My Hunt now without Trail Cams

Broadside_Shot

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This is how my hunt will go now since they have set season dates on using Trail Cams.

I will still run my cams from Spring till July 31st and the 31st will become the Annual "Pick Up Cams Day". Hopefully I can still get a bunch of people to come with me to do this. Weekdays will be hard for them.

Come Aug 1st it now becomes "Tag Filling Mentality". I have bought a Multi Season Spike Elk Tag since the induction with the idea that I would target and hunt for those Freak Spike by Whatever's. It was a real fun Hunt and Challenge to try and target those few particular bulls. Never have I shot one but had them on camera all season, just couldn't close the deal. Passed on a lot of spikes in the process. Not anymore.

Archery Deer consisted of drawing a tag about every 3 years and have been trying like crazy to get one with my recurve. I wanted a chance at a nicer buck which trail cams let me know if one was in the area. I have yet to connect, not anymore arrows are flying since I might not know if that's my only buck in the area.

The hunts now to me and my family have just changed with one vote to be strictly a Harvest Hunt Opportunity because with a tag in hand that is the only reason to be out there. If I don't have a tag in hand why would I want to go camping during the hunts to watch Long Range Wounding and ungodly pursuit from the Roads. Used to like to check cams and see what Bucks and Bulls were surviving. Was kind of rooting for the animal.

Its pretty hard to hunt bugling bulls and spot and stalk elk the month of Aug. So water has always been my best option with my Bow. So if a legal animal comes to drink, I better not pass. He may be my only chance. I won't know if the others have left the area.

I may be the minority but this is how it affects me and my family, so we will have to adjust. I used to try and do my part to help the herds and target animals that nobody wants in hopes that some better animals will survive. But that spike I shoot next year may be the next Booner but we will never know. At least we knew the big 2 points, which my sons and daughters loved to shoot and the weird Spike by Whatever's were probably good options to harvest.

Good Luck in the Future!!!
 
Re reading the op again and it’s even funnier the second time! You didn’t know how to hunt to begin with did you?

“oh my God! How can I hunt if i don’t have pictures of the animals?!! No way to know” boo hoo

Uh, yeah there is. Learn about your quarry, learn how to hunt. Maybe the plus side of this law is it will get more wanna be’s out of the woods
 
I personally don't care they changed this law. Yes I loved checking my 2 cams I might put out a year but o well. I have never killed any of them big bucks I had on them. I just love being outdoors and hunting along as I can hunt and my kids can hunt in the future I will do what it takes.I how ever think that it is down right stupid to remove the hunter orange requirement. Hope everyone stops this.
 
That escalated quickly!!! I guess I don't write very well where everyone understands it as I can't hunt without a camera. Ha Ha!!!

My point was I like to be very particular on the animal I get and it's not very often the Highest Scoring animal on the mountain. My point is my success will go up with this new law. I like my cameras for a different reason other than Trophy Hunting.

Just like everyone above. Who Cares. My success won't hurt yours.
 
I’ll be too afraid to hang any cameras with the word banning being thrown around. People are gonna destroy or steal them even within the lawful season. This will equate to me not passing up smaller bucks like I’ve done in the past. Which has resulted in 3 deer in 14 years. Because I won’t know the quality of deer in the area. So I guess it’s time to start filling my deer tags consistently ?
If other hunters do the same, the deer are gonna be slaughtered.
 
I’ll be too afraid to hang any cameras with the word banning being thrown around. People are gonna destroy or steal them even within the lawful season. This will equate to me not passing up smaller bucks like I’ve done in the past. Which has resulted in 3 deer in 14 years. Because I won’t know the quality of deer in the area. So I guess it’s time to start filling my deer tags consistently ?
If other hunters do the same, the deer are gonna be slaughtered.
I don't think many cameras will be lost unless they are there and abandoned after July. I use the internet to purchase items. I check the pros and I check the cons. With the deer I think they just shrunk the cons and added to the pros. There are so many 12 year old's out there trying to shoot their first deer. The Dads would just love to see a two point for them. Na! I don't think you getting a deer will hurt the herd much. With this new regulation there are sure going to be some big ones left to take care of the does in the late fall. That is if there is a herd left after this winter.
 
Broadside you'll take a lot of flack on here being an archery hunter. I'm starting to grow my man bun today so it's ready to rock by September and Octobers long range hunts. Got rid of my stupid bow and bought a 6.5 CM last fall. I souped up my Chevy Tracker so I can shoot from any road too! Can't wait! Waiting on @slamdunk to approve my application into the Long Range Bomber fraternity! I had a bonus point from buying my 6.5 last year, with my man bun this year I should have 2 bonus points, I hope I draw!
 
Broadside you'll take a lot of flack on here being an archery hunter. I'm starting to grow my man bun today so it's ready to rock by September and Octobers long range hunts. Got rid of my stupid bow and bought a 6.5 CM last fall. I souped up my Chevy Tracker so I can shoot from any road too! Can't wait! Waiting on @slamdunk to approve my application into the Long Range Bomber fraternity! I had a bonus point from buying my 6.5 last year, with my man bun this year I should have 2 bonus points, I hope I draw!
Lmao....I recommend you go back to school and learn how to listen and actually absorb information that you are looking at ?‍♂️
 
I don't think many cameras will be lost unless they are there and abandoned after July. I use the internet to purchase items. I check the pros and I check the cons. With the deer I think they just shrunk the cons and added to the pros. There are so many 12 year old's out there trying to shoot their first deer. The Dads would just love to see a two point for them. Na! I don't think you getting a deer will hurt the herd much. With this new regulation there are sure going to be some big ones left to take care of the does in the late fall. That is if there is a herd left after this winter.
I disagree. If that were the case, the DWR wouldn’t be hell bent on continuously finding ways to decrease harvest success. When in reality, this could backfire. Especially if there are a lot of selective hunters who will begin to not be selective
 
Trail cam restrictions does not change a thing for me. Have never used them on any deer hunt. Used them twice behind a buddies house for a couple turkey hunts and put 2 cams out on San Juan elk ridge prior to hunt, but never hunted them two areas.

Use them more at the camp site to keep watch over the camp.
 
Chris I'm not following you, why would people shoot smaller bucks because you can't have cams out past Aug??
Seeing a "target" buck on camera let's you know he's around. It makes it a whole lot easier to pass lesser younger bucks. Not being able to inventory bucks will push a guy to shoot a decent (younger) buck when he gets the chance. A lot more times than not the "target" buck doesn't get killed by average Joe. The OP makes sense to a bowhunter. Majority of general public rifle hunters typically won't inventory bucks and just shoot one when the chance comes.
 
Lol why do you care if someone else wears orange? Nobody stopping you from wearing it.
I only care cause of idiots that wear all camo on a rifle hunt. Stand up 30 yards in front of you and you have a scope with a deer in it then just before you shoot here is a guy in camo in the cross hairs. And with states have kids start to hunt so young. you are asking for people to be shot.as a hunter education instructor I'm firmly against this. Just sharing my opinion
 
It's interesting the vast majority of everyone for the ban of cams are not bowhunters. Why do rifle guys not like them??? Be honest, I'm curious. (The ban is in place so what would it hurt to be honest) I've killed my biggest bucks without the use of a cam, but the whining to get them banned seems like Junior High to me. Why is it a step in the right direction? Why did we not start with thermal imagery, long range weaponry etc. I don't think this has anything to do with herd health it's just more red tape we've put on ourselves.
 
I only care cause of idiots that wear all camo on a rifle hunt. Stand up 30 yards in front of you and you have a scope with a deer in it then just before you shoot here is a guy in camo in the cross hairs. And with states have kids start to hunt so young. you are asking for people to be shot.as a hunter education instructor I'm firmly against this. Just sharing my opinion
Wouldn’t that make the hunter with the cross hairs in on another hunter the idiot and not the hunter wearing camo? After all, the hunter is suppose to be aware of the target before pulling the trigger. Explain me this? Why is it that Idaho can have no hunter orange requirements and have hunters younger than Utah (youth begin hunting in Idaho at age 10) and not have kids shooting other hunters?
 
It's interesting the vast majority of everyone for the ban of cams are not bowhunters. Why do rifle guys not like them??? Be honest, I'm curious. (The ban is in place so what would it hurt to be honest) I've killed my biggest bucks without the use of a cam, but the whining to get them banned seems like Junior High to me. Why is it a step in the right direction? Why did we not start with thermal imagery, long range weaponry etc. I don't think this has anything to do with herd health it's just more red tape we've put on ourselves.
They won’t answer your questions because they honestly don’t know the answer. They just think it’s cool to be puppets.
 
Yes be sure of your target and what's beyond your target. But if your laying in sage in camo then stand up. And if you look at hunter incident reports from other states you will see that other states show higher number for people getting shot with I feel is because of not wearing a bright color
 
I’m a bow hunter and I don’t use trail cameras for deer and elk. Don’t care if someone does but I do not believe trail cans are a “bow hunter thing” at least not a required one
I like that. Let's call it what it is. Why would a gun hunter need to use a trail camera, or want to for that matter? Hence could it be they don't like bowhunters killing bucks before they get a chance, and don't really understand that just because you get a pic of a buck you still have to find it, get in bow range of it and execute the shot? Again though why start at baiting and cams? Why not at the tech that most impacts the health of the herd? Hmmmm?
 
Seeing a "target" buck on camera let's you know he's around. It makes it a whole lot easier to pass lesser younger bucks. Not being able to inventory bucks will push a guy to shoot a decent (younger) buck when he gets the chance. A lot more times than not the "target" buck doesn't get killed by average Joe. The OP makes sense to a bowhunter. Majority of general public rifle hunters typically won't inventory bucks and just shoot one when the chance comes.
Come on Wiffy have some self control. A dinks a dink.
 
Funny. I have vague memories of getting in the mountains all summer. Waking up early and staying out late hiking to ridges and glassing all weekend to see what animals were in areas before a season. Pretty sure that was a real thing, or have there always been trail cameras?

I think there’s a lot of “hunters” these days that wouldn’t be able to kill a squirrel if you took all there tech from them. Probably get lost in those big mountains trying
 
Funny. I have vague memories of getting in the mountains all summer. Waking up early and staying out late hiking to ridges and glassing all weekend to see what animals were in areas before a season. Pretty sure that was a real thing, or have there always been trail cameras?

I think there’s a lot of “hunters” these days that wouldn’t be able to kill a squirrel if you took all there tech from them. Probably get lost in those big mountains trying
It was real, but would have had to of been 40 years ago.
 
Chris I'm not following you, why would people shoot smaller bucks because you can't have cams out past Aug??
If people are dumping cameras (due to fear of theft or damage to property) with the word “ban” being thrown around and not able to afford time to scout, add to the fact tools of the trade are gonna be taken away, hunters might feel more pressure to take any opportunities that come their way.
Fewer tools to use, means less opportunities to kill. It may equate to bigger bucks on the landscape but a lot more deer be killed if the majority of hunters are selective like myself. My selective method of hunting would change. I’m not just speaking just about cameras.
Has anyone shown harvest data that shows we are getting better at killing? Because there are several determining factors.
 
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It's interesting the vast majority of everyone for the ban of cams are not bowhunters. Why do rifle guys not like them??? Be honest, I'm curious. (The ban is in place so what would it hurt to be honest) I've killed my biggest bucks without the use of a cam, but the whining to get them banned seems like Junior High to me. Why is it a step in the right direction? Why did we not start with thermal imagery, long range weaponry etc. I don't think this has anything to do with herd health it's just more red tape we've put on ourselves.
Maybe it’s because they feel they are a major advantage? If not then why use them?
Kind of funny a bow hunter would suggest to start with banning long range weaponry first. Seems kind of “Junior High” to me. Truth of the matter unfortunately is most hunters only care about the way they hunt and want rules and regulations swayed in a way that suits them.
 
Maybe it’s because they feel they are a major advantage? If not then why use them?
Kind of funny a bow hunter would suggest to start with banning long range weaponry first. Seems kind of “Junior High” to me. Truth of the matter unfortunately is most hunters only care about the way they hunt and want rules and regulations swayed in a way that suits them.
That's a good point. But if you're suggesting a camera is more of a major advantage than a long range rifle that is ludacris. If it truly is about increasing the resource why not start with limiting the most effective killing weapon first?
 
Trail cams facilitate commercial exploitation of game. Nobody has the stones to limit the other facilitators yet.;)

I don’t see them as archery vs rifle. At best it’s an early/late season thing? I don’t think they’re as effective after the first couple of regiments have marched.
 
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That's a good point. But if you're suggesting a camera is more of a major advantage than a long range rifle that is ludacris. If it truly is about increasing the resource why not start with limiting the most effective killing weapon first?
I’m not suggesting that at all. I was just answering your question stating that a camera could be perceived as a major advantage. I feel there’s advantages and disadvantages to hunting with either weapon.

It appears to me that if you’re just trying to get a general idea of what animals are in the area and where they’re frequenting one would still have plenty of time to do that?? It’s just a shame that the abuse by a few results in more regulations for us all. That’s life unfortunately!
 
Hey Wiffy

What is your farthest acceptable distance for a non-turreted rifle of any caliber on game?

Keep in mind the7mm Rem Mag came out in 1962 and the 300 Win Mag hit the market in 1963, both long before I was even born and long before the turret twisting craze started.
 
I'm a simple man

I believe hunting should mean ACTUALLY BEING IN THE FIELD.

Drones, cams, GPS tagging, "sharing" animal locations, are a step too far.

Oh I know, asking someone to get their ass off the couch and go look for themselves, is part of the patriarchy.

So that's where I start. Long before we whittle away at LR or whatever, it doesn't seem too big an ask that a hunter should be IN THE FIELD.
 
Hey Wiffy

What is your farthest acceptable distance for a non-turreted rifle of any caliber on game?

Keep in mind the7mm Rem Mag came out in 1962 and the 300 Win Mag hit the market in 1963, both long before I was even born and long before the turret twisting craze started.
I don't shoot guns enough to answer that. My objective is to get as close as I can and am confident in making a clean kill. That's typically 50 yards and in.

The difference between you and I is I don't want more regulations, you think it's a step in the right direction to add more regulations, take away how a guy hunts because you don't agree with it in the name of conservation. These bans won't make more deer or even make a difference, even if your Lapua is banned.

Where we do agree is in producing more does, habitat work, road crossings etc.
 
I don't shoot guns enough to answer that. My objective is to get as close as I can and am confident in making a clean kill. That's typically 50 yards and in.

The difference between you and I is I don't want more regulations, you think it's a step in the right direction to add more regulations, take away how a guy hunts because you don't agree with it in the name of conservation. These bans won't make more deer or even make a difference, even if your Lapua is banned.

Where we do agree is in producing more does, habitat work, road crossings etc.
Then why are so adamant about going after "Lapua's" if you are now saying it won't make a difference, I am confused.

You are against regulations and feel technology shouldn't be limited, yet you are saying there aren't any big bucks left on the Paunsaugunt, again I am confused.

That unit itself is a prime example of WHY lines in the sand must be drawn, and you should be agreeing, not disagreeing if you feel quality is gone.

Baiting and cams have made it extremely easier to cherry pick our biggest and best bucks, if you can't understand that then I don't know what else to say.

We cannot even fathom the profits that have been made on that unit alone by the baiting/camera deadly combination that has been used for at least a decade.
Look at the Henry's....same thing.
Both these units have exceptional herd numbers, yet we are now seeing that 180" deer are top end bucks.

And don't tell me we've shot out the genetics.
I'm so sick of hearing that I could puke.
 
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Then why are so adamant about going after "Lapua's" if you are now saying it won't make a difference, I am confused.

You are against regulations and feel technology shouldn't be limited, yet you are saying there aren't any big bucks left on the Paunsaugunt, again I am confused.

That unit itself is a prime example of WHY lines in the sand must be drawn, and you should be agreeing, not disagreeing if you feel quality is gone.

Baiting and cams have made it extremely easier to cherry pick our biggest and best bucks, if you can't understand that then I don't know what else to say.
We cannot even fathom the profits that have been made on that unit alone by the baiting/camera deadly combination that has been used for at least a decade.
Look at the Henry's....same thing.
Both these units have exceptional herd numbers, yet we are now seeing that 180" deer are top end bucks.
You've based most everything on baiting/cams on your experience with LE units, mostly the Paunsaugunt. Most guys will never even hunt the Henries or Paunsaugunt. Is that the model you want is less opportunity on all units, but bigger bucks?

I don't want to ban anything, but that ship sailed when Sneider got involved pushing personal agendas and politics. Since Pandoras box has been opened and we are on a banning rant. Tell me with a straight face that trail cameras should be banned before gun restrictions to "help" the herd. If you can honestly do that I'll never respond to a post of yours again, because I would understand you have 0 common sense and it wouldn't be worth my time to respond.
 
You've based most everything on baiting/cams on your experience with LE units, mostly the Paunsaugunt. Most guys will never even hunt the Henries or Paunsaugunt. Is that the model you want is less opportunity on all units, but bigger bucks?

I don't want to ban anything, but that ship sailed when Sneider got involved pushing personal agendas and politics. Since Pandoras box has been opened and we are on a banning rant. Tell me with a straight face that trail cameras should be banned before gun restrictions to "help" the herd. If you can honestly do that I'll never respond to a post of yours again, because I would understand you have 0 common sense and it wouldn't be worth my time to respond.

Lol wiffy, you go off on your personal vendetta against rifles, yet I asked you a very simple question on how far you feel a rifle kill should be limited to, regardless of optics.

You say I am part of the problem because I own a Lapua, yet you have no come back when I have told you numerous times I have killed 2 deer in 6 years with it and both were well under 100 yards.
In fact, my Wasatch West buck was 60 yards at best.

Because you see a hunter with a turret scope and you automatically assume he's killing game at 1000 yards?

Please enlighten us on what YOUR version of rifle limitations should be?
The first magnums were out before either of us were born, as I previously pointed out.
Did you b!tch about magnums having an advantage over a 30-06 back in the day?

Do you think if our buck numbers were in great shape, tech junkies wouldn't be in races amongst themselves to invent gadgets to find and kill those "rare by today's standards" bucks.
No Wiff.....the more difficult harvesting a mature trophy buck gets, the more technology will be invented to get it done, especially for commercial hunters, and compounding the problem.

"Common Sense" should explain that to YOU......
 
Lol wiffy, you go off on your personal vendetta against rifles, yet I asked you a very simple question on how far you feel a rifle kill should be limited to, regardless of optics.

You say I am part of the problem because I own a Lapua, yet you have no come back when I have told you numerous times I have killed 2 deer in 6 years with it and both were well under 100 yards.
In fact, my Wasatch West buck was 60 yards at best.

Because you see a hunter with a turret scope and you automatically assume he's killing game at 1000 yards?

Please enlighten us on what YOUR version of rifle limitations should be?
The first magnums were out before either of us were born, as I previously pointed out.
Did you b!tch about magnums having an advantage over a 30-06 back in the day?

Do you think if our buck numbers were in great shape, tech junkies wouldn't be in races amongst themselves to invent gadgets to find and kill those "rare by today's standards" bucks.
No Wiff.....the more difficult harvesting a mature trophy buck gets, the more technology will be invented to get it done, especially for commercial hunters, and compounding the problem.

"Common Sense" should explain that to YOU......
I like you Slam, but I don't care what you have done. I'm not pushing my agenda on anybody, or pushing for more red tape. In fact I'm completely against bringing politicians and personal agendas into hunting. You have supported and will continue to do so. End of the day you are a diehard gun hunter. I'm not, but I don't care how you hunt with your gun or how far your shots are. You care how archery guys hunt, because you don't agree with it. The difference between you and I is you care what other guys are doing. I don't. I hunt how I like to hunt, I don't need bait or a camera, but you need your gun. I don't, but I don't want to push an agenda to have your Lapua banned either. I'll take your response as you think a camera is more effective at killing, and a bigger impact to herd health over your gun......I thought you were smarter than that. Thought thought he farted, but he **** his pants.....
 
From what I have seen, this seems like it could be a common situation.

Hunter #1
Draws an Archery Paunsagunt Tag and sets up 20 trail cameras (not cellular) in June. He goes down on the first day of each month leading up to the hunt (June 1st, July 1st, Aug 1st) 3 times and gets there the day before the hunt starts. His camera shows a Monster Buck in the area and he going to try and find him on the opener.

Hunter #2
Draws an Archery Paunsagunt Tag doesn't set any cameras and isn't able to scout at all prior to the hunt. He does his research by asking friends and getting leads from others and decides with that info where to hunt. To help him be successful he brings 20 friends and Family members, and come opening morning he is in the area of the Monster Buck and all helpers have Cell Phones, 2 Way Radios, Spotting Scopes and Binos and are stationed on as many ridges and draws as they can cover.

Hunter #3
Buys the Governers Tag, lives in a different state so decides to hire a guide. Hunter can't make it to the hunt until Sept 1st. Guides know of the monster buck because of the amount of time they have spent on the mountain. Guides decide they are going to be in the area of the Monster Buck on the opener of the Archery hunt and do what they can to help the buck eluded Hunter #1 and Hunter #2 as to hope it can make it to Sept 1st for the Goveners Tag holder.

These very likely situations I think could happen. What is the best way to decide to "Put the Hunt back in Hunt"

2 of these scenarios are legal and 1 is not.
 
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I like you Slam, but I don't care what you have done. I'm not pushing my agenda on anybody, or pushing for more red tape. In fact I'm completely against bringing politicians and personal agendas into hunting. You have supported and will continue to do so. End of the day you are a diehard gun hunter. I'm not, but I don't care how you hunt with your gun or how far your shots are. You care how archery guys hunt, because you don't agree with it. The difference between you and I is you care what other guys are doing. I don't. I hunt how I like to hunt, I don't need bait or a camera, but you need your gun. I don't, but I don't want to push an agenda to have your Lapua banned either. I'll take your response as you think a camera is more effective at killing, and a bigger impact to herd health over your gun......I thought you were smarter than that. Thought thought he farted, but he **** his pants.....
Ok Wiff....absolutely yes I say cameras have helped in killing faaaar more trophy animals than "long range rifles" have, absolutely yes 100%.
Wanna know why?
Because you won't define "long range"!
To me, long range is anything over 500 yards.
Guys sitting on bait and and using camera's aren't shooting "long range", they are sitting there because they know their intended animals are hitting those specific places.
C'mon man....I know you're not that naive.

And when have I ever said I am against bowhunters?
Please try harder not to make stuff up to make me look bad, it's a reflection of you, not me.

And another mis-quote by you....I do more muzzleloader hunting than rifle, yet you keep referring to me as a "die hard gun hunter".
You suffer from either a comprehension deficiency, or you have trouble reading, I can't really tell.

But hey.....I like you too and regardless of right or wrong, you're passionate about what you believe and I commend you for it ?
 
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Ok Wiff....absolutely yes I say cameras have helped in killing faaaar more trophy animals than "long range rifles" have, absolutely yes 100%.
Wanna know why?
Because you won't define "long range"!
To me, long range is anything over 500 yards.
Guys sitting on bait and and using camera's aren't shooting "long range", they are sitting there because they know their intended animals are hitting those specific places.
C'mon man....I know you're not that naive.

And when have I ever said I am against bowhunters?
Please try harder not to make stuff up to make me look bad, it's a reflection of you, not me.

And another mis-quote by you....I do more muzzleloader hunting than rifle, yet you keep referring to me as a "die hard gun hunter".
You suffer from either a compression deficiency, or you have trouble reading, I can't really tell.

But hey.....I like you too and regardless of right or wrong, you're passionate about what you believe and I commend you for it ?
Well dang Slam I was afraid of that answer. Since I'm a man of my word I won't debate you anymore. In my closing remarks I'll address your last post. I classify a modern long range muzzleloader as a single shot rifle, and it is a gun because well it is a gun. True you've never outright said your against bowhunters, but you sure aren't an advocate for bowhunting. To say cameras have killed more bucks than a rifle leads me to believe you have beef stew boiling in your cranium.
 
Well dang Slam I was afraid of that answer. Since I'm a man of my word I won't debate you anymore. In my closing remarks I'll address your last post. I classify a modern long range muzzleloader as a single shot rifle, and it is a gun because well it is a gun. True you've never outright said your against bowhunters, but you sure aren't an advocate for bowhunting. To say cameras have killed more bucks than a rifle leads me to believe you have beef stew boiling in your cranium.
Lol....that's why outfitters haven't invested tens of thousands of dollars into cameras and scattered hundreds of them across the state, because they don't help them kill all the top end animals......ok ?.
It'd probably scare us all to death if we knew how many cameras were set up on the Oak Creek this year to kill those 3 or 4, 200's that were killed.
But oh ya you're right......cameras don't kill deer.

And since you classify my 300 yard muzzleloader into the same category as my Lapua, I'll assume your definition of "long range" is 300 yards.

Thanks for all the entertaining banter, you're welcome at my campfire any time ?
 
Another quick thought.

I am really close to drawing my Arizona Archery Elk Tag. I want to try and get the Biggest and Best bull I can. Been applying for 20 years.

Starting this year, I no longer have the option to use trail cameras. I live far enough away that I may only get one chance to scout the area before the hunt.

I would really like to Do it all Myself with Family and Friends and I still will try even without cameras. But it is encourage to hire a guide to get the best chance at what I am looking for.

So do they want me in the field to put the "Hunt back in Hunt" or do they want me to pay someone to be in the field for me?
 
Another quick thought.

I am really close to drawing my Arizona Archery Elk Tag. I want to try and get the Biggest and Best bull I can. Been applying for 20 years.

Starting this year, I no longer have the option to use trail cameras. I live far enough away that I may only get one chance to scout the area before the hunt.

I would really like to Do it all Myself with Family and Friends and I still will try even without cameras. But it is encourage to hire a guide to get the best chance at what I am looking for.

So do they want me in the field to put the "Hunt back in Hunt" or do they want me to pay someone to be in the field for me?


Sounds like you want bragging rights or an ego boost.

If the "best bull" you can get, via your own hard work, sacrifice, effort is a raghorn, how is that lesser to Mossback sitting on one, setting up your shooting sticks, and whispering in your ear when to shoot?

Are you wanting YOUR best bull, or Stealth Cams, or Mossbacks?
 
This is how my hunt will go now since they have set season dates on using Trail Cams.

I will still run my cams from Spring till July 31st and the 31st will become the Annual "Pick Up Cams Day". Hopefully I can still get a bunch of people to come with me to do this. Weekdays will be hard for them.

Come Aug 1st it now becomes "Tag Filling Mentality". I have bought a Multi Season Spike Elk Tag since the induction with the idea that I would target and hunt for those Freak Spike by Whatever's. It was a real fun Hunt and Challenge to try and target those few particular bulls. Never have I shot one but had them on camera all season, just couldn't close the deal. Passed on a lot of spikes in the process. Not anymore.

Archery Deer consisted of drawing a tag about every 3 years and have been trying like crazy to get one with my recurve. I wanted a chance at a nicer buck which trail cams let me know if one was in the area. I have yet to connect, not anymore arrows are flying since I might not know if that's my only buck in the area.

The hunts now to me and my family have just changed with one vote to be strictly a Harvest Hunt Opportunity because with a tag in hand that is the only reason to be out there. If I don't have a tag in hand why would I want to go camping during the hunts to watch Long Range Wounding and ungodly pursuit from the Roads. Used to like to check cams and see what Bucks and Bulls were surviving. Was kind of rooting for the animal.

Its pretty hard to hunt bugling bulls and spot and stalk elk the month of Aug. So water has always been my best option with my Bow. So if a legal animal comes to drink, I better not pass. He may be my only chance. I won't know if the others have left the area.

I may be the minority but this is how it affects me and my family, so we will have to adjust. I used to try and do my part to help the herds and target animals that nobody wants in hopes that some better animals will survive. But that spike I shoot next year may be the next Booner but we will never know. At least we knew the big 2 points, which my sons and daughters loved to shoot and the weird Spike by Whatever's were probably good options to harvest.

Good Luck in the Future!!!
That'll teach 'em...
 
Another quick thought.

I am really close to drawing my Arizona Archery Elk Tag. I want to try and get the Biggest and Best bull I can. Been applying for 20 years.

Starting this year, I no longer have the option to use trail cameras. I live far enough away that I may only get one chance to scout the area before the hunt.

I would really like to Do it all Myself with Family and Friends and I still will try even without cameras. But it is encourage to hire a guide to get the best chance at what I am looking for.

So do they want me in the field to put the "Hunt back in Hunt" or do they want me to pay someone to be in the field for me?
I would probably suggest you shoot the 1st bull you see because without your cameras you never know if there’s another bull in the area. Like you’ve mentioned before your success will go up without your cameras ?
 
I Like my Cameras, I enjoy them as much as someone enjoys running a Trap line, just without the kill. I will still fill my tag without them. I think they took away a good thing.
 
Another quick thought.

I am really close to drawing my Arizona Archery Elk Tag. I want to try and get the Biggest and Best bull I can. Been applying for 20 years.

Starting this year, I no longer have the option to use trail cameras. I live far enough away that I may only get one chance to scout the area before the hunt.

I would really like to Do it all Myself with Family and Friends and I still will try even without cameras. But it is encourage to hire a guide to get the best chance at what I am looking for.

So do they want me in the field to put the "Hunt back in Hunt" or do they want me to pay someone to be in the field for me?
They want you just the way you are - no threat to kill the big bull they‘re after.

You shouldn’t put in if you can’t hunt it properly. A biggest of the big bulls might require some scouting.

This is the reason we have point creep.

But yeah, you got screwed by the timing.
 
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They want you just the way you are - no threat to kill the big bull they‘re after.

You shouldn’t put in if you can’t hunt it properly. A biggest of the big bulls might require some scouting.

This is the reason we have point creep.

But yeah, you got screwed by the timing.
Bluehair, That is a Beautiful, Short and Sweet comment. I couldn't agree with that statement more!!!

I really like using my cameras, I try using them in what I feel is the most ethical, honest way to use them. I honestly have never had any issues with them during the hunt other than people stealing them. And I'm sure in there mind they justified that it was OK to do so.

I love to hunt, I love the Outdoors, I love the challenge of a recurve bow but hunt with all kinds of weapons, I love the Meat, I love hunting for Big Animals and many more resasons. That's me and my way, I want hunting to be here forever for anyone who wants to enjoy it in whatever way they want to. And for that to happen, we have our work cut out for us. The right management needs to take place. Cameras may be that reason, but I don't believe so just yet.

I could care less if someone thinks I can't hunt and needs to tell me what there version of hunting is and that I need to do it that way.

I quit comparing myself to others along time ago. People took away something that I enjoyed and I will fight my way for it. I won't win this fight but I will stand up for what I believe in.

Others will have the same fight soon.
 
Bluehair, That is a Beautiful, Short and Sweet comment. I couldn't agree with that statement more!!!

I really like using my cameras, I try using them in what I feel is the most ethical, honest way to use them. I honestly have never had any issues with them during the hunt other than people stealing them. And I'm sure in there mind they justified that it was OK to do so.

I love to hunt, I love the Outdoors, I love the challenge of a recurve bow but hunt with all kinds of weapons, I love the Meat, I love hunting for Big Animals and many more resasons. That's me and my way, I want hunting to be here forever for anyone who wants to enjoy it in whatever way they want to. And for that to happen, we have our work cut out for us. The right management needs to take place. Cameras may be that reason, but I don't believe so just yet.

I could care less if someone thinks I can't hunt and needs to tell me what there version of hunting is and that I need to do it that way.

I quit comparing myself to others along time ago. People took away something that I enjoyed and I will fight my way for it. I won't win this fight but I will stand up for what I believe in.

Others will have the same fight soon.
Not sure if you went to college, but if you did, any chance you majored in Drama?
 
Bluehair, That is a Beautiful, Short and Sweet comment. I couldn't agree with that statement more!!!

I really like using my cameras, I try using them in what I feel is the most ethical, honest way to use them. I honestly have never had any issues with them during the hunt other than people stealing them. And I'm sure in there mind they justified that it was OK to do so.

I love to hunt, I love the Outdoors, I love the challenge of a recurve bow but hunt with all kinds of weapons, I love the Meat, I love hunting for Big Animals and many more resasons. That's me and my way, I want hunting to be here forever for anyone who wants to enjoy it in whatever way they want to. And for that to happen, we have our work cut out for us. The right management needs to take place. Cameras may be that reason, but I don't believe so just yet.

I could care less if someone thinks I can't hunt and needs to tell me what there version of hunting is and that I need to do it that way.

I quit comparing myself to others along time ago. People took away something that I enjoyed and I will fight my way for it. I won't win this fight but I will stand up for what I believe in.

Others will have the same fight soon.
I like my cameras too, and very rarely used them on public ground.

I would like to buy some more now that demand has dropped. I think a recreational camera guy would get pretty popular about August.
 
My hunt now without cameras.

pretty simple I've had cameras running for 12 years and here are the major factor and benefits in running them.

#1 by running them it takes the leg work of keeping tabs on them and locating them it is a benefit you know and i know it...

#2 time stamps what trail they have been using which way they come in on.
Now you can play the wind right and your not in a hurry to get to your spot because you know there in there and know everything about them...

Now take them away well really there not taken them away they are just are putting a season on them.

Damit now i have to go hunt they way it started over a hundred's of years ago.

yes they don't kill them but it does sure help you keep tabs on them and for all you hunters that are complaining about this you know it does exactly what i just listed.
So they do help period.
 
Bluehair, That is a Beautiful, Short and Sweet comment. I couldn't agree with that statement more!!!

I really like using my cameras, I try using them in what I feel is the most ethical, honest way to use them. I honestly have never had any issues with them during the hunt other than people stealing them. And I'm sure in there mind they justified that it was OK to do so.

I love to hunt, I love the Outdoors, I love the challenge of a recurve bow but hunt with all kinds of weapons, I love the Meat, I love hunting for Big Animals and many more resasons. That's me and my way, I want hunting to be here forever for anyone who wants to enjoy it in whatever way they want to. And for that to happen, we have our work cut out for us. The right management needs to take place. Cameras may be that reason, but I don't believe so just yet.

I could care less if someone thinks I can't hunt and needs to tell me what there version of hunting is and that I need to do it that way.

I quit comparing myself to others along time ago. People took away something that I enjoyed and I will fight my way for it. I won't win this fight but I will stand up for what I believe in.

Others will have the same fight soon.
You realize you can still run the cameras you love so much?? They’re just regulating them with a season because of the abuse of them by a few. People like Blue will find away around it with his recreational camera use in August. This will just lead to more and more regulation until they are banned completely ruining it for everybody.
 
You realize you can still run the cameras you love so much?? They’re just regulating them with a season because of the abuse of them by a few. People like Blue will find away around it with his recreational camera use in August. This will just lead to more and more regulation until they are banned completely ruining it for everybody.
Ultimately I’ll be the reason all hunting is banned (big fan of the butterfly effect).

But seriously, it’ll only be ruined for everyone but me. That’s the game, right?
 
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My hunt now without cameras.

pretty simple I've had cameras running for 12 years and here are the major factor and benefits in running them.

#1 by running them it takes the leg work of keeping tabs on them and locating them it is a benefit you know and i know it...

#2 time stamps what trail they have been using which way they come in on.
Now you can play the wind right and your not in a hurry to get to your spot because you know there in there and know everything about them...

Now take them away well really there not taken them away they are just are putting a season on them.

Damit now i have to go hunt they way it started over a hundred's of years ago.

yes they don't kill them but it does sure help you keep tabs on them and for all you hunters that are complaining about this you know it does exactly what i just listed.
So they do help period.
Course they help. That is the point. They only help you, not me nor 80 % of the hunters in the field. They are very detrimental for large buck survival. There are certainly a lot of other things that can be done to save some of the buck, but this is one of them. We need to put "Hunt" back in hunting. When a hunter or guide has a name for all of the large bucks on the mountain to exterminate. This is a good move.
I also like the solitude of the mountains. Now you are getting your picture taken where ever you go.
 
Course they help. That is the point. They only help you, not me nor 80 % of the hunters in the field. They are very detrimental for large buck survival. There are certainly a lot of other things that can be done to save some of the buck, but this is one of them. We need to put "Hunt" back in hunting. When a hunter or guide has a name for all of the large bucks on the mountain to exterminate. This is a good move.
I also like the solitude of the mountains. Now you are getting your picture taken where ever you go.
It's a great move I wish they would get season dates on tree stand now where they have to be removed after there done hunting
i know where at least 25 stay up year round and locks are grown into trees and straps and mature trees are cut down for shooting lanes these hunters think they are entitled to the spot every year and its BS I'm tired of it....
 
Between buddies, family and myself we spend months in the woods every year. Very seldom do we run into somebody else's camera, can count on one hand finding someone else's treestand. Haha where do you find 25 treestands??? The trail cameras must all come out in October?
 
So Broadside_Shot will now shoot a smaller animal because he won't be allowed to have cameras out during the season to know if a big one is around.
So having cameras out until until July 31st won't already be enough to know what size animals are around?
Easy there Heartshot!! This is about snowflake emotion!! Not about logic, or skill, or old fashioned grit and a little luck!

You could hurt someone’s feeling
 
Easy there Heartshot!! This is about snowflake emotion!! Not about logic, or skill, or old fashioned grit and a little luck!

You could hurt someone’s feeling
Haha says the guy with a decked out long range sniper, doped, turreted, bipod, man bun, shooting 6.5 CM.....nice skill and grit.
 
I found a positive in trail cameras on the Paunsaugunt ?
Screenshot_20220111-144009_Instagram.jpg
 
Between buddies, family and myself we spend months in the woods every year. Very seldom do we run into somebody else's camera, can count on one hand finding someone else's treestand. Haha where do you find 25 treestands??? The trail cameras must all come out in October?
Bigwiffy I will take a picture of those 25 tree stands and upload them on here as soon as I can't get back on the mountain in the spring....

I also live on the mountain from the time I can go camping which is usually from memorial weekend till muzzy elk hunt is over
I'm only 30 minutes from camping/hunting I would also say that I'm on the mountain months on end as well and then some....

Apparently I hunt where everyone else hunts that's why I find them hahaha.

But either you don't hunt that much or you have a good spot where nobody else hunt I would keep that place a secret.

The other thing is when you have been hunting the unit for 25 years you learn where almost every wallow and every source of water is correct.
Which in turn you find tree stands/ homemade ground blinds cut from green trees/ trail cameras/ ranchers salt block that have been picked up and move to there spots / red rocks salt blocks/ then you got them cutting trails to bring in those tree stands I mean tree stands that require assy in the field they cut trails to get there elk or deer out and every where you go

I would say everywhere I find this stuff they think there is entitlement.
They think nobody else should be there because they got there first with there tree stand or trail cameras.
This has been getting bad over the last 5 years.
I know other hunters are sick and tired of it as well and this ban of having a season date on trail cameras is a good thing yeah it sucks I enjoy them but this needs to happen....
 
Bigwiffy I will take a picture of those 25 tree stands and upload them on here as soon as I can't get back on the mountain in the spring....

I also live on the mountain from the time I can go camping which is usually from memorial weekend till muzzy elk hunt is over
I'm only 30 minutes from camping/hunting I would also say that I'm on the mountain months on end as well and then some....

Apparently I hunt where everyone else hunts that's why I find them hahaha.

But either you don't hunt that much or you have a good spot where nobody else hunt I would keep that place a secret.

The other thing is when you have been hunting the unit for 25 years you learn where almost every wallow and every source of water is correct.
Which in turn you find tree stands/ homemade ground blinds cut from green trees/ trail cameras/ ranchers salt block that have been picked up and move to there spots / red rocks salt blocks/ then you got them cutting trails to bring in those tree stands I mean tree stands that require assy in the field they cut trails to get there elk or deer out and every where you go

I would say everywhere I find this stuff they think there is entitlement.
They think nobody else should be there because they got there first with there tree stand or trail cameras.
This has been getting bad over the last 5 years.
I know other hunters are sick and tired of it as well and this ban of having a season date on trail cameras is a good thing yeah it sucks I enjoy them but this needs to happen....
Let me guess-you are butt hurt about trail cams and tree stands being left in the woods, but you leave your trailer on the mountain all summer and fall since you “live there from Memorial Day weekend until the muzzy elk hunt is over” ???
 
I hunt Spike Units with a General Multi Season Spike Tag.

I like to chase these weird type of Bulls on the Hunt. And in some very small way, I think I might just be helping the genetics, just a little...

These bulls are never going to be shot and they are more rare than your typical 6x6. Big Bulls are out of the question, unless you shoot them as a Spike, which I haven't don't do anymore...

And if I can get a Cool Photo of a Big Guy rubbing his velvet, bugling or even being chased by a bear, then it just kinda satisfies... Can't explain it, it just does. I've went home with tag soup many times because I just didn't want the hunt to end and it was satisfying enough to get some good pics of Big Bulls and Bucks which I wasn't even hunting.

This is what I like to do. I know I'm the minority but I have passed this style onto many around me that have enjoyed the same type of hunt. So with the change, I too may change and I may just decide to release the arrow a little more, no big deal, a spikes a spike and doesn't cause jealousy amongst hunters.

So I really don't need someone telling me how I should hunt, or where a mask that don't work. I feel I do a pretty good job of it on my own.

I'm all for putting "the hunt back in hunt" but there's still a lot of technology that hasn't been addressed that help more than using a camera during the hunt (and yes, the Trail Camera does help) but it hasn't been a sure thing with me.

Lets make a difference on what really would make a difference...

Weird Spike 02.jpg


Weird Spike 01.jpg
 
I hunt Spike Units with a General Multi Season Spike Tag.

I like to chase these weird type of Bulls on the Hunt. And in some very small way, I think I might just be helping the genetics, just a little...

These bulls are never going to be shot and they are more rare than your typical 6x6. Big Bulls are out of the question, unless you shoot them as a Spike, which I haven't don't do anymore...

And if I can get a Cool Photo of a Big Guy rubbing his velvet, bugling or even being chased by a bear, then it just kinda satisfies... Can't explain it, it just does. I've went home with tag soup many times because I just didn't want the hunt to end and it was satisfying enough to get some good pics of Big Bulls and Bucks which I wasn't even hunting.

This is what I like to do. I know I'm the minority but I have passed this style onto many around me that have enjoyed the same type of hunt. So with the change, I too may change and I may just decide to release the arrow a little more, no big deal, a spikes a spike and doesn't cause jealousy amongst hunters.

So I really don't need someone telling me how I should hunt, or where a mask that don't work. I feel I do a pretty good job of it on my own.

I'm all for putting "the hunt back in hunt" but there's still a lot of technology that hasn't been addressed that help more than using a camera during the hunt (and yes, the Trail Camera does help) but it hasn't been a sure thing with me.

Lets make a difference on what really would make a difference...

View attachment 64829

View attachment 64830
Broadside-Right there is exactly the way I feel good read....

That said how do you regulate this? I guess the real question is how do you keep everyone honest.

I've heard of all the ways register your cameras which I would be totally fine with it....
But the problem is everyone will say it's all about the $ for DWR and there will be so many that won't do this....

The other one is limit on how many cameras each person can run..

I'm okay with this as well But you know it and I know it the honest person will do what there suppose to.
But the loop hole grey area hunter will run cameras for every family member.

Selling locations and pics of animals they found on the cameras is a big deal....

This list of thing's go on.

Unfortunately a season date is the key we can still run them just not during hunting season I don't have any problem with this because there is no other way to regulate them...

This is just the start of all of this Technology has exploded and we all have taken advantaged of it to help us be more successful....

By all means if you can list some idea's to make this work with out loosing cameras during hunting season I'm all Ears.
 
Broadside-Right there is exactly the way I feel good read....

That said how do you regulate this? I guess the real question is how do you keep everyone honest.

I've heard of all the ways register your cameras which I would be totally fine with it....
But the problem is everyone will say it's all about the $ for DWR and there will be so many that won't do this....

The other one is limit on how many cameras each person can run..

I'm okay with this as well But you know it and I know it the honest person will do what there suppose to.
But the loop hole grey area hunter will run cameras for every family member.

Selling locations and pics of animals they found on the cameras is a big deal....

This list of thing's go on.

Unfortunately a season date is the key we can still run them just not during hunting season I don't have any problem with this because there is no other way to regulate them...

This is just the start of all of this Technology has exploded and we all have taken advantaged of it to help us be more successful....

By all means if you can list some idea's to make this work with out loosing cameras during hunting season I'm all Ears.
Excellent post, great attitude ?
 
Broadside-Right there is exactly the way I feel good read....

That said how do you regulate this? I guess the real question is how do you keep everyone honest.

I've heard of all the ways register your cameras which I would be totally fine with it....
But the problem is everyone will say it's all about the $ for DWR and there will be so many that won't do this....

The other one is limit on how many cameras each person can run..

I'm okay with this as well But you know it and I know it the honest person will do what there suppose to.
But the loop hole grey area hunter will run cameras for every family member.

Selling locations and pics of animals they found on the cameras is a big deal....

This list of thing's go on.

Unfortunately a season date is the key we can still run them just not during hunting season I don't have any problem with this because there is no other way to regulate them...

This is just the start of all of this Technology has exploded and we all have taken advantaged of it to help us be more successful....

By all means if you can list some idea's to make this work with out loosing cameras during hunting season I'm all Ears.
We already lost them. They won't give them back, but they will regulate us more based on a few politicians opinions and agendas.
 
Let me guess-you are butt hurt about trail cams and tree stands being left in the woods, but you leave your trailer on the mountain all summer and fall since you “live there from Memorial Day weekend until the muzzy elk hunt is over” ???
Elkhunterut I didn’t mean to say live on the mountain but I sure feel like I do
I’m up there pretty much every day and camping on the weekends still have to work to pay for all of it.

Elkhunter rut you wrote this
Let me guess-you are butt hurt about trail cams and tree stands being left in the woods
Answer is yes and so are a lot of other hunters And there is a big big difference in camping there are rules and regulations for instance there is a 16 day camping limit correct?

I either move my camper 7 miles or pull it off! rules and laws doesn’t allow me to stay in the same place yes same place like tree stands or trail cameras do year round.

I play by the rules and regulations and i have never once had any citation doing it this way.
They do hand out plenty of citation for people that leave there campers in the same place for months on end.
 
Good on you man! I was really just razzing you, but glad to hear you do it right.

It is getting tougher to find a camping spot in some areas because of "squatters" with their trailers and the 16 day camping limit is definitely not enforced in all areas.
 
Good on you man! I was really just razzing you, but glad to hear you do it right.

It is getting tougher to find a camping spot in some areas because of "squatters" with their trailers and the 16 day camping limit is definitely not enforced in all areas.
Thanks! I Know you where I see us as all family on here we are in this together it's no different sitting around the campfire telling stories and having our own opinions....
yes you hit the nail on the head "squatters" they are the worst....
 
I don't have the 100% correct answer. But I do truly try and search for it in all I do. Name Calling and Simple Childish Comments just go in one ear and out the other for me, Kinda like fighting over a Buck or Bull on the mountain by Adults... Yes my earlier replies had some emotion and sarcasm in them, but I was serious.

I just felt by making the season date on the cameras was very similar to the season date on the Shed Hunt a couple years ago. It only hurt the Honest.

I never cared for the Spike Hunts but I loved the Book Cliffs so with some thinking I was able to find a way to make the spike hunt a "Hunt" for me and enjoy the Book Cliffs at the same time. This rule has just made it a little harder which at 48 years old, fat and broken down from my baseball and fighting days, Ha Ha!!! I just wasn't for it.

I have found that the best way so far to fixing problems is to Teach and Educate, but it takes time and it's up to everyone. Not just in hunting but everything.

Simple example was when my son was 16 years old, he spent a lot of time hunting the Uintah Basin Extended unit with a bunch of his High School buddies. They were out every night chasing bucks in town. They all obeyed the rules of asking for permission to hunt peoples property and respected the property owners decisions. This came from educating him on how he should go about hunting in town. But he wounded 2 nice 4 point bucks that year that he couldn't find, he told me about them and I had to teach him what I thought was the right ethics and values of this and said by law, you can still hunt but by integrity, you should be done. I also went further and said with integrity you should still try and find them and probably accept that your season is done. He listened and went out for the rest of the hunt, which only turned out to be 2 weeks and part of December, but he found both bucks ALIVE and Well!!! he was pretty proud of himself and so was I.

My people are good people and LEARN ethics and values. they shouldn't be punished by the few Bad Guys. Punish the Problem Guys so they may learn. Problem is that it takes time and effort and we live in the "Give It To Me Now" generation.

But with some reasonable thinking, we could probably come up with better ideas... JMO
 
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I hunt Spike Units with a General Multi Season Spike Tag.

I like to chase these weird type of Bulls on the Hunt. And in some very small way, I think I might just be helping the genetics, just a little...

These bulls are never going to be shot and they are more rare than your typical 6x6. Big Bulls are out of the question, unless you shoot them as a Spike, which I haven't don't do anymore...

And if I can get a Cool Photo of a Big Guy rubbing his velvet, bugling or even being chased by a bear, then it just kinda satisfies... Can't explain it, it just does. I've went home with tag soup many times because I just didn't want the hunt to end and it was satisfying enough to get some good pics of Big Bulls and Bucks which I wasn't even hunting.

This is what I like to do. I know I'm the minority but I have passed this style onto many around me that have enjoyed the same type of hunt. So with the change, I too may change and I may just decide to release the arrow a little more, no big deal, a spikes a spike and doesn't cause jealousy amongst hunters.

So I really don't need someone telling me how I should hunt, or where a mask that don't work. I feel I do a pretty good job of it on my own.

I'm all for putting "the hunt back in hunt" but there's still a lot of technology that hasn't been addressed that help more than using a camera during the hunt (and yes, the Trail Camera does help) but it hasn't been a sure thing with me.

Lets make a difference on what really would make a difference...

View attachment 64829

View attachment 64830


Ok let's do that. We grabbed bait and cams.

Now let's get other tech. Some of which I'm sure I run.

My muzzy came as a package with a scope.

I started muzzy hunting with a Thompson New Englander (think Hawkin but with no pretty brass), shooting Thompson slugs pushed with pistol powder.

I'll be fine going back to that.

I hunt for time in the woods. Not for a shiny gun
 
This is how my hunt will go now since they have set season dates on using Trail Cams.

I will still run my cams from Spring till July 31st and the 31st will become the Annual "Pick Up Cams Day". Hopefully I can still get a bunch of people to come with me to do this. Weekdays will be hard for them.

Come Aug 1st it now becomes "Tag Filling Mentality". I have bought a Multi Season Spike Elk Tag since the induction with the idea that I would target and hunt for those Freak Spike by Whatever's. It was a real fun Hunt and Challenge to try and target those few particular bulls. Never have I shot one but had them on camera all season, just couldn't close the deal. Passed on a lot of spikes in the process. Not anymore.

Archery Deer consisted of drawing a tag about every 3 years and have been trying like crazy to get one with my recurve. I wanted a chance at a nicer buck which trail cams let me know if one was in the area. I have yet to connect, not anymore arrows are flying since I might not know if that's my only buck in the area.

The hunts now to me and my family have just changed with one vote to be strictly a Harvest Hunt Opportunity because with a tag in hand that is the only reason to be out there. If I don't have a tag in hand why would I want to go camping during the hunts to watch Long Range Wounding and ungodly pursuit from the Roads. Used to like to check cams and see what Bucks and Bulls were surviving. Was kind of rooting for the animal.

Its pretty hard to hunt bugling bulls and spot and stalk elk the month of Aug. So water has always been my best option with my Bow. So if a legal animal comes to drink, I better not pass. He may be my only chance. I won't know if the others have left the area.

I may be the minority but this is how it affects me and my family, so we will have to adjust. I used to try and do my part to help the herds and target animals that nobody wants in hopes that some better animals will survive. But that spike I shoot next year may be the next Booner but we will never know. At least we knew the big 2 points, which my sons and daughters loved to shoot and the weird Spike by Whatever's were probably good options to harvest.

Good Luck in the Future!!!
Sounds like you have a great plan in place, good job! The rest of us will continue hunting, it’s called hunting not killing for a reason.
 
I'm a simple man

I believe hunting should mean ACTUALLY BEING IN THE FIELD.

Drones, cams, GPS tagging, "sharing" animal locations, are a step too far.

Oh I know, asking someone to get their ass off the couch and go look for themselves, is part of the patriarchy.

So that's where I start. Long before we whittle away at LR or whatever, it doesn't seem too big an ask that a hunter should be IN THE FIELD.
Exactly!
 
Another quick thought.

I am really close to drawing my Arizona Archery Elk Tag. I want to try and get the Biggest and Best bull I can. Been applying for 20 years.

Starting this year, I no longer have the option to use trail cameras. I live far enough away that I may only get one chance to scout the area before the hunt.

I would really like to Do it all Myself with Family and Friends and I still will try even without cameras. But it is encourage to hire a guide to get the best chance at what I am looking for.

So do they want me in the field to put the "Hunt back in Hunt" or do they want me to pay someone to be in the field for me?
I’ll be glad to take the tag off your hands if you’re worried about it. Or apply for a different unit? Or wait until you have time to scout? There’s a lot of crying on this thread, why are people so against getting out and actually scouting or just going hunting?
 
We already lost them. They won't give them back, but they will regulate us more based on a few politicians opinions and agendas.
The cameras won't be back! This regulation proves to the general non hunting public that hunting and hunters is/are unethical. We have been using this unethical and still are using other unethical means to kill. Just reinforcing a already popular misconception.
 
I didn't state it proves hunting is unethical nor did I say I think hunting is unethical. I stated "This regulation proves to the general non hunting public that hunting and hunters is/are unethical."
The general public knows very little about hunting. When they see trail cameras outlawed the believe them to be unethical.
 
I didn't state it proves hunting is unethical nor did I say I think hunting is unethical. I stated "This regulation proves to the general non hunting public that hunting and hunters is/are unethical."
The general public knows very little about hunting. When they see trail cameras outlawed the believe them to be unethical.


The general non hunting public are not paying that close of attention. They know very little about hunting and most likely do not care. The people that do care and are paying attention already hate hunting and it doesn't matter what we did there minds are already made up. Hunting is bad in there eyes period.
 
The non hunting public votes when anti hunters get there agenda on the ballot. They us these type of issues to misinform voters.
Especially about ethics. Non hunters vote and they do care.
 
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