Night and thermal hunting

Hunting in the dark with lamps, thermal scopes, or night optics. Regulated in Norway.

Night hunting is regulated in Norway but permitted for certain species and with approved equipment. Artificial light (flashlight, spotlight) is permitted for hunting wild boar, red fox, and some other species.

Thermal scopes have completely transformed night hunting. The scopes display the heat signature of animals and provide a clear image even in total darkness. Prices have dropped significantly in recent years, and an increasing number of hunters are acquiring thermal as additional equipment.

For wild boar hunting, night hunting with a thermal scope is the most effective method. Wild boar are largely nocturnal, and thermal gives you the ability to identify animals, assess size, and take precise shots in the dark.

Fox hunting with a lamp from a fixed post is a traditional Norwegian hunting method. The bait site is illuminated with a red-filtered lamp, and the fox becomes accustomed to the light over time. Many hunters now also use thermal.

The use of artificial light is NOT permitted for hunting cervids (moose, red deer, roe deer, wild reindeer). Night vision scopes mounted on weapons are also not permitted for all species. Always check current regulations for your species and area.

Electronic sights (thermal, night vision) require that you can identify the animal with certainty and have full control of the background and bullet trajectory. Safety is just as important in the dark as in daylight.