Erin Merrill: Should Trail Cameras Be Illegal?

Posted on: Sep 12, 2023

[caption id="attachment_47483" align="alignright" width="225"] Photo courtesy of Erin Merrill[/caption] POMA continually seeks to highlight our members' content.  After all, you are the best in the business! The article below was written by POMA member Erin Merrill. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author.

Should trail cameras be illegal?

Seven trail cameras with my name on them are strategically placed on our property. Most I keep out year round to track which animals are moving through.  Once deer hunting season gets closer, Dad puts his cameras up and we have a pretty good idea of which animals are around and who thinks they can trespass on our land and not get caught. But in recent months, more states have banned the use of trail cameras questioning their use and wondering if trail cameras should be illegal? The cameras have helped us know which animals are around but, they have not helped me shoot an animal. It doesn’t guarantee me a successful hunt. It can be more frustrating knowing which deer are around that I am not seeing. However, in some states, the use of trail cameras is considered unethical and they have been banned.  In Arizona and Nevada, trail cameras can not be used for hunting purposes. The Arizona Fish & Game Department explained their decision saying that it violates fair chase and goes against the traditions of hunting. Montana also prohibits the use of cameras ‘that transmit images remotely’ while hunting. Read, "Should Trail Cameras Be Illegal?"