In my Jan. 22 blog post I asked folks to weigh-in with opinions about a questionable hunting scenario involving use of a smartphone. Congratulations to Chad Hurliman (username chhurliman); the NAH editors chose your comment as their favorite, so they'll be sending you a brand-new Vanguard DropDown B62 Bipod!

Chad said: "My phone is almost always with me no matter where I go, as I am a father/husband before I am anything else, so if my family needs to get in contact with me, they can. With that said, most of the places I hunt don't have cell service, and if they do, I put it on silent to not spook game and will check it as I feel the need to ensure I am not needed. I would most likely not have seen the text in time to intercept the deer, and even if I did, I would have most likely texted him back to tell him that I would come if he had an emergency, but would not leave my stand if he was referencing an opportunity to get a deer. It is never worth losing the ability to hunt just to have a rack on the wall!"
 

What would Kayser have done in that situation?

Honestly, I carry my cell phone in the field for emergencies, but I rarely turn it on for this simple reason: I’ve been cussed at by outfitters and friends alike for not staying in communication, but I don’t want to be implicated for using my cell phone to aid in my hunt. It’s that simple. If you can’t stand not to be in touch with friends and hunting buddies while in the field, be sure to read and memorize the game laws pertaining to the use of electronic communications while hunting. A simple text could land you a painful ticket, the loss of hunting rights and/or a heavy conscience.