A Basic Guide to Essential Hunting Lights

Whether it's navigating through dense woods, spotting your prey, or setting up your blind, the right hunting light can make all the difference. Specialized LED hunting lights emit red, green, or white illumination that provide necessary lighting while not disturbing wildlife. There are various types of light that can assist hunters including spotlights, light bars, headlamps, and flashlights. Before choosing lights for your next hunting expedition, it is important to consider the lighting characteristics as well as what your specific lighting needs are.

Note: Laws regarding night hunting and the use of night vision gear vary between states. Be sure to strictly adhere to local laws and regulations.

The most important reason to have the correct lighting while hunting is safety. Navigating through the wilderness in low light or darkness can be dangerous due to unseen obstacles, uneven terrain, or lurking wildlife. A reliable light source ensures you can move through your environment safely and quietly so as to not alert the surrounding game. In addition to safety, the efficiency of your hunting trip is also aided by good lighting. Setting up camps, preparing baits, or searching for tools in your backpack becomes much more manageable with the proper lighting. Headlamps and flashlights provide useful focused light that gives you the ability to direct light wherever it is needed around your hunting base to complete essential tasks. Finally, animals have different sensitivities to light. Some lights, especially infrared, can allow hunters to observe and spot game without alarming them.

The most popular color light for hunting is red, green, and white light. Game mammals are less sensitive to green or red lights because they have only two pigment cones in their eyes, which prevents them from perceiving light past the 520 nm-540 nm range on the light spectrum. Therefore, mammals with this dichromate vision (feral hogs, coyotes, possums, deer, and raccoons) are less sensitive to green and red light, which appears at 540nm and 660 nm. Using these colored lights can help hunters spot game or maneuver through the forest without startling them. 

Although white light is more visible to animals, it allows hunters to identify animals at farther distances. With the right technique, this can be done without spooking them. Whether you use a white, red, or green light is a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that what works for one might not work for another.

These mini auxiliary LED hunting lights operate within a 12-48 VDC range for compatibility with your hunting vehicle. This red hunting light emits 300 lumens and is ideal for coyote hunting. Our green hunting light emits 384 lumens and can be used for hog hunting or night fishing. Both lights project a 30-degree spot beam. They’re waterproof, durable, and come with adjustable stud mounting brackets.

Infrared lights are popular among night hunters because these lights emit light that is invisible to most animals. The two most common IR wavelengths are 850nm and 940nm, which fall outside the visible spectrum for the human eye. While 940nm is commonly used more for stealth, 850nm is perfect for hunting due to its longer vision range. To use these lights, you will need night vision optics or a camera. Read more about infrared lights here.

Keep in mind that not all states allow for the use of night vision in hunting. Double-check it is legal in your area before purchasing IR lights.

Headlamps provide hands-free light, allowing hunters to focus on the task at hand. Whether you are hiking to your blind in low light conditions, setting up, or navigating back to your vehicle, headlamps are invaluable. Look for LED headlamps that offer adjustable brightness, a long battery life, and that are rechargeable.

Flashlights are the go-to lighting option for your hunting blind. Compact and highly portable, tactical flashlights provide intense brightness and are typically made with durable materials, suitable for rugged hunting environments. Many hunters look for a flashlight with a rechargeable battery, which is helpful for long hunting trips. 

When selecting the best hunting flashlight, consider the ideal beam distance and brightness you need. Having a long or short beam distance can be helpful for various tasks. A short beam distance is perfect for use in your blind, while flashlights with a longer beam throw can help illuminate far-away trees and paths while navigating through the woods. Additionally, flashlights with adjustable brightness levels allow you to cater to different needs, from tent lighting to full-power long-distance illumination.

Our pick for the best hunting flashlight is the NEBO SLYDE KING flashlight. It is rechargeable, dimmable, waterproof, and offers a twist zoom for a spotlight or flood light effect. This flashlight also emits red light to help not disturb wildlife around your blind.

In addition to the lighting that will accompany you on your hunting trip, it is important to consider the lights on your vehicle that will take you to your destination. Outfitting your truck, ATV, or UTV in bright lights can help provide the necessary lighting for getting to remote game trails and off-the-grid hunting spots. LED light bars display flood, spot, or multi-beam patterns to fit your specific off-roading landscape. LED pod lights are also available with various beam angles and intensities.