Game dilemma: Go old-school or use new technology

Sometimes gadgets detract from the hunt, and sometimes add to it.

I sometimes over-think things, and this is a classic example. Should I buy a trail camera? It could be a fun way to see what’s happening in the woods when I am not there, or it could be another frustrating gadget I have to deal with.

With hunting season fast approaching, I am curious if some places I’ve hunted in the past harbor deer and elk that I am not seeing. That’s what trail cameras are designed for. Since I like photographing game and I like to hunt, you would think one of these would be a natural for me.

But I am still on the fence, and here’s why:

• I use the woods as an escape from electronics. I don’t have to worry about charging the camera’s batteries, downloading cards, or worrying about it getting ripped off.

But actually I do worry about those things because I always carry a small camera with me while hunting, and my GPS and rangefinder both require batteries.

• I could see animals I might not otherwise see and decide where to concentrate my limited hunting time.

But I can already figure out where animals are by using traditional woods craft. Deer leave tracks, they eat, they poop, they scrape, they leave plenty of signs.

• Adding a game camera to my tool kit adds a few grains of sand to the scale and tips it more in my favor. I don’t consider them unethical, but at the same time, every gadget that gives me an advantage changes the fair-chase equation.

Though knowing an animal exists, or is in a certain area, doesn’t mean I am going to get it. It just gives me the opportunity to hunt it, which is the point of why I am out there.

• I would get enjoyment out of all animals I photograph, not just game animals. I can share those photos with family and friends who don’t get into the woods as much.

So what will I do?

Beats me, but big-game season is almost here.