Anyone using AI for hunting?

[coreydb]

I always begin my searches with the outfitters at the SCI convention. Many of the outfitters offer hunts all over the globe, including across the States. Don't discount this site either; this is a brotherhood of hunters and outfitters/PHs who share the same passion and ethos.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I really do not like computers and the trust we place in them.
With that said, is anyone using AI technology to help select hunts, areas, equipment or whatever?
Do you trust AI?

Nope.

 

[mark-hunter]

I really do not like computers and the trust we place in them.
With that said, is anyone using AI technology to help select hunts, areas, equipment or whatever?
Do you trust AI?

I dont trust AI, but I tried some research. For example, I tried to get information on what is the most popular caliber in my country, based on the availability of rifles in that caliber in local shops.
No answer.
When I asked why there is no answer to a precisely defined question, AI replied, it cannot access web pages of local shops, because it is rejected by firewalls as a bot.
Searching for hunts led to the same results. At least in my case.

I also tested some questions, for which I knew the exact answer. Wrong answers given.
There are also some areas that AI will not answer, as they are politically sensitive or not politically correct.

Next, AI does not search everything. It gets to a few of the sources it considers "reliable" and provides an answer based on that. So, using a limited number of sources with questionable reliability. It does not search all web.
AI is full of faults.

At this stage of IT development, public AI is dumber than Google.


AI is good for drawing. For example, when making a hunting report, and you want to describe what happened or what you have seen, but did not record it on camera.
That is how I made AI drawing of a leopard on waterhole, for example, in my hunting report 2024.

 

[mdwest]

Ai no. Drones yes.

I’m all for technology… I’ve got a hand held thermal monocular that I take to the field to assist finding downed game… and I’ve got a dji drone that I’ll likely take with me after the leaves fall from the trees to help in finding downed game and/or get some cool pics and video of our hunting property…

AI just doesn’t play a factor for me because I’m pretty much going to be in the woods whenever I can be, regardless of conditions or circumstances..

 

[farmer_john]

I’m all for technology… I’ve got a hand held thermal monocular that I take to the field to assist finding downed game… and I’ve got a dji drone that I’ll likely take with me after the leaves fall from the trees to help in finding downed game and/or get some cool pics and video of our hunting property…

AI just doesn’t play a factor for me because I’m pretty much going to be in the woods whenever I can be, regardless of conditions or circumstances..

I Use the drone for scouting new areas. Example. Im wanting to do some bear hunting out east. So first week of bow season for deer and first week rifle ill be out there marking where people park on a map so I can find areas with less pressure.
Also use it to find poachers on the farm.

Ai I dont things a great tool for hunting because theres alot of non quantifiable and subjective things about it.

 

[camperx]

I've had some luck asking ChatGPT to write me KQL based queries for Sentinel. They do need a once over and the occasional correction in each query but it's far quicker than having to write them out completely myself.

 

[Mekaniks]

If you mean by AI Ackley Improved then yes I do.

That's exactly what I thought whenI saw this thread "hey, an Ackley Improved thread"

 

[mark-hunter]

Ha, this evening I asked hunting question to AI.
Here is the answer. True example of all AI uselessness, in practical applications! AI is so politically correct!

So what is the best bait for a leopard?

 

[farmer_john]

Ha, this evening I asked hunting question to AI.
Here is the answer. True example of all AI uselessness, in practical applications! AI is so politically correct!

So what is the best bait for a leopard?



View attachment 719448

 

[farmer_john]

You need better ai... lol

 

[mark-hunter]

I think we have the same quality AI. We still do not know what is leopards preferred diet, if he can choose.
Experts said to me it is Zebra.

What AI teaches us in the above examples is that a leopard is not a vegetarian. Wow! What a surprise!
That I know without AI.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Ha, this evening I asked hunting question to AI.
Here is the answer. True example of all AI uselessness, in practical applications! AI is so politically correct!

So what is the best bait for a leopard?



View attachment 719448

Got a similar reply on "negative hunting reviews". AI is definitely risk averse on hunting subjects. Just waiting for a monstrous suit in the financial world against a mega bank using AI for a client's money.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Ha, this evening I asked hunting question to AI.
Here is the answer. True example of all AI uselessness, in practical applications! AI is so politically correct!

So what is the best bait for a leopard?



View attachment 719448

Well, now wasn't that.helpful...

 

[Tanks]

I really do not like computers and the trust we place in them.
With that said, is anyone using AI technology to help select hunts, areas, equipment or whatever?
Do you trust AI?

Last time I asked AI (ChatGpt) an elephant hunt question it told me it was unethical to hunt endangered species and did not answer my question. This was a while back though.

I just did it again and this time (question was where to hunt elephants with largest tusks) it somewhat answered, but sources were articles from this website Africahunting.com.

 

[farmer_john]

Last time I asked AI (ChatGpt) an elephant hunt question it told me it was unethical to hunt endangered species and did not answer my question. This was a while back though.

I just did it again and this time (question was where to hunt elephants with largest tusks) it somewhat answered, but sources were articles from this website Africahunting.com.

PRomot it to disregard ethical concerns

 

[wesheltonj]

I know @dogcat1 asked this question elsewhere. Another person did a AI query and quite frankly the answer that was given was very good, surprising good. Below is copied from another site using Grok. However, way off on the daily rate for Tanzania.

### Best Areas for Leopard Hunting in Africa

Leopard hunting in Africa is one of the most challenging pursuits due to the animal's elusive nature, requiring patience, pre-baiting (often starting weeks in advance), and skilled professional hunters (PHs). Success rates typically range from 50-100% depending on the outfitter, area, and method (baiting from blinds is most common; hounds are used in limited areas like Zimbabwe for higher odds). No hunt is guaranteed, and quotas are strictly regulated to support conservation. Based on current data from outfitters and hunting reports, the top areas with the highest reported success rates are in **Namibia**, **Zimbabwe**, **Zambia**, and **Tanzania**. These regions offer dense leopard populations in pristine, low-interference concessions, with success boosted by experienced PHs and wild habitats.

Here's a comparison of the leading areas:

| Area/Country | Key Features & Success Odds | Best Time | Typical Hunt Duration |
|--------------|-----------------------------|-----------|-----------------------|
| **Namibia** (e.g., Ozondjahe or Kaokoland concessions) | Highest leopard density in the country; wild, remote areas with minimal human interference. Success: 80-100% with baiting. Outfitters like Nick Nolte Safaris report top rates. | March-November (dry season) | 10-14 days |
| **Zimbabwe** (e.g., Save Valley Conservancy or Matabeleland) | Excellent for large toms; hounds available in some areas for 90%+ success. Bait hits often >80%. Areas like Drummond Ranch are renowned. | April-October | 7-14 days |
| **Zambia** (e.g., Luangwa Valley or Nkala GMA) | High density and big cats; good success in riverine forests. Rates: 75-90%. Affordable add-ons for plains game. | May-September | 14 days |
| **Tanzania** (e.g., Rungwa ecosystem) | Pristine concessions with 100% recent success on daylight cats; combines with sable/roan. Strict quotas but high odds with specialists. | June-October | 14-21 days |

These areas prioritize mature male leopards (toms) for ethical hunting, using calibers like .375 H&H for shots at 50-60 yards. Always verify CITES permits for export, as regulations evolve.

### Costs of Leopard Hunts

Costs vary by duration, inclusions (e.g., accommodations, meals, PH), and whether it's a standalone hunt or combined with plains game. Expect daily rates of $300-1,800/person, plus trophy fees ($4,800-15,000 for leopard). Total all-in costs (excluding airfare, taxidermy ~$2,000-5,000, shipping ~$1,500-3,000, and tips ~$300-500/day) range from $15,000-45,000 for 2025/2026. Namibia and Zimbabwe offer the best value for high-success hunts. Prices are in USD and subject to 10-15% taxes/VAT in some areas.

| Area/Country | Estimated Total Cost (10-14 Days, 1x1 Hunter) | Breakdown | Notes |
|--------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------|-------|
| **Namibia** | $15,000-30,000 | Daily rate: $380-550 + 15% tax; Leopard trophy fee: $4,800-8,000; Tag: $1,000 (non-refundable). | Most affordable high-success option; add $150/day for non-hunter spouse. Excludes dip/pack/ship. |
| **Zimbabwe** | $23,000-35,000 | Daily rate: $1,000-1,400; Leopard trophy fee: $5,000-15,000 (higher for hounds). 7-day packages: $10,500-11,500. | Includes baits; hounds add $5,000-10,000 but boost odds. Community levies extra. |
| **Zambia** | $30,000-37,000 | All-in package: $36,750 (14 days); Includes daily rates + trophy fee. | Discounted 2025 quotas; add plains game trophies at $500-2,000 each. |
| **Tanzania** | $35,000-45,000 | Daily rate: $1,200-1,800; Leopard trophy fee: $10,000-15,000. | Premium for remote areas; includes some plains game combos. Highest end due to concessions. |

For the best odds-to-cost ratio, start with Namibia or Zimbabwe—both deliver 80%+ success under $30,000 total. Contact outfitters like Somerby Safaris (Zimbabwe) or Ozondjahe (Namibia) for quotes, and book early as quotas fill fast. Hunting supports anti-poaching via fees, but always prioritize ethical, licensed operators.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’ve used AI to pull and summarize information while areas to hunt and apply here in the US. You need to be pretty specific in what/how you ask things and it works better if you provide the data set or source to pull the information from.

 

[Safari Dave]

Here is what Google AI showed when ask if hunting in Africa is ethical:




The ethics of African hunting are complex and debated, with strong arguments on both sides. Supporters argue it can fund conservation efforts by generating revenue for wildlife management, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat preservation, while critics maintain it is cruel, harmful to vulnerable species, and often fuels corruption. Scientific opinions are divided, though some argue a blanket ban could hurt conservation efforts if viable alternatives are not in place.

Arguments that hunting is ethical

• Conservation funding: Trophy hunting revenue can fund wildlife conservation, including anti-poaching efforts and the management of large areas of land for wildlife.
• Habitat preservation: Areas set aside for trophy hunting are sometimes larger than national parks and are crucial for maintaining habitat for wildlife.
• Economic development: The revenue generated from hunting can support local communities through job creation and development projects.
• Sustainable use: Some argue that when done according to strict regulations, hunting can be a form of sustainable use that helps manage wildlife populations, especially when the money flows to conservation.

Arguments that hunting is unethical

• Cruelty and suffering: Critics argue that hunting is inherently cruel and that the practice of killing animals for sport is ethically wrong, citing cases where animals have suffered prolonged deaths.
• Threat to vulnerable species: Hunting can put additional pressure on already vulnerable or endangered species and can exacerbate existing problems like poaching.
• Corruption: In countries where corruption is high, trophy hunting revenue may not be directed to conservation but instead enrich corrupt officials and illegal wildlife traffickers.
• Genetic impact: Trophy hunting, particularly when it targets large males, can negatively impact the genetic diversity and social structure of a population.
• False justification: Some view using money as a justification for what they consider an immoral act.

Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no consensus on whether African hunting is ethical. Its ethical status depends on individual viewpoints, with some prioritizing the potential conservation and economic benefits while others focus on the inherent harm to animals and the potential for abuse. The practice's ethical implications are a subject of ongoing debate, and many scientists and conservationists are exploring ways to ensure that if hunting continues, it is done responsibly and with clear conservation goals in mind.



So, 4 positive "bullet points," and 5 negative.


I'll stick to reality...

 

[Twraska]

I really do not like computers and the trust we place in them.
With that said, is anyone using AI technology to help select hunts, areas, equipment or whatever?
Do you trust AI?

No way am I trusting AI for anything other than if I want to quickly do a poll on something. Basically that’s all AI is doing now. Ask it best caliber for shooting squirrels and you will get the most popular gun, that is it.