Pre-season scouting from an aircraft

[Lance Barkman]

My good hunting buddy and I had a conversation coming home from hunting the other day about pre-season scouting using an aircraft. I am thinking of buying an ultralight aircraft to use on some short remote hunts, and so we talked about using it for some pre/post-season scouting. My good buddy just mentioned "That it would almost feel like cheating don't you think?" I actually don't know what I really feel about it honestly. What are your thoughts on this topic?

[Big7]

How would it be cheating? Seeing animals from the air and then actually getting all your "ducks in a row" on the ground for a harvest are a long ways from being a gimme - therefore "cheating!" As long as you're not pushing the limmits of legality, why not? Not much different than going for a drive in the evenings to check some areas out is it?

Just stay off the sauce when you're in the air...don't need a John Denver repeat!

[KB90]

I am thinking of buying an ultralight aircraft to use on some short remote hunts,

I am thinking that sounds like a dream come true!

On a side note though don't a lot of people die in hobby plane accidents?

[dana]

The boys south of the border have been doing this for years but mainly in desert regions. Don't think there are many areas in BC they would be effective as a scouting tool as there is just too much timber. Not too many guys have the balls to be in a chute plane above timberline. I think you could end up with more than just your legs broke like Randy Ulmer. ;)

[gitnadoix]

Just make sure its WAAAY pre-season for all species, or else you will be one of those people who get cursed on here for spooking game away from resident hunters who are already on the ground hunting for their prey of choice..........


And get it officialy from MOE that it would not be considered part of the pursuit and thus part of the hunt....

[Rock Doctor]

If you want to go fly around in your Ultralight,...............Go do it whenever you want:-?. Legal light premitting, of course:).

[Lance Barkman]

on the ground for a harvest are a long ways from being a gimme Yeah I know. often you wouldn't even see things from the air you end up spoting on the ground. Seeing then hunting after the legal 24 hour (or next day not exactly sure) waiting period is no gimmie. It just gives you good heads up on good areas. Especially on areas like open mulie wintering grounds, burns, marshy stuff for moose, alpine hunting, and my fav tundra hunting the north. I've been toying with this float plane with foldable wings you can trailer to a lake near where you would like to fly into. I know there are a few more crashes on ultralights, than privates, but its probably due to the lack of hours needed for the licience. An ultralight is actually one of the safest planes to land in engine failure. :???: I've also had the crazy idea of using a hotair balloon/propelled para glider as seen in the "Planet Earth" movie. But the wind would definately play a factor..... It would be a dream to hop a few mountain ridges in a couple hours rather than a couple days, and find undisturbed areas where no one will bother you if you know what I mean....:confused:

[Steeleco]

It's not going to make your price per pound any lower, but it sure would be fun. LOL It would really help with the lay of the land, even if the animals were well hid!!

[Lance Barkman]

Just make sure its WAAAY pre-season for all species, or else you will be one of those people who get cursed on here for spooking game away from resident hunters who are already on the ground hunting for their prey of choice..........


And get it officialy from MOE that it would not be considered part of the pursuit and thus part of the hunt....

Oh yes I've been buzzed while elk and caribou hunting too!!! so madning!

[Lance Barkman]

It's not going to make your price per pound any lower, but it sure would be fun. LOL It would really help with the lay of the land, even if the animals were well hid!! Yeah I think I've lost track already!!! might as well be a million for all I know... lol!!

[Phil]

Sounds like a good idea but a dangerous and expensive thing to do. For the number of times a year you might do this you might consider finding someone with a private licence to take you for a tour in a plane of your favorite spot. Private pilots often need the hours behind the controls and would be happy to do it if you bought the fuel and paid part of the rental. A few beers later wouldn't hurt either.

[Lance Barkman]

Sounds like a good idea but a dangerous and expensive thing to do. For the number of times a year you might do this you might consider finding someone with a private licence to take you for a tour in a plane of your favorite spot. Private pilots often need the hours behind the controls and would be happy to do it if you bought the fuel and paid part of the rental. A few beers later wouldn't hurt either. You are probably right! chartering a plane is expensive, but so is owning your own plane. although in the "ultralight" class the cost are definately less. cheers!

[Lance Barkman]

Phil did you shoot that buck on your aviator this past season?

[bighornbob]

My good hunting buddy and I had a conversation coming home from hunting the other day about pre-season scouting using an aircraft. I am thinking of buying an ultralight aircraft to use on some short remote hunts, and so we talked about using it for some pre/post-season scouting. My good buddy just mentioned "That it would almost feel like cheating don't you think?" I actually don't know what I really feel about it honestly. What are your thoughts on this topic?


Sounds like fun but have you heard of Google earth:mrgreen:

BHB

[Lance Barkman]

Sounds like fun but have you heard of Google earth:mrgreen:

BHB Yes I use google more than its healthy. Its just tough to make out the deer and elk on there. lol

[Kudu]

Yeah I know. often you wouldn't even see things from the air you end up spoting on the ground. Seeing then hunting after the legal 24 hour (or next day not exactly sure) waiting period is no gimmie. It just gives you good heads up on good areas. Especially on areas like open mulie wintering grounds, burns, marshy stuff for moose, alpine hunting, and my fav tundra hunting the north. I've been toying with this float plane with foldable wings you can trailer to a lake near where you would like to fly into. I know there are a few more crashes on ultralights, than privates, but its probably due to the lack of hours needed for the licience. An ultralight is actually one of the safest planes to land in engine failure. :???: I've also had the crazy idea of using a hotair balloon/propelled para glider as seen in the "Planet Earth" movie. But the wind would definately play a factor..... It would be a dream to hop a few mountain ridges in a couple hours rather than a couple days, and find undisturbed areas where no one will bother you if you know what I mean....:confused:


This might be the one you are looking for - slap a 912 Rotax motor in there - 28 m/2 sail and you will trundle along at 90 mph


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/Gogga2/DSC06901s.jpg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENhcz2FvLS8


http://www.floatplanetraining.com/Storch_front.jpg

[35 Whelen]

My biggest concern would be any amount of mountain flying. The up drafts and down drafts would be very challenging. With some of those downdrafts being far more powerful than your airframe is capable of getting you out of.

However in the flatter land it would be a hoot. Take a GPS up there with you and mark some honey holes.

[Kudu]

My biggest concern would be any amount of mountain flying. The up drafts and down drafts would be very challenging. With some of those downdrafts being far more powerful than your airframe is capable of getting you out of.

However in the flatter land it would be a hoot. Take a GPS up there with you and mark some honey holes.




It is true what you say - somehow that is what we paragliders live for - and cary reserves for BTW.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqyWxK28R5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-HGxxSXXS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbAOGYFkXgo

[Lance Barkman]

It is true what you say - somehow that is what we paragliders live for - and cary reserves for BTW.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqyWxK28R5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-HGxxSXXS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbAOGYFkXgo

Kudu do you own a para glider like the one on the photo. really interested. I believe that is the plane i am looking at in the picture. It's a STOL 701 with the foldable wing option. Something more affordable like the first picture would be an option as well.

Yeah Whealen, I've heard about the moutain drafts. I think I would have to pick my days, as well as trailering to a lake near by. I'm not really looking at doing the 100 mile treks, just to get off the road a little. Thanks for the imput! cheers!

[Lance Barkman]

Nice Videos !!! Tres cool!! Not sure how much the cargo load is on one of those puppies, but what a nice way to get around.

[KB90]

This is what you need!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgn1Psq0V24&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61VAxd-J9U8&feature=related
http://www.airscooter.com/

[Kudu]

Kudu do you own a para glider like the one on the photo. really interested. I believe that is the plane i am looking at in the picture. It's a STOL 701 with the foldable wing option. Something more affordable like the first picture would be an option as well.

Yeah Whealen, I've heard about the moutain drafts. I think I would have to pick my days, as well as trailering to a lake near by. I'm not really looking at doing the 100 mile treks, just to get off the road a little. Thanks for the imput! cheers!


The one in the picture is a microlight - ultralight - I guess it depends where you come from - To answer you yes I did own one - flew it around England as the weather was too crap to paraglide.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/Gogga2/takeoff.jpg


That's Josh my eldest son and I about to go flying around the West Midlands in the UK.



Do I own a paraglider? yes I do - do I fly it here in Canada - yes I do. will it work for you - yes, if you get a motor.
Your flying will be restricted to early mornings and late afternoons until you get to grips with thermaling and mountain weather though.


http://www.paratoys.com/images/indeximages/rhinosm.jpg


http://www.skytribe.co.za/Gallery/Picture%20227.jpg

[Darksith]

I was told that you can't hunt 24 hours after being in an aircraft. Thought it was law.

[Lance Barkman]

This is what you need!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgn1Psq0V24&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61VAxd-J9U8&feature=related
http://www.airscooter.com/

Ha ha ya good idea. Now I just have to shoot the animals in the foot and chase them back to the truck. nice vid find. I think it is a 24 hour waiting period or the next day. Does anyone know the actual BC law on this?

[115 or bust]

I was told that you can't hunt 24 hours after being in an aircraft. Thought it was law.
Key word pre season, Not while hunting. Its a great Idea and one I've been toying with for quite a while for checking out how mature the timbers are for winter ranges and getting a feel for the scope of productive alpine areas, especially those right above said winter range patches. Save a lot of walking for a blacktail guy like me.

[d6dan]

I think it is a 24 hour waiting period or the next day. Does anyone know the actual BC law on this?
For Hunting: its 6 hours after you land in a plane. No helicopters..

[KB90]

No helicopters..

What do you mean? Like there is no rules?

[d6dan]

What do you mean? Like there is no rules?


Now, quit being a smart ass Kyle...:shock:

[KB90]

Now, quit being a smart ass Kyle...:shock:

haha sorry if that cam across wrong, it was a serious question. Do they fall under the same catagory?

[d6dan]

haha sorry if that cam across wrong, it was a serious question. Do they fall under the same catagory?
I'm just pulling your leg kiddo..

Helicopters have been outlawed for a long time, It would be too easy for access. Planes, well you need a runway or water. A little tougher to get to your destination..

Check it out....page 18,#7 in the regs...

[wolverine]

My good hunting buddy and I had a conversation coming home from hunting the other day about pre-season scouting using an aircraft. I am thinking of buying an ultralight aircraft to use on some short remote hunts, and so we talked about using it for some pre/post-season scouting. My good buddy just mentioned "That it would almost feel like cheating don't you think?" I actually don't know what I really feel about it honestly. What are your thoughts on this topic?


I've done that twice and I don't consider it cheating. Scouting is scouting... it's like saying using a trail cam is cheating. As long as you aren't landing and heading there to hunt immediately I don't see anything wrong with it.

[Lance Barkman]

Thanks for the info dan! Ya I know outfitters obey the 6 hour rule all the time ;) . Hey Kudu. Do use your para glider for scouting or hunting? whats the max speed you can get out of that? You still need your ultralight licience for that right?

Thanks for all your input folks! Yes flying around would save alot of walking and much faster understanding of areas. You can get into a two seater ultralight for 45-50k with 150 pounds extra cargo. (if two people weight 180 pounds) Yes that means a couple trips out of a two man hunting camp. (if successfull) I'm staring down a 2k airfare ticket every time I want to hit no mans land never mind extra scouting. So 20 years from now would the plane pay off? It will if I'm still alive!!!! ha ha cheers boys!!! This is the plane with the foldable wings. http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/fwo.html
http://www.zenith.aero/video/flying-the-stol-ch-750-with-a

Oh and if anyone else has this idear, your plane must be on the "Advanced Ultralight List" At transport Canada, and registered as "Advanced Ultralight Aircraft" to legaly take your hunting buddy.

Cheers!

[blackbart]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeMLQNe57E

This would be my preference. Why not go with the safe and proven?

$23 million lotto prize tonight, perhaps I will be buying one soon!

[GoatGuy]

Thanks for the info dan! Ya I know outfitters obey the 6 hour rule all the time ;) . Hey Kudu. Do use your para glider for scouting or hunting? whats the max speed you can get out of that? You still need your ultralight licience for that right?

Thanks for all your input folks! Yes flying around would save alot of walking and much faster understanding of areas. You can get into a two seater ultralight for 45-50k with 150 pounds extra cargo. (if two people weight 180 pounds) Yes that means a couple trips out of a two man hunting camp. (if successfull) I'm staring down a 2k airfare ticket every time I want to hit no mans land never mind extra scouting. So 20 years from now would the plane pay off? It will if I'm still alive!!!! ha ha cheers boys!!! This is the plane with the foldable wings. http://www.zenithair.com/stolch701/fwo.html
http://www.zenith.aero/video/flying-the-stol-ch-750-with-a

Oh and if anyone else has this idear, your plane must be on the "Advanced Ultralight List" At transport Canada, and registered as "Advanced Ultralight Aircraft" to legaly take your hunting buddy.

Cheers!


Yes, maintenance and insurance are also very, very cheap in the aviation industry. 45-50K, fill 'er up with unleaded and you're off to the races.

I wouldn't bother with the license or insurance, just teach yourself how to fly the thing.

Takin' off's easy and you've got a good couple hours before you have to worry about figuring out how to land the thing.:wink:

[hunter1947]

My thoughts are if you do go ahead with your plan make sure you take out lots of life insurance http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif.

I would not say it is cheating look at the hunters that use there trail cams to see what animals are in areas.

When your on the ground and hunting them its a whole different ball game then that of being in the air http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif.

[Kudu]

Thanks for the info dan! Ya I know outfitters obey the 6 hour rule all the time ;) . Hey Kudu. Do use your para glider for scouting or hunting? whats the max speed you can get out of that? You still need your ultralight licience for that right?


Lance - no I don't use my paraglider for scouting at all, I normally fly around the Fraser valley, and as you know there are no deer here at all.

However when I get it right in summer and I manage to get the thermals correct - I have flown across the border and skirted mount Baker on my way South - remember I'm flying power less - ie,. no engine.

I have a tandem glider which I fly with my wife - the longest flight we have done together is 7.5 hours and 250km, again engine less.

I don't know what the regs are here about flying a motorized paraglider, in-fact I don't even know if it would classed as a aircraft. the FAA has certain classifications regarding aircraft and I'm pretty sure that it would not fit into any of the cats, it simply weighs to little.

Flex-wing trikes and three axis micro / ultra lights, certainly fall into the ultralight category and yes in most countries around the world you have to have a ppl type licence to fly them.

As to rule's about flying and hunting - I wonder? - if I climbed up a mountain somewhere in the Okanagan with my para-glider on my back, took off and flew say 20 30 K's landed - packed my glider into its backpack and took my rifle or bow and went hunting - would I be breaking the law?

OOOps - sorry Lance - licence to fly para-gliders - I was an Instructor for 10 or so years in SA - teaching paragliding - you needed to do a minimum of 10 hours theory and a written exam as well as twenty solo flight's under instruction or instructor supervision - lasting longer than 10 Min's each to qualify as a basic pilot . There where of course, more advanced courses to achieve more advanced rating as as you went along - I'm pretty sure that there is a similar system here in Canada.

[Lance Barkman]

to have a ppl type licence to fly them.

As to rule's about flying and hunting - I wonder? - if I climbed up a mountain somewhere in the Okanagan with my para-glider on my back, took off and flew say 20 30 K's landed - packed my glider into its backpack and took my rifle or bow and went hunting - would I be breaking the law?

Yes the synopsis states the term "airborne" so that would include para gliders I would think.