"best" light for hunting/tracking purposes?

[HomeBru]

I've been searching through all of the flashlight threads trying to make sense of the latest technology in lights and have a few options I'm considering. That said, do any of you have recommendations on a flashlight/headlamp SPECIFICALLY for hunting and tracking game?

Most deer I take drop within sight of my stand, but every year I have at least one that is able to go forever. I've always had either Maglights or Wally-World specials that peter out on me just about when the blood trail is starting to get thin and really want to find something that will last for AT LEAST 4 hours continuous and be bright enough with good color light to pick out drops of blood. All of this after lying in the bottom of my pack from Oct 1 to Jan 9.

Oh, yeah, I don't want to have to spend over $100.

Anyone have good experience with the different LEDs and spotting blood? How 'bout the multi-color lights that are supposed to be helpful in tracking?

Thx,

J-

 

[Horned Toad]

I have tried tracking with LED lights and hated it. The LEDs seem to wash out the sign and don’t provide any contrast. I haven’t seem to come up with anything that beats the big 4 cell Mag-Light, it will last all night and it’s got some heft to it if things needs to get thumped. I don’t have any experience with the lights that are supposed to make the blood show up.

 

[david thurmer]

A surefire G3 with blue filter & spare battery holder at around 100.00