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Public commenters press agency to revise or clarify trail-camera ban on public lands
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Summary
Multiple public commenters urged KDWP to revisit a regulation banning certain trail-camera uses on department public lands; commenters proposed alternatives such as a permit/ID system and a seasonal ban on cellular (real-time) cameras during big-game seasons.
Several members of the public used the July 16 KDWP meeting to urge the commission to reconsider a department restriction on trail cameras on public lands. Commenters asked for clearer, more practical rules and proposed alternatives instead of a full prohibition.
Sean Miller, who has been an active participant in past meetings on the topic, recommended a three-part approach: require a free "trail-camera stamp" (or registration) with the department-issued number visibly affixed to each camera; keep the walk-in hunting access (WIHA) / private-Land bans in place; and allow noncellular (non–real-time) cameras year-round while prohibiting cellular (real-time) transmissions from Sept. 1 through May 31 (covering the primary hunting seasons).
"If you want to run trail cameras on public land, get a trail-camera stamp," Miller said, explaining that a visible permit number would make enforcement and identification easier for wardens and reduce anonymous use of cameras that concern other users. Other commenters urged KDWP to ensure rules are enforceable and to allow summer monitoring while restricting real‑time transmissions during hunting seasons.
KDWP staff said the ban and its enforcement have been discussed at multiple meetings and that any modification would need clear rule language and a promulgation process; commissioners asked staff to consider whether a registration requirement or a seasonal restriction on cellular cameras could address stakeholder concerns while remaining enforceable.
Ending No formal action was taken. Commissioners asked legal staff to include precise draft language in future agenda materials if the commission directs staff to develop regulatory options on camera use, permitting or seasonal limits.
