Rats and IR (illuminated reticles)...?

[L.Leon]

I've never hunted rats in total darkness, all of my ratting has been indoors in low, mixed light environments. At one dairy the rats cooperated during the day and I could actually set up on them from 30 yards. I learned to put a piece of black tape over the manometer at the front of the Atomic XR. Because it does reflect light and alert rats. Well last night I bagged two rats, but after that they were on to me. When I got home I put my "cleared" gun on the table. Set up like I was shooting and turned on the IR. From 10 yards away at certain angles I could see glimpses of red light through the "kill flash filter" of the objective. I believe as I was slowly sweeping the area from a concealed position. The rats might have been catching these glimpses of red? Advice or insights appreciated.

 

[dizzums]

those ar some fat boys, nice .. i dont think they see that good, theyre smart though if they sense something going on .. maybe just slow it down alittle, mkst animals attention span to danger is relatively short for one instance .. once theres a rucous though they may tuck in for the night ...

 

[Removed]

Rats see red as more of a shadow, the movement of the light is what spooks them. Something you could try is a continuous fixed light directed on the area....over time they will become accustomed to it. When using any types of gun mounted lights I prefer those that can be dimmed as well as having adjustable beam.

 

[beerthief]

maybe a Black light spot bulb on at night , leave it on a few days at night the rats would get used to it maybe some bait a few days too

 

[Ranchibi]

Luis, I think their deceased comrades were the culprits LOL! Like said above, rats eyesight is not very good past a few yards and the scopes red IR is not too bright so it could be the shot sound as their hearing is excellent.

 

[L.Leon]

Gentlemen thanks for taking the time. I will try some of your suggestions.

 

[SHOMER]

Luis I run some cheap home depot clip on green bulb lights for easy movement into any new area of actively. Placed onto the avocado trees themselves they provide just enough light to see any movements without messing up my sad night vision. Dana is right about them seeing spooking shadow movements or any dangerous odd sounds. Which makes hunting them quite challenging indeed. The newly placed green lights in a baited area are left on nightly to create within new normal shadows. Then using my Prod DARKNESS with an ole operational sight mark NV scope outside of the lighted area makes quick work of any night banditos.