Bought a drone!

I’ve always been a sucker for new tech and gadgets. I mentioned to a co-worker that I thought that a drone might help scout new areas for hunting e.g. finding new stand sites in the bush. In fact there are 2 tracts of bush on public land that I’m interested in setting up on.

Anyway, this guy is a drone enthusiast and found a used one in FB marketplace. It’s a DJI Mini 2 and came with 4 batteries, spare props, cables, and a case. $400 later and I own a drone.

I flew it around the neighborhood the other day. Kinda cool. The hard part is determining height above ground when viewing through the camera. I certainly don’t want to clip a tree.

better be careful with that. I believe there are laws against using it for wild game.

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Originally Posted by Sam Menard

I’ve always been a sucker for new tech and gadgets. I mentioned to a co-worker that I thought that a drone might help scout new areas for hunting e.g. finding new stand sites in the bush. In fact there are 2 tracts of bush on public land that I’m interested in setting up on.

Anyway, this guy is a drone enthusiast and found a used one in FB marketplace. It’s a DJI Mini 2 and came with 4 batteries, spare props, cables, and a case. $400 later and I own a drone.

I flew it around the neighborhood the other day. Kinda cool. The hard part is determining height above ground when viewing through the camera. I certainly don’t want to clip a tree.

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Drones are super fun!
Congrats

I would like one to look for downed deer after the shot, but I hunt thick swamps so I would like to know how it good it is at seeing through the cedars.

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Originally Posted by Marker

I would like one to look for downed deer after the shot, but I hunt thick swamps so I would like to know how it good it is at seeing through the cedars.

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Not very good at all at seeing through the canopy

But if there creeks, clearings or other contour features, it much easier to spot from lower altitudes then from satellite imagery (that usually is about 5 years old anyways [emoji3])

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

better be careful with that. I believe there are laws against using it for wild game.

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maybe should contact meghan to see if she could post an ODD article on the use of drones. Its a bit tricky as you can't use it for hunting however you can use it for surveying.

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

better be careful with that. I believe there are laws against using it for wild game.

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You can use a drone for scouting but not for hunting e.g. looking for game with the purpose of hunting. You can’t use it to look for wounded deer though. The Act is silent regarding the interval between flying the drone and hunting the tract of land that you flew over.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

maybe should contact meghan to see if she could post an ODD article on the use of drones. Its a bit tricky as you can't use it for hunting however you can use it for surveying.

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There was a very good article in OOD earlier this year (could have been last year) I believe on the use of drones. TC

The use of drones honestly is very grey area legal wise.. there are too many edge cases:
Scouting technically is a part of hunting, but surveying could be described as scouting
There is always a chance that you will see game while flying around. Am quite sure there isn't a single hunter that won't take notice of this info

To be fully safe, one needs to use it outside of hunting season, yet coyote is opened all year in many WMU. (Or does flying right before the opener considered hunting ?)

and so on

For me, personally, choice is a matter of conscience and ethics:
If I know that I don't use it to pursue the game immediately, it's green light to use it

But that's just me

My understanding is that drones fall under the same regulations as flying into a hunting camp...no hunting the area until the following day. My grandson uses his drone to aerial photograph and map properties for his Mother's real estate listings,but,they only use it for rural property. Flying over municipalities is "iffy" depending on bylaws. Federal flight rules governing drone flights were revamped last year. They're drone size and location specific.

Is it that drones have to be MAX so much from the operator,for civilian use?
I was told so ,and that the limit is 100m radius?
Not much.

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Originally Posted by gbk

Is it that drones have to be MAX so much from the operator,for civilian use?
I was told so ,and that the limit is 100m radius?
Not much.

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Max altitude is 120m(400ft) for basic licence.. horizontally is "must stay in line of sight"

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Originally Posted by newbiehunter

Max altitude is 120m(400ft) for basic licence.. horizontally is "must stay in line of sight"

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I'm thinking no licence or registration would be required for that Mini-2, as it's way under the 340 gram limit. You only need to register and get the licence if it's over 340 grams

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Originally Posted by Fenelon

I'm thinking no licence or registration would be required for that Mini-2, as it's way under the 340 gram limit. You only need to register and get the licence if it's over 340 grams

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250gr

And regardless of license the same rules apply to basic/no license

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

My understanding is that drones fall under the same regulations as flying into a hunting camp...no hunting the area until the following day. My grandson uses his drone to aerial photograph and map properties for his Mother's real estate listings,but,they only use it for rural property. Flying over municipalities is "iffy" depending on bylaws. Federal flight rules governing drone flights were revamped last year. They're drone size and location specific.

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That’s a law in Alaska but never heard of it in Ontario

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Originally Posted by FishHog

That’s a law in Alaska but never heard of it in Ontario

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My thought too.

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Originally Posted by FishHog

That’s a law in Alaska but never heard of it in Ontario

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

My thought too.

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Are you referring to the first sentence? FWCA sect 24(3)

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Are you referring to the first sentence? FWCA sect 24(3)

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Well that says
“Aircraft
(3) A person shall not use an aircraft while hunting.”

that is very different than not hunting the same day you fly

The OOD Nov-Dec 2023 issue has an article about using drones for scouting and some of the legalities. From the article:

"The question of when a hunter can hunt after
flying into a location is common at these hunts.
There is no timeline limiting hunters from hunting the same day they fly in,
and the same applies for drones. Johnson said that the FWCA does not
prescribe a length of time between when wildlife is
spotted with a drone and when hunting may occur."

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Originally Posted by delmer

The OOD Nov-Dec 2023 issue has an article about using drones for scouting and some of the legalities. From the article:

"The question of when a hunter can hunt after
flying into a location is common at these hunts.
There is no timeline limiting hunters from hunting the same day they fly in,
and the same applies for drones. Johnson said that the FWCA does not
prescribe a length of time between when wildlife is
spotted with a drone and when hunting may occur."

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To me,that doesn't make a lot of sense. It's illegal to use any vehicle to hunt including aircraft and by extension drones. But,it's not illegal to fly over an area on the way into a camp,spot game on the way,then,land and hunt? Something doesn't make sense,here.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

To me,that doesn't make a lot of sense. It's illegal to use any vehicle to hunt including aircraft and by extension drones. But,it's not illegal to fly over an area on the way into a camp,spot game on the way,then,land and hunt? Something doesn't make sense,here.

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would it not be the same for the one riding down a trail on their ATV spot a grouse get off load up and shoot it?

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

To me,that doesn't make a lot of sense. It's illegal to use any vehicle to hunt including aircraft and by extension drones. But,it's not illegal to fly over an area on the way into a camp,spot game on the way,then,land and hunt? Something doesn't make sense,here.

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agreed, but I think it’s just case of regulation not keeping up with technology. It will eventually come as some people will abuse new technologies. Just like your seeing some states starting to ban trail cameras

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Originally Posted by FishHog

agreed, but I think it’s just case of regulation not keeping up with technology. It will eventually come as some people will abuse new technologies. Just like your seeing some states starting to ban trail cameras

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Wow-the cellular ones i can see why........hope they leave the others alone.

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Originally Posted by FishHog

agreed, but I think it’s just case of regulation not keeping up with technology. It will eventually come as some people will abuse new technologies. Just like your seeing some states starting to ban trail cameras

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Fair chase rules aside, I am not a fan of game cameras on public land, I don't touch them when I see them, but I don't want my picture taken while hunting.

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Originally Posted by Marker

Fair chase rules aside, I am not a fan of game cameras on public land, I don't touch them when I see them, but I don't want my picture taken while hunting.

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Why? you hunting in the nude? Seeing them more and more I just give 'em a wave as I pass.

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Originally Posted by Marker

Fair chase rules aside, I am not a fan of game cameras on public land, I don't touch them when I see them, but I don't want my picture taken while hunting.

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I tend to do something stupid on trailcam, just to give folks something to chuckle about [emoji16]

Love how this discussions swing:
- I got a drone
- congrats!
- 5 pages of drone regulations and arguments
- another 3 of trailcams
- how a latest favorite movie next? [emoji12][emoji12]

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

would it not be the same for the one riding down a trail on their ATV spot a grouse get off load up and shoot it?

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Yep! I see your point. Some things just make you go "H-m-m-m-m....."

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Originally Posted by Marker

Fair chase rules aside, I am not a fan of game cameras on public land, I don't touch them when I see them, but I don't want my picture taken while hunting.

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Yeah,I'm not a big fan of that,either. Having said that,they can be fun to scroll through Sim cards when having a few pops. You wouldn't believe what folks do in the woods when they think they're all alone. ;);) :moose:

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Originally Posted by Marker

Fair chase rules aside, I am not a fan of game cameras on public land, I don't touch them when I see them, but I don't want my picture taken while hunting.

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X2 on that-and i also do not touch stuff(not just cameras)from other hunters.

For the question why i do not like my picture taken?

I hunt relatively heavily hunted public land.
#1
I do not want other hunters know where i hunt.
#2
I do not want the next guy to know who I am, while meeting me walking thru the place.
There are other-better ways to make friends.
#3
I do not want them to think i am hunting "their spot". Some not so nice fellows can become outright agitated ....

Poking thru the forest for birds or rabbit is one thing-hunting deer with archery in "tight" areas is another.

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Originally Posted by gbk

X2 on that-and i also do not touch stuff(not just cameras)from other hunters.

For the question why i do not like my picture taken?

I hunt relatively heavily hunted public land.
#1
I do not want other hunters know where i hunt.
#2
I do not want the next guy to know who I am, while meeting me walking thru the place.
There are other-better ways to make friends.
#3
I do not want them to think i am hunting "their spot". Some not so nice fellows can become outright agitated ....

Poking thru the forest for birds or rabbit is one thing-hunting deer with archery in "tight" areas is another.

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#4 Do not want to end up in a you tube video exposed to the whole world by an anti hunter or disgruntled person not respecting a person's privacy.

Although technology can improve the odds of success, has the lawful use really made a difference? I can use Google Earth imagery to locate potential hunting areas, follow up with a drone to take a closer look and possibly see live animals (while scouting), use a GPS to navigate to a precise location, set up a cell cam to confirm the presence of a big buck, hang a stand or setup a camo ground blind to get the drop on game, place an ozone generator above it, build mock scrapes and rubs using synthetic estrous doe urine, use electronic calls, travel to my stand in a brand new shinny side-by-side, wear the latest scent-free clothing with the latest and greatest camo pattern, wash said clothing in scent-free detergent (without UV brighteners), use a state of the art weapon with a powerful illuminated sight, load up with high tech precision projectiles, spot and study game with high power binoculars and confirm distances with my laser range finder. I can also attract deer to my secret spot by planting a food plot or using bait dispensed by a feeder on a timer. While waiting for a deer to show up, I can fart around on countless apps on my smart phone! Have I missed anything???

With all of these “advantages”, we still need that free-ranging legal deer to show up at the right time and stand broadside at 75 yards or less and hit its vitals. Personally speaking, I had more fun and success before I accumulated most of these items.

After 45 years of deer hunting, I can honestly say that the biggest difference maker in improving my success has been my increased knowledge and experiences. Although I have lots of gadgets, the best technological tool that I use is HD Satellite Imagey that helps me locate potential areas to hunt. My other essentials include: a treestand, compass, GPS, and grunt call. The rest is up to me!

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Originally Posted by gbk

X2 on that-and i also do not touch stuff(not just cameras)from other hunters.

For the question why i do not like my picture taken?

I hunt relatively heavily hunted public land.
#1
I do not want other hunters know where i hunt.
#2
I do not want the next guy to know who I am, while meeting me walking thru the place.
There are other-better ways to make friends.
#3
I do not want them to think i am hunting "their spot". Some not so nice fellows can become outright agitated ....

Poking thru the forest for birds or rabbit is one thing-hunting deer with archery in "tight" areas is another.

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Originally Posted by Ahuntr300

#4 Do not want to end up in a you tube video exposed to the whole world by an anti hunter or disgruntled person not respecting a person's privacy.

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Interesting to read the thought process of others.
I see a camera in the public woods and think here is someone not jaded by the world to trust that their stuff isn't going to be messed with. Further I feel if they see me not messing with their stuff have the respect not to mess with me. Sometimes its better to dwell on the good than fixate on the bad.

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Originally Posted by Sam Menard

Although technology can improve the odds of success, has the lawful use really made a difference? I can use Google Earth imagery to locate potential hunting areas, follow up with a drone to take a closer look and possibly see live animals (while scouting), use a GPS to navigate to a precise location, set up a cell cam to confirm the presence of a big buck, hang a stand or setup a camo ground blind to get the drop on game, place an ozone generator above it, build mock scrapes and rubs using synthetic estrous doe urine, use electronic calls, travel to my stand in a brand new shinny side-by-side, wear the latest scent-free clothing with the latest and greatest camo pattern, wash said clothing in scent-free detergent (without UV brighteners), use a state of the art weapon with a powerful illuminated sight, load up with high tech precision projectiles, spot and study game with high power binoculars and confirm distances with my laser range finder. I can also attract deer to my secret spot by planting a food plot or using bait dispensed by a feeder on a timer. While waiting for a deer to show up, I can fart around on countless apps on my smart phone! Have I missed anything???

With all of these “advantages”, we still need that free-ranging legal deer to show up at the right time and stand broadside at 75 yards or less and hit its vitals. Personally speaking, I had more fun and success before I accumulated most of these items.

After 45 years of deer hunting, I can honestly say that the biggest difference maker in improving my success has been my increased knowledge and experiences. Although I have lots of gadgets, the best technological tool that I use is HD Satellite Imagey that helps me locate potential areas to hunt. My other essentials include: a treestand, compass, GPS, and grunt call. The rest is up to me!

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Although, I don't have as much of experience as you Sam. I couldn't agree more..

All the gadgetry is nice to have and might point you right direction or help you learn, but when push comes to shove, it's you, your weapon and the game in front of you.. at this moment, only your experience counts, the rest doesn't matter that much

I would say satellite imagery and location software has made the most difference. People that have no woodsmanship will now access the farthest deepest parts of the woods. You used to be able to get away from pressure but not anymore

The rest of the stuff can be fun and make it a bit easier but I’m not sure it’s made that much of a harvest difference