Outdoors

Camera gun would let "harmless hunters" get killer wildlife shots

Camera gun would let "harmless hunters" get killer wildlife shots
The Kill Shot is a proposed camera-equipped replica rifle, that would allow hunters to capture photos of animals instead of killing them
The Kill Shot is a proposed camera-equipped replica rifle, that would allow hunters to capture photos of animals instead of killing them
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Photos and videos from the Kill Shot would be recorded on a memory card, that would mount in the same location as an ammunition magazine on a real rifle
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Photos and videos from the Kill Shot would be recorded on a memory card, that would mount in the same location as an ammunition magazine on a real rifle
The Kill Shot is a proposed camera-equipped replica rifle, that would allow hunters to capture photos of animals instead of killing them
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The Kill Shot is a proposed camera-equipped replica rifle, that would allow hunters to capture photos of animals instead of killing them
A diagram of the Kill Shot camera rifle
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A diagram of the Kill Shot camera rifle
A diagram of the Kill Shot camera rifle
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A diagram of the Kill Shot camera rifle
A diagram of the Kill Shot camera rifle
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A diagram of the Kill Shot camera rifle
The Kill Shot's digital camera would be built into its scope
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The Kill Shot's digital camera would be built into its scope
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Not too long ago, brothers Randy and Michael Gregg were out on a hunting expedition. It was the day after deer season had ended, yet they spied a handsome animal bedded down in the snow. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity, they silently crept up on their quarry, raised their rifle, lined the deer up in the crosshairs ... and then took a picture through the scope with a mobile phone. That photo provided all the proof they needed that they had successfully stalked their prey, without bringing home an illegally-obtained carcass. It also inspired them to create the Kill Shot photo/video-recording rifle.

Currently still in the development phase, the Kill Shot would simply be a replica hunting rifle, that takes pictures instead of firing bullets. Users would sneak up on their quarry and get them in the crosshairs as per usual, but pulling the trigger would cause a digital camera - built into the scope - to grab a time- and date-stamped snapshot. That camera could also zoom, and record video.

Images would be saved to a memory card, that would mount in the same location as an ammunition magazine on a real rifle. A USB port would allow users to download their photos or footage onto a computer, where they could be shared with other no-kill hunters.

The Kill Shot's digital camera would be built into its scope
The Kill Shot's digital camera would be built into its scope

The Gregg brothers, along with their other brother, Daniel, see several possible applications for the Kill Shot. For starters, it could simply be used by people who like the idea of tracking down wild animals in nature, but who don't want to kill them - the Greggs aren't stuck on the name "Kill Shot," by the way.

It could also be used as a means of training novice hunters, without the dangers of using live ammunition. Additionally, they suggest that it could be used by regular hunters for "hunting" animals outside of season - although this could lead to some interesting run-ins with game wardens. As a side note, Randy himself works as a park ranger in Pennsylvania.

The three brothers are currently raising funds for prototype and commercial development of the Kill Shot (or whatever it'll be called) on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$150 will get you one, should they ever see production.

While some people might find the idea of a combination camera and rifle kind of ... well, silly, it is not unprecedented. The 1980s TV series Max Headroom depicted mercenary news videographers wielding RR-7 Gun Cameras, while Russian camera company KMZ used to produce a product known as the Photosniper - a very rifle-like stock and trigger, which an SLR body and lens could be mounted onto.

Source: Harmless Hunter

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32 comments
32 comments
Rt1583
Really? Technology will never advance (or a most advance at less than a snails pace) if all people do is take current technology and adapt it to ridiculous novelty items. Why take a device with a limited lens and slave it to another device with a lens that is meant more for magnification instead of true picture clarity to take pictures when a person can purchase a device that is purpose made to serve this function?
Von Meerman
Good on them! Way to sate the lust for hunting and bragging whilst also reducing unnecessary killing.
Alan Belardinelli
I immediatly had a mental image of multiple snaps or video of an approaching grizzly bear...then static.
Kradak
I can't wait for the yearbook photographer to come on campus to take some candid shots on campus...
nikitaskypridemos
Sane hunting is the strictly controlled collection of food. You do not eat it you do not kill it, nor photograph or otherwise disturb it.
This gadget extends trophy hunting philosophy which permeates other areas of life too, ie owning a flash car, or other objects, and in some cases people (think trophy wives).
True hunters do not brag, they just cook well and share the game and a decent bottle of wine with family and friends.
Nik
Dawar Saify
No this is excellent and can be refined. The device could be able to cater to all kinds of mobile phones. Not just beautiful closeups, but beautiful videos too. Hunting in today's day and age is ridiculous. This device also prioritises and focuses any shot, adding to the uniqueness and speciality, making the person feel special.
Ethan1977
This is great! A product that hunters who harvest, and hunters that do not want to harvest can use....
People who do not get to experience an actual hunt because they do not like the "kill" can experience a real hunt and get outdoors to boot!....
Kids can use this to photograph wildlife rather than killing birds and such with bb guns....
I am a hunter and can't wait for seasons of game that I hunt to open. Now I could go hunting and just take a picture year round!....
I say great job and great idea!!!
wh_Iowagurl
I see alot of people commenting silly things. What makes this different than any other TOY gun out there. This does'nt shoot a projectile, only snaps a picture. Thats a good thing! I could see a use for this in Law Enforcement or even the military as well for safe training purposes with scenarios where a sniper is needed. Only concern is if irresponsible parents do not keep track of what their kids are doing. Will it have orange on it? Other than that I love it!
Randy Gregg
If you go after a bear with this, you have GUTS but you are NUTS! lol Wendy, Federal Law states that you only need an orange barrel plug or an orange tip to be identified as a non lethal weapon. As a law enforcement officer myself, I am going to go above and beyond with this. It will have an option to be purchased with an orange scope camera plus the barrel tip and magazine will be orange. This product will also teach gun safety, ethical shot placement and the sport of hunting. Thank you for all your feedback. Feedback on both sides is welcomed! Randy Gregg
Slowburn
re; nikitaskypridemos
There is nothing wrong with hunting for a trophy, to control vermin, and to eliminate man eaters. However the meat should be properly harvested, in the case man eaters and other vermin there are captive predators and scavengers.
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