Taking thermal spotter to South Africa

[rabbit fingers]

Looking into taking a thermal spotter on a safari in South Africa I’ve been told I need an import licence. Is this correct and if so has anyone any experience of the process? I don’t want to have an expensive bit of kit confiscated at the airport for the sake of a piece of paper. thanks RF

 

[Magnificent 7]

Looking into taking a thermal spotter on a safari in South Africa I’ve been told I need an import licence. Is this correct and if so has anyone any experience of the process? I don’t want to have an expensive bit of kit confiscated at the airport for the sake of a piece of paper. thanks RF

Why surely it would be a nightmare everything is hot out there

 

[mealiejimmy]

You also need an export licence to take it out of the UK

Cheers

Bruce

 

[mealiejimmy]

Why surely it would be a nightmare everything is hot out there

"Hunting" thermals don't measure temperature, they simply display differences in temperature.
As long as there is a temperature difference of even a fraction of a degree centigrade between the animal(s) you want to to see and their background, then they will be visible with a thermal.
I agree that a thermal would be less useful in daylight when everything is hot, but in daytime. binoculars would be better than any thermal
However, at night, when things cool down, I fancy a thermal would work rather well
.

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Magnificent 7]

"Hunting" thermals don't measure temperature, they simply display differences in temperature.
As long as there is a temperature difference of even a fraction of a degree centigrade between the animal(s) you want to to see and their background, then they will be visible with a thermal.
I agree that a thermal would be less useful in daylight when everything is hot, but in daytime. binoculars would be better than any thermal
However, at night, when things cool down, I fancy a thermal would work rather well
.

Cheers

Bruce

Is it legal to hunt at night in Africa sure I read somewhere it wasn't perhaps different states maybe ?

 

[mealiejimmy]

Africa is a big place with lots of different countries, each of which probably have their own laws on hunting at night.
Also, the OP said he wanted to take a thermal spotter with him, not a thermal riflescope.
That suggests he is only using the spotter to identify possible targets during the hours of darkness, which could then be shot legally during the hours of daylight.

Cheers

Bruce

 

[willie_gunn]

Might be useful:

News

www.scottcountry.co.uk

You really don’t want to be caught breaching ITAR regulations!

 

[Pard 007]

Went to Africa few years ago, had a amazing trip. If I'm honest no need for a thermal spotter, think you might have booked with wrong outfitter, if you have the right PH & you have informed him what animals you want you should be fine. Thermal does have it's place and I do use them, just go and enjoy the hunt, without any more airport stress

 

[rabbit fingers]

Seems it could be more trouble than it’s worth. Thanks for the input.

 

[Pard 007]

Seems it could be more trouble than it’s worth. Thanks for the input.

Think you are right to say that, I did take my own rifle but the guy who organised the trip was very helpful in telling me what paperwork was required & the process was relatively straightforward Just go and enjoy your trip

 

[Heym SR20]

I used a thermal in 2019 in the Alps in August. It was hot. Every rock showed up as a hot blob.

And all of the export / import regulations mean it would just be a real ballache.