If you've ever found yourself hunting in the bush in the dead of night, you'll know how little light there is out in the sticks away from the urban sprawl. It can make you feel like you're fumbling around in the dark and no mistake. The good news is that a hand held spotlight for hunting can change all that and turn you from a sitting duck back into an apex predator.
That's the focus here as we look at some of the most important things you need to think about when buying hunting spotlights. So, whether you like to hunt dingoes, wild foxes or razorbacks, come with us now as we examine what you need to know.
How's the Hand Held Spotlight For Hunting Powered?
Are you an occasional bushwhacker who likes just an hour or two's hunting in the scrub, or are you someone who prefers to spend days out in the wild chasing Captain Cookers? It matters because it might influence which hand held spotlight for hunting you end up going for.
Why? Well, if you go for hunting spotlights powered by regular batteries, and you only hunt from time to time, it makes economic sense - as they cost less than their rechargeable counterparts.
However, if you're a serious hunter who pretty much lives in the outback, you might be best opting for a rechargeable option like the Olight Javelot Pro 2. The money you'll save on disposable batteries alone will quickly mount up.
What Sort of Hunting Spotlight Mount Does it Have?
Something else you need to think about when investing in a handheld spotlight for hunting is what kind of hunting spotlight mount it has. Some are designed to be permanently mounted, others can be used in both ways, and there are also straight handhelds.
Handhelds
Perhaps the most popular type you'll find on the market is the handheld. Products like the Javelot Pro 2 give you the flexibility to quickly illuminate any area, but they can't be mounted onto a weapon. However, they're often lightweight and feature non-slip grips that give you a secure hold when it's wet.
While wet weather isn't a frequent occurrence in places like Perth, it's good to know that hunting spotlights like these prepare you in case the heavens open.
Temporary Mounted Hunting Spotlights
Next, we look at the temporary-mounted options that give you the flexibility to quickly add and remove the torch from the hunting spotlight mount. Models like the Olight Baldr Pro R are compatible with Picatinny and Glock rails so that you can get the illumination you need while keeping both hands on the weapon.
The benefit of choosing this option is that it can be easily moved between multiple weapons and has a simpler mounting mechanism.
Permanent Mounted Hunting Spotlights
The last category is the permanently mounted type, which is designed to be fixed to your weapon's hunting spotlight mount and left there. For instance, the Olight Odin GL M fits a rail mount with 2 x M-LOK inserts, allowing it to be securely fixed to a rifle.
Models like this one also come with a dual-button magnetic remote pressure switch, which gives you the ability to control your flashlight without breaking your grip.
What you need to ask yourself when choosing the right hunting spotlight mount option is how will you want to use it in practice. Do you want the flexibility to use it on any weapon? Are you going to be using a rifle or a handgun? The answers you give will guide your choice.
Which Colour Filters Do You Need for Your Hunting Spotlights?
So, you've chosen the hand held spotlight for hunting that suits your power and mounting needs - next, you'll need to consider what colour filters you might require. Let's take a look at why the specific colour emitted from your hunting torch matters.
White Filters
By far, the most common colour of light coming from a hunting torch is white, as it offers the best possible visibility for general purposes. It lets you see over long distances, giving you the edge when hunting dangerous game like kangaroos. Why would you need a white filter? It helps to soften the light which can help in certain situations.
Red Filters
While using a bright white flashlight when hunting at night improves visibility, you might have noticed that wildlife tends to scatter faster than your mates when it's their round at the bar! However, if you use a red filter over hunting spotlights, it makes it much easier to get closer to your prey. Wild dogs and foxes, in particular, are less sensitive to red light, and it's a colour that also helps to better protect your night vision.
Green Filters
Another option that preserves your night vision and prevents animals from becoming scared is the green filter. Hogs and wild pigs have a problem seeing green light, meaning that you get an advantage when tracking this kind of prey. With one of these filters on your hand held spotlight for hunting, you're much more likely to be enjoying bacon in the morning!
Blue Filters
Another useful filter colour to have available is blue. Blue light makes it easier to pick out blood trails, meaning that if you've wounded an animal, you can track it and ensure that it doesn't suffer unnecessarily. It's not a colour that's directly used in hunting, but it is a good one to have. The good news is that you can get all of the colours mentioned as part of a 5-pack that includes them all.
Finding Hunting Spotlights That Enhance the Experience
So, as we can see, there are a number of things that you need to think about when you buy hunting spotlights. There's the mounting options to consider, the way they're powered and the colours that they produce. Get the mix right, and you'll purchase a product that not only serves you well but actually enhances your hunting experience.
If you'd to explore more of the very best in spotlights for hunting, be sure to check out our website www.olightstore.com.au. There you’ll find a wide array of torches for a whole host of purposes at the best prices around.
