dan wrote:Chuck B wrote:Brian1986 wrote:I think the question of cell cameras being legal is a good discussion to have. When new technology comes out there's always an effect of some kind. An extreme example would be when cell phones & texting came out. Suddenly there was a new problem- texting and driving accidents. The facts showed that texting & driving caused an increase in wrecks. People spoke out, awarenes was raised, laws were made. Are cell cameras at that point? I don't know if they are when it comes to deer hunting in the midwest, but it appears they were in some places out west.
I don't care how another person hunts. If they are enjoying themselves and it's legal, great! I hunt for my own reasons and my own satisfaction. That being said I personally feel like cell cams are a step too far and don't use them myself. The idea that you can gather intel without a person being present I think is unfair to the deer. Even regular cameras you still have to get your scent in there to check them. I feel the same way about ozonics if any of that stuff truly works on a deer's nose. However, unless any of those things is proven to dramatically affect the deer herd in a negative way, I don't mind if other people use them. I think it's good we are talking about it.
Agreed. I think it’s a great discussion to have. It is why I started a different thread on the subject a month ago. Why someone would be “against” a discussion is concerning to me.In MY opinion;
1- huge difference between a buddy or a neighbor giving you intel rather than a robot (cell cam).
2- how many guys are really NOT going to use the intel they might get on a large buck that day (some guys saying that they won’t use it that way)
3- not getting your scent in the woods to check camera is a HUGE advantage.
4- public perception is HUGE. And the public perception of cell cams is already not good. (We need public perception of us hunters to be decent at least)
5- there are plenty of stories on this thread and the other thread of walls being filled because of cell cams. I shared my brother in laws story on all of his neighbors recently.
6- and biggest for me, is when does it stop? My guess is that there is already production being drawn up of cell cams that will rotate around a pole and you could control with your phone. Is that ok??
Who was saying we shouldnt have a discussion? That would be concerning to me as well, but I guess I missed the posts saying we shouldnt. I personally think this is a great discussion with vary differing opinions and lots of people making good points on both sides...
#4 I have not heard any non-hunter claims that cameras are unfair. Matter of fact, I see it the complete opposite, I think the fascination of trail cam pics have gotten more people involved in hunting and kept them in hunting. However, I think that would be the same whether or not it was a regular camera or a cell cam.
#5 I don't think the hunters doing well who use cell cams would do noticeably worse without them. I think a lot of it is hype. just like with advertising for crossbows saying you can shoot deer at 10 - 150 yards, etc... Knowing where a deer is in real time is an advantage. But it don't kill them. Its a lot harder than that... The buck I shot this year, I knew where he was bedded within a few acres at almost all times over the last couple years, it sure did not hang him on the wall for me. That took luck and skill.
Another thing to consider is this... Do you think banning them will stop there use? Do you think private land guys are going to stop using them to catch poachers? Do you think they are going to stop using them to watch deer? If you ban them, your banning them from yourself... Others are still going to use them.
There are some places where they absolutely should be banned cause they are making a negative impact on wildlife herds... I personally don't see that in 90% of the areas they are in use. However, if you want to ban them, thats up to you to do... In Wisconsin the people make the changes by submitting proposed rule changes at the spring hearings. But we can't even get together to get antlerless seasons that kill more bucks than does banned, and actually does impact population... hard to believe we are going to get people to vote themselves out of using cameras...
I wasn’t referring to you Dan. But I did hear from others “sounds like Chuck needs a go fund me campaign” so I could buy a camera on the other thread. That’s the opposite of a discussion to me Dan.
As you mentioned, there have been great points brought up by both sides. I enjoy hearing all sides of it. And whether or not someone actually uses a cell cam or not (in my case I don’t), that doesn’t mean they can’t have an opinion.
Do I think banning will stop their use? No, not all of the way. Does banning poaching stop all of the poaching that happens? No. Does it stop A LOT of deer being killed at night if there wasn’t a law, of course. Never going to stop everyone, doesn’t mean we can’t make laws. Is murder illegal? Yes. Are there murders every day? Yes.
I don’t think that a few cell cams in the woods is going to get you on consistent deer that you wouldn’t have otherwise. But, I do think that it toes the line, especially in certain areas, and WILL have a negative impact in those areas (even in WI).
Would be nice if there could be a law to “allow” cams, but limit their use ; can’t use same day intel, can’t have more than one cam per 40 acres, etc. Would that be hard to manage? Sure. Do I want the job? Certainly not. But, I am not a fan of “screw it, nothings going to change anyways”. I don’t think you are like that either Dan. That’s why you show up to rally’s your support what you believe in and you “take it the extra mile” when needed. By the way, I am not saying you would support this “ban” on cell cams, just speaking in generalities of you trying for change if you believe in something.
With all that being said, for those of you adding to this thread, good work and keep it up. These discussions need to happen.