Idaho F&G Proposal-Outlaw Trail Cameras

[buglebrush]

The problem is that too many hunters will advocate banning whatever they don't use or whatever is in their view not necessary. If we continue down this road soon all that will be left are the most popular activities and everyone will be wondering why we can't do anything else! 

I don't see it that way. This discussion is about technology that didn't even exist ten years ago.

It seems to me that some are advocating banning technology that doesn't yet exist, read the posts, that's one of the main complaints, they want to ban technology today based on what might exist tomorrow! In my opinion that is ludicrous, they don't really even know what they want to ban! 

My comment was directed at the use of cellular game cameras that transmit images immediately, as in the proposed Idaho restriction. To the best of my knowledge those devices were not available until the last couple years.

"With any device capable of recording and transmitting photographic or video wirelessly to a remote device such as a computer or smart phone, used as an aid to take a big game animal during the same day of transmission or the following day."

Did you realize that Idaho is also taking feedback on banning swapping cards on Standard non-wireless cameras?  That's what I've been talking about, and it is a totally different level than wireless cameras.   

[hunter399]

I read most of this thread ,even though I haven't made any comments for awhile.What most people miss ,is pics being transferred to a phone so quickly turns your trail cam into a tracking device.Maybe some day we can all locate animals on Google earth and watch them all year long,then we can fight over who was tracking it first.

I will agree all us hunters fighting over stuff like this is stupid.I use ta think fighting for hunters rights ,trying to gain ground on the regs of hunting,voicing your words to wdfw was a good thing intell I joined this forum and found out how other hunter will cut your throat on anything they disagree on.So now I just believe it's every man for himself and let wdfw decide what's right ,what's wrong,and fair chase,and follow the regs best I can,and keep hunting.

[buglebrush]

Sigh, what a thread.

For the guys who somehow think that because I use a cellular trail camera, somehow I'm now detached from the woods, don't hunt as much as I used to, blah blah blah.  I'm probably in the woods more than most.  I'm a trapper, a houndsmen, a bowhunter, a whitewater rafter, camper etc....I'm in the woods ALL the time.  Please stop with the this technology is making us less hunters and more reliant on gadgets.  What a bunch of hooey.  It saves me time and money, that's all it does.  Oh and it's a FUN!  Also please stop oh most hunters are good guys but you know some would abuse it.  Whatever, someone somewhere is abusing something or some method, doesn't mean we need to ban the practice or item for everyone else.

[bearpaw]

The problem is that too many hunters will advocate banning whatever they don't use or whatever is in their view not necessary. If we continue down this road soon all that will be left are the most popular activities and everyone will be wondering why we can't do anything else! 

I don't see it that way. This discussion is about technology that didn't even exist ten years ago.

It seems to me that some are advocating banning technology that doesn't yet exist, read the posts, that's one of the main complaints, they want to ban technology today based on what might exist tomorrow! In my opinion that is ludicrous, they don't really even know what they want to ban! 

My comment was directed at the use of cellular game cameras that transmit images immediately, as in the proposed Idaho restriction. To the best of my knowledge those devices were not available until the last couple years.

"With any device capable of recording and transmitting photographic or video wirelessly to a remote device such as a computer or smart phone, used as an aid to take a big game animal during the same day of transmission or the following day."

Bob I realize specifically what you were citing, but if you read through all the responses in this topic the reasoning mentioned in some comments is based on technology that isn't in use yet, they are basically saying we need to ban these cameras now because greater technology is coming. With that mentality perhaps we should have banned gunpowder centuries ago to prevent further technology from impacting hunting? If we were all using spears or bows that would be much more fair chase! 

Yes I know some want more restrictions. My perspective is that if cellular trail cameras were banned, I wouldn't consider that as the first step toward banning all hunting related equipment.

I believe there's middle ground between banning everything, and banning nothing.

Should hunters oppose all restrictions? If I oppose drones, the use of .22 handguns for elk, and shooting game from aircraft does that make me an enemy of hunters and an advocate for banning everything hunting related?

Realistically I don't know of anyone who opposes all restrictions, that analogy is a definite misrepresentation and a slap in the face of those who are opposed to banning methods that have not been proven to be harmful to hunting. I have not seen any proof of biological reasoning to outlaw these cams nor have I seen any proof that the non-hunting public considers them to be an unethical advantage. All I see are some hunters wanting to ban methods they feel are are unethical based in part on their own ideology that technology will improve in the future and potentially create problems. As others have pointed out many of these same hunters who want to ban the cams have no actual experience with them so they are actually wanting to ban them based on perception only. I am not one of those people who will climb on the ban wagon just because of some imagined potential harm, show me some facts, show me some truth. Until then there is no reason to randomly ban items and methods.

I hope you weren't trying to paint a picture or imply that I am opposed to all restrictions! If so, that's simply not true! I am supportive of restrictions based on biological data and known necessity for maintaining or improving our wildlife populations and our outdoor heritage. I am opposed to unproven unnecessary regulations!

I'm not aware of any biological data which supports a restriction of .22 handguns for elk, for example, but I would support that anyway based on my perception of ethical activity. I guess we can agree to disagree.

There is data regarding .22 energy and probably regarding accuracy, I would concur with you on that issue, but we will have to agree to disagree on the cam issue! 

Dale, for the record I don't necessarily support restrictions on trail cameras but I do like to hear different viewpoints on it to help form my opinion. I do believe some restrictions are good for hunting. Now if everyone would just agree with me...

I completely agree that some restrictions are needed. But I can't agree with taking away methods for imagined consequences. I know you want what you think is best for the sport, I respect that, and I thank you for your ability to keep a little humor in the conversation!   

[bigmacc]

Ok, I've been watching this also just as a lot of you have, Ive made a post and heres another ...I too like a lot of you have spent a lot of time in the woods, I've hunted, I've fished, Ive camped I,ve hiked and I have packed in to some of the most remote spots in this state. Am I a better hunter because I did It the "old fashioned"way? Who the heck knows . One thing I do know is there is a lot to be said for the ways things used to be done. There is a lot of gripeing (including on here) about how things were when we were kids 20, 30,40 years ago, how we would get out and do things. Whether it was riding bikes, playing ball in a field next door or getting out and looking for deer or heading down to a stream to throw a line in. The thing was we were getting out and doing something not sitting on a couch looking at pics on a screen or playing video games. Soon , the "art and skill" of hunting will be checking cameras, computers and cell phones! My dad was 80 years old and was still outsmarting deer, elk and moose, could catch fish like no other, knew were deer and elk  were at depending on time of year, temp, moon phase and wind. He did it all without the aid of all this "hi tech" stuff. My 10 and 12 year old granddaughters are great hunters, they know how to navigate with a compass, by the sun and by moon. They have been brought up to "hunt". Yes they have cell phones, they have a computer but they are not used to hunt. One has killed a dandy whitetail and one had a 4 by 5 Muley in her sights. I am saying the more hi-tech we become as hunters the more we will draw attention to our sport, and if some use the technology to break laws then there we go. There is something to be said for the saying" keep it simple"...just my  ...let me have it

[bearpaw]

Ok, I've been watching this also just as a lot of you have, Ive made a post and heres another ...I too like a lot of you have spent a lot of time in the woods, I've hunted, I've fished, Ive camped I,ve hiked and I have packed in to some of the most remote spots in this state. Am I a better hunter because I did It the "old fashioned"way? Who the heck knows . One thing I do know is there is a lot to be said for the ways things used to be done. There is a lot of gripeing (including on here) about how things were when we were kids 20, 30,40 years ago, how we would get out and do things. Whether it was riding bikes, playing ball in a field next door or getting out and looking for deer or heading down to a stream to throw a line in. The thing was we were getting out and doing something not sitting on a couch looking at pics on a screen or playing video games. Soon , the "art and skill" of hunting will be checking cameras, computers and cell phones! My dad was 80 years old and was still outsmarting deer, elk and moose, could catch fish like no other, knew were deer and elk  were at depending on time of year, temp, moon phase and wind. He did it all without the aid of all this "hi tech" stuff. My 10 and 12 year old granddaughters are great hunters, they know how to navigate with a compass, by the sun and by moon. They have been brought up to "hunt". Yes they have cell phones, they have a computer but they are not used to hunt. One has killed a dandy whitetail and one had a 4 by 5 Muley in her sights. I am saying the more hi-tech we become as hunters the more we will draw attention to our sport, and if some use the technology to break laws then there we go. There is something to be said for the saying" keep it simple"...just my  ...let me have it

I guess that's the difference between myself and some others, I would like to keep the rules simple rather than add more complication. I have nothing against how anyone wants to enjoy their sport as long as there are no severe consequences. I don't feel it should be up to me or you to decide if others want to use trailcams to get pics on their cell phone, unless there are significant negative impacts! A big part of what's wrong today is that everyone wants to tell everyone else how to conduct their life!   

[hunter399]

Ok, I've been watching this also just as a lot of you have, Ive made a post and heres another ...I too like a lot of you have spent a lot of time in the woods, I've hunted, I've fished, Ive camped I,ve hiked and I have packed in to some of the most remote spots in this state. Am I a better hunter because I did It the "old fashioned"way? Who the heck knows . One thing I do know is there is a lot to be said for the ways things used to be done. There is a lot of gripeing (including on here) about how things were when we were kids 20, 30,40 years ago, how we would get out and do things. Whether it was riding bikes, playing ball in a field next door or getting out and looking for deer or heading down to a stream to throw a line in. The thing was we were getting out and doing something not sitting on a couch looking at pics on a screen or playing video games. Soon , the "art and skill" of hunting will be checking cameras, computers and cell phones! My dad was 80 years old and was still outsmarting deer, elk and moose, could catch fish like no other, knew were deer and elk  were at depending on time of year, temp, moon phase and wind. He did it all without the aid of all this "hi tech" stuff. My 10 and 12 year old granddaughters are great hunters, they know how to navigate with a compass, by the sun and by moon. They have been brought up to "hunt". Yes they have cell phones, they have a computer but they are not used to hunt. One has killed a dandy whitetail and one had a 4 by 5 Muley in her sights. I am saying the more hi-tech we become as hunters the more we will draw attention to our sport, and if some use the technology to break laws then there we go. There is something to be said for the saying" keep it simple"...just my  ...let me have it

I guess that's the difference between myself and some others, I would like to keep the rules simple rather than add more complication. I have nothing against how anyone wants to enjoy their sport as long as there are no severe consequences. I don't feel it should be up to me or you to decide if others want to use trailcams to get pics on their cell phone, unless there are significant negative impacts! A big part of what's wrong today is that everyone wants to tell everyone else how to conduct their life!   

That negative impacts is load of horse $@$! .I can also say 22cal for big game has showed no negative impacts on other states why can't we have it here.
Why do we close roads there's no negative impact on wildlife.
Why do we follow any of the regs ,show me the proof of the negative impacts on wildlife.

Oh ya thats right ,we don't make the rules,and really don't have a say in most regs,as we follow the rules so that we can hunt in this great state and we all are arguing over something that we have no control over .Rant over.(fun times)

So let's wait till there are significant negative impacts! On wildlife before we think about the future of wildlife.It's kinda like don't act ,till it's to late,that's not good for me.

[NW SURVEYOR]

Is it okay if I mix a few Qualudes in my bait?
That way the critters might not wander so far and I can catch them napping.
I see no biological data that would preclude me from trying this.

Other than the fact that it's dumbest idea in the world.
Plus it's old technology.

[Machias]

Is it okay if I mix a few Qualudes in my bait?
That way the critters might not wander so far and I can catch them napping.
I see no biological data that would preclude me from trying this.

Other than the fact that it's dumbest idea in the world.
Plus it's old technology.

Thanks for that contribution to the conversation.   

[bearpaw]

Ok, I've been watching this also just as a lot of you have, Ive made a post and heres another ...I too like a lot of you have spent a lot of time in the woods, I've hunted, I've fished, Ive camped I,ve hiked and I have packed in to some of the most remote spots in this state. Am I a better hunter because I did It the "old fashioned"way? Who the heck knows . One thing I do know is there is a lot to be said for the ways things used to be done. There is a lot of gripeing (including on here) about how things were when we were kids 20, 30,40 years ago, how we would get out and do things. Whether it was riding bikes, playing ball in a field next door or getting out and looking for deer or heading down to a stream to throw a line in. The thing was we were getting out and doing something not sitting on a couch looking at pics on a screen or playing video games. Soon , the "art and skill" of hunting will be checking cameras, computers and cell phones! My dad was 80 years old and was still outsmarting deer, elk and moose, could catch fish like no other, knew were deer and elk  were at depending on time of year, temp, moon phase and wind. He did it all without the aid of all this "hi tech" stuff. My 10 and 12 year old granddaughters are great hunters, they know how to navigate with a compass, by the sun and by moon. They have been brought up to "hunt". Yes they have cell phones, they have a computer but they are not used to hunt. One has killed a dandy whitetail and one had a 4 by 5 Muley in her sights. I am saying the more hi-tech we become as hunters the more we will draw attention to our sport, and if some use the technology to break laws then there we go. There is something to be said for the saying" keep it simple"...just my  ...let me have it

I guess that's the difference between myself and some others, I would like to keep the rules simple rather than add more complication. I have nothing against how anyone wants to enjoy their sport as long as there are no severe consequences. I don't feel it should be up to me or you to decide if others want to use trailcams to get pics on their cell phone, unless there are significant negative impacts! A big part of what's wrong today is that everyone wants to tell everyone else how to conduct their life!   

That negative impacts is load of horse $@$! .I can also say 22cal for big game has showed no negative impacts on other states why can't we have it here.
Why do we close roads there's no negative impact on wildlife.
Why do we follow any of the regs ,show me the proof of the negative impacts on wildlife.

Oh ya thats right ,we don't make the rules,and really don't have a say in most regs,as we follow the rules so that we can hunt in this great state and we all are arguing over something that we have no control over .Rant over.(fun times)

So let's wait till there are significant negative impacts! On wildlife before we think about the future of wildlife.It's kinda like don't act ,till it's to late,that's not good for me.

Some states do allow centerfire .22 which seem to be effective for some big game. There have been studies showing too many roads negatively impact wildlife, but I am opposed to closing access roads that most people need to access large areas. I don't understand your comment but I follow the hunting laws whether I like them or not, that's just the way it has to be in an organized society. I still see no need to outlaw items or methods other hunters use unless there is justifiable reasoning. Hunters banning this and that which they don't use or agree with is driving other hunters from the sport and limiting what remaining hunters can do, plain and simple. Are you ready to give up your 4x4 and walk to all your hunting locations, that probable has more impact on hunting than any other item?

[singleshot12]

I sure wish people would wake up to the big picture. Hunters need to stop worrying about any potential new laws that might save traditional hunting.
I can just see the future now - - fat guy sitting on his couch waiting for the txt msg to show animals on the auto-feeder so he can send his drone over and lazer beam his trophy Some of you people are scaring me.

[bearpaw]

I sure wish people would wake up to the big picture. Hunters need to stop worrying about any potential new laws that might save traditional hunting.
I can just see the future now - - fat guy sitting on his couch waiting for the txt msg to show animals on the auto-feeder so he can send his drone over and lazer beam his trophy Some of you people are scaring me.

Do you have a problem with overweight people too, maybe we should outlaw hunters based on weight?
In reality drones are already illegal and lazer beams do not fit the definition of legal weapons, 

[singleshot12]

 

[Machias]

Well thankfully a overwhelming majority is against the proposals.  Now we'll see if the ID F&G listen to their own survey.

[Rainier10]

Pretty clear results.