The use of trail cameras for recreational use is no longer allowed on state lands in Delaware. The decision was made by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA).
The ban is effective immediately and includes all state lands, from state parks, state forests and state wildlife areas. Trail cams are not prohibited from use on private property, however.
Trail cameras are used extensively by hunters, particularly during the deer hunting season. The use of the cameras has increased the effectiveness of hunters, according to the report by the DNREC and DDA. Unfortunately, the ban will also impact wildlife photographers and videographers.
The technology has increased in popularity over the last few years. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife estimates that approximately 11.1% of the hunters in state wildlife areas use trail cameras and deploy, on average, 2.3 cameras per hunter. That’s a lot of cameras when you put it all together.
Other concerns include the removal or damage of vegetation when installing the cameras. The use of the cameras has also raised privacy concerns when placed near popular hiking and biking trails used by the general public.
Delaware is not the only state to impose such a ban. So far, up to five other states have banned the use of trail cameras on public lands, and several others are apparently considering a similar ban. In Arizona and Nevada, trail cameras are banned for hunting year-round, while Alaska, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire and Utah ban trail cameras during hunting season.
Once again, if setting up any kind of camera trap, it’s always good to double-check permissions and local laws for wherever you are planning to shoot.
[Via Ein News]
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