without the XL60’s higher price. It’s the model I’d recommend to hunters who want professional-grade optics but still need good value.

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Pulsar Talion XG35 – Best value for versatile hunters

The Talion XG35 is a more compact thermal optic that balances performance, weight, and affordability, ideal for mobile wild boar hunters.

Who’s this for?

Hunters who prefer spot-and-stalk wild boar hunting
Those needing a lighter rifle setup
Budget-conscious hunters who still want premium thermal imaging

Key specifications:

Sensor: 640×480 (sNETD < 20 mK)
Magnification, x: 2 – 16
Detection Range: 1,750m
Lens: 35mm f/1.0
Field of View (FOV): 12.5 degrees. Ideal for spotting and tracking wild boar sounders
Weight: 0,78 kg
Battery Life: 7 hours (at 22° C)

Strengths and limitations:

✅ Compact, lightweight, and durable.
✅ Excellent clarity for a 35mm lens.
✅ Multiple mounting options for different rifles.
❌ Slightly lower image quality compared to Thermion models.
❌ No built-in rangefinder.

Use-cases / Hunting scenario

The Talion XG35 is designed for hunters who need versatility, portability, and strong resolution in a compact package.

Spot-and-stalk setups: Lightweight and balanced, it’s ideal for hunters covering ground on foot or using AR platforms.
Close-to-mid range engagements: At 50-225m, it provides sharp imaging for clean, ethical shots on moving hogs.
Mobile night hunting: Compact size makes it easy to maneuver between properties or when hunting from vehicles.
Dense cover or swamp setups: Wide FOV keeps wild boar sounder’s in sight when they scatter through brush or low cover.
Multi-rifle adaptability: Mounts easily across calibers, from .308 and 6.5 CM to lighter carbines, without upsetting balance.

Our expert experience & real test results:

During stalking hunts through brush, the Talion XG35 excelled in quick handling. In fast-moving hog chases, the wide FOV helped maintain sight picture and track running hogs.

Verdict:

The best value thermal scope for hog hunting, ideal for hunters who want high resolution without the bulk of the larger Thermion scopes.

Freya’s Opinion:

The Talion XG35 is what I’d reach for when I want to stay light and mobile. It’s strong enough for wild boar control, and compact enough to carry all night without fatigue.

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Pulsar Talion XQ35 Pro – Best compact & lightweight

The Talion XQ35 Pro is the ultimate compact scope for hog hunters who prioritize weight, portability, and affordability without sacrificing core performance.

Who’s this for?

Hunters who move constantly while stalking wild boar
Night hunters carrying lighter carbines or AR platforms

Key specifications:

Sensor: 384×288 (sNETD < 15 mK)
Magnification, x: 2.5 – 10
Detection Range: 1,350m
Lens: 35mm f/1.0
Field of View (FOV): 10.7 degrees. Excellent for fast-moving boars at closer ranges
Weight: 0,78 kg
Battery Life: 9 hours (at 22° C)

Strengths and limitations:

✅ Very lightweight and portable
✅ Long battery life for extended hunts
✅ Affordable compared to Thermion XL/XG models
❌ Lower resolution (384 sensor)
❌ Not designed for extreme long-range precision

Use-cases / Hunting scenario

The XQ35 Pro is tailored for hunters who value portability, battery life, and wide FOV above all else.

Fast-paced stalk setups: Its compact weight makes it perfect for hunters covering long distances on foot.
Close-quarters encounters: Medium / wide FOV makes it easy to track hog weaving through brush, river bottoms, or crop fields.
Light carbine builds: Ideal for AR type platforms where balance and quick handling matter more than long-range clarity.
Extended hunts: With up to 9 hours of runtime, it keeps you in the field all night without frequent battery swaps.
Affordable control setups: Provides dependable performance under 200m, making it a smart choice for hunters needing reliable thermal without XL or XP pricing.

Our expert experience & real test results:

For close-to-mid-range hunting (under 300m), the Talion XQ35 Pro performed exceptionally well. Tracking running wild boars at 70-110 m was smooth, and its balance on mid-weight rifles made it a pleasure to carry all night.

Verdict:

The best compact and lightweight thermal scope for wild boar hunting, ideal for spot-and-stalk hunters and those on a tighter budget.

Freya’s Opinion:

If you’re just starting out with thermal hunting, the XQ35 Pro is a fantastic choice. It’s budget-friendly, yet it covers the essentials for wild boar hunting at night.

Explore more:

Pulsar thermal scope comparison for wild boar hunting

Model	Detection Range	Sensor Resolution	Field of View	Weight	Best For
Pulsar Thermion	Up to 2800 m	640×480 / 1024×768	Depends on the model	Heavy	Long-range, open fields
Pulsar Talion	1350–1750 m	384×288 / 640×480	Medium / Wide	Light	Stalk hunting, movement

Verdict: Which Pulsar thermal scope fits your hog hunting needs?

Choose Pulsar Thermion if you need maximum detection range and precision for long-range hog hunts
Choose Pulsar Talion if you want lightweight versatility for mobile stalking

Key features to look for in a thermal scope for hog hunting

Hog hunting pushes your gear to the limit—especially your thermal scope. Whether you’re scanning fields at night or tracking boars in a forest, image clarity, range, and responsiveness matter. Here’s what to look for in a thermal scope built for serious hog hunters.

Detection range & identification distance

A scope’s detection distance tells you how far it can pick up a heat source. Identification distance is different – it’s how far you can positively identify a hog versus a deer or coyote. For boar hunting, you want at least 700+ m detection and 275-450m identification range. The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 provides you with a whopping 4 – 32x magnification.

Sensor resolution & image quality

Thermal scopes typically come with 384×288 or 640×480 (and higher) sensors. Higher resolution means clearer images and more detail, especially when zoomed in. If you’re shooting long-range in open fields, a 1024×768 sensor like the Thermion 2 LRF XL60 is a must.

Field of view (FOV) for tracking fast-moving wild boar

When hogs scatter, a wide FOV helps keeping them in sight. XP and XL models shine here, offering wider viewing angles ideal for scanning and stalking.

Refresh rate & smooth tracking

Look for 50-60 Hz refresh rates. Lower refresh rates (30 Hz) can make moving hogs look blurry. A high refresh rate makes tracking smoother and shot timing more precise.

Lens size & magnification

50-60mm lens = longer detection range, ideal for open fields.
35mm lens = lightweight, perfect for closer stalking.

Battery life & reliability

Night hunts can last 4-8 hours. A thermal with swappable batteries like the both Pulsar Talion and Thermion series ensures you’re not left blind halfway through.

To this list, our expert Peter also adds:

The biggest consideration on choosing and thermal for hunting boar is a scope that it has a wide field of view, this will allow you to track the animals after the shot is taken should a follow up shot be required.

Choosing the right thermal scope for your hunting style

Not all hog hunters hunt the same way. Match your optic to your style:

Spot-and-stalk wild boar hunting
Requires mobility. You’ll want a Talion XG35 or XQ35 Pro for lightweight carry and medium / wide FOV.
Stand hunting
You’ll be stationary but need precision. The Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro excels here with clarity and integrated rangefinder.
Long-range hog hunting on open fields
Farmers with large acreage often deal with hogs at long distances. The Thermion 2 LRF XL60 provides the detection range and image quality needed to take confident 350+m shots.
Pest control and small game hunting at long distances
The Thermion 2 LRF XG60 provides you with clarity and up to 32x zoom, making it an excellent choice for identifying and hunting smaller game.

Mistakes to avoid with a thermal scope for wild boar hunting

Even the best optic can’t compensate for poor planning. Here are the most common mistakes boar hunters make with thermal scopes:

Confusing detection with identification
Just because you can see a heat blob at 1,800+m it doesn’t mean you can confirm it’s a hog. Always factor in identification range before taking a shot
Choosing the wrong magnification
Too much magnification narrows your FOV, making it harder to track sounder of boars. Too little magnification makes long shots difficult. Strike the balance based on your environment
Underestimating weight
Thermion 2 LRF XL60 is a beast of a scope, amazing for stands and open fields, but it can wear you out on a spot-and-stalk hunt. Consider rifle balance before buying
Ignoring refresh rate
If you buy a thermal with a low refresh rate, running hogs will appear blurred or “ghosted.” This can ruin your chances in fast-paced hunts
Skipping ballistic tools
At night, range estimation is tougher. Having a built-in LRF or pairing with a ballistic app ensures accurate ballistic information for shots at longer ranges.
Not practicing with your scope before the hunt
Thermal imaging takes time getting used to. Learn to adjust brightness, contrast, and palettes before heading to the field

Conclusion

The best thermal scope for hog hunting in 2025 depends on your hunting style:

Thermion 2 LRF XL60 → Best overall, unmatched clarity and range. Premium scope
Thermion 2 LRF XG60 → Long-range precision, very high zoom range, unmatched clarity and range
Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro → Long-range precision at a lower cost
Talion XG35 → Great balance of resolution, price, and mobility
Talion XQ35 Pro → Lightweight, compact, and budget-friendly

Thermal optics have transformed wild boar hunting into a nighttime advantage. No longer are hunters limited by moonlight or cover. Today, you can spot, track, and cleanly hunt hogsunder any conditions. Investing in the right thermal scope means more ethical shots, fewer wounded animals, and better control of destructive wild boar or hog populations.

Frequently asked questions

What scope do hog hunters use at night?

Most use thermal scopes like the Pulsar Thermion or Talion series. Night vision works, but thermal gives the hunter a major edge.

Is thermal better than night vision for hog hunting?

Yes. Thermal detects boars in zero light, through brush, and across longer ranges than night vision, without the need for an external IR light source.

What is the best thermal setup for hog hunting?

A Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60 on a suppressed .308 or a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 on a 6.5 Creedmoor is one of the most effective setups today.

Read more: Thermion vs Talion

What is the best detection range for hog?

Look for scopes with 1,000-2,000 meters detection range to ensure flexibility in both small plots and wide fields.

Which is better infrared or thermal scope?

Thermal. Infrared (IR) illuminators panning around, can spook boars, while thermal detects them silently without giving away your position.

Read more: Thermal Imaging vs night vision

Do I need a ballistics app for hog hunting?

For shots under 175-200 m, not necessarily. For 200-450+ m hunts, pairing with a ballistic app or rangefinder is recommended.

Read further:

About the experts

Expert Contributor:

Peter Gibbon

Peter Gibbon has been immersed in shooting since the age of 10 and began hunting more than 25 years ago. With two decades of hands-on experience using thermal and night vision technology, he brings deep practical knowledge of modern optics.

Based in northeast Scotland, Peter spends much of his time outdoors, combining lifelong field skills with a passion for the latest gear.

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.

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