Indeed, it could make us wonder if these things actually upgrade our trailblazing lives in 2024. Faster than a mere light flash across your cellphone screen, the same technology has added artificial intelligence to our outdoor capabilities. We now have such gizmos as forward-facing sonar that allows anglers to see how many fish and the size of the fish down below, new electric outboard motors for primary high-horsepower propulsion of boats, and temperature-sensing drones that can identify the location of big game animals with little effort. I’m part of the group that sides with the verdict that some of these things are unfair to fish and wildlife.

What about the use of thermal-sensing drones? They’re quiet, visually small (stealthy), and can fly high and far from a person using his phone as a controller up to a mile away. They can certainly be effective for finding lost wounded game or lost hunters, as these units provide a bird’s-eye view with pinpoint latitude-longitude location technology based on the heat signature of the object. However, regulations and ethical considerations should be followed if we ever intend to use such devices to find and hunt game. It might require some work among all sportsmen groups to ensure responsible and legal use. Such drones are illegal in NYS right now, but some other states allow them. This technology could be used to locate warm-blooded wildlife (deer, bear, etc.) in various terrains and conditions for the purpose of hunting recreation.

See SPORTSMEN, Page B3

That would be unfair to the animals, and it would be an unethical form of hunting, in my view. If such technology is used by law enforcement to locate a disturbed bear in a rural neighborhood that is causing harm or a lost hiker or camper, that makes good sense for such technology. Great for search and rescue operations. There is nothing like common sense.

This SIRAS drone is an affordable, easy-to-fly, professional drone useful for utilities inspection, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue missions, and other potential uses. Grant support is available to support public safety from a new Teledyne FLIR initiative. Should hunters be allowed to use them to identify wild game? Teledyne FLIR Photo

With forward-facing Sonar, this new technology is more than a simple depth sounder. These new FFS devices help fishermen by providing real-time underwater imaging of the area in front of their boat or in any direction the transducer unit faces. Just like depth Sonar, FFS units use advanced technology to manipulate the sound wave echoes to create detailed images of the underwater terrain, showing fish and underwater structures. Advanced units can identify the geological bottom composition, which is excellent for geologists. But for anglers, because these units allow fishermen to identify schools of fish, single fish and the precise locations of these fish, you have to reconsider these devices as a new video game for people who use a fishing rod for their recreational time away from the office. The ability to see underwater structures, fish and fish movement in real-time simply super-enhances the efficiency and success of fishing. It’s a valuable tool for anglers, but for me, it’s just not fishing anymore. Ethical? Your call.

Electric outboard motors are gaining traction as environmental concerns and technological advancements drive interest in cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems for boats. They offer benefits like reduced noise and lower emissions. However, their widespread adoption depends on factors such as charging infrastructure, battery technology advances, cost and acceptance within the boating community. So, while they hold their promise, whether they become the dominant choice in the future remains to be seen. The consensus among charter captains I know is that because these units are battery-powered, they are not entirely practical. Limitations and lives are at stake, much like electric cars in cold-weather states during a snowstorm. The cost and weight of the batteries themselves are a huge negative for the electric outboard engines.

In the future, the movement of the foot seeks to streamline battery energy efficiency, the same as electric cars. The huge negative is that waste products generated before the manufacture of lithium-ion battery cells and their disposal after depletion are highly toxic. This factor helps to negate the complete acceptance of green thinking to save the planet. Windmills are as bad, yet Albany is pushing to add a windmill network to Lake Erie off the NYS shoreline. As we all age into the A to Z study of battery-powered and energy generation devices, and required improvements that are largely ignored at this time, our green future score may improve. We must ask legislators to study Green Power 101 and be honest. We all care about the planet, but we all need to learn much more about the common sense of it all. ‘Nuff said (for now).

Lastly, the 2024 Western New York Sport and Travel Expo returns to the Fairgrounds in Hamburg (5820 South Park Ave.) this weekend, from Friday through Sunday. There will be exhibitors from the hunting, fishing, boating, RV and the rest of the outdoor industry. Look for a little bit of something for everyone, including a seminar series on several outdoor topics. The Southtowns Walleye Association will provide an exciting trout fishing pond for kids to enjoy, and boaters can check out the latest on-the-water craft from a host of local dealers. Stop by the Erie County Federation of Sportsman’s Booth to visit with Athens Archery pro-staffer Jack Coad and other pros there. Show admission is $10, with show hours noon-8 pm on Friday, 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. First responders and military vets receive a $2 admission discount. Check www.eriepromotions.com for the seminar schedule.

CALENDAR

March 8-10: WNY Sport, Travel & Outdoor Expo; Hamburg; www.eriepromotions.com/wny-sport-show.

March 12: Children-In-The-Stream-Youth 4H Fly Fishing Program, free, SUNY Fredonia Rockefeller Art Center — Costello Room, 7-8:30 pm, Info: Alberto Rey: 716-410-7003.

March 15: NYS Fishing seasons close for walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger musky.

NOTE: Submit Calendar items to [email protected].