Camera traps - something to worry?

[Fred588]

Another thing to consider is that law evolves and this is especially important with respect to technology that is in flux. For example, because it flies very low and can carry a camera, a drone represents a threat to privacy. However, because I flies, it is also technically considered an aircraft and it is illegal to shoot at ANY aircraft. Another complicating issue could be whether or not it is legal to shoot a projectile onto or over the property of someone else. Assuming the possibility of missing the target, where does the bullet go? Is firing a weapon into the air considered a safe practice? Clearly it would be in an area where duck hunting is permitted but certainly not in many locations. Might a neighbor believe he/she is being shot at and try to shoot back?

^^Good point. Know your local laws well. Living in a rural area I have a tendancy to take certain freedoms for granted.

[Mynock]

Common sense would (of course) play a part in defending your privacy. Your neighbor won't be happy if you rain bird shot on his roof. Again, wouldn't have that issue myself.

[PM2K]

You could try the Viking method....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOnjlyZf6LE

[dlodoski]

Common sense would (of course) play a part in defending your privacy. Your neighbor won't be happy if you rain bird shot on his roof. Again, wouldn't have that issue myself.

Until they start making airplanes out of plastic and start charging gerbils airfare, I'm not considering them aircraft.

If I see one over me, I'll shoot it down - assuming I can beat the still photographer to taking the shot. Hehe

You could try the Viking method....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOnjlyZf6LE

Nice! Even included a Death Rattle.

[Fred588]

Nevertheless, legally they are aircraft. This may be a legal definition in need of some revision, and it might be something that may not be enforced, but my understanding is that they are defined as such.

Common sense would (of course) play a part in defending your privacy. Your neighbor won't be happy if you rain bird shot on his roof. Again, wouldn't have that issue myself.

Until they start making airplanes out of plastic and start charging gerbils airfare, I'm not considering them aircraft.

If I see one over me, I'll shoot it down - assuming I can beat the still photographer to taking the shot. Hehe

You could try the Viking method....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOnjlyZf6LE

Nice! Even included a Death Rattle.

[bogbud]

As far as I know, the range of the remote control of the "standard toy-drone" is quite limited. Meaning the operator needs to maintain eye contact with the drone. So just in case you see one, the dude operating it, is near you!

[Mynock]

Phantom IV has a reported range of 4 MILES at 350ish feet. I think it's ceiling is 10,000 feet. Relatively cheap at around $800 too. There's a reason the FAA is concerned about these things. The technology has come a very long way in a short time.

[Duncan Edwards]

Phantom IV has a reported range of 4 MILES at 350ish feet. I think it's ceiling is 10,000 feet. Relatively cheap at around $800 too. There's a reason the FAA is concerned about these things. The technology has come a very long way in a short time.

Indeed. I was recently witness to a building implosion in downtown Nashville. Knowing the area very well and being fairly adept and getting into places I wasn't necessarily permitted in I managed to get a front row seat. Nobody was between me and my view of the spectacle so thinking I was pretty smart I pulled out my iPhone and shot some video. A few minutes prior to the scheduled detonation the sky was suddenly filled with with a profusion of drones buzzing like mosquitoes. I counted an even dozen as they came from every direction on the compass and took up station below the local television helicopter. Their number, small size, performance, etc was very impressive and not at all toy-like. I was at minimum safe distance of 700 ft away and all of these things came from at least farther, some much farther, and hovered like they were glued to the sky. If they had come in at altitude as opposed to passing low over my location I would likely have never known they were there. If you wanted to be intentionally stealthy with one of these things and remain out of shotgun range it would not be difficult in the hands of a skilled operator. I've seen some of the stabilized 4K video that was returned by these things and it's amazing.