Merlin
Field Notes

Hunt-tested.
Written by hunters.

Latest Field Notes ·

Thermal Imaging for Search and Rescue: Finding People in the Dark

How thermal optics help SAR teams and volunteers detect body heat at range in low-light conditions, and why affordable thermal matters for budget-constrained volunteer organizations.

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Field Notes ·

Thermal Optics for Hunting: Predators, Night Hunts, and Detection Range

Beyond hog hunting: how thermal optics work for predator calling, night hunting, and general detection across terrain and legal considerations to know before you go.

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How To ·

Reading Thermal: What the Colors on Your Screen Actually Mean

A practical guide to thermal palettes, what each one does, and when to use them in the field.

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Field Notes ·

The Hog Hunter's State Guide: Running Thermal in Your Region

What you need to know about hog hunting with thermal across Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Georgia, and South Carolina.

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How To ·

How to Mount and Zero Your Thermal Optics Sight

A practical setup guide for getting your thermal optic sight on the rail, dialed in, and ready for the field.

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Field Notes ·

Thermal Imaging for Law Enforcement: What Actually Matters in the Field

Perimeter security, low-light searches, and suspect location — how affordable thermal optics hold up for law enforcement work, and where budget matters as much as spec sheets.

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Comparisons ·

Thermal vs. Night Vision for Hog Hunting

A working hunter's breakdown of when thermal beats night vision, when it doesn't, and why most hog hunters end up running both.

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How To ·

How to Zero a Thermal Scope (Without Fighting a Cold Target)

Standard paper targets are invisible to thermal at room temperature. Here's why heat-activated targets solve the zeroing problem and how to use them.

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How To ·

Running an Offset Thermal Mount: The Scout 45 Explained

How a 45-degree offset mount lets you run thermal and a daytime optic on the same rifle without swapping glass. What The Scout 45 is built for and how to use it.

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Gear ·

The Scout Thermal Optic: Full Specs and Who It's For

An affordable 256x192 thermal optic under $1,000. Here's what The Scout actually gets you, how it compares to premium thermal, and who should buy it.

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