New technology gives hunters an extra set of eyes - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

New technology gives hunters an extra set of eyes

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

Low deer numbers were expected for this year's kickoff to shotgun deer season. But hunters in Iowa aren't disappointed with the game.

New technology is proving it.

 "There's so much more to the Hunt then just the kill of the animal," says Dave Ong, the park manager at Scott County Park.

It's a sport that's been passed down for generations. Like most things, the gadgets used keep getting better and better.

Take for instance, the trail cam.

"They've come a long way. They started out, they were fairly large and they ran on 35 millimeter film. Now they're small, they're digital they take still photos and video clips of activity happening wherever that camera points," says Ong.

The pictures and footage gives hunters an extra set of eyes when they're not out in the woods.

But folks at Scott County Park aren't using any technology.

They're sticking with tradition.

 "The natural way is pretty much the way I want to go because it's not easier, but it's more of a challenge, but it's more fun," says Bryce Spotts, a Park View resident.

That's why fourteen year old Bryce is outside hunting instead of home on the computer.

"It's just more fun than staying at home because you stay at home all the time. This is only like a 2 day season," says Spotts.

Whether you're hunting for the sport or using gadgets to feed your family, folks in Scott County say it's rewarding.

"You know how you cook a meal and you feel good that you cooked it and you eat it, it's kind of like that feeling," says Austin West, a Davenport resident.

"At first you're like aw, I killed this thing. I saw it living, then you're like ugh, it's food. I'm hungry," says Spotts.

This weekend was the only shot gun deer hunt at Scott County Park for the year, but the season does continue for the next several weeks.