Trad Gang

became aware that as of now, cell phone technology is such that I can be hunting and with my cell phone can post immediate details (through text)live through a hunting forum like ours. Minute by minute details can immediately be viewed by the masses. Wonder what everyones thoughts are and if they are as taken back as I am.Dave

It's a shame that so many people view hunting as if it were a Military campaign. I guess it's different for each individual, but being an old fart, it would never occur to me to film a hunt, or report it like it was "News at 11"
Hunting-TO ME-is a very personal thing. Bumps up against my core beliefs.
Something to hold near and dear.

Wonderfully worded Mr. Nail!!!!!!!!!!!!  :thumbsup:  

Could not agree with you more.

I refuse to text unless my kids or wife have to get ahold of me in an emergency. I even told them if they texted me for no reason again, I would turn it off.  My 13 year old daughter just about died on the spot and now polices her sister and mom, so no texting for me!

I guess I am a technology dinosaur and won't be worrying about posting my hunts minute by minute.  Seems a bit silly to me, while technoman is typing on his phone, the biggest buck of his life walks in and out and he is not ready to make the kill.  Good news here is that the monster buck will be around for a hunter who is ready to take.

With these "I" Phones soon there will be live streaming video from the treestands...  I still never want any of my hunting filmed even for my own private use.

I was in Alberta last year and watched a guy worry more about getting his treepod adjusted for proper filming than making sure he could hit his bear with proper shot placement.  Yeah he wounded and did not recover three bears.

I agree with Mr.Nail above. I dont mind sharing stories and photos at all. However some of my experiences in the woods are almost sacred to me and to video and show everyone is not in me. I feel as if some experiences are for me and me alone with God in his creation. I know a guy who now says " whats the sense of hunting if you dont tape it". SAD in my opinion. I deserve nothing nature gives me but when I am out there it is my experience to take in. There are good things that can come from videoing, like education etc.. I do think Primal Dreams is far and above anything out there and am thankful those guys did it.

I carry a cell when hunting if we have coverage.  It's turned off until after dark,  then we check in and see what needs to happen and where everyone is for pickup.

No texting during the hunt.
Heck I don't know how to text or tweet or do any of that stuff.  LOL

I hate it when the phone is smarter then I am.

LOL

As far as video, I think videoing a hunt is fine.  Video production of a hunt is sleezy.  How many of you send your cameraman out front to take a pic of you crawling up on an elk?

Just stupid stuff.

Mike

The other forum I belong to guy post from their stands all the time through texting.Kind of neat to hear a live update while someone is on a hunt in some other place.

I fail to see what is wrong with it.If there's service and I'm hunting with others I use texting instead of a two way radio.No sense telling everyone where the action is.Incoming message on a vibrating phone and typing instead of talking when it's convienient for me makes more sense to me.

To each his own. If someone wants to take a laptop into the woods and set up a small video studio in his treestand, it doesn't effect me and really isn't any of my business.

I've never tried to videotape a hunt. I figure I have enough to worry about just shooting an animal without dinking around with a camcorder. That being said, it would be nice to have a DVD of my moose hunt. I'd like to be able to sit in front of the TV and watch the bull I shot come into the call, stiff-legged, strutting across the cutover, his rack swinging side to side. Those few minutes were one of my favorite memories as a bowhunter, and to watch it over and over again would be nice.

Cell phones have their practical uses while hunting.  You never know when you're going to be in an emergency situation and it may save your life.  That being said, I have no problem with people videoing their own hunts.  Videoing your own hunts could be helpful with a marginal hit on an animal or learning where you made a mistake.  Live streaming on the other hand is a completely different thing.  It would only take one poorly hit animal on a live video stream and the anti's would have a hayday.

I take a still shot camera, but the phone stays in the truck.
Don't really care what someone else does as long as they don't molest my hunt.

I don't even own a cell phone.  So no texting or tweeting for me.  I don't want to be called while I am hunting.  As long as I stay on the ground I feel safe.  I sometimes take a digital camera with me and have some pretty nice pics of the woods.

I have had a few buddies text me at the end of each day as they are hunting when they draw a hard to get tag and the like.

It adds another level to it for those that care how others are doing.

I don't see how it or videoing a hunt is a bad thing.

George said it perfectly..

I just go my first cell phone while on vacation because I was meeting with so many people. So I finally get to the hunting part of my vacation with my brother and I'm on my stand and my cell goes off, it's my brother and he texting me!!! I couldn't believe it. And to make matters worse he tells me he's been texting all morning to a bunch of folks. Then on the 3hr drive back home he's texting while driving!!! After we got back we had finished dinner and I jumped all over him about his addiction to texting, his wife joined in to and he didn't stand a chance. I havn't used mine since I got back a month ago. -Steve

The rest of the family have I phones. I requested texting be removed from my phone. It is too hard to text with the hand crank!  :bigsmyl:

Cell phones are a ball and chain, we let our selves get to accesable, and the only reason I have one is because the outfit I drive for gave it to me, and when I'm not workin it aint either.

As far as filmin a hunt it actually sounds like fun, I like to hunt but I'm not one of these guy's that get tore up or get so serious about it that it takes the enjoyment out of huntin, if I drag somthin home great, if I dont great, I  enjoyed my day afield

Where I do most of my deer hunting, there is no cell phone reception, but I suppose there will be in a couple of years.  Regardless, when I'm hunting, I sure don't want to be talking to or texting other folks, or sending them pictures, or reading about whatever they happen to be doing at the time.  There's plenty of time for that after the hunt.  I don't video my hunts.  Never will.

I also agree with Mr. Stout saying it best, but somehow I can't resist saying this bit (of my personal opinion);
...to me, texting, calling, radio transmissions, pretty much anything short of smoke signals takes something (however small)away from the denominator of my LOVE for the time I spend with the Creator in Creation; Nature in it's purest possible sense...it's akin to texting while you're praying...

I dont have to worry about it one way or the other, we never have reception anyhow!!! But it is a good tool to use/have in case of an emergency. We can't be afraid of technology. As long as it's used for it's intent. I bet most of us drive a car/truck to our hunting spots. The indians might have something to say about that. Get my point? IMO

Mike

I occasionally text my hunting partners when things are slow.  I always carry my cell for emergencies and occasionally take calls and check my email for business as well. By having it with me I get to hunt a lot of days I wouldn't get to otherwise. If I just want to be alone and I all i have to do is shut it off. I've never filmed a hunt. I kinda have mixed feelings about that issue I guess.

I carry one for emergency use only. There have been a couple of times pre-cell phone days I wish there had been some way of reaching help. I couldn't walk out with my broken ankle and it was a heck of a long crawl. I wanted a ride even if it was in a deer cart that day, as long as it didn't mean I had to be field dressed to get it..
God bless,Mudd

PS your eyes have to be good enough to read that small print if you're gonna text.. mine aren't.

Well put Mr. Nail.

Most of the time I spend on this forum is from my phone. Right now I don't have internet at the apartment where I live. Generally I don't use my phone while hunting unless it's to communicate with someone I'm hunting with, or to give an update to a friend (or the wife).  I really hate using radios, they're noisy and sound aweful. It really ruins a peaceful environment. Texting is more like a thought, and I can communicate with my hunting buddies without losing the peacefulness of my surroundings. (Just don't text me unless there's a good reason)The technology itself does not in any way take away from my hunting experience.
I really have no interest in filming my hunt, that would ruin it for me, but if I see an unusual critter, or take a nice buck I may snap a picture to share with friends. I also use my phone gps to load maps if I want to see the lay of the land when scouting, and occasionally get weather updates.

I also think we are headed straight to hell, if we don't change.

I carry a cell for emergencies

Gotta feelin the handbasket crowd is going elsewhere...but I'm hopin on the happy hunting ground, myself.

The other bottom line though, is that I ain't all that gabby...nevertheless, I do have responsibilities and I mostly hunt alone, so carrying my cell phone affords an extra measure of assurance/comfort that not having one can't (...and, hasn't buzzed yet). Rick.

Welcome to the information age. Everything right here right now.

Personally I think most people dont even know what it's like to have silence and not TV's,Cell phones,Mp3's,and video games.I often get up early 4:30 am and just sit in silence (my kids think I'm nuts) But It's the only way you can become one with yourself is to not have any un-natural interference. They( the stated above) have taken over human contact!

I carry a cell but typically don't use it while hunting other than to locate my farmer host, or to tell my beloved that the hunt is over and the truck is headed home. It gives her a little peace of mind.

I am starting to get frustrated with the poor taste of many of my bowhunting brothers and the video they feel compelled to post, either on the hunting forums or YouTube etc. It took years to teach everyone the political incorrectness of tying our kill on the front bumper to parade around town. Now many of these videos are in equally poor taste, and I find it hard to believe anyone has any pride in them.

What's texting and when did it become a verb?  :bigsmyl:

Welcome to the age of information technology.  I carry a cell when I hunt.  I will text back and fourth with people I am hunting with.  I am not addicted to texting or calling and will generally only initiate a conversation with a :"Hey I missed" or "GET THE DOG!"

Remember there is an off button on the cell phone so If you want to be off the grid and alone,  you can be.

Is this bad or good?  How many people were glued to the TV for days for the most up to date information when the World Trade Center was attacked? Was this good or bad?  

Is there a difference between hearing the story a day after or as it is happening?  Either way the author is controlling the information that is shared with the community. The difference is the time frame.

My take?  I think it is up to the guy in the stand to make his own decision if he wants to share now or later, and, it is up to the guy on the internet to decide if he wants to participate in a hunt as it is going on by participating on the hunt forum.

pete

if we are hunting in groups we always take our phones with us just in case of emergency we always tell each other when we are getting down so we always know where each other are at , at all times

My buddies and I text each other while hunting quite often. I even visit tradgang while on stand. This post is coming from my blackberry while I'm on post in my stand for the last day of deer season!  I can most likely hear deer coming before they get into bow range anyway. I love the outdoors and I love to read and write and if I can do em all together, why not?  I killed 7 deer this year with my recurve so i guess it didn't lower my success rate too much. Good grief! We're all texting now from our computers! Ilove it.  And I love a good hunting video too. But I especially love to read how you guys feel about things and your experiences shooting and hunting. I love tradgang!  I guess I'm just in a loving mood. Gotta go I hear something coming.

I don't care....either way.

Rod,

Good Luck with what you hear/heard coming in to your stand.  Hope it was the big one.  Would love to see a pic when you get time!

pete

A couple years ago I put my 13 year old in a treestand with cellphone to call me if he needed something.  I was hunting about 100 yards away.  He was secured with a safety belt and had instructions on where his effective range was.  I no sooner got settled in to my stand when I heard a commotion from his direction.  I was relieved to get a call from him saying he needed my help because he had arrowed his 1st traditional deer.  My thoughts were racing before he called wondering what was happening where he was.  I carry mine on vibrate and use it as needed but understand other's points of view.

WHAT"S A CELL PHONE? I HAVE A PHONE IN MY CELLER IS THAT THE SAME THING?

Just a quick note about texting (which I rarely do).

In some places in Wyoming it is possible to get a text message out and not be able to get a call out from the same phone.

So the phone stays off, in the pack, forgotten unless someone is seriously injured.  In a situation like that, I'm a big fan of technology.  

Otherwise, I agree with the ball and chain comments some have made -- we are sometimes TOO connected these days.  I go into the woods (to hunt, to fish, to climb, whatever) to get away from things, not to take them with me.

This year I hunted a friends ranch.  His son and a friend were hunting also.  At midday we compared notes.  I had seen 5-6 deer with a couple of nice bucks, coyote, coon and armidillos.  They told me they had seen nothing but had texted each other 50 times.

I guess I only get to go hunting a few times each year and would rather not be connected.

Mike

Technology is great.  Don't like it then don't use it.  I am sure there are a few on TG who went kicking and screaming into e-mail and the internet.  Now they are regulars on here.  Tech is not all bad.

I love my cell for emergency and after hunt communication.  Nice if you need dragging or tracking help, or to let the wife or hunting partner know what's up.  They can even find you by tracking your cell if something goes wrong.  Just try and find a pay phone if you need one.

I had a basic cell for 7 years, and I have never texted.  This year my company got me a new one with unlimited calling and technology.  I have a phone, internet, camera, video recorder, messaging, e-mail and texting.  I can watch a movie on stand or surf the net.  I don't, but it is nice to be able to make some business calls or return e-mail at break times when hunting to save on the work load when I get back or to keep things going so I can be gone longer.  I did make a couple calls from the stand this year to share the news of a deer down or send a pic of a really nice morning to someone who couldn't be out hunting to enjoy it.

On stand it turn off the ringer and the vibrator so I have it ready if I need to call or be found.  I am out to hunt, and I just want to set back and let things happen, pray, contemplate, relax, or just plain forget about everything and soak in nature. I don't have a problem with people and their technology on stand.  After all, how may of us used to take a book along to pass the time?  What is the difference?  I personally think that any distraction from the hunt takes away from the hunt and you miss out on just being there 100%.

As for me and videoing my hunts, I am hunting and don't want to bother with it.  I do like to have the camera and video camera now in the phone so I can get some pic's if I want.  They are not top quality, but nice for my hunting notes.  I hate dragging along a lot of extra stuff.  The phone is nice to have all those things along in a very small package, that I can drop into a pocket at a moments notice if need.  

Video of hunts is kind of two sided issue for me.  I think it is nice to see pic's and video of others hunting.  I like to see hunting of animals and areas I can't hunt or even visit.  It is a great way to share a hunt.  We do it by technology, and I don't think that takes away from anything.  The Indian used to send smoke signals, beat drums dance around the fire, and tell stories about the hunt.  It is just a different method now for those of us that are all spread out and can't set around the campfire.  However, to some extent I think hunting shows and videos have now caused the over commercialization of hunting and some unrealistic ideas about hunting.  We have had TV shows, and videos for a long time.  In the past I think it was sharing a hunt more and promoting hunting.  Now they seem to be about trophies and getting the big kill on camera while pushing the latest name brand equipment.  Everyone seems to be getting into the kill on camera thing.  It is really spreading now.  I think it is fine if it is just a little bonus thing with your hunt, but if you are all wrapped up in killing on camera you have lost something special, and you are taking a lot of others with you.

When we 3D shoot in the summer at the range, you loose 5pts. every time your wife calls on the cell phone...  :)

I only use my cell for emergencies when hunting. Keep it on vibrate in a pack, sometimes even vibrate is too loud.

When not hunting I just use it to let my wife know when I'm leaving work or we use it for quick conversations if one is out (Can you pick this up?, etc.) I seem to use it less and less.

I don't know how to send a text, could care less about texting, and don't see the need for phones with internet, email, texting, and on and on. Camera feature can come in handy for taking a quick photo of something, but I bring my camera with anyways...takes better pictures.

Also, I don't know how someone can fully enjoy the outdoors and the experience while watching a manmade video screen and worrying about what everyone else is doing. (Just my personal opinion, not meant to point fingers or throw stones.)  :)  

My friend is a scoutmaster and he told me a story about all the scouts on a camping trip. They were all in their tents playing some sort of internet baseball game or something. One or two scouts in each tent playing against other scouts each in their own tent. All the tents in a circle.
I couldn't beleive it. I think I threw up in my mouth a little!    

I personally think all of this technology is more of a bad thing than a good thing. Kids glued to phones, tv's, tv's in cars, computers...each one with no substance...just mindless garbage.
Unfortunately a whole generation could be lost because their "feet are far removed from the Earth".

Again, just my opinions, not meant to cast stones...and coming from someone who says he was probably born a hundred years too late.

I carry one to the woods for emergencies ( mine not everyone elses). Its also my time piece incase by some freak of nature I actually shoot something I know when and how long I have to wait.

Some people are just totaly lost without it in their hand diddling with it. Take it from them and its like your standing on their oxygen hose or something, a little rediculous IMO.

Eric

I'm kind of an odd-ball for my age group (I'm 35).  I just got my first cell phone three years ago, and that was because my wife was pregnant at the time. (Dang thing didn't work when her water broke!!!)  I have never sent a text message and don't understand why you would want to when it's easier simply to call and speak.  I do carry one while I'm in the woods for emergency purposes.  Not so much me, but my family.  My wife has called me a couple times while I've been on the stand because one of the kids was sick and needed to be taken to the doctor.  Other than that, I figure while I'm in the woods, that's my time, don't call me and don't bug me unless there is some sort of emergency.

I know a lot of people who use cell phones to aid in the hunt (e.g. call their buddy to let them know game is approaching).  There use to be, and maybe there still is, a law in PA prohibiting the use of radios to aid in the hunt.  I wonder if that extends to cell phones?

I have a cell phone, I keep it on most of the time but rarely use it. It comes in handy to talk to my wife, or if my kids get sick at school I've been contacted with it. Or, if family members need to talk to me if they can't reach me at home or work, I use it for that too. But I don't just call somebody to yack at them for no reason. As far as texting, I'm no good at it and when I have tried to do it it takes me forever, so it is frustrating to me. I won't condemn anybody for doing it though, after all, we are here on our computers talking about hunting, so how is that so different than what the texters are doing?

I've got no problem with it.  Have had to attend meetings (via conference call) and deal with system situations (via BlackBerry email, etc.) while on the hunt.  I'd rather not have to do that but it's better (IMO) to use the technology than miss the hunt altogether.

The meetings are actually kind of funny.  Coworkers know what's going on when I'm whispering on the call and they almost always laugh and start whispering back.  Learned the hard way to keep the volume on my headset down tho.  Does heard my meeting and were not amused.

As far as texting hunt details while I'm out - I rarely do that and then it's usually to taunt a buddy who I know to be stuck inside at work. :-p

Interesting to see everyone's take on this, I never really thought of it as a negative.  My brother in law and I text back and forth on occasion while on stand to check up on each other, and let each other know how we're doing.  REALLY helps pass the time on all day sits during rut.  I just keep my phone on vibrate and silence everything so there's no beeps and boops..

Whatever floats your boat? Cell phone to me is for one thing - My family to contacty me in an emergency. I am not into all the texting from a phone stuff. Just cant figure how kids can do that so quickly?>?

Anyway one mans desires or beliefs differ from anothers. Whatever makes you happy go for it (as long as legal and lawful, I might add).

J

Two days ago I shot a shorvid of three turkeys fighting here in Ga.  I showed it to my boys and they watched it 15 or more times yesterday

I got an iPhone for Christmas from my inlaws but shot it on my regular digital camera hat does 30 mins of video.

My boys are too young to hunt big game but their interest in being in the woods, not just being successful in the hunt is peaked every time I show them things like that.

Don't know how to text. Plan to keep it that way.

I was like most of you and my wife and kids said to get out of my box! Sometimes its a good thing to try new things for a change.   :saywhat:  

I love sitting in my stands or blinds and texting back in forth to several other Tradgang members in many different states and letting them no how the hunting is going and I love hearing how there hunt is going also.  :D  Pictures too.

To each his own and I for one am glad I tried them and use them all the time even at my old age.  ;)  

Tracy

Discussing the evils of texting on an internet talk forum, which is basically texting where everyone can read it.

 :biglaugh:  

Gotta love it.

I enjoy doing self-video of my hunts.  For me, it adds a whole new level of challenge, having to run the camera(without getting busted) and still keep my wits about me when the time comes to make the shot.  There's also a greater sense of accomplishment when everything goes right.  

I'm only 35, but I know a time will come when memories will start to fade, and hopefully these videos will help me to re-live some of those special times of days gone by.

Here are my problems with it.

Hey hunter number one I have begun the drive.... I am coming up the ravine.... three deer are moving in front of me..... they should be near you in about 30sec.  LOL Hunter number two.

Or this one.  Vibrate, answer immediate pic from trail cam #12 on the west side of my food plot.  Look through scope and pow.

This scenario I could do right now today with existing technology.  Sitting in my truck drinking coffee looking at real time video on my phone.  Oh the deer are there now so I think I will stalk them while I remotely watch them with my phone so I know to circle to what ever side of the food plot they are on and so I can approach down wind.  If you have a lap top and a phone you can do this right now today.

We need to give some very serious thought as to what technology should be allowed in the field.  I foresee critical need for legislation banning certain tech gadgets from use during the open seasons in the fields.  I personally think that all form of trail cameras will have to be banned from use during the open seasons.  

I have said this before and have caught a lot of grief for the thought but I am becoming even more convinced of this as there is more and more technology being employed in the field.

No video for me, thats what the campfire is for.

the replies have been fairly predictable IMO, but I find it interesting that few respondants stated what effects this technology will have on the future way of the sport we all love,I also wonder where we think this type of technology will take us in the future. Dave

My wife and I both have cell phones since we drive a long distance to work....no texting.  Just found out after two years the ^%$$ thing takes pictures.  I maybe old fashioned, but I use a camera for that task.  Best use for cell phones is finding the wife in Wal-Mart.  I have hunted for 45 years without having one for emergency and I'm too old to change now....no way it is going to the woods with me.  

I still hold true to...."keep the wind in your face, the sun on your back and the graceful peace of the great outdoors in your heart."

Jerry

QuoteOriginally posted by recurve27128:
the replies have been fairly predictable IMO, but I find it interesting that few respondants stated what effects this technology will have on the future way of the sport we all love,I also wonder where we think this type of technology will take us in the future. Dave

This is right to the point of my post above.  It will effect future laws and what we are able do in the field as I stated and we do need to think about it.

.....mine stays off in the truck. Map n compass instead of a GPS. Trying to avoid as many techno crutches as possible when out hunting.

It is against the law in Iowa to use a "radio" to hunt deer. Cell phones are specifically listed under the definition of "radio".

I carry mine only for "help, I've fallen and can't get up."

Where are we going? I think that in the near future many folks will be wearing hat mounted mini cams with 24 recording hard drives with them switched on all day. I won't be one of them.

I like memories better than videos and story telling around the campfire better than hunting shows on TV.

Dave, it was a pleasure to meet you yesterday. Thanks for the pork and kraut, it was great. Good hunting this week.

Technology is neither good nor bad, it just is. And it's here to stay, so we might as well get used to it.

The irony of this discussion on this medium is truly heavy.

QuoteOriginally posted by Don Stokes:

The irony of this discussion on this medium is truly heavy.

you can say that again.

Another point is to think of all the hunters lives that have been saved due to having a cell phone on board! I can think Of three I know of close by. Didn't know the hunters but know the stories due to working in Fire Dept.

Lenny made a great point - too funny.

J

Mr. Nail, you have summed up my feelings much better than I.
The spoken word, the campfire tales beat
the bejesus out of streaming video.

I am looking forward to the time when satellite telemetry will scan my area for heat sources, indicate trending pattens on what they are doing and where they are heading and report back to my "XYZ" phone so I can be sure and get there ahead of the deer.  

Then I can be wearing my electronic invisibility cloak that sees the surroundings and makes the pixels of my suit (which also sucks in air and runs it thru a filter pack, rendering me totally scentless (including breath and ear wax scent).

Then aiming with my bow that has a built in scanner that can see in very low light (OK.. dark) and give me an aiming point, along with a gyroscopic handle so that I cannot jerk the bow and get a bad shot.  Since we are evolving to be very nimble with our digits (read..texting) the release should be quick and perfect so I am not worried there.

Then of course, we will have anti-gravity driven quads that make no noise and travel above ground, to help me get ahead of the deer, provide an elevated shooting stand, and to drag the deer back.

Wn't have to worry about cleaning the deer cause we will only be allowed to eat "Soilant Green" or whatever by then... no meat except what is supplied by the government which will no longer be Uncle Sam but rather  Second Cousin Vinnie.

Man  that's gonna be great !
ChuckC

I a world of instant gratification people are losing the ever so important skill  of patience.

If people are giving minute by minute updates seems to me they care more what people think of them.

I love to watch videoed hunts and but myself would rather be hunting than worrying about gadgets, which is why I thought a lot of people preferred trad.  

As far as cell phones in the woods?  That makes sense for several applications, but when I'm hunting the phone stays off!

I hate cell phones! They do have their place and I have one for my job, but I use it the least amount possible. I don't want to be accessible 24/7, constantly being called about something stupid/insignificant.  My wife insists I take one hunting for safety, but I'd never use it to text while hunting - don't know how.  I'm not anti-technology, I just think cell phones (along with video games) are one of the worst things ever for our young people (and some old).  Kids are totally additicted to these things, they can't go anywhere or do anything without being glued to the keyboard texting.(my kids aren't allowed to text) And 99% of it is just stupid crap, total waste of time that could be used for doing something worthwhile. It is depressing to be at a family gathering where you would like to visit and interact with loved ones you haven't seen in awhile, and most of them can't peel themselves away from texting long enough to even look up and have a conversation.  Texting people in the same room for cripe sake!

I don't own a cell phone so can't offer much on should I use it in the woods but John Nail's post hits home for me.  There's just something about carrying a computer in one's pocket while pretending to seek the 'stickbow challenge' that just doesn't ring true (scuse' the pun).  

Besides, when we need long-range comminication up here Maine we go simple...smoke signals and yelling really loud.

Heck, most the time I don't have reception when I'm out of sight of the nearest town. Too many trees and mountains to use them while I'm hunting.

One stand location I have gets cell reception.  One day about 9am I got a text from a friend saying he had shot a buck, but couldn't find it.  So I climbed down and drove the 30 minutes to his location and helped him search for the wounded buck.

Chuck C nice reply, maybe in 5-10 yrs well only be shooting holographic deer.

I wonder if we could elaborate on shauns view that a cell phone constitites radio use which in Iowa is illegal exept for coyote hunting. Shaun a real pleasure meeting you. Dave

I carry a cell phone for emergencies and calling my wife when the hunt is over and I'm heading home.  Other than that no calls or texting.

I carry a VHF radio during rifle season so we can arrange hunting for downed deer, the walk out, etc.  Cell phones don't work there.

I feel video taping a deer getting killed is a cruel thing and I don't much like watching it.

I think that most of us, Traditional shooter,have choosen the hard way with our bows limitations so we look for the experiences,for the feelings of the hunt and not for any kind of fancy shortcut.I would like to know what our cousins wheelers can respond to this question.

Below is what the PA Game Commission says about the use of cell phones.....

Portable, two-way radios and cell phones may be used for general communications with another hunter, but may not be used to direct or alert another hunter of the presence or location of live game or wildlife. The use of electronic communication devices to alert hunters to live game is not only a violation of the Game & Wildlife Code, but violates the concept of Fair Chase.

Problem is, how can this be inforced with respect to cell phones?  With radios, all the WCO has to do is have his on the same channel as the hunters.

If someone wants to spend their time in the woods texting that is their right and no business of mine.  But if they are using it to gain an advantage in taking game, I have a real problem with that.

This thread cracks me up  :rolleyes:  

All you guys complaining about cell phones and texting when you are all sitting in front of a much bigger phone right now texting to 22,000 other tradgangers all over the world  :readit:  

Tracy

QuoteOriginally posted by K.S.TRAPPER:
This thread cracks me up   :rolleyes:  

All you guys complaining about cell phones and texting when you are all sitting in front of a much bigger phone right now texting to 22,000 other tradgangers all over the world   :readit:  

I was just thinking the same thing!!! What difference does it make whether you type your story as it happens or wait and post a story on here later with all the pics. As far a videotaping a hunt, a buddy taped me on my mule deer hunt this year and it was the coolest thing to watch and relive later with my family and friends. Just a live picture no different than taking pictures of a successful hunt and posting for all to see.

Tracy

That did not work like I wanted. GRRRR!!!

The second paragraph was not from K.S.Trapper just for clarification. In case he does not agree with my opinion.

Sorry Tracy!!!

It's all good Sean   :thumbsup:  

There's nothing I like better then hearing about all my TradGang friends hunts either texting, talking on the phone or watching there videos or sitting here in front of this computer and reading about them.

Some of the places I have been to and some I haven't but it almost like being there sometimes when there telling the story and it is just the same to me when I here it from them in person sitting around a camp fire on a Tradgang hunt. I never tire of it.  :campfire:  

Tracy

QuoteOriginally posted by K.S.TRAPPER:
This thread cracks me up   :rolleyes:  

All you guys complaining about cell phones and texting when you are all sitting in front of a much bigger phone right now texting to 22,000 other tradgangers all over the world   :readit:  

Tracy

Tracy, I agree with you 100%! That's what I was trying to say in my post as well. Some can codemn technology, but yet here we all are communicating via the web, and that's just fine and dandy.  

The difference between cell phone/texting and Tradgang is I believe most of us are surfing the site from the comfort of our own homes (or while at work), not while sitting in a treestand or blind.

Plus were not sending messages to each other in relation to real-time game sightings and activity-for the most part.

And I'm not about to lug this laptop into the field so someone can PM me when something's heading my way  ;)  

This is one type of technology, cell phones/texting/videotaping are different types of technology that can perhaps have or lead to fair chase violations if used in certain ways.

Tradgang folks are much different than most when it comes to hunting and I very much doubt that any of them would use any illegal means to harvest any animals  :goldtooth:  

Tracy

I guess all the guys who are against videoing would be against photographing a kill too.   :rolleyes:

My goals have changed as I have matured as a hunter. I now value the experiences with my friends as highly as the kills, and when we hunt together we use our phones to stay in touch and update each other on sightings of game, heading in for lunch, etc. The ability to do this has increased our enjoyment significantly, and the safety factor has also become more important as we age. My hunting buddies are all 55-plus, and it's good to know that there's help available if we need it. Our wives are also glad that we are able to communicate from wherever we are.

On the other hand, there's a point of diminishing returns. Electronic devices hold the potential for abuse, if misused. Like everything else we deal with in our lives, some common sense is required.

QuoteOriginally posted by Don Stokes:
My goals have changed as I have matured as a hunter. I now value the experiences with my friends as highly as the kills, and when we hunt together we use our phones to stay in touch and update each other on sightings of game, heading in for lunch, etc. The ability to do this has increased our enjoyment significantly, and the safety factor has also become more important as we age. My hunting buddies are all 55-plus, and it's good to know that there's help available if we need it. Our wives are also glad that we are able to communicate from wherever we are.

On the other hand, there's a point of diminishing returns. Electronic devices hold the potential for abuse, if misused. Like everything else we deal with in our lives, some common sense is required.

Well said.

Shawn,
You beat me to it.In Iowa,a hunter cannot use a "radio" or cell phone etc. as a hunting aid. (frank, here comes a buck your way,etc.)

A hunter may carry one (as I do) in case of emergencies, etc.

I'll put my .02 cents in. I take my cell phone into the woods with me. I don't text while in my treestand or while hunting, I will text others that are hunting the same general area to see if they're allright or to let them know I'm on my way out. I also texted my wife after I killed my buck to let her in on my joy!! and accomplishment

  Videoing a hunt? I think it comes from the many outdooor television shows we have now. There are whole networks devoted to nothing but hunting and fishing. I don't think it's a bad thing. I think folks are trying to emulate thier heros/peers, or are hoping to turn thier passion for hunting into a carreer. To each his own, I guess but to me hunting isn't a spectator sport