Drones in scouting? Pros and Cons

[chiapa33]

Hi guys, I watched some videos of drones used in deer scouting and also read few articles about it. What do you think? Does anyone have experience with it because expensive drones are used in it, so I don't want to hurry in it.

 

[Mekaniks]

Illegal to use them for any hunting activity here in Alaska. But, if your in an area where you can use them, I am sure they would be handy.

 

[Red Leg]

Where do we stop this technological nonsense. Why not arm them as well?

 

[8 x 60]

Drones for Scouting? Not for me thank you very much

 

[johnnyblues]

Certainly can’t hurt? We use trail cams to see if theirs activity at stands. Why not scout areas. In some cases you may even spot poachers. I’ve heard game managers are now using them in some areas.

 

[Big5]

I view it as another step in turning sport hunting into little more than an arcade game.

 

[dearhunter]

I own a Mavic Pro drone that I use for some professional projects (40mph/65kmh top speed, max range 2.5-4mi/4-7km, 20min flight). I never used it for hunting, but I did some area scouting and shoot some videos of animals while traveling, so I can write my experiences. Also in Croatia, it would be illegal to use for hunting as far as I know.

The first thing that you will notice is the amount of noise that drones produce. They are quite loud. I can hear it even at 100m altitude.
I guess animals can hear it from miles.

The second problem is wide angle lens that is standard on drones. Things become very small when you get to flying altitude (above tree line). Bear in mind that live feed video resolution that you watch on your phone or tablet is much lower than 4K that is written on SD card. And even on a tablet pixel are very small
In my experience, it is hard to spot any animal while flying (relatively low resolution, small targets). The only time that I was able to shoot nice videos of animals was when I spotted them with binoculars and then flew my drone to them.

Even if you manage to spot them, it would be in clearings with a contrast between animal and surrounding color (light brown on light green, dark color on snow, etc.).

There is one more thing you need to check - drone flying regulations in your country. For now, I am allowed to fly above nonurban areas without special permits in my country. I have a feeling that this situation will not last very long. Soon we will need to report every flight. Check it before you buy a drone.

 

[CAustin]

I suspect in most places the drone would be the same as use of any other aircraft and as such wouldn’t be legal.

 

[Hogpatrol]

In a neighboring state, the police used drones to break up a heavy equipment theft ring. They have their uses but for my type of deer hunting, they're a non starter. Having said that, on a huge concession or game farm where time is money, they may facilitate the locating of a particular animal to stalk and hunt.

 

[PeteG]

I would not be using a drone to aid in hunting. To me that is taking the “hunt” out of “hunting”

 

[gillettehunter]

Can't use them for that before and during hunting season in WY. I suppose it could be useful, but we as hunters are probably better off without them.
Bruce

 

[jacques smith]

I’m with red leg. Please stop this nonsense

 

[mdwest]

I have considered buying a drone (been looking at the Phantoms and the Mavics).. I think one would be fun to play with, and I'd like to take one to our little plot of land in Colorado and film the mountains, and maybe catch an occasional glimpse of wildlife, etc..

And I've seen some really well done marketing videos for a couple of safari outfitters that used a drone to get some cool perspective shots of herds on the move, or of large swaths of land, etc..

But I really dont have any interest in using one for myself in any actual hunting application..

Going out and scouting, getting to know the land and how the animals use it, figuring out what time of day they do what, and where they do it, etc.. is a huge part of the fun for me.. Truthfully I probably enjoy this part of the hunt more than I enjoy the final stalk and/or the pull of the trigger..

I dont even like/use trail cameras (although I hold nothing against anyone else that does..)..

 

[Brent in Az]

I have the same disdain for drones, as I do trail cameras. Neither of which should be allowed in the woods. I am a bit biased.

 

[Hogpatrol]

The whole technology usage in hunting is a never ending, no win argument. Until we all go back to loincloths and handmade bows and spears, I'll refrain from passing judgment on anyone's methods of take. YMMV.

 

[IdaRam]

This is going to be an increasingly volatile subject...
Has anyone else heard of hunters out in the hills hunting or scouting, only to have a drone buzzing around? I have and I think I would be as unhappy as they were.
How about people using them to push game? Onto or off from private land? It’s happening.
Outfitters with high dollar clients paying big bucks for big bulls (elk). Drones are a force multiplier.
Some states are drafting legislation against their use for hunting. Sounds like an enforcement nightmare.
I will stick to the boots and binos thank you very much.

The whole technology usage in hunting is a never ending, no win argument. Until we all go back to loincloths and handmade bows and spears, I'll refrain from passing judgment on anyone's methods of take. YMMV.

There is a lot of validity to what you are saying. Long bows vs compound bows vs crossbows. In-line muzzleloaders vs traditional. Scopes with built in range finding/range compensating electronics. On and on and on. Where is the line? Different for everybody.
There is a finite and absolute number of game animals anywhere at any given time. The more effective “we” are as hunters, the higher success percentages are, the fewer hunters we can have with tags. I’m speaking of deer, elk, antelope, etc. in my stomping grounds. I apply for tags and buy points all over the west in hopes of an opportunity to have a quality hunt for a decent trophy some day. Drones don’t enhance that experience one bit.
So, in my opinion, there seems to be a difference between drones and compound bows. Drones are visible from a long distance and can be heard from distance. Not so much my compound bow.
At some point I begin to root for the animals. In many places we start hunting deer and elk in August and don’t quit ‘til January. There were even cow elk tags in my area in February this year. Then the shed hunters start in when they start to drop their antlers. At some point we need to give the critters a break.

As far as Africa goes, there may be some differences. I don’t have an issue with filming a hunt with a drone. I would not hunt with an outfitter that used a drone to aid in the success of the hunt though. Not my cup of tea. Once again, boots and binos.

Just my two bits. YMMV

P.S. I know a guy with a loin cloth Bullchucker, Bullsnatcher, Bulltosser, Bullshitter... something like that??? Anyone heard of him?

 

[Hogpatrol]

My deer season (two states) goes from the first of September to the end of January. By that time, forget the deer. I need a break.

 

[BRICKBURN]

.........
Has anyone else heard of hunters out in the hills hunting or scouting, only to have a drone buzzing around? ...................

I crawled up into the rockies climbing through some tough cliffs, 6 hours of climbing, after a nice Bighorn Ram and had a helicopter fly at me to see the sheep. It was a very close call whether I threw a rock through their window. I could ID the passengers. NOT happy.



This comes to mind with a Drone buzzing me while I'm hunting.

I like technology and Photography, but it is a conundrum.

 

[spike.t]

best fun would be trying to shoot the things down.........

 

[Graham Hunter]

I think the only ethical use would be to locate wounded game if you have lost the track