My son is investigating remote controlled aircraft with range of up to 2 miles that takes video for use on the deer/pig/turkey lease. Apparently the technology is there and it cost approximately $600-$700. Has anyone looked into this before?

Better check on the legality of it for use during hunting.

There is nothing illegal using a remote control airplane to take pictures. But the law does state its illegal to shoot deer from a remote control weapon.

Sounds cool!!! Keep the board posted on how it works!!!

I would look at something like that. I could stand on the roof and fly down the draw. That would be a fun toy for sure.

I would probably laugh alot...

I also think you are going to be looking at spending way more than 6-700 bucks.

I don't think he's planning on mounting hellfire missles or miniguns..just a camera. He's got RC experience and says you can even control it with your Iphone. As far as the cost..I agree it will probably cost more. Maybe the "Grande" will show up while he's working his flying machine.

I was interested in this as well. I put it on my Christmas List. I was hoping to stay much lower price. I thought scouting 100 yds would be enough. I also thought about trying to get a model dirigible with a camera.

I would say that is hunting with the aid of an electronic device. I know in Alaska and Canada you cannot hunt the same day you fly so I would check with TPWD not listen to us.

i thought it was something like, you couldnt use a helo to scout for you WHILE you were hunting. like calling out positions of the deer.

just cant remember if that was in Texas or where

I found this but I think it deals with the ability to shoot a weapon remotely.

Remote-controlled Hunting: A person may not engage in computer-assisted remote hunting of any animal or bird or provide or operate facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting if the animal or bird being hunted is located in Texas.

I have thought about investing in the required gear myself. Like your son, I also have some RC flying experience. We have mounted a small camcorder (size of a flash drive) to one of our RC planes and just flown around the neighborhood. Pretty cool. But what you are referring to is what they call FPV (first person view) flying. See the link below to a youtube video that shows you how it works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYe6LgSnig4

My research has found that flying up to 2 miles is practical. Though the gear required, as it sounds like you are aware, can be pricey.

If you google FPV Rc Planes you will get quite a bit of info. If you have any questions about my experiences so far, even though they are not directly FPV, feel free to shoot me a PM.

I view it as a way to see what is happening on neighboring properties. This approach would provide "real time" views.