The Game and Fish Depatment here in NM is proposing a new rule. Previously, it was illegal to use an aircraft to spot game within 48hrs of actually taking the game.

The new rule would ban the practice for the entire hunting season.

There are a few states out there that have similar types of rules (Nevada, Arizona, etc.).

We are trying to respond to this proposed rule change and would be curious to know if any of you would have real life experiences or specific examples of how the rule worked in states that do have this rule. I believe this rule is going to be really hard to enforce anyway, so I would also be curious to know if any of you can give us specific information on enforcement actions before and after, etc.

Unfortunately, a few bad actors are making it hard for everyone.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Regards, L

I would respond by encouraging the authorities to persue the offenders rather than create new blanket rules that are even more difficult to enforce.

In Oregon the rules read as follows:

No person or person's may...

• Hunt within eight hours of communicating
with or receiving information on the location
of game mammals from a manned aircraft.

• Hunt within 8 hours after having been trans-
ported by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft
to any point other than an established airport
adequate for fixed-wing aircraft.

I am of the opinion that the airplane has never helped me improve my odds of harvesting an animal. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.

CW

CW: Don't disagree with your analysis. However, local officials are convinced the rule change will help. Was hoping to provide anecdotal info from other areas demonstrating that it won't move the needle much.

Regards, L

We have very similar laws regarding spotting big game from Aircraft here in Colorado. I have taken several friends and family scouting out new areas when they switch to unfamiliar sections. Most seem to be more interested in safty and access than actually spotting elk or deer.
Maybe approach them from a safty angle. My so-in-law was going to hunt an area we viewed from the air a week or two before his hunt. After taking in the terrain and access/regress he decided to hunt a different area. It was his conclusion that if he were to bag an elk in the area we were looking at, he’d have a real hard time getting it out of there.

Alaska just had a huge debate about that topic a few years ago. Here is one news article:

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/alaska-game-board-aviation-group-clash-on-new-sheep-hunting/article_102358ce-f169-11e4-acd6-336f5d51de2a.html

Here is the board of game’s finding:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/regprocess/gameboard/pdfs/findings/16213.pdf

I bet you could dig through the Board’s website and find all of the comments on Proposal 207. That should keep you busy for weeks.

There is lots more to the issue in Alaska than is spelled out in these documents which is, I think, why it was so contentious, primarily guides. Most states don’t have those issues.