Hunting Tradition in a Technological World byStephanie Prater

from Vol. 50 #4 Summer 2023 Issue

Chasing Ghosts

Hunting has changed drastically since the Hunter-gather culture 11,00012,000 years ago. The lifestyle then was for survival and tools were primitive. A look at modern hunting shows how much technology in the last 50 to 100 years, even more so in recent times, has forever changed the face of hunting, and pleads the question…at what point is it no longer fair chase?

D ecoys and tactics

We can’t rule out that previous cultures did not use decoys to help trick game, but one can look at the market now and see how wildly effective new decoys can be. They look and move realistically. They are very portable and can offer concealment during the shot. Certain animals respond better to decoys, such as turkeys. A popular but widely controversial tactic deployed now is fanning or “reaping.” You use a highly realistic photo fan and/or decoy or a real fan from a turkey to trigger the turkey to run into close range. It’s effective in putting the odds in your favor of harvesting a turkey (It’s estimated that using a fan can take you up to a 70% success rate versus a 20% rate using calling alone) but can be very unsafe, especially on public land and is illegal in many states. One popular argument against fanning is “It’s okay to let the bird win.” Montana does not ban the fan or other decoys during archery season.

Trail Cams

Trail cams are super effective in learning animal patterns and the use of a particular area. A newer technology, but one advancing rapidly, as now cameras can send real-time images to your cell phone using cellular data. They are capable of high-quality videos and photos. Again, many states have outlawed the use of cameras, especially during hunting seasons. Montana prohibits the use of cellular trail cams during hunting seasons.

Rangefinders

Range-finding technology has been around since 1769 to survey canals, but the laser rangefinders we know and use today were really introduced in the early 90s. It used to be a standalone tool but now it is incorporated into scopes and even archery sights allowing for instant range-finding capabilities. One could easily argue that knowing the range allows for more ethical shot placement, but in the field, it is also important to practice guessing distance as well. Montana has outlawed electronics attached to bows, with the exception of a video camera and lighted nocks, this includes a ban on range-finding sights.

Apps

We all know the mapping technology that came out in 2009 that forever changed the game. It helped find accessible land without getting out the big cumbersome map and having satellite accurate technology on your hand-held GPS. Since then, other mapping tools have become available and even more accessible, available as an app on your cell phone. These can show topography and 3D mapping, land ownership, weather, waypoints, districts, and even animal distribution and success rates. Other hunting apps can provide electronic calls, drawing odds in your state or others, moon phases, wind, peak season activity, and more. Some drawbacks besides the obvious that this has helped make spots easier to find and no doubt has some part in overcrowding, they can be off or inaccurate and you could find yourself trespassing. They also work on cellular data, so often service is needed. Montana does not ban apps, but you cannot use electronic sounds or calls for anything but non-game predator hunting such as coyotes and most recently wolves. Montana also released an FWP app for holding onto your licenses on your phone and even “validating” your tags which is very convenient.

Drones

Drones are a relatively new technology that can allow for finding animals in the air. There are a lot of opponents to their use during hunting season as they can be extremely effective in locating animals and even concentrating or moving them. In Montana, it is unlawful to hunt or fish from a drone, drive, rally, pursue or harass game animals with a drone or locate animals and use the information to hunt from or share with someone who will be hunting the same day, similarly to not being able to hunt the same day as flying in a helicopter or airplane. Montana legislature is currently working on more bills regarding drones and hunting currently.

Personally, I go to the woods to escape our busy world and connect with nature, but I can’t help but grab my cell phone and check the weather or where I am at. One thing for sure is technological advances aren’t stopping. It certainly can help us be better and more successful hunters, but we need to ask ourselves, where is the line where it is so tipped in the hunters’ favor that fair chase is out the window?

*Always remember to check Montana or your state’s hunting regulations regarding technology. It is a constantly changing area in regulations, so make sure you know the laws and how it applies to you.

Montana

as of February 2023

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