PETA talking of using drones to monitor hunters

As many of you know, I'm an avid hunter. Thus, it should be no surprise that my ears perked when I learned of this announcement released earlier this month by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA said it plans to watch hunters and farm operators using drones.

"PETA will soon have some impressive new weapons at its disposal to combat those who gun down deer and doves," the group said in a release dated April 8. " The group is shopping for one or more drone aircraft with which to monitor those who are out in the woods with death on their minds."

According to the group, they hope to catch people using spotlights, illegal baiting, as well as those drinking alcohol while in possession of a firearm.

PETA also intends to fly the remote-controlled aircraft over “factory farms,” fishing holes and “other venues where animals routinely suffer and die.”

PETA president Ingrid Newkirk says, “The talk is usually about drones being used as killing machines, but PETA drones will be used to save lives. Slob hunters may need to rethink the idea that they can get away with murder, alone out there in the woods with no one watching."

The animal rights group's announcement is coming when the talk of the government using drones to monitor farms seemed to be dieing down. Could it be another PR stunt similar to what the organization did just before the opening of the 100th Kansas State Fair?

Reno County hunting guide Jim Call says he doesn't care that PETA is using drones. In fact, it could be positive, Call tells me.

"I have nothing to hide," he says, adding that the effort could curb the county's poaching problem - something that has become worrisome over the past few years.

He said there are even area guides who are breaking Kansas hunting laws.

Future duck hunters.