Below is a news release by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. For 2025, Fiocchi partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to increase the visibility of poaching incidents in an effort to reduce poaching. 

Thermal imaging devices can reveal every animal with a heat signature in clearcuts, burn scars and heavy brush. Drones interrupt and irritate wildlife species gearing up for breeding, feeding and raising offspring. Motorized e-bikes travel roads closed to vehicles, disturbing wildlife. 

All of the above are examples of unlawful use of technology while hunting or scouting. OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers are seeing an uptick in illegal tech use by poachers, often during hunting seasons. 

Though technology might be integrated into the rest of our lives, hunting is a different story. The reason is fair chase—a foundational principle in North American hunting ethics, emphasizing respect for wildlife by ensuring that animals have a reasonable chance to escape.  

The impacts on wildlife populations and hunting opportunities without fair chase can be significant. “When poachers use unfair advantage, harvest rates go up, and that impacts our hunting opportunities,” according to ODFW Wildlife Deputy Division Administrator, Brian Wolfer. 

“We manage buck numbers to provide for both legal hunting opportunities and species conservation,” Wolfer continued. “If illegal take decreases buck numbers too much, then we have no choice but to decrease the number of tags issued to legal hunters.” 

The hunting community strongly backs regulations related to emerging technology. 

“OHA supports the vigorous enforcement of laws designed to protect wildlife, habitat, private property and hunter’s rights,” said Oregon Hunters Association state President Steve Hagan. 

Wildlife and law enforcement officials have received numerous questions regarding the legal, ethical use of emergent technology applied to hunting and scouting. Here is what they want hunters to know: 

Thermal Devices: Thermal imaging devices (which rely on infrared technology to detect heat) provide an unfair advantage during hunting seasons, as an animal’s natural camouflage doesn’t disguise its body heat. It is illegal to use a thermal device to hunt, locate or scout for the purpose of hunting any wildlife. It is Illegal to use thermal devices when recovering harvested wildlife or tracking an injured animal as tracking and recovery are considered hunting. It is illegal to use a thermal device off-season to scout wildlife in an area in which the user intends to hunt or trap during a regular season. In rule, read the language of OAR 635-065-0745 here. 

Drones: Using drones to locate, monitor or move wildlife is illegal. It is also illegal to use a drone to harass someone who is legally hunting, fishing or trapping. A drone is defined as any unmanned flying machine, water-based vehicle or any other vehicle able to operate in the air, water, or under water, without a human occupant. It’s not just fair chase that is the concern with drones. In worst case scenarios, drone operators can harass wildlife to exhaustion. In statute, read the language of ORS 498.128 here.  

E-bikes: E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles. They can provide illegal access to roads and areas closed for wildlife conservation when riders use them to ride on roads closed to motorized vehicles, bypass gates or other barriers, access narrow trails or travel cross-country. Road closures implement travel management plans for roads, trails, and overland travel. The roads are closed because vehicle activity can disturb and stress herds, interfere with access to forage or water, and even cause big game animals to disperse to nearby agricultural lands. These regulations are intended to protect private property, reduce disturbance of wildlife, and to help keep big game from moving onto agricultural land during hunting seasons. 

“Motor vehicle closures and winter range closures provide an opportunity for wildlife to avoid human disturbance,” according to ODFW Wildlife Deputy Division Administrator, Brian Wolfer. “Bypassing those closures and hunt season closures negatively impacts wildlife.” In rule, read the language of OAR 635-065-0760 (10) here 

Artificial Intelligence: AI like Chat GPT can give false or misleading information regarding hunting and fishing seasons, legal bag limits and rule changes. It is important for hunters, anglers and trappers to consult the online regulations for the most up-to-date and accurate information, here. 

(Graphic credit: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)