26 replies to this topic

[BC9696]

It occured to me that for situations where you and your buddy (buddies) are dispersed in such a way that you cannot hear one another, a simple comm system (silent headset/ear type) might be a cool tool. If you spot something closing in on one of the guys who is unable to see the game's approach (backdoor stalks, obstructions, etc) that a whisper into a headset might change the outcome considerably. Also a nice thing if ya see three dozen illegals packing pot with armed escorts moving in. or just to wak your partner up! Is this an unheard of idea? If not, what kind of comm system would work? It must be lightweight, doesn't need much range and should be sturdy. Suggestions?

[fyrewil]

Check you DFG regs....It may be illegal, several states have written it into the regs as being illegal.Check before you play.. or you may pay$$$

[BC9696]

Why would any form of communication be illegal? I carry a cell phone...is that illegal? Nothing regarding this was addressed in the Hunter Safety course. :WTF_1:

[jawbreaker]

It's not illegal to use radios or other types of comunication while you hunt but you can't use it in for the purpose that you are thinking of. I don't know the regulation verbatum but it shouldn't be hard to find.

[BC9696]

It's not illegal to use radios or other types of comunication while you hunt but you can't use it in for the purpose that you are thinking of. I don't know the regulation verbatum but it shouldn't be hard to find.

I could not locate any such provision so I emailed the DFG directly, their reply may surprise you. -----Original Message-----From: AskaWarden Warden [mailto:AskaWarden@dfg.ca.gov] Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 10:09 AMTo: BRUCE CARTERSubject: RE: Fish and Game-Communications equipmentBruce Carter: Current Fish and Game laws do not prohibit the communications devices nor restrict their use as described in your question.Phil NelmsEnforcement Division>>> "BRUCE CARTER" <########@#####.net> 5/19/2010 5:48 PM >>>It occured to me that for situations where I and my hunting buddy aredispersed in such a way that we cannot hear one another in the field, asimple comm system (silent headset/ear plug type) might be a cool tool. Ifone of us spots a coyote closing in on the other (who may be unable to seethe animal's approach...backdoor stalks, obstructions, etc) that a whisperinto a headset might change the outcome considerably. Also a nice thing ifya happen to see three dozen illegals packing pot with armed escorts movingin...or just to wake your snoozing partner up! Is there anything in the regsrestricting the use of a close range comm. system? If there is...is carryinga cell phone illegal too?Thanks,Bruce

[ShooterJohn]

Now ask that same question of four other F&G personnel and you'll have your answer. All kidding aside print that response from him and keep a copy just in case you get someone who doesn't agree or doesn't know. California is not know for its easy to interpret laws.

[BC9696]

The list of "docs" to carry into the field continues to grow eh?

[ShooterJohn]

I carry allot of paperwork when I go somewhere. It doesn't hurt to just have it in your vehicle.

[mtn dog]

The list of "docs" to carry into the field continues to grow eh?

Hey, Bruce,You might need this for all those docs:http://www.outdoorac...-Briefcase.html

[BC9696]

Oh my...I believe I have busted a gut! It seems logical to me (and the only thing I really know is that I don't know sh*t) that if I were hunting in an area I am unfamiliar with and in a manner that separates me from my partner(s) (like bow hunting) that having a form of communication would be valuable. Anyone ever take radios into the field with them? I'm gonna be hunting out of state in some fairly rough country (Badlands of MT, dense woods in MN, etc) and thought this might be a good idea.http://www.wearecb.c...set-p-3739.html

[mtn dog]

This sort of relates to the question of hunting with radios... Long, long ago, I worked as a ground crew member for a hot air balloon pilot. This was back in the '70's when balloons were rare. My job was to chase his balloon and guess where the wind was going to blow him and be nearby for the landing. I asked the pilot why he didn't use a radio to talk to the chase crew. He smiled and said "We tried it for a while and it didn't work well. I found myself telling the chase vehicle where to drive and the chase vehicle tried to tell me where to fly. We junked the radio and were much happier using our individual skills."Likewise, I could see hunting teams getting on each others nerves if there was too much chatter and distraction. I know I would be tempted to shut it off and I don't like the thought of a safety risk because one guy assumed he was before when he decided to change his location. Could happen. Besides, Daniel Boone didn't hunt with a radio as far as I know.

[BC9696]

That's valid. I would not want to have someone chatting in my ear all day either however, if I am unsure which direction I should be going to link up with my buddies in a place I've never been and it's near dusk...a radio might be great. Likewise, if a mother bear and her cubs were spotted heading in the direction of my buddies, a heads up via radio might prevent a problem. Like all things, it isn't the tool but the wise use of it that determines whether it is beneficial or not.How does a ground crew help guide a hot air balloon's course?

[tawnoper]

Just one more thing that sounds like a good idea but turns out to be another piece of gear that is left in the truck. I bought a set of the headset type walkie talkie way back when...still have them somewhere. Seemed like a good idea but when you are hunting hard making stands every mile or so it's just another thing to deal with 20x a day. Keep it simple. Gun, call...done.

[4RHUNTS]

My hunting buddies and I have used radios for years. They work for us. What we do is leave them off and then use them to check in with each other at designated time intervals, like every two hours.. If we hear a shot we will turn them on and see if one of our group has an animal down or needs any help.

[mtn dog]

How does a ground crew help guide a hot air balloon's course?

How? LOL... Not very well!!! The only way a balloon can change direction is to go up or down to seek a breeze blowing in a different direction. From the ground, the crew might know that the surface breeze is going at a different angle then the balloon is drifting up higher and, therefore want to let the pilot know to descend so he can go in that different direction. However, the pilots often will drool a frothy ball of spit over the side and watch as it falls to see if it hits a wind shear and changes direction. Crude but effective. Balloonists often play a game at rallies called "Hare & Hounds". One balloon (the Hare) takes off with a head start and deliberately changes elevations and angles of travel. Minutes later all the 'hound' balloons take off and try to match the 'hare' balloon's course. The hare eventually drops a small sack of flour that splatters on the ground below. The hounds each try to drop their flour sacks and the winner is the one who comes closest to the hare balloon's flour mark on the ground. One on my favorite memories is watching a herd of deer freak out as we flew low over them. Having no airborne predators, the deer never thought to look up but ran like heck in every direction trying to escape the roar of the propane burners.

[BC9696]

My hunting buddies and I have used radios for years. They work for us. What we do is leave them off and then use them to check in with each other at designated time intervals, like every two hours.. If we hear a shot we will turn them on and see if one of our group has an animal down or needs any help.

Makes sense. I would not use em while coyote hunting unless perhaps I were in Mt. Lion habitat. Thinking more about pig, moose, bear and elk type hunt situations. The bad neighborhoods.

[tawnoper]

Silly me. I figured since this is the California Predators Club the question pertained to actually calling and shooting coyotes, bobcats and such. Since the question is obviously wide open...I have a sweet pair of motorolas that we use when out water skiing. Very lightweight and good range. When we're out on the water and low on beer I can easily get ahold of someone at camp so they can make a beer run.

[ShooterJohn]

[mtn dog]

Silly me. I figured since this is the California Predators Club the question pertained to actually calling and shooting coyotes, bobcats and such. Since the question is obviously wide open...I have a sweet pair of motorolas that we use when out water skiing. Very lightweight and good range. When we're out on the water and low on beer I can easily get ahold of someone at camp so they can make a beer run.

LOL. Roger that. I knew I might take a hit for the balloon info. Heck, I TRIED to keep it semi relevant with the deer story. Over and Out!

[fakawee]

I covered this somewhere before! My buddies and I use Motorola FRS/GMRS radios with PTT earbuds that can easily be consealed under your face covering. We turn them on as soon as we leave the vehicles and head out into our areas. The batteries last an entire weekend and if needed, we use the vehicle charging system to recharge them. We've used the FRS/GMRS radios for every hunting condition. We regard them as a top safety item. With the PTT earbuds in use, you don't get that annoying "beep-beep" normally associated with someone keying up to talk and you can definitely whisper in the mike and be heard perfectly clear. Most of the new FRS/GMRS have incredible range but don't believe the hype about 25+ miles unless you hunt over water! Communication is everything when hunting with a partner especially for safety. Use them Bruce!

[havoc]

I also have a set of frs/gmrs radios. I have used them hunting and for other outdoor activities. They work ok but the range is quite limited on the ones i have, especially in rough terrain. They operate in UHF frequencies so this is not surprising. Perhaps if they had more power output or if they were vhf the range would be better. As long as you don't get to far apart they should work for you.

[BC9696]

Are these the right items?http://www.amazon.co...M...1775&sr=1-5http://www.amazon.co...pd_bxgy_e_img_b

[havoc]

thats similar to what I have, mine are cobra brand but basically the same thing. You'll never get 35 miles out of them but they should work pretty good for you. Got mine on ebay for like $30

[fakawee]

Are these the right items?http://www.amazon.co...M...1775&sr=1-5http://www.amazon.co...pd_bxgy_e_img_b

That's them Bruce! Just make sure to get the PTT earbuds to use with them to maximize their usefulness for hunting.

[Karl]

I have used radios and cell phones and they work. Of course you have to have cell coverage for the phones and your batteries have to be good. I have heard of people texting back and forth with success. It would certainly be quieter then talking. One thing to remember, it is my understanding that if you use electronic equipment to commit a crime it is an automatic felony. I could not find the written code but that is my understanding. So as always make sure you are not doing anything illegal. Karl

[BC9696]

Note to self: Turn off radio before shooting the tires on the yellow Mini Cooper.

[Karl]