Thermal Legality by State

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.

Understanding Thermal Hunting Regulations

Sightmark has done its due diligence and has reached out to the Fish and Wildlife representatives from all 50 states to determine the legality of thermal optics for hunting within their jurisdictions so that anyone who is unsure about using our new, powerful Wraith Thermal digital thermal riflescope on a night hunt can rest easy knowing that it can be used without legal repercussions.

The laws on thermal optics vary by state. Before trying your hand at night hunting with your new thermal device, it would be good to check with your local Game Warden before you reserve a date on the calendar for a hunting trip.

It should be noted, however, that it is currently illegal nationwide to hunt any game animal at night—this includes deer, turkey, elk and moose. The list below provides general details on the use of thermal devices for hunting non-game animals and does not go in depth into what animals can be hunted. Please check your state regulations for the most up-to-date information.

Recommended Thermal Riflescopes from Sightmark

Wraith 4K Mini 2-16x32 Digital Riflescope

The Wraith 4K Mini Digital Riflescope combines Sightmark’s rugged quality with advanced digital optic technology, featuring a 4K (3840x2160) CMOS sensor and a detection range of up to 300 yards in low-light conditions.

Wraith Mini Thermal Digital Riflescope

The Wraith Mini Thermal Digital Night Vision Riflescope is a compact, lightweight optic that allows thermal imaging for unparalleled target detection in complete darkness. Featuring a high-resolution display, multiple color palettes, and advanced reticle options, it delivers precise performance in a variety of environments.

Wraith 4K 4-32x40 Digital Riflescope

Sightmark Wraith 4K 4-32x40 day/night digital riflescope boasts a 4K (3840x2160) CMOS sensor, full-color HD daytime imaging, and powerful digital night vision capabilities.

State-by-State Thermal Hunting Legality Overview

Alabama – LEGAL; Night hunting license available. Thermal encouraged for hogs and coyotes.

Alaska – ILLEGAL; Forward-looking infrared, airborne devices, and wireless thermal spotting prohibited.

Arizona – ILLEGAL; Thermal and other electronic night optics banned for hunting.

Arkansas – LEGAL; Legal for feral hogs and raccoons (with dogs).

California – ILLEGAL; Thermal devices mounted to firearms are prohibited.

Colorado – ILLEGAL; No thermal optics for hunting outside legal daylight hours.

Connecticut – LEGAL; Seasonal use allowed for raccoons and possums.

Delaware – LEGAL; No artificial light allowed; thermal must not emit light.

Florida – LEGAL; Local area dependent, allowed for hogs and coyotes.

Georgia – LEGAL; No restrictions.

Hawaii – ILLEGAL; No night hunting allowed under any circumstances.

Idaho – LEGAL; Allowed as long as no visible light is emitted.

Illinois – LEGAL; Permitted for select species (e.g., coyotes, skunks) during specific seasons and regions.

Indiana – LEGAL; Legal with visible safety light required for nighttime hunting.

Iowa – LEGAL; Thermal and night vision are allowed if they do not emit visible light.

Kansas – LEGAL; Requires night vision permit; legal for coyotes Jan–March.

Kentucky – LEGAL; Thermal allowed for coyotes with shotguns Dec 1–May 31 only.

Louisiana – LEGAL; Permitted for feral hogs and coyotes.

Maine – LEGAL; Limited to raccoons and coyotes under certain conditions and dates.

Maryland – LEGAL; Must not emit visible light. Limited to specific species during open season.

Massachusetts – LEGAL; Legal as long as device emits no visible light. Night hunting ends at midnight.

Michigan – LEGAL; Allowed for species like coyotes, opossums, and foxes at night.

Minnesota – LEGAL; Permitted only for coyote and fox during designated seasons.

Mississippi – LEGAL; Thermal allowed for predator species on private land.

Missouri – LEGAL; Legal for coyote hunting from Feb 1 to March 31.

Montana – LEGAL; Allowed for predators and animals not regulated as game.

Nebraska – LEGAL; Permitted for furbearers and coyotes.

Nevada – ILLEGAL; No night hunting allowed.

New Hampshire – LEGAL; No restrictions on thermal hunting.

New Jersey – LEGAL; Thermal optics allowed without restriction.

New Mexico – ILLEGAL; Night hunting is not permitted statewide.

New York – LEGAL; Thermal legal for nighttime hunting of select species (e.g., coyotes, foxes).

North Carolina – LEGAL; No restrictions on thermal use.

North Dakota – LEGAL; Allowed for coyote and fox hunting.

Ohio – LEGAL; Permitted during legal night hunting seasons for multiple non-game species.

Oklahoma – LEGAL; Approved for hogs and coyotes.

Oregon – ILLEGAL; Thermal and night vision prohibited.

Pennsylvania – LEGAL; Thermal optics allowed with no restrictions.

Rhode Island – LEGAL; Legal only for raccoons. Firearm restrictions apply.

South Carolina – LEGAL; Legal for hogs, coyotes, and armadillos.

South Dakota – LEGAL; Allowed on private land only, with firearm caliber restrictions.

Tennessee – ILLEGAL; Thermal not allowed between sunset and sunrise while hunting.

Texas – LEGAL; No restrictions on thermal usage.

Utah – LEGAL; Thermal/night vision allowed statewide.

Vermont – LEGAL; Legal as long as device emits no infrared light.

Virginia – LEGAL; Approved for nighttime hunting of designated predator species.

Washington – LEGAL; Legal for coyote hunting outside of big game seasons.

West Virginia – LEGAL; Allowed for predator species such as coyotes and raccoons.

Wisconsin – LEGAL; Legal only for small game like coyotes and raccoons.

Wyoming – LEGAL; Legal for predator control with permission on public land.

Final Thoughts on Thermal Hunting Legality

While thermal technology opens up exciting opportunities for nighttime hunting, knowing your local regulations is essential. Not all states permit thermal for hunting, and even those that do may limit which species can be hunted or restrict usage by season or device type. When in doubt, contact your local wildlife department and always hunt responsibly.

Explore Sightmark’s thermal optics collection to equip yourself with legal, high-performance tools for your next nighttime hunt.