Episode 63 - Fair Chase vs Drones: Technology, Ethics, and Wildlife Management Debates

Are drones redefining ethical hunting, or quietly eroding fair chase traditions across America? Modern hunting and fishing live at the intersection of tradition and technology; and few debates expose that tension like drones in the field. Corey Mason, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Conservation for the Wild Sheep Foundation and CSF Board Member, sits down with Sportsmen’s Voice host Fred Bird to unpack one of the most pressing ethical questions facing today’s hunters: where does fair chase end when technology begins? The conversation dives deep into how drones, thermal imaging, and real-time reconnaissance are increasingly used for scouting and game recovery. While many hunters view these tools as a way to reduce unintended waste and improve recovery after a shot, others worry they create an unfair advantage that undermines the core principles of ethical hunting. Drawing from recent legislative action in states like Montana, Corey explains how agencies are attempting to place guardrails around drone use while still respecting hunter responsibility. Gain insight into how wildlife managers account for recovery rates, wounding loss, and harvest success when setting population goals for big game species like deer, elk, and wild sheep. The discussion also explores parallels to shed hunting pressure, tracking dogs, and digital tools like mapping apps illustrating how individual technologies may seem harmless, but collectively shift the balance between hunter and animal. Beyond policy, this episode captures the deeper cultural stakes: heritage, effort, and respect for wildlife. For anyone invested in hunting ethics, conservation science, and the future of fair chase in the outdoors, this is a conversation that challenges assumptions and demands thoughtful reflection. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices