San Pedro Sula is the second largest city in Honduras and the largest non-capital city in Central America. It is located in the Sula Valley, only 50 kilometers away from Puerto Cortés port on the Caribbean Sea. Here, there is not only a long history and rich culture but also many beautiful attractions and delicious food. So last month, my two friends Darren Anne and Ferdinand Charles went to San Pedro Sula, Honduras with me to experience night hunting fun. Of course, what attracted us most were the diverse wildlife here as well as the challenges and joys of night hunting. In order to see animals clearly in darkness, we chose a cost-effective Chinese brand wildguarder’s infrared binoculars which greatly helped us during our hunting process. In this article, I will introduce you to our hunting trip in San Pedro Sula and some details of what we saw.
One of our most important tools for night hunting was an infrared binoculars that allowed us to see animal outlines and movements clearly in darkness thus improving our efficiency and safety while hunting. During this trip, we chose a Chinese brand wildguarder’s infrared binoculars model WG-50PLUS which has several features:
- It uses advanced software algorithms that can improve image clarity and detail allowing us to see clearer more realistic images.
- It has built-in 850NM 3W infrared illuminator that adjusts red light levels according to lighting conditions enabling up-to 1300 feet/400 meters viewing distance even under complete darkness.
- It can take high-definition photos/videos supporting wireless network function so we could share our hunting experiences with family members.
- It has a large 4-inch screen for comfortable viewing or using eye masks avoiding interference from surrounding environment.
- Its rechargeable lithium battery lasts over six hours or longer when connected with external power supply.
We used this infrared binoculars multiple times during our hunt at San Pedro Sula bringing us many surprises and rewards. Here are some of our experiences:
- On the first night, we searched for deer tracks on an open grassland. Since it was already dark, we could hardly see anything with naked eyes. So we took out the infrared binoculars and adjusted red light levels to find several deer eating grass on the field. Their outlines and movements were clearly displayed on the screen making us very excited. We quietly approached them, found a suitable shooting position, and successfully hit a big buck. It was our first time hunting using infrared binoculars which felt very novel and exciting.
- On the second night, we explored a forest where trees were dense and lighting was dim so that almost nothing could be seen without infrared binoculars which allowed us to spot small animals such as wild boars, foxes, owls hiding in branches or bushes observing their surroundings cautiously. We took some photos/videos then sent them through wireless network function to our family members/friends who were surprised by how advanced/practical this infrared binoculars is.
- On the third night, we camped near a lake where we used infrared binoculars to observe stars for a while finding beautiful constellations/meteors as well as water birds/fish shimmering silver under moonlight feeling lucky about having such an excellent tool during our trip.
In short, this Wildguarder infrared binoculars have brought us a lot of convenience and fun during our night hunting trips. It allows us to see more in the dark, improving our hunting success rate and safety. Its advantages include:
- Clear and realistic images with rich details that allow us to better identify targets and environments.
- Adjustable infrared level and brightness that can adapt to different lighting conditions, allowing us to see far even in complete darkness.
- Ability to take high-definition photos and videos with wireless network support for sharing our hunting experiences with family members.
- Large comfortable screen for easy viewing while also providing an eye mask to avoid interference from surrounding environments.
- Long battery life lasting over 6 hours or extended usage time through external power sources.
Its disadvantages are:
- Large size and heavy weight making it unsuitable for long-term handheld use requiring additional tripod or other supports for stable imaging.
- High price may not be suitable for budget-limited or occasional hunters.
- Use under strong light may damage the screen or eyes requiring caution when avoiding direct sunlight or other bright light sources.
During our hunting trip in San Pedro Sula, we encountered some interesting animals that allowed us to experience the charm and diversity of nature while also learning valuable lessons. Here are some scenes and feelings we had interacting with them:
Deer: Deer were one of the most common animals we hunted as they usually graze on grasslands or hide in forests. They are very sensitive and alert creatures quickly fleeing at any sign of danger. We used the infrared binoculars to track their movements before quietly approaching them finding a suitable shooting position using rifles or bows successfully hitting several deer including a large buck whose antlers made great souvenirs. We divided up their meat into portions using some for grilling, soup-making while others were used for jerky production sausage-making as deer meat is deliciously nutritious being one of our main food sources.
Wild boar: Wild boars were one of the most dangerous and exciting animals we hunted as they usually roam in forests sometimes appearing on grasslands. They are very strong and fierce creatures that will retaliate if threatened or attacked. We used the infrared binoculars to observe their behavior and habits before using bait or sound to lure them waiting for an opportunity to shoot them. We had to be extremely careful and quick because if not killed with a single shot, they would charge at us using their sharp teeth and tusks causing injury. Once we almost got attacked by an angry wild boar but managed to dodge it while finishing it off with a second shot. Their meat was used for soup-making or stewing having a rich spicy flavor though also somewhat gamey.
Foxes: Foxes were some of the cutest yet hardest animals we hunted as they usually appear during dawn or dusk catching small prey on grasslands or searching for food in forests. They are very smart agile creatures easily evading our sight or tracking attempts. We used the infrared binoculars to spot their movements before trying luring them closer through sound or scent then shooting them with small-caliber rifles or bows which rarely succeeded due to their sensitivity quickly fleeing upon sensing danger except once when we hit a red fox whose fur made into a hat while its meat was either stewed fried having sweet savory flavors albeit slightly pungent tough.
Owls: Owls were some of the most mysterious yet elusive animals we encountered as they usually fly at night catching mice other small prey in mid-air being quiet stealthy creatures adapting well in dark environments using feathers eyesight. We used the infrared binoculars to track their movements before attracting them through sound light hoping either seeing hearing them however this proved difficult since owls are cautious alert creatures quickly flying away upon sensing danger except once when spotting a snowy owl whose white feathers looked beautiful rare deciding not hunt it since felt they were natural spirits treasures deserving protection respect.
These animals made our hunting trip full of surprises and challenges, allowing us to learn a lot about nature and skills, as well as experience different emotions and moods. The experiences and lessons we gained include: respecting and protecting animals, not hunting them excessively or without reason, maintaining ecological balance and harmony. By using tools such as infrared binoculars effectively, we can improve our observation and judgment abilities to find the right time and location for hunting. We should also pay attention to safety and hygiene, avoid animal attacks or disease infections, and handle animal carcasses and organs promptly.
During our hunting trip in San Pedro Sula, we not only enjoyed the pleasure of hunting but also visited some local attractions to learn about the local culture and nature while tasting some delicious local cuisine. Here are some of the places we visited along with our impressions:
Museum: This is an anthropology museum that showcases the history and culture of San Pedro Sula in Honduras from ancient Mayan civilization to modern society. We saw some Mayan carvings, pottery, jewelry artifacts here along with documents from colonial times & independence war period which piqued our interest.
Park: Located in downtown area this park is a great place for locals’ leisure activities where one can see fountains sculptures gardens etc., while enjoying singing dancing playing games etc., with locals.
Botanical Garden: Located on outskirts this garden protects & displays diverse plant species found locally like tropical rainforests swamps grasslands flowers fruits medicinal plants etc., which amazed us all.
Apart from visiting these places we tasted some delicious local food such as:
Banana cake – A sweet dish made by wrapping banana inside flour egg batter filled with cheese or bean paste then deep-fried/baked until soft fluffy texture making it one of our favorites.
Corn tortilla – A thin pancake made out of cornflour served alone or paired up with meat cheese beans etc., crispy juicy texture makes it our staple food.
Coffee – A beverage made from locally grown coffee beans in Honduras, can be served with milk or sugar. Its rich aroma and refreshing taste make it one of our daily drinks.
These attractions and cuisines made our hunting trip more colorful and enriched us with local customs while satisfying our taste buds. We left a deep impression on San Pedro Sula city, hoping to visit again soon.
Our hunting trip in San Pedro Sula was an unforgettable and meaningful experience that allowed us to feel the pleasure and challenge of hunting while learning about the history, culture, nature & cuisine of this city. We gained a lot of knowledge about nature as well as life experiences & lessons about humanity. We are very grateful for the help and friendship given by the people here who made us feel warm & welcome. Looking forward to exploring this place again in future along with meeting more animals, visiting new places & tasting different foods while making new friends!
