Not just to see a pheasant jok no, handy for all sorts of things. Just to be out and enjoy being out in the night and see various wildlife. Also back in the day when I was younger and poached the odd rooster with a airgun, never took a light or owt. Just looked for the silhouette and shot plenty with the right nightime conditions. Am also sure a thermal could let you know of any two legged wildlife approaching you, so you steer clear of any potential trouble. We used ride horses before cars come along, and use gas lamps before electricity. But we all moved on, so no I don't think the old ways