Technology

[2ski]

The thread on family discussions about hunting got me thinking, and I didn't want to hijack that thread.

At what point are we using too much technology?

What's the difference between using high quality glass to find animals and using thermal imaging? We all know there is a big difference between great glass and $20 Bushnells. Game cameras and drones? Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with using either drones or thermal imaging, but at what point does technology make it too easy? Obviously, based on the other thread, (I hate to use the term older generations, because I think it over generalizes and sticks everyone of that generation in a corner and automatically puts them on the defensive) obviously the younger the person is, the more likely they are to embrace new technology.

The more technology advances, the less skill we need. I get how an "old timer" could think too much technology is cheating. I tend to think drones and thermal imaging are cheating(and illegal), but if someone wanted to use them, what's the difference between me disagreeing with them and a guy disagreeing with long-range hunting, or compound v. traditional, ect? Do I use game cameras? No. I don't know that I have the want to. Sure I might be more successful if used them, but part of me want the "surprise" if you will, of not knowing if there's a big buck in the area. Game cameras make it easier to scout as opposed to spending more time out glassing. Can't fault someone for going that route. I just don't want to go that route, and I'm not going to tell you you're wrong .

So what's too much technology? Where does "fair chase" end? Am I overthinking this and need to drink more beer to shut off my brain a little? Speaking of beer, I have a $40 bottle that I need to drink. Why buy a $40 bottle when a $7 6 pack of Bud will get me drunk. Hmmmm. questions.

 

[timberland]

To each their own. As a retailer in the archery industry I had to deal with all kinds of judgement of equipment and tactics. Baiting, treestands, compounds, camoflage, and the list goes on and on and on and on. As stated in other threads, whatever you need to enjoy the nature of the hunt without infringing on others should be good enough. If I'm dropping $15,000 on a once in a lifetime sheep hunt, I will be outfitted much differently than my backyard deer hunt, because technology in that situation would be overkill and detract from the hunt.

 

[DIY]

What about headsets to close in on the stalk, thats the advice the hunting fool gave me on a colorado hunt. Im for technology I guess to a point, but when I start looking like a swat team to close in on a deer its taking away in my book. Sometimes doing things simple and lightweight is a breath of fresh air

 

[doncarpenter]

I think timberland is right. It's a personal decision that is most likely largely based on perspective. Think about the technology leaps in just the weapons used for hunting throughout history. We went from rocks and sticks to modern firearms of today capable of insane distances. In every leap there are people for and against, usually divided by generations because technology didn't advance at the speed of today. The difference now is that technology IS changing so rapidly that we have to ask ourselves much more often, "is this fair chase?" Or "does this give me an unfair advantage?". Some people dont care. I for one, enjoy hunting because it is challenging and i try to keep it simple, but i do use things to make me more comfortable. Someone might have a different perspective than myself and think that im silly for not using the latest and greatest tools. Its all about answering the the man in the mirror.

 

[realunlucky]

I don't think it's a personal question at all. In an industry that is purely driven by money and that money is used to sway legislation. Fair chase is not what is was 10 years ago and I'm scared to think about what the " next" generation will consider fair.

 

[MattB]

To answer the original question, I think that as soon as an animal's God-given senses are not enough to reasonably allow it to defend itself, we should call into question our means.

I don't think it's a personal question at all. In an industry that is purely driven by money and that money is used to sway legislation. Fair chase is not what is was 10 years ago and I'm scared to think about what the " next" generation will consider fair.

I am not sure that fair chase has changed (not sure when B&C's fair chase rules, as an example, were codified?). But I agree that the perception of many of what is an is not has for many and will continue to do so. That is why I think we as hunters have a responsibility to discuss the topic and police our own on the matter.

 

[realunlucky]

That's my point Matt we have to police each other. Everyone is looking for an edge some groups push the bounties and continue to push until things that were once considered absurd are common practice. I see the p&y changing long set standards and allowing more and more things it once considered violations of fair chase. Why because it's voting membership has changed its views because as a society we have changed. I don't know what the answer is but know if drones are legal someone will use them. If flying in landing and harvesting an animal was legal there are plenty of people that would line up to do it. Doubtful the people on rokslide but this community is small percentage and represents hunters that will go the extra step where I firmly believe the average Joe cuts every corner he can

 

[1hoda]

How far is too far? When the gear I use takes away the risk of detection by my quarry. That's what I define as a sporting chance by my prey.

I'm one of those geezers that 2ski mentioned and boy has technology advanced in my lifetime. I adopt technology based on 3 criteria: makes me a more ethical hunter, keeps me safe, and /or makes my outing more comfortable and enjoyable.

 

[Slim Jim]

Hopefully B&C's conditions stay ahead of the use of electronic technology. Part III covers quite a bit of it though for now. The problem is that this is only for book game and a lot of hunters could care less about being in the record books

 

[Ross]

If it is within the regulations I have no problem with any advantages that are legal. From there it is up to the individual for his style of hunting to decide what and how he will use anything that is legal. I choose to shoot a finger bow, one pin and keep it very simple. My rifle is a plain jane tikka with a 3x9 leupold. There are three advancements for me that have changed from when I started elk hunting almost 4 decades ago. I have a very nice range finder bino, I know elk and elk hunting much better than I did almost 35+ season ago and I am in better shape for mountain hunting than I was back then, with the exception of a knee that dislikes my behavior. 2 of the 3 came from time afield and the burning desire to have more fun and collect more antlers. To each their own and I don't worry about the other guy too much, only the Big bad wolf.