Alternative perspective on messing with others’ game cams

[shallowforks]

The last thread on this topic went sideways before I got a chance to offer a different point of view but I decided it was worth a new thread to exchange more dialogue about the issue. When someone comes across a game camera on PUBLIC land and has the necessary equipment on them to check the card on the camera and replace it, that seems to me like someone whos fairly respectful and courteous of another hunter. They spent money on a card reader and took the time to put the card back in an effort to not disrupt the camera from continuing to take pics or the ability of the owner to view the pics it has taken when they could just as easily taken the card or the whole camera. From makeshift blinds and stands to old salt licks and man made choke points to funnel game through certain areas hunters have taken advantage of things left behind by other hunters for decades. How are trail cameras any different? You are leaving something behind on public land. Lawfully speaking you are abandoning it. Now we as hunters know that in truth a game camera isn’t abandoned when we come across one on public land so for someone to check its pictures and return it to working order seems like someone whos hand id gladly shake and offer my gratitude for taking such care with my game cam. Now I also understand that sometimes the camera isn’t successfully put back into working order and other formatting issues can arrise from this scenario. To that I would respond that there are all sorts of risks to putting up cameras on public land and those are a few of them. Weather and animals probably mess up a “soak” far more often than someone checking your pictures. I also know plenty of people who dislike being caught on game cams on public land and carry readers with them so they can delete pics of themselves when they do walk in front of one incidently. I also understand this sentiment as I dont really care for it either. Now all this being said I dont really have a dog in the fight here because I choose not to use game cams on public land. I use them on private sometimes and I have had cameras stolen before. I also dont share this same sentiment towards cameras on private property. Sooooo.... let the games begin...

[h20hunter]

So, if I understand your post you are saying that if they have the ability to do so, and do, then it is okay because technically once you walk away you have technically abandoned your property and therefore it is for the finder to do with, at that time, what they wish and it's okay as long as they don't steal it.


Nope. Not yours. Leave it alone.

[bear]

Hate to see those dam things that’s for sure, but that’s me. Wish they’d keep them off of public land. 

[Buckmark]

WTF, are you serious? IT IS NOT YOUR CAMERA, IT IS NOT YOUR SD CARD, DON'T F'IN TOUCH IT, it is not ABANDON, it has been placed on purpose by the owner for a specific reason.... to take pics in absence of there presence and for them to retrieve in a week, month, 3 months whatever, dont touch it, your parents did a piss poor job of raising you if you think for one minute its ok to touch it, read the card etc... Holy crap, if i park my vehicle at a trail head for a week to hike into the wilderness for the high hunt i have not abandoned it, i left it for a duration of time till i come back, it is still mine, not yours...
Wow i cannot believe the rationality of some people.... GD people leave stuff that is not yours alone, no matter where you find it...
Who the heck raised you?

[shallowforks]

I totally respect the opinion that it doesnt belong to you leave it alone. I also respect the opinion of the scenario I brought up.

[Dan-o]

WTF, are you serious? IT IS NOT YOUR CAMERA, IT IS NOT YOUR SD CARD, DON'T F'IN TOUCH IT, it is not ABANDON, it has been placed on purpose by the owner for a specific reason.... to take pics in absence of there presence and for them to retrieve in a week, month, 3 months whatever, dont touch it, your parents did a piss poor job of raising you if you think for one minute its ok to touch it, read the card etc... Holy crap, if i park my vehicle at a trail head for a week to hike into the wilderness for the high hunt i have not abandoned it, i left it for a duration of time till i come back, it is still mine, not yours...
Wow i cannot believe the rationality of some people.... GD people leave stuff that is not yours alone, no matter where you find it...
Who the heck raised you?

Don't hold back.
Tell us how you really feel.

And yes, I would not touch another persons camera.

But there is merit to consider keeping them off public property.

[Buckmark]

I totally respect the opinion that it doesnt belong to you leave it alone. I also respect the opinion of the scenario I brought up.

There is no other opinion, its not yours, leave it alone....what do you not understand about that??

[Magnum_Willys]

Yea I don't like cams taking a pic of me in the woods - and maybe being posted on the interweb like the threads on HW ( that should be deleted ). 
But I don't think anyone should touch anyone else's cam or mine.  I do get the point that if you took my photo without permission on public land I may be inclined or entitled to delete said photo from your card.   While I agree with that right I disagree that you should mess with the cam.  Yea Quandry....... ?

[h20hunter]

I, and I assume 99.9 % of camera owners and operators of said cameras on public do not agree with or respect your opinion.

I have the tools and means to drive your truck when you are mot using it. I would not. It is theft.

I have the means to use your bbq grill while away from your camp. I would not. It is wrong.

I see no purpose of starting this all over again unless you are simply trying to get under peoples skin and stir up you know what.

[shallowforks]

I spose I could add in the fact that I also choose not to touch peoples game cameras. Im just not so quick to call those that do BAD people who were raised by BAD people. Different people think in different ways and I see the scenario I brought up as someone who has respect for other hunters. Seems like some on here dont care for cameras on public land. I understand that point of view too although I think if you want to place one go for it. Maybe some feel like those who place cameras on public land are being somewhat disrespectful??? I get that too.

[hughjorgan]

Simple solution to this situation, buy a bear box and a python lock and secure your property; just like you would do to your truck at the trailhead or when you leave your house and lock your door.

[shallowforks]

Im not tryibg to stir anything up for kicks. Often necessary or good conversations are uncomfortable to have. But they should definitely be had. And had respectfully i might add

[Magnum_Willys]

Simple solution to this situation, buy a bear box and a python lock and secure your property; just like you would do to your truck at the trailhead or when you leave your house and lock your door.

A Battery-powered dremel with cutoff wheel removes the python or any external lock camera box off in under 30 seconds.    Need box with recessed built-in lock. 

[shallowforks]

I totally respect the opinion that it doesnt belong to you leave it alone. I also respect the opinion of the scenario I brought up.

There is no other opinion, its not yours, leave it alone....what do you not understand about that??

Also there ARE other opinions not just yours and just because you shout the loudest doesn't make yours right. theres no need to try to bully people into silence. lets carry on a decent conversation about it.

[Oh Mah]

To the op.

Your scenario is just like you saying it is out of respect that a person takes your car from a parking lot drive it around all day but bring it back with the same amount of gas it had when they took it.

Now i know you don't think that would be ok so why would you use this scenario to show that when it is done to a game cam it is ok?Do you think it is fair for people to read magazines in the store then put them back without purchase?

I and others pay good money and put in tons of man hours placing cams that run $150 or more each.this scenario of yours says a guy purchased a card reader and should be able to pull countless cards download them go home study them and steal what the other people have worked so hard on for who knows how long.

If i read all of your opinion correctly,Please give me the coordinates to the best hunting spot you have that has all the deer and elk on it so i can save all the man hours of scouting next year.