Blago Bans Computer Hunters

I suppose if even the National Rife Association opposes this kind of hunting, it must really be bad.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a new law Monday banning so-called remote-control hunting, in which a computer user maneuvers a camera-equipped rifle, tracks an animal on-screen, and fires the weapon with the click of a mouse.

The ban, which takes effect immediately, makes Illinois one of more than 30 states that have outlawed the practice, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

"The main purpose of this (measure) is gamesmanship and maintaining hunting for what it is," Gerardo Cardenas, a Blagojevich spokesman, said Tuesday. "Remote-control hunting - people sitting in their living rooms, basements and bedrooms controlling weapons and firing at animals from their computer - does not seem to fit into what the sport of hunting is about."

Still more concept than trend, such "ready, aim, click" kills - or the prospect of them - push the ethical envelope and violate the spirit of "fair chase" hunts, opponents say.
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The issue emerged in early 2005, when Texas entrepreneur John Lockwood set up a Web site that allowed subscribing hunters with a high-speed Web connection to shoot antelope, wild pigs and other game on his 220-acre San Antonio spread via remote control - from anywhere. Lockwood offered to send the animals' heads to subscribers.

Lockwood's venture barely got started before Texas lawmakers caught wind of it, swooped in and shot it down. Since then, other states have hustled to get something on their books barring the practice.

Sheesh, only in Texas.

I’m not opposed to hunters or hunting I guess, but to suggest that blowing away an animal with a gun is somehow “fair” if it’s done in person as opposed to remotely seems odd to me. No, it’s still not “fair”. Hunters are in little danger of being hurt or killed unless it’s at the hands of another hunter. Using all kinds of camouflage, lures, scopes, high-powered arms, etc. only makes it more unfair. But whatever, at least the hunters still have to get out of bed. Thanks, Governor B.