I am planning a bear hunt to SE Alaska. I have talked to several people who have hunted there. Many have made emphatic mention of the need to anchor the bear or risk losing it in the rain forest. One even said he thought an infrared gamefinder would come in handy. He had not used one before. I would like to hear from some of you who have used these. How effective are they for finding a dead or wounded animal in blowdowns and thick brush? Any recommendations on which one to buy? Any precautions or tips on use. Thanks, Rufous.
Posts: 224 | Location: Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Registered: 05 December 2001
rufous...having hunted the various bears of Alaska I would hestiate trying to follow one up "in the thick stuff" by waving an infra-red sensor around....I want my big-bore in hand and ready. Now if you had a partner who worked the device while you stood over-watch that might work out OK.
Posts: 4360 | Location: Sunny Southern California | Registered: 22 May 2002
I also will appreciatte any comments about game finders. For example, if I walk along any corn plantation, the game finder will "show" me the hiden game? Imagine a sunflower plantation or similar with some pigs inside, this gear will detect them? Thanks LG
Posts: 3085 | Location: Uruguay - South America | Registered: 10 December 2001
Why don't you spend the price of the infared game finder on ammunition for your bear rifle and practice practice practice. If you do that chances are you will not need some fancy gizmo to find your bear. It should be laying dead very close to where you shot it!
I have one of the older model infrared game finders. While the potential is there to in fact find game, you get a lot of false readings. A large rock can absorb enough heat to give a reading. The one I have is not pinpoint precise, either, as you just read the signal strength by the number of lights that are lit. Practice does help alot. On the positive, it is accurate enough to give an indication of direction. In very cold weather, it is good enough to locate a sparrow in a metal building.. the more temp gradient , the better. The newer models are likely better, so it might be useful. I would want someone else to have the rifle, though, for dangerous game. MFH
Every year I have an inventation only opening day dove shoot on my farm. Usually send out 100 invites and usually have 115-120 show up. Shooters with kids or non-hunting wives, lady friends. There are two things I absolutely insist on in addition to safety, no booze and game limits. You count the birds that hit the ground found or not. Over the years not many dogs have been on these shoots, many dogs don't like working doves because the feathers come off so easy. Last Sept there were four shooters that had the infrared game finders. I think they were Game Tracker brand. Opening day was cold, windy and damp with a light on and off rain. I saw these things pick out a downed dove in sunflower stubbel and standing beans at 40 yards. I also saw one pick out a rabbit in a brush pile at 30 yards. Made a believer out of me. NO I don't have one my Lab Jolie loves working doves.
------------------ Handgun Hunter LOVE THOSE .41s'
