Banning Hunting Tech in Idaho

[IdahoBeav]

If/when they switch to 100% e-tagging, participation in terms of harvest success could be automatic if they set it up so the app automatically transmits the data. There would probably be a few guys that would not tag their animals, but I think it would be far less than the number that currently do not participate in harvest reporting.

 

[WeiserBucks]

EFFF a bunch of e-tagging while we're at it.

 

[Bluefish]

I can't believe I got a direct reply back from the great ROBBY! Not being sarcastic, sincerely, kinda neat. Whole family listens to your podcasts and I got your books and someday I hope to kill deer as big as you.

But since I got your attention, let me ask you two questions:

1. How do you feel about using two way radios? Its my understanding that Idaho allows them. I think that two way radios could produce way more advantage than any other technology thats being proposed to be banned--refer back to the river road scenario above that IdahoJoe pointed out.
2. Have you ever thought about how thermals can actually help in production of big mule deer? By identifying a buck in an area, you can see what kind of class it is. Most of them are going to be smaller than the true trophies (190+, my standard), an honest but sad reality of today. But by prior identifying them, it allows you to a) not disturb them and b) not still hunt into that area trigging a potential bump and split-second-shoot-on-the-hoof-decision that us mule deer fanatics (ok, especially me) are all too familiar with.

Appreciate the input.

On item 2, You assume someone else won’t decide it’s big enough and take it this year. Watching hunters here, if someone found it’s, it’s getting shot.

On item 1, I would argue two way communication should not be allowed for transmission of location. Also hard to enforce in many instances.

In regards to thermal drones. I think it’s a huge advantage to the hunter and even if it’s not common now, should be stopped before it becomes standard practice. It’s much harder to stop something later, ie cell cams.

 

[omicron1792]

Vehemently disagree with the entire statement.

Agreed. Another person giving strong opinion that’s never owned a thermal.

 

[omicron1792]

Hey thanks on the books

1. Having used 2-way radios (where legal) over 20 years, I can’t say they’ve lead to a direct big buck harvest. Although we’ve tried on stalks to use them. Now we’re doing same thing with cell phones (texting, calling “I see the elk over at X, can you get there?). That’s certainly helping us harvest. Haven’t used my Motorolas in years.

2) peeling away darkness IN REAL TIME goes against growing more big deer IMO. I haven’t ever used a therm outside of a show but have used cell cams since 2018. Haven’t harvested a buck yet because even though they’re (sorta) real time, it’s hard to get anywhere before animals move. Therms move the line closer

I agree with those who say “show us the data of impact”. It doesn’t seem to be there. For me, it’s about drawing a line before it’s too late. When therm guys I trust say they’re that good, that’s good enough for me.

As proposed, this new law would move the tech in question out of the big game hunt and only to scouting (except spring bear, early archery antelope, and a few greenfield elk hunts.)

To me, that is a good place to compromise.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever killed an elk or mule deer.

I have a 400 yard self imposed limit. If I use a thermal and stalk within 400 yards, is that “less than” someone that has killed one at 800 across a valley?

 

[omicron1792]

On item 2, You assume someone else won’t decide it’s big enough and take it this year. Watching hunters here, if someone found it’s, it’s getting shot.

On item 1, I would argue two way communication should not be allowed for transmission of location. Also hard to enforce in many instances.

In regards to thermal drones. I think it’s a huge advantage to the hunter and even if it’s not common now, should be stopped before it becomes standard practice. It’s much harder to stop something later, ie cell cams.

Thermal drones is a different subject than handheld thermal IMO.

 

[robby denning]

What’s the farthest you’ve ever killed an elk or mule deer.

I have a 400 yard self imposed limit. If I use a thermal and stalk within 400 yards, is that “less than” someone that has killed one at 800 across a valley?

480 yds

I don't know on your second question. If it's legal, then it's your call, not mine.