After a long search and the many stars aligned, we ended up shooting the video of our first multispectral riflescope Thermion Duo DXP50 in the middle of Portugal, or, as the Portuguese themselves like to call it “no meio do nada”. And what could be better than the Portuguese hospitality and an experienced Portuguese hunter Jorge Costa playing the main character in the video? Today, we invited Jorge to share his thoughts on hunting, which has been his passion ever since he was a little boy, and behind-the-scenes impressions from the movie set.
Jorge, how did you start hunting?
I started hunting legally at the age of 18, when I was able to get all the necessary hunting licenses and documents. But I have already gone hunting ever since I was an 11-year-old boy. I would hunt little birds with a wooden slingshot or simply shoot at a target. Later, I got my first crossbow.
I used to spend time wandering the forests alone or with my father. He was not so fond of hunting, but sometimes, he accompanied me. He even took the hunting license to be able to support my hobby and be there with me.
When I became an adult, I started hunting for real. And it has become my biggest passion ever since.
What do you find so special about it?
For me, hunting was never only about placing a shot. I see hunting as a way of being in constant contact with nature and being able to observe the lives and habits of the animals. I feel deep respect for nature; therefore, I never shoot little piglets or mother-wild boars with little ones. I only choose the big, mature wild boars, called navalheiros in Portuguese.
Through my YouTube channel, I also tend to transmit the idea that hunting is a way for us to spend more time with our friends, which I find fundamental. The friendships we share are long-lasting. For many of us, it is also a way to recharge after a long week at work. We go hunting to build up strength and start a new week with an elevated mood.
Nowadays, in Portugal, hunting is being criticized a lot. Many people stand against the hunters. Therefore, my goal is to show that hunting is so much more than just “killing”, as they call it. In my opinion, it’s not like that. Thinking more broadly, the hunter’s goal is to limit the excess of a certain species so that other species can exist; we try to minimize the damage that wild animals create for agriculture; we take care of the rare bird species that come to Portugal to feed – that’s all important part of our job.
You must be a great cook as well.
A great part of the game meat I just give away to my non-hunting friends who wish to eat healthy and delicious food. I also like to taste game meat very much. But sometimes, it’s easier to take the meat to my workplace, give it away to the cook so he can prepare some great dishes, and enjoy it with my colleagues.
Not only you’re one of the most experienced hunters in Portugal but also a popular YouTube host. What’s the secret of your popularity?
I started my YouTube channel a bit more than 3 years ago by simply wanting to showcase what hunting is about. As I mentioned, it’s not only about shooting the animals, it involves way more. So, on my YouTube, I tell stories about the locations where we go hunting and the different processes that hunting involves, like choosing the right distance, waiting for the animals, following the animal, and much more.
I think that is what drew the attention of the audience – they simply find it interesting and captivating. Most of my 10.000 followers come from Portuguese-speaking or neighboring countries, like Spain, France or Italy. The number has kept increasing rapidly ever since I joined the local hunting gear distributor in Portugal, Espingardaria Samora. They provide me with the opportunity to try and show all the different types of equipment, ammunition, rifles, and, most importantly – thermal vision devices by Pulsar. Naturally, people start asking a lot of questions, and I can provide them with all the important information.
During the filming of the video, I noticed you are a person with very clear principles. I bet you wouldn’t talk about something you’re not 100% sure about. And in the end, that’s what builds credibility.
Yes, that’s true. Before publishing anything on YouTube or social media, I always experiment and test the devices myself under various circumstances. In my videos, I talk about all the different aspects of the devices. And only say what I believe in. That is my nature.
Then let me ask you, what’s your vision of Pulsar devices?
Before starting to work with the Pulsar representative in Portugal, Espingardaria Samora, I already owned a few Pulsar products. It was the first Pulsar riflescope Digisight N550 and then Digisight N770 and Digisight Ultra N450. After that, I bought my first thermal imaging riflescope Thermion XQ50. As you can see, I was already a big fan of this brand, so after Luis Gil from Samora invited me to join their team, I was more than happy. To me, Pulsar is Pulsar, a brand that doesn’t really have equal competitors. I continue admiring the technological innovations that Pulsar creates in all kinds of aspects. And I’m saying this from all my heart.
What was your reaction when you were asked to become the main character in the Thermion Duo DXP50 video?
At first, I couldn’t believe it. Of course, I loved the idea! Above all, it was an opportunity to try a completely new multispectral riflescope with two – thermal and digital – channels. It was something unique on a global scale. I also knew it would add value to my own YouTube channel. But most importantly, it would help me grow trust among my followers and hunting enthusiasts. In a way, it was a reward for the hard job I do and love.
Did you enjoy the shooting process?
It was wonderful from the very first day! Pity a language barrier did not allow me to communicate with the team the way I would’ve wanted. But still, it was an amazing experience. We were shooting the video at the end of last summer. And it was really hot during those days. Most of the time, we were standing in an open field under the hot sun. I’m used to this kind of weather, but I bet it was quite a challenge for the whole team… In the end, I can only say it was one of the coolest things that happened to me. Being there, on the beautiful grounds that I know well, meeting all the interesting people, doing what I truly love.
And, of course, being one of the first to try the new scope by Pulsar! And it’s a perfect scope. The Thermion Duo DXP50 features amazing quality of both channels, thermal and digital. It is user-friendly and simple to operate. It really has it all. And you wouldn’t expect anything else from Pulsar. The only thing that I would add to it is the possibility of observing through the digital channel at nighttime. But that’s just my idea.
How about the final result, the video? Did you enjoy it?
When I saw the film for the first time, I honestly adored it. Especially the main character! (Laughs.) It was just a bit sad that we had to squeeze almost a week of shooting in those few short minutes… But I know well that to make a really great movie, one needs to sacrifice a lot in order to make every moment captivating. Otherwise, the viewer will get bored soon. In the case of the Thermion Duo DXP50 movie, you don’t have a single chance to get bored!
No wonder Portugal has deep hunting traditions. Having this wonderful nature and perfect weather almost all year round leaves you no choice… What is your favorite type of hunt?
In Portugal, we have different types of hunting: hunting with dogs, hare hunting, hunting on horses, montaria and many others. My favorite type of hunt would be approaching an animal. Being on the field, looking for animals with a monocle or binoculars, trying to get as close as possible, choosing the right one – it’s a long and satisfying process. Choosing the right equipment is an important factor during this type of hunt. Nowadays, technology allows us to visualize the target at longer distances, almost one kilometer away. For a hunter, it provides more value. Moreover, a lot of animals are to be hunted at night. And without adequate equipment, it would be almost impossible. It’s also very interesting that with the help of thermal devices, time flies very fast at night. It is because you not only hunt but also observe other animals around and study their habits while waiting for the right one. Just some years ago, it seemed impossible.
What else do you do in life besides being a passionate hunter?
For some years already, thirty to be precise, I have been involved with the Portuguese navy marines. My life was always connected to shooting, guns, and ammunition. At some point, I started giving physical preparation lessons to other navy marines, the cadets at a naval school. And I think it will be my last stop in this field before I quit. I have always enjoyed my professional life, and when you do what you really like, things go much better and easier. But now, I already have other plans for the future…
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