Cameras or No?

[Konrad]

#5527

I recently read an editorial concerning the use of technology in hunting.
This article was specifically related to the use of “trail cams” but also included mention of the Pope and Young Club’s restrictions on electrical devices mounted to a bow or arrow (i.e. rheostat adjustable sight lights, illuminated arrow nocks, bow mounted range finders, etc.).

We all agree Pope and Young was founded by Traditional Archers of the first magnitude and probably had no idea where American ingenuity would take the sport or the associated equipment; however, I wondered (I have this problem, you see) how Pope and Young would look upon digital trail cameras.

My personal opinion is they would frown on their use ether before or during hunting season. “Scouting” is properly done on foot with field glasses and eyeballs.

As to lighted arrow nocks: I have always wondered at folks’ fascination with these devices. For the average Joe, they would seem only to serve as a distraction, disturbing correct follow-through by wanting to see where the shot had gone. For video taping a hunt, they make it much easier for the audience to follow the arrow’s flight path and for the videographer to verify shot placement after the fact. I have no clue as to why they should be banned by the Club. It has no bearing on my life, I just wonder (here we go again), why the ban?

If someone were to say they wanted to mount a range finder on their bow, I believe I would direct them to the local Walmart gun department to just pick up a 30-06 (no disrespect to the’06). It strikes me that if a fellow feels so unsure of his archery/field skills as to require a bow mounted range finder, this would be the same sort who would use heat-seeking, variable pitch fletched arrows and he has taken up the wrong sport.

To Cam or not to Cam?

That is the question.

What say you all?

[Treetopflier]

#42114

Ah, cameras tend to come into our minds this time of year, eh? For myself, I love my trailcam year-round just for watching what the local wildlife is up to. Can’t count the times I’ve laid in bed just before sleep and thought, “I wonder what’s going right now at this place or that “up on the hill.” But I’d never consider using a cam to “scout” for hunting. A big part, maybe the biggest part, of the adventure of hunting for me is NOT know what I might run into out there. No disrespect intended, but I view those who need that certainty as too concerned with “success.” To me, they mystery of the hunt IS success. I think about hunting like trotline fishing for catfish in big deep water on a black night, which I did a lot of growing up. Two guys in a small boat with a Coleman lantern sitting at the front. The guy in front has his hands in the water which is lighted by the lantern maybe a few feet down, and pulls the boat forward slowly as he pulls up the line … you can see down the white line into the darkening water only so far but feel this strong tug and jerk and know something down there BIG is hooked on. Is it the 20lb cat you hope it is, or a snapping turtle, big carp … who knows? Those moments of hope and absolute mystery remain among my brightest memories of youth. THAT is what real hunting means to me. To heck with anything less. Ain’t got near so much to do with age as it does with instinct and soul. Yep. TTF

[Cottonwood]

#42292

I’ve just never bought one for use here in Montana, as they are not allowed during the seasons anyway. Which only leaves maybe 3 mo out of the year that they are legal to use.

So, I pass on the expense of buying one, and put that money for use for other things. Besides, it would probably just get ripped off anyways.

[adirondackman]

#42692

I don’t believe that they belong in the woods to be used as another “crutch” for scouting or hunting. Why would you want all these high tech. electronic devices to aid you in one of mankinds oldest method of survival. Hunters try to justify anything that makes hunting easier and less work. I just can’t seem to understand that.

[SteveMcD]

#42748

Adirondackman wrote: I don’t believe that they belong in the woods to be used as another “crutch” for scouting or hunting. Why would you want all these high tech. electronic devices to aid you in one of mankinds oldest method of survival. Hunters try to justify anything that makes hunting easier and less work. I just can’t seem to understand that.

AMEN, BROTHER!!!

[David Petersen]

#42840

I’m with all of you, above. Hunting should involve hunting and no guarantees or shortcuts for woodsmanship. And like TTF said, mystery.

And welcome aboard, Adirondackman. 😀 Dave

[adirondackman]

#42854

Here is a quote from someone that I admire and have a tremendous amount of respect for.

“At some point technology becomes not an aid but a substitute for sportsmanship” – Aldo Leopold

[SteveMcD]

#42899

And they wonder why I don’t subscribe to their magazine anymore. A segment on American Archer today had M.R. James, Founder – Publisher of the other magazine and Past P&Y Club President explain.. Treestands, trail cameras, food plots, Baiting “Hey if it’s legal in your area and makes your hunt easier and more successful – just do it!”. What a shame.:roll:

[Chris Shelton]

#42994

I do like to play with them like treetopflier. But I have never really used them for scouting myself. Found some awesome coon spots on accident:lol: , They are cool little gadgets, but again why take all the fun out of it, then I wouldnt have a reason to “scout” during squirrel season, or spring turkey, or rabbit season 8)

[DAbersold]

#43340

My vote would is not to use them. They are just another shortcut that makes it easier and more convenient for those who don’t want to put in the time to scout. I have more of problem with this kind of thing than even the kind of weapon one chooses.

[Author]

Posts