DonMartin
Very Active Member
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- 2,077
Having done an article or two on the Article 3 proposals for a local newspaper and having spoken to a couple of Department personnel (Including Mr. Jay Cook) about some of the issues, I have come to the following conclusion.
The Department in some cases seem to be talking out of both sides of their mouth, especially on the trail camera issue and the laser sighted rifle scopes and here is why, in my opinion.
The Department and Commission feel that a camera siting at a water hole--one that probably sportsmen dollars have paid for by the way--is a violation of fair chase.
Hmm, I have 10 cameras total and can assure you that at no time has any of those cameras jumped off the posts or tree and killed anything!
They have taken photos of critters at different times (mostly at night) yes, but actually being responsible for something being taken, NOPE!
Now lets make the switch over to laser sighted rifle scopes and use the Burris Eliminator scope as an example of technology at work that the Commission seems to feel is NOT a violation of the fair chase edict.
The Commission has said that they don't consider it a violation to use one of these scopes as the hunter still has to have skill to make the shot.
Really?
What they don't tell you is that with the Eliminator scope, you push the button, it gets the range and if you've got your load data in it, it automatically sets the crosshairs to be right on target regardless of the range.
Slowly squeeze the trigger, and BOOM you've got yourself a deer, elk, whatever.
So that deer or elk at 500+ yards that never even knew you were there, goes down..
And yet that use of technology doesn't violate fair chase, according ot he Commission, but a trail camera that does nothing but take photos does. Hmm, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around that logic.
Funny how in the explanation about the laser equipped scopes the Department never talks about how these modern scopes can figure out the both the range AND holdover. They say range yes, but conveniently forgets to talk about how the scopes can figure out the holdover to ensure a virtual hit? Nope, that part of the "story" is never mentioned that in the explanation.
Sorry, but I think if you're rifle scope has the capabilities to not only give you the exact range to the target, but also has the capacity to compute and set the crosshairs for the required holdover, now that is stretching the term "Fair chase!"
I think all of this is based on public perception. But the public doesn't know the true capabilities of some of these modern laser equipped "super" scopes.
But its easy for the public and some sportsmen to think that trail cameras will lead to the demise of ALL wildlife.
I know many sportsmen are against the trail cameras. But just because the department believes they have issues in a couple of units is no reason to restrict their use statewide.
Now you want me to tear off a scab of this technology issue and really let the blood flow?
Lets talk about the new fish finders that you can literally see a fish take your bait or lure..
Come on, how many of you guys out there that are anti cameras have fish finders on your boats?
Read the language, it includes hunters and anglers if it gives them a perceived "unfair advantage" over their quarry.
So when they ban/restrict these cameras as being a violation of fair chase, what are you gonna do when and if the Department decides to ban electronics on boats for the very same reasons?
Hmm, something to think about, huh?
And yes, I utilize 15x56 Leica Geovid BINOCULARS that has a laser rangefinder in it, and I have Lowrance electronics on both my fishing boats!!!
So a word of caution my friends, be careful what you wish for!
Don Martin
The Department in some cases seem to be talking out of both sides of their mouth, especially on the trail camera issue and the laser sighted rifle scopes and here is why, in my opinion.
The Department and Commission feel that a camera siting at a water hole--one that probably sportsmen dollars have paid for by the way--is a violation of fair chase.
Hmm, I have 10 cameras total and can assure you that at no time has any of those cameras jumped off the posts or tree and killed anything!
They have taken photos of critters at different times (mostly at night) yes, but actually being responsible for something being taken, NOPE!
Now lets make the switch over to laser sighted rifle scopes and use the Burris Eliminator scope as an example of technology at work that the Commission seems to feel is NOT a violation of the fair chase edict.
The Commission has said that they don't consider it a violation to use one of these scopes as the hunter still has to have skill to make the shot.
Really?
What they don't tell you is that with the Eliminator scope, you push the button, it gets the range and if you've got your load data in it, it automatically sets the crosshairs to be right on target regardless of the range.
Slowly squeeze the trigger, and BOOM you've got yourself a deer, elk, whatever.
So that deer or elk at 500+ yards that never even knew you were there, goes down..
And yet that use of technology doesn't violate fair chase, according ot he Commission, but a trail camera that does nothing but take photos does. Hmm, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around that logic.
Funny how in the explanation about the laser equipped scopes the Department never talks about how these modern scopes can figure out the both the range AND holdover. They say range yes, but conveniently forgets to talk about how the scopes can figure out the holdover to ensure a virtual hit? Nope, that part of the "story" is never mentioned that in the explanation.
Sorry, but I think if you're rifle scope has the capabilities to not only give you the exact range to the target, but also has the capacity to compute and set the crosshairs for the required holdover, now that is stretching the term "Fair chase!"
I think all of this is based on public perception. But the public doesn't know the true capabilities of some of these modern laser equipped "super" scopes.
But its easy for the public and some sportsmen to think that trail cameras will lead to the demise of ALL wildlife.
I know many sportsmen are against the trail cameras. But just because the department believes they have issues in a couple of units is no reason to restrict their use statewide.
Now you want me to tear off a scab of this technology issue and really let the blood flow?
Lets talk about the new fish finders that you can literally see a fish take your bait or lure..
Come on, how many of you guys out there that are anti cameras have fish finders on your boats?
Read the language, it includes hunters and anglers if it gives them a perceived "unfair advantage" over their quarry.
So when they ban/restrict these cameras as being a violation of fair chase, what are you gonna do when and if the Department decides to ban electronics on boats for the very same reasons?
Hmm, something to think about, huh?
And yes, I utilize 15x56 Leica Geovid BINOCULARS that has a laser rangefinder in it, and I have Lowrance electronics on both my fishing boats!!!
So a word of caution my friends, be careful what you wish for!
Don Martin