Navigating the Future of Deer Recovery: Answering The Top Questions
By Buckmasters
Navigating the Future of Deer Recovery: Answering The Top Questions
In the world of deer hunting, we're witnessing a transformative era where technology and tradition intertwine. Drone Deer Recovery is at the pinnacle of this exciting evolution, shedding new light on the recovery portion after the hunt. But naturally, we’ve gotten tons of questions – and we're here to provide our perspective. So, let’s jump right in!
Should Drone-Assisted Deer Recovery be Legal?
In our view, absolutely yes. The magic of drones lies in their ability to minimize waste. It’s a painful experience to lose a deer post-shot - a loss that resonates with both the hunter and the state.
Drone-assisted recovery ensures every hunter - whether a seasoned veteran or a newcomer - can harvest the animal he killed. Nobody sets out to get a bad shot, but it does happen - more than people like to let on. Drone Deer Recovery embodies the ethical spirit of hunting, marrying technology with the revered principle of fair chase. But we're aware of the critics who are wary of potential abuse of this technology, and we share those concerns.
The Government’s Role: A Dance Between Regulation and Innovation
Government intervention and regulation can be a tricky topic.
In states like Michigan, the state is able to use drones for wildlife management and observation, but they prohibit the use of it even for the recovery of deer carcasses. Simultaneously, they require hunters to make every reasonable effort to recover a deer. It just doesn’t make sense.
“Drone Deer Recovery is providing a valuable service that is less environmentally intrusive and more humane than alternatives, yet Michigan is stretching the law to ban it,” said Donna Matias, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation (representing Drone Deer Recovery in a lawsuit against the state)
In other states like Illinois, the department is interpreting law to deem the thermal-drone-aided recovery illegal, there are misconceptions about the harassment that drones actually cause. Our drones fly at 400ft, and cause minimal disturbance if any - far less than that of dogs or a hunting party walking canvassing the area searching for a carcass.
Banning drones will do nothing to stop those who want to abuse this technology.
The misuse of technology isn’t a technology issue; it’s a people issue. We think a path of allowing the ethical use of carcass recovery, while prohibiting and fining abuses of it is the only path forward.
A regulatory landscape emphasizing ethical conduct, while championing the perks of technological advancements, is essential. We advocate for well-defined guidelines and strict penalties for those who veer off the ethical path.
Drones vs. Dogs: A Partnership, Not a Competition
Now, what about our four-legged friends? From our perspective, the introduction of drones isn’t a farewell to the irreplaceable skills, instincts, and companionship dogs bring to the hunt. It’s not about replacement but about offering an additional tool for the recovery of a carcass.
Drones provide a helping hand where dogs might face challenges - be it weather, terrain, or other hindrances. Equipped with features like thermal imaging and weather resilience, drones are a great tool to ensure the best possible chance of a recovery, and a carcass that doesn’t go to waste.
So, it’s not a question of either/or. Dogs and drones, in our view, are partners, each stepping in when the situation calls for their unique strengths.
In Closing
Hunting keeps evolving. Fifty years ago, it was different than it is today. Fifty years in the future, it’ll be different than it is today. The bottom line is technology will be a part of the hunt. Our role is to ethically use it in a way that minimizes waste, while keeping the essence of fair chase. Every deer recovered that otherwise would have been lost is a win in our books.
We see a future where the respect for the game, the thrill of the hunt, and the precision of technology meet.
We’re passionate about merging the technological strides exemplified by drones with the timeless tradition of hunting. The future is a blend of old and new, and we’re here, ready to navigate it alongside you.