Estimated read time: 4,5 min.
Four lucky European hunters and their Australian colleague spent a weekend on a ranch in Texas hosted by Pulsar partners in the US. It was all about experiencing the American hunting culture and creating bonds with fellow enthusiasts across continents.
With its rolling hills and expansive plains, the ranch was the perfect place for those wanting to get the best of advanced outdoor technology mixed with traditional hunting.
Equipment discoveries
The best part for many was the opportunity to test Pulsar’s latest gear under the rigorous conditions of Texas’ varied landscapes. Australian hunter Nathan Stuart was particularly impressed with the Thermion 2 LRF XG50 during a long-range shooting session. “The highlight was using the Thermion 2’s ballistic capability to hit a 30×30-inch steel plate at 1000 yards,” he shared. This session showcased the remarkable capabilities of Pulsar’s thermal scopes, providing real-world validation of their range and accuracy.
Swedish hunter Night Vision Viking said that his primary concern during the shoot was the wind, especially given its impact over 1000 yards (914.4 m). He mentioned that although he typically shoots and hunts at much shorter distances, he has grown to trust Pulsar’s ballistics solutions over time.
In contrast, Italian Riccardo Tamburini and German Felix Pebler explored the features of the Talion XG35 riflescope and the Telos LRF XL50 monocular, which impressed both hunters. “I had the chance to use the soon-to-be-released Telos LRF XL50. It was a blast! The quality and detail at longer distances really surprised me,” Riccardo remarked.
Sharing cultural knowledge
More than just a technology showcase, the meetup was a perfect opportunity for cultural interactions. Ambassadors exchanged hunting stories, shared local techniques, and discussed conservation practices across continents. Riccardo enjoyed the deep personal connections formed during the trip. “The real value lay in meeting people from different cultures, which enriched me not just as a hunter but as a person,” he explained.
Felix Pebler agrees that the meetup was all about the interactions: “In the two days I was in the USA, I met so many great people with the same passion,” he remarked, noting how these encounters significantly enriched his network.
The ambassadors also immersed themselves in local Texas culture. They sampled a range of Tex-Mex cuisine, which was a novel experience for many.
As a food enthusiast, Riccardo was pleasantly surprised by the local lasagna and tiramisu, enjoying them as interesting interpretations. Yet, the true Italian in him couldn’t help but confess: “It’s a good attempt, but I prefer the authentic Italian recipes…”
Outdoor experiences and challenges
British hunter Lee Perryman‘s adventures were also booming with new experiences. From the moment the invitation hit his inbox to the final shots on the hunting grounds, the trip was filled with camaraderie, challenges, and the thrill of the hunt.
Field activities included traditional Texan hunts, offering the ambassadors experiences vastly different from European methods. Lee Perryman recounted his first boar hunt, saying it was an adrenaline-pumping introduction to Texan hunting styles.
Lee’s time in Texas also included testing various firearms, highlighted by a dream shot with a Barrett .50 cal. Despite not securing a successful hunt, Lee appreciated the adventure, cultural insights, and the strong bonds formed with fellow hunters.
“Just the opportunity to go to Texas and hunt boar and meet some amazing people was fantastic”.
Lee Perryman
Impressive shooting skills
During another unique event, participants gathered for what was likely the first-ever Thermal Steel Challenge. The competition involved shooting five pre-heated steel targets set at varying distances – 100 meters for a square target, 180 meters for an armadillo, and 200 meters for a wild boar and a deer. The final target, an elk, was placed at 440 meters.
Competitors were required to shoot the first two targets free-handed before being allowed to use a tripod for the remaining shots. Missing a target resulted in a seven-second penalty, and participants moved to the next target without retrying the missed one.
Everybody used a suppressed Ruger American bolt-action gun equipped with a Thermion 2 thermal riflescope. By the time Night Vision Viking’s turn came, the rifle was hot from use.
Despite the challenges, he managed to make impressive shots, especially at the last target, an elk at 440 meters, requiring him to make quick ballistic calculations on the spot.
“The gold medal is now safely exported from Texas to Europe!” he cheered, after finishing with a total time of 21.61 seconds. Although no competitor hit all five targets, Night Vision King came closest, missing only the small, well-camouflaged armadillo.
Texan hospitality
The ambassadors enjoyed true Texan hospitality – a mix of hearty meals, lively music, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. Pulsar distributor’s Sellmark ranch were spent sharing stories around campfires, under the vast Texan sky, an experience that many noted felt like something out of a Western movie.
Outdoor activities weren’t limited to hunting. The group enjoyed hiking along the ranch’s scenic trails, fishing in its well-stocked ponds, and participating in competitive shooting that tested their skills in a friendly, informal setting.
Night Vision Viking was blown away by Sellmark’s warm welcome, which far exceeded his expectations. “I made a lot of new friends, and the overall experience and hospitality was just overwhelming,” he shared.
However, his adventures did not end there. Pumped by the weekend’s success, the Swedish hunter decided to rent an American muscle car to explore Texas.
“But that’s another story…” he concluded.
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.