https://www.gohunt.com/read/news/update-on-potential-arizona-trail-camera-ban#gs.oostkr
I recently read this article about AZ possibly banning trail cameras. Much of it surrounds camera use around man made water sources. Limited water means pretty easy locations to scout. Some have compared it to baiting, but that goes a little far to me. But, I've seen the same thing in SD for elk. The known springs and water sources usually have multiple cameras around them.
It got me thinking a bit about the technology we use in hunting and fishing. Trail cameras are incredible right now. Instant photos sent to your phone. Now, you still have to be out there to kill the critter, and have the skills to do so. But is a real time trail camera photo any different that me flying a drone over a location a half mile away?
And with fishing, our sonar technology is crazy. Side imaging and now the live imaging have really changed the game. I've not experienced the Panoptix/Livescope stuff other than YouTube, but it is pretty incredible. A guy fishing crappies was literally casting at a location as the fish were moving. He could cast to where they were based on the tree and it was nuts to see. Is it fishing or a video game?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing anyone who has a live camera or Panoptix (I'd love a Garmin in particular). But, at what point is technology significantly changing the outdoors in a negative way. I know I could argue trail cameras have been a positive for me as it gets me out and enjoying the preseason more. Our gear is getting better and better, we're more comfortable than ever in the field. We can shoot farther and cast further. I think for me fly fishing is fun in that minus your gear, it's still putting a fuzzy something in front of a fish. No sonar, just an educated guess on fish location and a well placed cast. Not that we should all go back to long bows and muzzleloaders!
Just thought it would be an interesting discussion. Where is the line?
I recently read this article about AZ possibly banning trail cameras. Much of it surrounds camera use around man made water sources. Limited water means pretty easy locations to scout. Some have compared it to baiting, but that goes a little far to me. But, I've seen the same thing in SD for elk. The known springs and water sources usually have multiple cameras around them.
It got me thinking a bit about the technology we use in hunting and fishing. Trail cameras are incredible right now. Instant photos sent to your phone. Now, you still have to be out there to kill the critter, and have the skills to do so. But is a real time trail camera photo any different that me flying a drone over a location a half mile away?
And with fishing, our sonar technology is crazy. Side imaging and now the live imaging have really changed the game. I've not experienced the Panoptix/Livescope stuff other than YouTube, but it is pretty incredible. A guy fishing crappies was literally casting at a location as the fish were moving. He could cast to where they were based on the tree and it was nuts to see. Is it fishing or a video game?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing anyone who has a live camera or Panoptix (I'd love a Garmin in particular). But, at what point is technology significantly changing the outdoors in a negative way. I know I could argue trail cameras have been a positive for me as it gets me out and enjoying the preseason more. Our gear is getting better and better, we're more comfortable than ever in the field. We can shoot farther and cast further. I think for me fly fishing is fun in that minus your gear, it's still putting a fuzzy something in front of a fish. No sonar, just an educated guess on fish location and a well placed cast. Not that we should all go back to long bows and muzzleloaders!
Just thought it would be an interesting discussion. Where is the line?