Great question. I believe it all boils down to morals and ethics. I think most of us are on the same page when it comes to our decisions on their use. Some people will consider using them cheating and unethical. Others will treat UAV/UAS's as just another tool to use, no more different than using the trail camera, the scope on your rifle or a GPS. After all, these are tools that are not REQUIRED for hunting but they sure make it better.
Right or wrong? I don't know. I'm on the fence and I can see both sides. Here is why... I work with the US Air Force Global Hawk. Google it if you're unfamiliar with it. I have an understanding and appreciation for the use of such vehicles that most don't realize. I see applications and niches that could be met with these tools. Whether you want it or not, the future of aviation is unmanned!! Just because someone doesn't like computers doesn't mean that the computer industry is going to slow down or go away. Same with UAVs (I don't like the word drones.) There are people and companies out there right now that are making these vehicles do some pretty impressive stuff. Hate them all you want, but the technology is growing fast!
Do I think they should be used for hunting? No! I like to hunt, not just go out and kill. I feel accomplished when I have worked hard, scouted hard and hunted hard to harvest an animal. Hell, even if I don't harvest an animal, I feel good about hunting. But even if I don't think people should use them, there will be a demand for them! This is where my entrepreneur side of my brain kicks in and says, "hmm, if people want them, I want to run the business that they come to for help." If you haven't heard, Game and Fish Departments are already using UAVs to track animals, observe forest fires, SAR, ect. The use of these unmanned vehicles are numerous and could really benefit a lot of people. The problem is, where do you draw the line and say, you can use them for this but not for that?
The thing that really sucks, PETA is already using them to harass hunters and "watch" them to make sure they are not doing anything "illegal." I can see Game Wardens using them for the same purposes. Just like anything else in life... the UAV is a TOOL and can be used for good or bad. Just like our self defense pistol we use at the house. It can be used for good or bad. The bottom line is... they are NOT going away and you will see great capabilities for them in our lifetime.
Right or wrong? I don't know. I'm on the fence and I can see both sides. Here is why... I work with the US Air Force Global Hawk. Google it if you're unfamiliar with it. I have an understanding and appreciation for the use of such vehicles that most don't realize. I see applications and niches that could be met with these tools. Whether you want it or not, the future of aviation is unmanned!! Just because someone doesn't like computers doesn't mean that the computer industry is going to slow down or go away. Same with UAVs (I don't like the word drones.) There are people and companies out there right now that are making these vehicles do some pretty impressive stuff. Hate them all you want, but the technology is growing fast!
Do I think they should be used for hunting? No! I like to hunt, not just go out and kill. I feel accomplished when I have worked hard, scouted hard and hunted hard to harvest an animal. Hell, even if I don't harvest an animal, I feel good about hunting. But even if I don't think people should use them, there will be a demand for them! This is where my entrepreneur side of my brain kicks in and says, "hmm, if people want them, I want to run the business that they come to for help." If you haven't heard, Game and Fish Departments are already using UAVs to track animals, observe forest fires, SAR, ect. The use of these unmanned vehicles are numerous and could really benefit a lot of people. The problem is, where do you draw the line and say, you can use them for this but not for that?
The thing that really sucks, PETA is already using them to harass hunters and "watch" them to make sure they are not doing anything "illegal." I can see Game Wardens using them for the same purposes. Just like anything else in life... the UAV is a TOOL and can be used for good or bad. Just like our self defense pistol we use at the house. It can be used for good or bad. The bottom line is... they are NOT going away and you will see great capabilities for them in our lifetime.
