trail cams in montana

[vandeman17]

From what I have read they are illegal to use but the other day when researching some outfitters, I came across one that had a bunch of pictures posted from his trail camera. Does anybody know if they are legal for outfitters?

[bobcat]

I'm not sure but I think they are only illegal to use during hunting season.

[vandeman17]

I'm not sure but I think they are only illegal to use during hunting season.

Correct, I believe it is during any legal sanctioned season so that pretty much leaves like June and July. These did seem to be in the summer so maybe that is when they were taken. I am not out to get anyone in trouble but just found it interesting is all.

[Bob33]

"Motion-Tracking Devices and/or Camera Devices: It is illegal for a person to possess or use in the field any electronic or camera device whose purpose is to scout the location of game animals or relay the information on a game animal’s location or movement during any Commission adopted hunting season."

[bobcat]

You know, this actually makes me feel better about living here in Washington. I always thought I might want to move to Montana someday, but now that they banned trail cameras I sure won't be going to that state.

[jeepasaurusrex]

That is the last excuse I would use to live in this damn state.

[Curly]

That is the last excuse I would use to live in this damn state.

[bobcat]

That is the last excuse I would use to live in this damn state.

Didn't say I was going to stay here, just that Montana is out. Still could go to Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming. Couple of those I don't think I'd ever talk the wife into though.   

So the choices are actually more limited than that.

[vandeman17]

You know, this actually makes me feel better about living here in Washington. I always thought I might want to move to Montana someday, but now that they banned trail cameras I sure won't be going to that state.

I have been trying to move and if I do, I am going to have to sell my cameras... 

[jeepasaurusrex]

Trail cameras keeping you from living in a state?  Heard everything now.

[Fowlweather25]

  why do you need trail cams in Montana? The deer are plentiful! Lol. Here e need every advantage we can get.

[bobcat]

Trail cameras keeping you from living in a state?  Heard everything now.

Sure would, it's not like there aren't any other states where a guy can go and have good hunting, and still use his trail cameras.

[Curly]

Might have to start checking Craigslist in Montana for some good deals on trailcams.......

[bobcat]

why do you need trail cams in Montana? The deer are plentiful! Lol. Here e need every advantage we can get.

You don't NEED them, but that's not the point. It's a hobby in itself. That's like saying why do you need to hunt? Can't you get your meat at Safeway?

[vandeman17]

I agree. I don't NEED them to be successful, but boy they sure are fun. It is like Christmas morning every time I go check mine. 

[DaveBTS]

With the exception of Aug-Nov, I have cameras out all year.

[bobcat]

With the exception of Aug-Nov, I have cameras out all year.

That's not quite so bad then. I MIGHT be able to get my fix if I could do it 8 months out of 12. I still wouldn't like it. I got some of my best buck pictures during the rut.

[Bob33]

With the exception of Aug-Nov, I have cameras out all year.

That's not quite so bad then. I MIGHT be able to get my fix if I could do it 8 months out of 12. I still wouldn't like it. I got some of my best buck pictures during the rut.

You could move to MT and just find a buddy that could provide you with some great photos, without breaking the law:

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=88885.0

[Curly]

When did they make the law against trail-cams?  And did the game department decide that on their own or was it a decision based on input from the public?  Any other states limit the use of trailcams?

[400out]

That is the last excuse I would use to live in this damn state.

Didn't say I was going to stay here, just that Montana is out. Still could go to Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming. Couple of those I don't think I'd ever talk the wife into though.   

So the choices are actually more limited than that.

I don't know about you but I spend a lot of time in the woods and am yet to find a trailcam  Maybe I need to start looking for trees not animals

My point is how could the game dept enforce it 

[seth30]

So if I am hunting in Montana and find a trail camera can I legally do seizure on it and take it to a state like WA where its legal

[bobcat]

That is the last excuse I would use to live in this damn state.

Didn't say I was going to stay here, just that Montana is out. Still could go to Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming. Couple of those I don't think I'd ever talk the wife into though.   

So the choices are actually more limited than that.

I don't know about you but I spend a lot of time in the woods and am yet to find a trailcam  Maybe I need to start looking for trees not animals

My point is how could the game dept enforce it 

I have seen one in all my time spent in the woods. A couple weeks ago, someone found one of mine, and took it home with them.   

So they can be found. But you're right, it seems it would be hard to enforce. But what hunting regulation isn't? And besides, it just wouldn't be the same if I had to break the law to do it, probably would take all the fun out of it, for me anyway.

[400out]

I wonder why they havent come up with a cam that was useless to someone that stole it beacause of passwords  Just never figured that out   

[vandeman17]

That is the last excuse I would use to live in this damn state.

Didn't say I was going to stay here, just that Montana is out. Still could go to Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming. Couple of those I don't think I'd ever talk the wife into though.   

So the choices are actually more limited than that.

I don't know about you but I spend a lot of time in the woods and am yet to find a trailcam  Maybe I need to start looking for trees not animals

My point is how could the game dept enforce it 

I have seen one in all my time spent in the woods. A couple weeks ago, someone found one of mine, and took it home with them.   

So they can be found. But you're right, it seems it would be hard to enforce. But what hunting regulation isn't? And besides, it just wouldn't be the same if I had to break the law to do it, probably would take all the fun out of it, for me anyway.

I think I read that it is illegal to even have one with you during hunting season if there is reasonable suspicion that you have been hunting or have been out in the woods...

[bobcat]

I wonder why they havent come up with a cam that was useless to someone that stole it beacause of passwords  Just never figured that out   

Some do have passwords:

Password Protection

          Some models force you to enter a password before the unit will operate.  Some models even allow you to program your name into the unit, which is then printed on every picture and cannot be changed unless you know the password.  Unfortunately, both of these only annoy the thief after he has stolen your game camera

http://www.trailcampro.com/scoutingcamerabuyersguide-filmanddigitaltrailcamerafeatures.aspx