Fair Chase in the Age of Technology: A Deep Dive with Matt Bortz

In this episode, Matt Bortz joins the show for an in-depth discussion about the evolving landscape of hunting ethics in the face of modern technology. As a member of Idaho’s HAT Committee (Hunting and Advanced Technology), Matt shares key insights into a recent initiative by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to evaluate the impact of technology on fair chase principles. The conversation explores: Public sentiment on hunting technologies like rangefinders, game cameras, GPS collars, smart optics, thermal imaging, drones, and AI. Survey findings from over 15,000 Idaho hunters that reveal a near-even split on contentious tools like cell trail cameras and smart scopes, while showing strong opposition to night vision, thermals, and AI for animal identification. Ethical and enforcement challenges, including how perceptions vary across regions and user experience levels. The human element of the hunt, including a gripping personal story of a challenging solo bear hunt that ends with an adrenaline-pumping close encounter. Youth outreach and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of educating the next generation on ethical hunting and the role of community-led programs. The episode ultimately underscores the importance of public input in wildlife regulation, the need for balance between tradition and innovation, and a call to action for hunters to voice their views when new regulations are proposed.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Matt Bortz joins the show for an in-depth discussion about the evolving landscape of hunting ethics in the face of modern technology. As a member of Idaho’s HAT Committee (Hunting and Advanced Technology), Matt shares key insights into a recent initiative by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to evaluate the impact of technology on fair chase principles.

The conversation explores:

Public sentiment on hunting technologies like rangefinders, game cameras, GPS collars, smart optics, thermal imaging, drones, and AI.

Survey findings from over 15,000 Idaho hunters that reveal a near-even split on contentious tools like cell trail cameras and smart scopes, while showing strong opposition to night vision, thermals, and AI for animal identification.

Ethical and enforcement challenges, including how perceptions vary across regions and user experience levels.

The human element of the hunt, including a gripping personal story of a challenging solo bear hunt that ends with an adrenaline-pumping close encounter.

Youth outreach and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of educating the next generation on ethical hunting and the role of community-led programs.

The episode ultimately underscores the importance of public input in wildlife regulation, the need for balance between tradition and innovation, and a call to action for hunters to voice their views when new regulations are proposed.

We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Alpha Dog Nutrition and Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  Want to learn more about Alpha Dog Nutrition? Check out the links below

https://www.dusupply.com/alphadog

www.dusupply.com

https://alphadognutrition.com/

 

https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts

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