As technology evolves, so do "fair chase" hunting practices

As new technology changes the dynamics of hunting, Idaho Fish and Game wants to know — what is considered “fair chase?” 

Fish and Game is forming a new Hunting and Advanced Technology working group to gauge the public’s perspective on what new technology should — and should not — be considered “fair chase” when hunting big game animals. Fair chase refers to what is considered an ethical approach to pursuing wild game in which the hunter does not have any unfair advantages over game animals. The group will focus on technology specifically and will not touch on practices such as bear baiting. 

In a press release, the department said it is “looking for a thoughtful, well-rounded, and passionate group of Idahoans with varying perspectives on the use of technology in hunting to serve on the working group.” Participation is not necessarily limited to those with a background in hunting. Applications to be a part of the working group are open until Aug. 27. 

Though there is “no specific technology” that Fish and Game is concerned with at this point, public information supervisor Roger Phillips said it's better to get out ahead of potential problems before they begin to erode ethical hunting practices.  

“This is something we’re looking at constantly,” Phillips said. “Forming the group is just the beginning of a very long process.” Phillips said discussions around technologies such as remote or thermal cameras, which are areas of contention, are important to start sooner rather than later.  

Should the working group deem certain technology unethical, it can make recommendations to Fish and Game to place restrictions on, or even prohibit, problematic devices. Past working groups directly contributed to the prohibition on drones to locate or chase game animals in Idaho.