Post by: Machias on October 09, 2025, 11:51:52 AM
Post by: Feathernfurr on October 09, 2025, 11:53:39 AM
Post by: Mtnwalker on October 09, 2025, 12:20:15 PM
"which includes prohibition of thermal imaging, night vision technology, transmitting trail cameras, and any aircraft for big game scouting or hunting between Aug. 1 to Dec. 31"
Post by: trophyhunt on October 09, 2025, 12:25:08 PM
Post by: pickardjw on October 09, 2025, 12:55:29 PM
Post by: kodiak06 on October 09, 2025, 02:40:54 PM
Post by: Dhoey07 on October 09, 2025, 03:17:36 PM
Post by: High Climber on October 09, 2025, 03:34:05 PM
Cellular trail cameras from 01 Aug to 31 Dec. If you have time, please make your comments known on the Idaho Fish and Game site which is open for public comments.Fred where did you find it? Or can you post a link, I can’t find it on the website
Post by: 2MANY on October 09, 2025, 03:45:12 PM
Probably same guys using thermal.
Post by: Mtnwalker on October 09, 2025, 04:08:59 PM
Cellular trail cameras from 01 Aug to 31 Dec. If you have time, please make your comments known on the Idaho Fish and Game site which is open for public comments.Fred where did you find it? Or can you post a link, I can’t find it on the website
See Docket No. 13-0108-2401
Rules Governing Taking of Big Game Animals
https://idfg.idaho.gov/about/rulemaking
Post by: CarbonHunter on October 09, 2025, 07:19:05 PM
Post by: Broomd on October 09, 2025, 10:30:30 PM
Post by: spin05 on October 09, 2025, 11:15:21 PM
Post by: 2MANY on October 10, 2025, 05:18:57 AM
I know guys who literally sit on the couch and wait until the big bear hits their bait and then go in to kill it.
It's straight up lazy, cheating, and not hunting in their case.
Post by: trophyhunt on October 10, 2025, 05:45:19 AM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 05:59:02 AM
Hunters are 100% our own worst enemy. :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:
Post by: Alan K on October 10, 2025, 06:02:21 AM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 06:03:47 AM
Some just want hunting to stay hunting... :dunno:
MANY want you not to hunt!!! THINK ABOUT IT
Post by: 2MANY on October 10, 2025, 06:12:40 AM
Take a look at what happened to hunting in Europe if you want to see the future.
Post by: CarbonHunter on October 10, 2025, 06:43:50 AM
To me this proposed rule is simply the law catching up with technology. Just like how rules were added to ban flying drones on the day you hunt (it was always illegal to fly a private plane or helicopter) this is just adding to the rules that banned the use of radio telemetry devices to locate animals.
And just because one hunter only gets images sent to him twice a day there are others that have these cameras setup with additional batteries and solar panels that have these pictures sent live. Some people will even have several cameras setup so that they are “hunting” multiple locations at once and move to the other location if something shows up.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 10, 2025, 06:46:15 AM
If hunter's can't moderate themselves then unfortunately new rules need to be considered.
Post by: 2MANY on October 10, 2025, 07:30:03 AM
Everything needs moderation.
If hunter's can't moderate themselves then unfortunately new rules need to be considered.
BOOM!
Post by: Machias on October 10, 2025, 07:32:21 AM
It's ignorant... All the call-cams do is save a trip into the woods to check a regular camera and keep out some scent. If the guys smart enough to hang the camera in certain type spots, it's obvious he doesn't "need" it to be successful. If you're using hi-powered rifles with scopes, range finders, spotters etc and are for this passing you're simply turning on other hunters. Those things I mentioned are a type of "hunting aides" as well and that can't be argued lol. Hunters against hunters is the worst thing for the sport and falls in line with the liberals/antis way of thinking!
THIS!
Post by: Machias on October 10, 2025, 07:39:09 AM
That's bs.
I know guys who literally sit on the couch and wait until the big bear hits their bait and then go in to kill it.
It's straight up lazy, cheating, and not hunting in their case.
I've been running cellular trail cameras since 2014. I got my first one for hunting hogs in Virginia. My bait was 54 miles away. That camera paid for itself in three months in saved gas. I have NEVER gotten a photo and run out and killed an animal. Actually my cameras are set up to only transmit twice a day. Saves on battery. BUT even if they transmitted right away. It is dang near impossible get your so called lazy ass up off the couch and go and kill something on your trail camera. No disrespect meant, but every time I see someone say this, I know they've never actually used one. Guys that don't have or use cellular cameras sit around and fret that guys that do use them have some amazing advantage. Honestly is BS.
Post by: pickardjw on October 10, 2025, 07:41:11 AM
That's bs.
I know guys who literally sit on the couch and wait until the big bear hits their bait and then go in to kill it.
It's straight up lazy, cheating, and not hunting in their case.
Sounds like they should just regulate transmission time then.
Post by: Machias on October 10, 2025, 07:42:43 AM
And just because one hunter only gets images sent to him twice a day there are others that have these cameras setup with additional batteries and solar panels that have these pictures sent live. Some people will even have several cameras setup so that they are “hunting” multiple locations at once and move to the other location if something shows up.
Sorry, but this is BS. This is the argument guys who've never used one always bring up. But it's just not practical. It's fantasy.
Post by: fowl smacker on October 10, 2025, 08:03:16 AM
I don't care one way or the other but I have seen it done first hand. Guy got a live photo on his phone and a half hour later shot a bear because of it.And just because one hunter only gets images sent to him twice a day there are others that have these cameras setup with additional batteries and solar panels that have these pictures sent live. Some people will even have several cameras setup so that they are “hunting” multiple locations at once and move to the other location if something shows up.
Sorry, but this is BS. This is the argument guys who've never used one always bring up. But it's just not practical. It's fantasy.
Post by: trophyhunt on October 10, 2025, 08:22:17 AM
Thats good, one less fawn/calf killer out there, a bear bait is perfect for a cell camera.I don't care one way or the other but I have seen it done first hand. Guy got a live photo on his phone and a half hour later shot a bear because of it.And just because one hunter only gets images sent to him twice a day there are others that have these cameras setup with additional batteries and solar panels that have these pictures sent live. Some people will even have several cameras setup so that they are “hunting” multiple locations at once and move to the other location if something shows up.
Sorry, but this is BS. This is the argument guys who've never used one always bring up. But it's just not practical. It's fantasy.
Post by: Mtnwalker on October 10, 2025, 08:29:53 AM
And just because one hunter only gets images sent to him twice a day there are others that have these cameras setup with additional batteries and solar panels that have these pictures sent live. Some people will even have several cameras setup so that they are “hunting” multiple locations at once and move to the other location if something shows up.
Sorry, but this is BS. This is the argument guys who've never used one always bring up. But it's just not practical. It's fantasy.
Fred just because you're not doing it doesn't mean it isn't being done. I have first hand photos on my phone of a bear and a bull both killed in exactly this manner within the last 2 weeks alone. Hunter was at home at the time of notification on both.
I also find it interesting that so many guys view the self-regulation of technology as a threat to hunting, I see it quite the opposite. Cellular trail cams by themselves are not going to make or break herd numbers but there is an undeniable cumulative effect when you add up cell cams, long range thermal scanners, long range rifles, auto compensating bluetooth reticles, etc etc etc.
This proposal was brought forth by hunters, not by IDFG, who overwhelmingly support the self-regulation of tech in order to preserve opportunity because they know there is an inverse correlation between hunter over-efficiency and tag availability. I find it ironic that some of the people on this thread who complain about how hard it is to draw tags also simultaneously support a technology free-for-all as if one has no effect on the other
Post by: Reidus on October 10, 2025, 10:06:35 AM
Have a 1 day season with drones, cell cams etc or
a 3 month season with a stickbow.
The game population can't support long seasons with all the modern advancements and hunters. Something has to give.
Post by: CarbonHunter on October 10, 2025, 10:23:40 AM
And just because one hunter only gets images sent to him twice a day there are others that have these cameras setup with additional batteries and solar panels that have these pictures sent live. Some people will even have several cameras setup so that they are “hunting” multiple locations at once and move to the other location if something shows up.
Sorry, but this is BS. This is the argument guys who've never used one always bring up. But it's just not practical. It's fantasy.
Fred just because you're not doing it doesn't mean it isn't being done. I have first hand photos on my phone of a bear and a bull both killed in exactly this manner within the last 2 weeks alone. Hunter was at home at the time of notification on both.
I also find it interesting that so many guys view the self-regulation of technology as a threat to hunting, I see it quite the opposite. Cellular trail cams by themselves are not going to make or break herd numbers but there is an undeniable cumulative effect when you add up cell cams, long range thermal scanners, long range rifles, auto compensating bluetooth reticles, etc etc etc.
This proposal was brought forth by hunters, not by IDFG, who overwhelmingly support the self-regulation of tech in order to preserve opportunity because they know there is an inverse correlation between hunter over-efficiency and tag availability. I find it ironic that some of the people on this thread who complain about how hard it is to draw tags also simultaneously support a technology free-for-all as if one has no effect on the other
Just because you and your small group of friends haven’t seen something doesn’t mean it’s not happening. It appears you also only have experience with the simple cell cameras from the Walmart or Cabela’s. These rules are being developed to address much more complex cameras than what you are using.
I work in the security integration business and I have access to demo cell trailers all across the country that I can view live and have analytic events sent directly to my phone. The technology is there and it is very reliable.
About 5 years ago I asked one of the camera manufacturers if they could develop analytics to differentiate between animals and humans and possibly the type of animal. He said no and then came back a year later and said they had rich hunters with land in the south request these analytics to deploy on their property to manage and track herds.
We now manufacture a solar camera unit that has analytics out to about 100 yards with a PTZ and 360* view that can send instant images and video clips to the owner through either LTE cell or even Starlink if there is no cell service. These high quality professional setups start at $10k which is nothing for some of these hunters who spend six figures a year on hunting.
This is why laws are needed to battle technology. And just because you haven’t seen it in your small Idaho town doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and that it’s not happening.
Post by: 2MANY on October 10, 2025, 11:08:00 AM
Wont be long and "hunters" will be shooting a chip into trophy animals before the season and then tracking it down during the season for the grip and grin.
I would 100% support moving to 100% traditional and having a longer season.
Quite pathetic how desperate the YouTube crowd is.
Post by: JWBINX on October 10, 2025, 11:41:49 AM
People think just because they have a camera set up that's their spot. :sry:
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 12:20:33 PM
I’m a Rifle Hunter. I think Archery/muzzy wounds too many critters. Let’s ban it.
I’m a Muzzy Hunter. :yeah: Hell let’s ban muzzy too then.
End result…….
.NOBODY hunts.
Every single “takeaway” is just one step closer to the END of hunting period.
If you can’t understand that ….,….you are part of the problem.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 12:22:46 PM
BAN EM!
People think just because they have a camera set up that's their spot. :sry:
And people think if they are first at a gate, it’s their spot.
Let’s just ban parking at a gate now.
Problem sloved
Post by: Stein on October 10, 2025, 12:37:21 PM
Restricting ourselves in one area doesn't mean the end of hunting or we are selling each other out.
Post by: MR5x5 on October 10, 2025, 01:23:13 PM
Post by: mikey549 on October 10, 2025, 01:53:35 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 01:55:41 PM
My guess is the vast majority of hunters do not use cell cameras in a nefarious way. I use a lot of cameras, both Cell and non, and never once have any of them help me kill an animal.
How many of you who want to ban cell cameras also long range shooters? What kind of image does that portray taking out a critter at 800 to 1000 ?
Let’s ban long range guns.
How many own binos? Banned.
Are you riding a horse to your hunting or are you taking your Chevy or Ford? Banned
I totally get wanting to control some technologies, but again back to my first statement bad people will do bad things….. the average Joe hunter is not sitting at his computer looking at cameras waiting for it to tell him there’s a critter there to kill so he can run out and do it. That’s just silly to think that happens a lot.
It’s really simple, be a good hunter, follow the laws, do it right, and mind your own business.
Hunters bitching about hunters are far worse than the Anti’s ever will be
Post by: CarbonHunter on October 10, 2025, 03:10:05 PM
A long range hunter that holds the rifles and pulls the trigger is a manual process. Same as the hunter that holds his binos. These examples being given aren’t even comparable.
If the long range hunter mounts a scope on the rifle that automatically adjusts for the distance, that is illegal in many states, including Idaho. If the hunter flys a drone to look beyond the line of site of his binos, that is illegal. You cannot hunt from a motor vehicle unless you are disabled.
To call this a matter of hunters complaining is foolish. It’s a great example of hunters using the rule making process to self regulate the way hunting is conducted to ensure it is ethical and fair chase is being considered when deciding what equipment can be used.
Listening to the arguments for not banning these cameras sounds a lot like listening to democrats calling their opposition names instead of providing a logical reason why these cell cameras should be allowed during hunting season.
If someone has a reason why these should be allowed to be used during hunting season, let’s hear it! So far the only reason I see is because you want to use them and don’t want to be regulated.
Post by: Mtnwalker on October 10, 2025, 03:11:18 PM
Post by: mikey549 on October 10, 2025, 03:36:38 PM
Post by: storyteller on October 10, 2025, 04:57:26 PM
Post by: WoolyRunner on October 10, 2025, 06:28:15 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 07:01:13 PM
Every technology has to have a limit. I believe banning cell cameras is consistent with most other rules regulating electronic devices and other automated devices used for hunting.
A long range hunter that holds the rifles and pulls the trigger is a manual process. Same as the hunter that holds his binos. These examples being given aren’t even comparable. ( TO YOU)
If the long range hunter mounts a scope on the rifle that automatically adjusts for the distance, that is illegal in many states, including Idaho. If the hunter flys a drone to look beyond the line of site of his binos, that is illegal. You cannot hunt from a motor vehicle unless you are disabled.
To call this a matter of hunters complaining is foolish. It’s a great example of hunters using the rule making process to self regulate the way hunting is conducted to ensure it is ethical and fair chase is being considered when deciding what equipment can be used.
Listening to the arguments for not banning these cameras sounds a lot like listening to democrats calling their opposition names instead of providing a logical reason why these cell cameras should be allowed during hunting season.
If someone has a reason why these should be allowed to be used during hunting season, let’s hear it! So far the only reason I see is because you want to use them and don’t want to be regulated.
Ethics/morals vary by the individual. Is shooting a critter at 800 yards fair chase?
A logical reason....Its a camera, it does not shoot/kill an animal, it simply takes pictures. I use them every year, they are FUN!
Folks that dont like cams always go to the "hunters get a notification and then rush in to shoot the animal" scenario. In reality that probably RARELY ever happens. Has it happened, probably, but it is a drop in the ocean to what really happens by decent ethical hunters. Animals just dont lounge in front of cams all day long, even when salt/minerals was legal.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 10, 2025, 07:11:36 PM
Curious Nock Nock, as tech continues to advance and inevitably 5-10 years from now things will exist that we can't even fathom today, where do you see it acceptable to draw the line? Are you of the opinion that whatever comes along we just embrace it because anything less is an attack on hunting? This provision also addresses the use of thermal and night vision which is spreading like wildfire right now, especially in Idaho. Do you disagree with regulating that also?
Without knowing the extent of the future "advances", it is impossible to say where a line should/could be drawn.
Maybe I am wrong, but thermal/night vision techs are both for night time use. Pretty sure that is already illegal........which points right to what I'm saying ...... Bad folks do bad things.
Banning cell cams only affects the guy that uses them ethically (the bad apples will still do what they do with them) and just puts hunters one step closer to going the way of the dinosaurs. Regular T cams next, then long range, then laser range finders, etc. etc. etc.
Post by: Born2late on October 10, 2025, 07:15:38 PM
Does that qualify as a good reason?
Post by: EnglishSetter on October 10, 2025, 07:28:27 PM
That's bs.
I know guys who literally sit on the couch and wait until the big bear hits their bait and then go in to kill it.
It's straight up lazy, cheating, and not hunting in their case.
Sounds like they should just regulate transmission time then.
A law needs to be enforceable. How would you enforce transmission time?
Just my observation, but cell cams effectively made the number of cams infinite. I've read of outfitters who have hundreds of cams.
Post by: CarbonHunter on October 11, 2025, 08:06:34 PM
First good use that comes to mind for using cell cameras is for trappers to be able to see if they have had a animal caught.saves on time , gas and you can get to fur that is trapped quickly so another animal doesn’t chew on it.
Does that qualify as a good reason?
I would say this is a reason to have them. But under this example they could be limited to trapping only. Currently you still need to check your traps daily so they would have to modify that rule to allow the use of cell cameras to monitor traps.
Post by: 71Shovelhead on October 11, 2025, 08:20:21 PM
Just because you don't like it then don't do it but don't stop others from it.
Listen to @NOCK NOCK and other moderates.
Terry
Post by: Naches Sportsman on October 11, 2025, 08:28:35 PM
I texted my area game warden today about a guy who put 2 salt blocks out this last weekend and had a cell camera over it. He was sitting right over the salt this afternoon because he got a text that a bull was there. Don’t know this guy and his camera was put out last weekend along with the salt. Salt wasn’t there end of last week when the unit was being set up for planting and low and behold last Monday there it was set up.
Post by: pickardjw on October 11, 2025, 09:05:28 PM
That's bs.
I know guys who literally sit on the couch and wait until the big bear hits their bait and then go in to kill it.
It's straight up lazy, cheating, and not hunting in their case.
Sounds like they should just regulate transmission time then.
A law needs to be enforceable. How would you enforce transmission time?
Just my observation, but cell cams effectively made the number of cams infinite. I've read of outfitters who have hundreds of cams.
They found a way to require ID for “certain websites” in the state. Are you saying there is no way to enforce transmission times?
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 12, 2025, 06:07:12 AM
They need to be banned for the exception of lawful licensed trappers using them on their trap lines.
I texted my area game warden today about a guy who put 2 salt blocks out this last weekend and had a cell camera over it. He was sitting right over the salt this afternoon because he got a text that a bull was there. Don’t know this guy and his camera was put out last weekend along with the salt. Salt wasn’t there end of last week when the unit was being set up for planting and low and behold last Monday there it was set up.
My hunch is most all who want them banned just dont like cameras being in the woods, period, cell or not.
Ask anyone with experience about the above. (not saying it didnt happen, just how Naches processed it to fit his narrative)
Salt/Minerals is not some kind of "magic" that keeps critters locked to it for extended periods of time, especially this time of year. It takes time for them to find it, and seldom do they hit it on a regular basis. It is utilized by the ungulates early in the year while antler/body growth is going strong. Usually coinciding with mature antler formation (mid-late August) they stop hitting the salt/minerals altogether. They may pass by it but seldom stop for more than a minute or 2........Unless a "hunter" is sitting within a couple hundred yards of his cell cam the critter will be long gone before he could sneak in to kill it.....thats saying you ACTUALLY could sneak in.
Here is a point not mentioned yet...
Seeing as how salt/bait have been made illegal........I just want to know how/where a guy can put up a cell cam........with no attractant......and expect the scenario you all are referring to (hunter gets notification/shows up at cam/shoots animal)....... :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Again if this scenario is happening, its bad people doing bad things, no law is gonna change that......just another takeaway from the good hunters we'll never get back, and another step towards the END of hunting.
Post by: Crunchy on October 12, 2025, 06:21:36 AM
Post by: Feathernfurr on October 12, 2025, 06:35:53 AM
This whole “another thing we lose” argument is an excuse. We didn’t have cellular cameras just over a decade ago. This is a case of a new tech item, a privilege, we aren’t using them responsibly and therefore a course correction should be made. Want to run cell cameras in the off season, 100% support, want to run regular cameras during season, absolutely. But we shouldn’t have access to real time data in the woods, from our couch.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 12, 2025, 06:36:44 AM
Then sits at camp and waits for notifications...
Is that reasonable. Fair chase?
Opinions on the scenario will differ...does it mean those of us that find it not representative of fair chase are falling into the divide and concur anti trap...or do we just view the ever advancing technology as just as much a threat to the thing we love to do.
There's hundreds of rules and regulations regarding hunting, fair chase and weapon systems.
Should those be removed...
And if your pro cell cam during hunting season then you wouldn't have a problem with drone use I assume.
And yes...I used to run cams...(not cell cams)..and yes I no longer do on public grounds.. personally...I'm getting tired of seeing them around every corner in some areas.
Falls into that self moderation or a law will make you category. :twocents:
Post by: fowl smacker on October 12, 2025, 07:42:23 AM
I’m going to hurt some feelings. If you don’t think cell cameras impact a persons odds of killing game, you’re a bad hunter. Cell cameras impact hunters decision making in real time. Guy wakes up to hunt, plans to head to property A, has photos at property B of animals moving in to bedding. He changes plans and heads to B and hunts a travel corridor between bedding and feed, kills target animal. 99% of people are running their cell cams with 1 check in a day. Minus update immediately and will last 6 months with lithium batteries.:yeah:
This whole “another thing we lose” argument is an excuse. We didn’t have cellular cameras just over a decade ago. This is a case of a new tech item, a privilege, we aren’t using them responsibly and therefore a course correction should be made. Want to run cell cameras in the off season, 100% support, want to run regular cameras during season, absolutely. But we shouldn’t have access to real time data in the woods, from our couch.
Post by: Seabass on October 12, 2025, 07:47:02 AM
I’m going to hurt some feelings. If you don’t think cell cameras impact a persons odds of killing game, you’re a bad hunter. Cell cameras impact hunters decision making in real time. Guy wakes up to hunt, plans to head to property A, has photos at property B of animals moving in to bedding. He changes plans and heads to B and hunts a travel corridor between bedding and feed, kills target animal. 99% of people are running their cell cams with 1 check in a day. Minus update immediately and will last 6 months with lithium batteries.
This whole “another thing we lose” argument is an excuse. We didn’t have cellular cameras just over a decade ago. This is a case of a new tech item, a privilege, we aren’t using them responsibly and therefore a course correction should be made. Want to run cell cameras in the off season, 100% support, want to run regular cameras during season, absolutely. But we shouldn’t have access to real time data in the woods, from our couch.
Exactly!
Post by: Seabass on October 12, 2025, 07:48:54 AM
If a guy rolls into elk camp ...sets up a perimeter of let's say a dozen cell cams within a quarter mile.
Then sits at camp and waits for notifications...
Is that reasonable. Fair chase?
Opinions on the scenario will differ...does it mean those of us that find it not representative of fair chase are falling into the divide and concur anti trap...or do we just view the ever advancing technology as just as much a threat to the thing we love to do.
There's hundreds of rules and regulations regarding hunting, fair chase and weapon systems.
Should those be removed...
And if your pro cell cam during hunting season then you wouldn't have a problem with drone use I assume.
And yes...I used to run cams...(not cell cams)..and yes I no longer do on public grounds.. personally...I'm getting tired of seeing them around every corner in some areas.
Falls into that self moderation or a law will make you category. :twocents:
Good points!