ATN Hunting Blog | Tony Montoya

ATN THOR-6 384x288

ELITE THERMAL SCOPE SERIES

ATN ThOR 6 Mini 256x192

COMPACT THERMAL IMAGING SCOPE

ATN Binox-6 Dual 256x192

MULTISPECTRAL BINOCULARS – 4-in-1

ATN TICO 6 256x192

THERMAL IMAGING CLIP-ON SYSTEM

ATN BlazeHunter XD LRF 1280x1024

Extreme Definition 1280×1024 Thermal Monocular

ATN BlazeTrek 6 319

THERMAL MONOCULAR

ATN BlazeSeeker 6 207

THERMAL MONOCULAR

ATN Odin MFT 320x240

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL THERMAL OPTIC

Tony Montoya

My name is Tony Montoya, and I’m proud to call the good ol’ city of Waco, Texas, home. My love for hunting started at an early age, sparked by countless outdoor adventures with my father and brothers. Whether we were sitting beside a quiet pond listening to the sound of duck wings cutting through the air, or posted along a tree line waiting for dove to whistle by, the outdoors became part of who I am. We were always in the woods - exploring, scouting, and learning about game like deer, hogs, rabbits, and birds. I still remember the very first time I sat in a tree stand before sunrise, watching the world wake up. Seeing God’s creation come alive in that moment, I was hooked for life. Since then, hunting hasn’t just been something I do - it’s been a way of life. I’ve hunted all across the state of Texas, from North to South, East to West, and along the way, I’ve gained countless experiences, made lifelong friends, created unforgettable memories, and learned the true art of hunting. Over the years, I’ve taken thousands of invasive feral hogs and spent countless nights on tree lines calling in and dragging off coyotes. Some of my most meaningful memories have been made alongside my sons - Tony, Aiden, and Ian - listening to the howl of a coyote echo through the night or the deep grunt of a big boar moving in close. Those moments are what it’s all about. I was first introduced to night hunting by my younger brother, Austin Montoya, while managing predator numbers and controlling feral hog populations. I’ll never forget the first time I looked through an ATN Thor HD thermal over ten years ago. From that moment on, the way I hunted changed forever. Since then, I’ve successfully harvested thousands of hogs and hundreds of coyotes, helping protect crops, land, and livestock across Central Texas. These predators cost landowners and ranchers thousands of dollars each year in lost crops and animals - sheep, goats, chickens, calves, and even small horses - and I take pride in doing my part. I rely on gear that performs when it counts, which is why I choose ATN Optics. Their cutting-edge technology, proven reliability, and crystal-clear imagery give me the confidence to make smart, ethical decisions and succeed on every hunt.

Best Thermal Scope Under $1500: Top Mid-Range Optics

Looking for the best thermal scope under 1500? Discover why the ATN ThOR 6 and ThOR 6 Mini are the top mid-range thermal scopes for serious hunters.

Best Thermal Scope Under $1,200: Find The Real Value

Looking for the best thermal scope under 1200 dollars? Discover why this price range is the sweet spot for hunters wanting premium performance on a budget.

Best Thermal Scope Under $1000: Top Entry-Premium Picks

Looking for the best thermal scope under 1000? We break down why the entry-premium threshold is the smart choice for hunters upgrading their night optics.

Best Thermal Scope Under $600: A Smart Buyer's Guide

Looking for the best thermal scope under 600? Discover the honest truth about budget thermal optics and see why stepping up to true value saves you money.

Best Thermal Scope Under $500? The Honest Truth

Looking for the best thermal scope under 500? Learn why cheap thermal scopes fall short, what entry-level thermal actually costs, and what to buy instead.

Night Hunting Laws: Is a Thermal Scope Legal in Your State?

Wondering "is it legal to hunt with a thermal scope?" Our guide covers thermal scope hunting laws, night hunting regulations, and ethical guidelines.

Thermal Scope Weight & Size Guide: What to Carry

Discover why thermal scope weight and size matter in the field. Find the perfect compact thermal scope or lightest thermal rifle scope for your next hunt.

Thermal Scope Battery Life: What to Expect & Pro Tips

Wondering how long does a thermal scope battery last? Learn what to expect, how to extend your thermal scope battery life, and the best options for hunters.

Can Thermal Scope See Through Walls or Glass? Myths Busted

Ever wonder, can thermal scope see through walls, glass, or dense trees? We bust common thermal myths and explain how this tech actually works in the field.