4/12/2005
Now I've Heard Everything
Wisconsin lawmaker wants to outlaw killing animals
This is one of those now-I’ve-heard-everything items. A lot of people fire fake guns playing video games. But now there's a way to use your computer to fire an actual gun and kill live animals.
According to Wisconsin's News Channel 3, so-called "Internet hunting" has prompted a firestorm of controversy and a possible ban in Wisconsin. If you've never heard about this it's hard to believe, but the Texas Web site, Liveshot.com aims to collect money from hunters who hope to kill something big with a tiny mouse, reported News 3's Linda Eggert.
Think you need a weapon to go hunting? Think again. Inside a shed in Texas is a robotic 22-caliber rifle system people all over the world are tapping, literally. The Web site lets computer users log on and start firing a remote rifle by clicking a mouse. Right now, there are only targets to shoot, but starting next month you can hunt live animals. The first live hunt is set for April 9. For $300, you'll get control of a remote camera and rifle and be able to fire real-time bullets at non-native Texas animals, such as baraby, big horn sheep, antelope, and wild hogs, on Lockwood's 200-acre fenced ranch. Many Wisconsin hunters are outraged. Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, is trying to outlaw Internet hunting. Gunderson, an avid hunter, said Internet hunting violates the ethics of fair chase. He's drafted a bill to effectively ban it in Wisconsin.
"It would say that you have to be in physical possession of a firearm to be able to shoot an animal," Gunderson said.
Lockwood said he understands that people think his system is a little wacky, but he insists his Web site is useful -- for new hunters and for persons with disabilities.
Lockwood vows to stay open as long as it's legal. But that may not be long. Maine has outlawed Internet hunting, and Gunderson predicts Texas will do the same probably by May. Regardless of what other states do, Gunderson wants Wisconsin to ban Web sites like this, according to the news report. A public hearing is planned for next week.
This is one of those now-I’ve-heard-everything items. A lot of people fire fake guns playing video games. But now there's a way to use your computer to fire an actual gun and kill live animals.
According to Wisconsin's News Channel 3, so-called "Internet hunting" has prompted a firestorm of controversy and a possible ban in Wisconsin. If you've never heard about this it's hard to believe, but the Texas Web site, Liveshot.com aims to collect money from hunters who hope to kill something big with a tiny mouse, reported News 3's Linda Eggert.
Think you need a weapon to go hunting? Think again. Inside a shed in Texas is a robotic 22-caliber rifle system people all over the world are tapping, literally. The Web site lets computer users log on and start firing a remote rifle by clicking a mouse. Right now, there are only targets to shoot, but starting next month you can hunt live animals. The first live hunt is set for April 9. For $300, you'll get control of a remote camera and rifle and be able to fire real-time bullets at non-native Texas animals, such as baraby, big horn sheep, antelope, and wild hogs, on Lockwood's 200-acre fenced ranch. Many Wisconsin hunters are outraged. Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, is trying to outlaw Internet hunting. Gunderson, an avid hunter, said Internet hunting violates the ethics of fair chase. He's drafted a bill to effectively ban it in Wisconsin.
"It would say that you have to be in physical possession of a firearm to be able to shoot an animal," Gunderson said.
Lockwood said he understands that people think his system is a little wacky, but he insists his Web site is useful -- for new hunters and for persons with disabilities.
Lockwood vows to stay open as long as it's legal. But that may not be long. Maine has outlawed Internet hunting, and Gunderson predicts Texas will do the same probably by May. Regardless of what other states do, Gunderson wants Wisconsin to ban Web sites like this, according to the news report. A public hearing is planned for next week.
